Shopping in Nivelles, Belgium: the ultimate guide to the best spots
Nivelles is not always included in classic tourist itineraries, and that’s a shame. This small town in Walloon Brabant, located about 30 kilometres south of Brussels, combines historical heritage, a friendly atmosphere, and diverse shopping options, all without the crowds of major capitals.
This guide covers the stores at Shopping Nivelles mall, independent shops in the city centre, as well as VAT refund opportunities for visitors living outside the European Union.
To go further: Discover our guide to the best shopping malls in Brussels for tax-free shopping.
Key takeaways
- Shopping Nivelles mall brings together more than 100 stores and restaurants under one roof, with free parking.
- You will also find independent shops, local artisans, and lively terraces in the city centre, especially around the Grand-Place.
- Nivelles is accessible by train from Brussels in under 40 minutes.
- Non-EU travellers can reclaim VAT on their purchases in Belgium with Zapptax.
Shopping Nivelles: the city’s must-visit shopping mall
Shopping Nivelles mall is the obvious starting point for any shopping trip in the city. Opened in 1975, it was fully renovated and expanded in 2012 to reach 28,600 m² of retail space.
Fashion, beauty and accessories
The mall brings together a wide range of brands on a single level, making the shopping experience particularly smooth. Among the most represented categories: fashion (C&A, Celio, Jules, Calzedonia, America Today), beauty and wellness (Adopt, Di), accessories (Pandora), as well as sports and outdoor (A.S. Adventure, Courir). Several restaurants and a Delhaize supermarket complete the offer.
Practical information
- Address: Chaussée de Mons 18, 1400 Nivelles
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm (Friday until 8:00 pm) — closed on Sundays
- Parking: Free with no time limit (underground + outdoor, more than 1,300 spaces in total)
Access by car is easy: the mall is located right next to the E19 motorway (Brussels–Mons axis).
By train, Nivelles station is served from Brussels-Midi, and the city centre can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.
Strolling through Nivelles city centre
Just a few minutes from the shopping mall, the historic centre of Nivelles offers a very different shopping experience. The recently renovated Grand-Place is lined with lively terraces as soon as the weather gets warmer. The surrounding streets are home to independent shops that are well worth a visit.
For food lovers, Le Chant du Pain (rue du Géant) is a well-known artisan bakery famous for its wood-fired bread and its iconic “tarte al djote”, a savoury local specialty from Nivelles. For Belgian chocolate, Leonidas opened a shop on rue de Namur in 2024, with a terrace and tasting options.
Book lovers will enjoy the bookstore Au P’tit Prince (Grand-Place), a cosy place offering a wide selection of books.
Claiming VAT refunds on your purchases in Nivelles with Zapptax
Travellers living outside the European Union can benefit from VAT refunds on purchases made in Belgium. The standard Belgian VAT rate is 21%, which represents significant savings.
To qualify, here are the eligibility conditions:
- You must reside outside the European Union
- You must be at least 16 years old
- Your stay must be temporary (less than 6 months)
- You must reach a minimum of €125.01 (VAT included) in eligible purchases
- Goods must be exported before the end of the third month following the purchase month
- Goods must be new, unused, and purchased from a professional seller with a VAT invoice
With Zapptax, the process is 100% digital. You simply need to request an invoice in Zapptax’s name for each purchase, upload these invoices in the app, and validate your tax-free form at customs before leaving the EU. The refund can reach up to 90% of the VAT paid.
👉 To learn more, check out our complete guide to VAT refunds in Belgium.
FAQ
1. What stores can you find at Shopping Nivelles?
The shopping mall includes more than 100 brands covering fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, food, and restaurants. You will find stores such as C&A, Celio, Jules, Calzedonia, Pandora, A.S. Adventure, and Courir.
2. Where to go shopping in Nivelles?
The city offers two complementary shopping experiences. Shopping Nivelles mall gathers more than 100 stores and restaurants under one roof. Just a few minutes away on foot, the historic city centre features independent shops, artisans, and local specialties around the Grand-Place. Combining both in one day is perfectly feasible.
3. How to get a tax-free form in Belgium?
Non-EU residents can obtain a tax-free form via the Zapptax app. First, you need to request an invoice in Zapptax’s name for each purchase, whether in-store or online. Then, simply upload the invoices in the app to automatically generate the document required for customs validation.
