Shopping in Ghent, Belgium : Top places, boutiques & finds
Best places to go shopping in Ghent, Belgium
Planning your shopping in Ghent Belgium can feel overwhelming with many districts, boutiques, and local specialties to choose from.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the city’s most inspiring spots, from bustling shopping streets to hidden boutiques tucked away in cobbled lanes.
Discover where to find stylish fashion, creative homeware, and unique souvenirs, all within the charm of a pedestrian-friendly city centre.
So let’s dive into the magic of shopping in Ghent and see how you can make every purchase even more rewarding.
Discover the complete Zapptax guide to claim VAT Refund in Belgium.
Key points
- Main shopping streets : Veldstraat for high-street fashion, SoGo for chic boutiques, and Linkeroever for vintage lovers.
- Unique hubs : Dok Noord (industrial-chic shopping & dining) and De Post (historic post office turned shopping centre).
- When to go : First Sunday of the month for special events and free public transport.
- Tip : Non-EU residents can reclaim up to 90% of VAT with Zapptax.
Discover the charm of shopping in Ghent
No doubt that Ghent will seduce you at first sight. The medieval towers, canals, and cobblestone streets give it the charm of a living postcard, while its bustling cafés, cycling locals, and student energy keep it vibrant and modern. It is this mix of history and modern flair that makes a simple shopping trip feel like a cultural journey.
Walking through the car-free centre (one of the largest in Europe), you’re free to explore at your own pace. One moment you’re admiring the Gothic façade of St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the next you’re stepping into a boutique hidden inside a centuries-old building. Around every corner, Ghent surprises you, sometimes with a lively antiques market, sometimes with a quiet courtyard, or even with a terrace full of locals enjoying coffee in the sun.
What makes it even more appealing is the festive rhythm of the city. On the first Sunday of each month, shops open their doors, cultural events fill the streets, and public transport is free. It is the perfect occasion to combine shopping in Ghent with sightseeing, and to experience the city at its most welcoming and lively.
What are the best shopping areas in Ghent ?
-
Gent Central (Veldstraat & surrounding)
Ghent’s bustling main high street, lined with well-known chains and fashion stores, perfect for mainstream shoppers..
-
SoGo (around Kouter)
Known for upscale and unique boutiques, SoGo comprising streets like Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat and Walpoortstraat is the place to go. Many locals come here to shop in Ghent when they want something special.
-
Linkeroever & rond sint-jacobs
These artsy districts are packed with vintage finders, retro interior pieces, and second-hand local treasures. Don’t miss the lively antiques market at Beverhoutplein held Fridays through Sundays.
-
Dok noord
A trendy repurposed factory turned shopping hub, Dok Noord offers authentic local haunts, food halls, bars, leisure, and even fitness options. All under one hip industrial roof.
-
De post
Located inside a beautifully restored former post office, De Post blends culture, architecture, and curated shopping with a peaceful courtyard and a view to remember.
5 boutiques you shouldn’t miss in Ghent
For a more personal shopping experience in Ghent, check out :
A boutique for eco-conscious fashion lovers, offering trendy and sustainable pieces that combine style with ethics.
📍Brabantdam 63, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Minimalism meets luxury here, with timeless designs crafted from natural fabrics like linen and organic cotton. Every piece feels elegant, simple, and designed to last a lifetime.
📍Dampoortstraat 62A, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
A lifestyle store filled with design objects and home décor that bring warmth and personality to any space.
📍Kraanlei 27, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Known for its playful and quirky selection, this shop is full of surprises, offering creative gifts and design objects.
📍Hippoliet Lippensplein 22, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
A vintage treasure trove, offering carefully selected second-hand clothing that’s stylish and sustainable.
📍 14 Brabantdam, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
How to shop tax-free in Belgium with Zapptax ?
As a non-EU resident shopping in Belgium, reclaiming tax refund can significantly boost your savings. Here's how Zapptax transforms the process :
- No form hassles, shop anywhere.
Forget rigid rules, Zapptax works with any Belgian retailer and there is no per-store minimum. You simply ask the shop for a VAT invoice addressed to Zapptax.
- Centralized, digital process.
Take pictures of your invoices and upload them in the Zapptax app. The app combines your purchases to reach the €125,01 minimum purchase threshold in Belgium and generates your tax-free form at the end of your trip.
- Smooth Customs validation.
When you depart Belgium, mention to the Customs that your tax-free forms are electronic. Customs in Belgium can validate forms digitally or manually.
- Secure, high-value refunds.
Get your VAT back via bank transfer or PayPal with competitive refund rates reaching up to 90% of the VAT amount, better than traditional operators.
- Trusted & supported.
Approved by Belgian tax authorities and trusted by over 130,000 users in France, Spain, and Belgium, Zapptax offers 24/7 support via app chat, phone, or email
Conclusion
From high-street fashion to independent boutiques, shopping in Ghent Belgium has something for everyone.
Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets with bags full of unique purchases, knowing you’ll get part of your money back.
Plan your trip for the next first Sunday of the month, and use Zapptax for a smooth, tax-free shopping experience.
FAQ
-
Is Ghent good for shopping?
Yes, Ghent is one of the best cities in Belgium for shopping, offering everything from high-street brands to unique boutiques, vintage stores, and lively markets.
-
What to buy in Ghent?
Popular purchases include Belgian chocolate, local beer, sustainable fashion, design objects, vintage clothing, and handmade jewelry.
-
What is Ghent famous for?
Ghent is famous for its medieval architecture, canals, vibrant cultural scene, and as a hub for Belgian cuisine, especially waffles, chocolate, and beer.
-
Can I validate my belgian tax-free form if I leave the EU from another country?
Yes. You can validate your Belgian tax-free form at the Customs office of any EU country from which you depart. If you’re not leaving from Belgium but from another EU country, you must print your forms before leaving.
At your exit point, go to the Customs office and show your printed documents to the Customs officer who will validate your tax-free forms with a physical stamp.
