Kortrijk shopping: the best streets, malls and local stores
Kortrijk is well suited to a compact shopping day. Its pedestrian centre combines familiar fashion brands with independent boutiques, books, vinyl, Belgian chocolate and design-led gifts
This guide covers the shopping areas worth your time, the local stores to visit and how non-EU travellers can claim a VAT refund.
Before you shop, read our step-by-step guide to claiming a VAT refund in Belgium.
Which Kortrijk shopping area should you choose?
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Korte Steenstraat and Lange Steenstraat | Fashion, shoes and familiar brands |
| Budastraat and Casinoplein | Independent fashion, books and cultural gifts |
| Wijngaardstraat and Overbekeplein | Design objects, original gifts and vinyl |
| K in Kortrijk | Fashion, beauty and convenient indoor shopping |
With Zapptax, non-EU residents can combine purchases made at different shops in Belgium to claim a VAT refund.
What are the best shopping streets in Kortrijk?
Korte Steenstraat and Lange Steenstraat
Start around the Grote Markt and follow the main pedestrian axis for clothing, shoes and accessories.
Korte Steenstraat is Belgium’s first pedestrian shopping street, and the surrounding traffic-free streets remain the simplest introduction to Kortrijk shopping.
Budastraat, Wijngaardstraat and Overbekeplein
Leave the main route for more distinctive finds. Budastraat offers independent fashion, while Wijngaardstraat and Overbekeplein bring together gifts, contemporary design and specialist shops.
K in Kortrijk
At Steenpoort 2, K in Kortrijk covers 34,000 square metres and houses around 80 shops. It is convenient when you want fashion, beauty, food and practical purchases under one roof.
The centre normally opens from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, with late-night shopping until 8 p.m. on Fridays. It closes on Sundays unless a special event is taking place.
Ring Kortrijk: practical shopping for drivers
Located on the edge of the city near Kuurne, Ring Kortrijk is better suited to visitors travelling by car.
The covered shopping centre brings together more than 80 fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle stores and provides free parking.
What are the best local shops in Kortrijk?
Perron 2: vintage, bikes and coffee
Located close to the railway station, Perron 2 combines vintage clothing, streetwear, second-hand bicycles and a coffee corner. It makes an easy first or final stop on a Kortrijk shopping route.
📍 Minister Tacklaan 57
Zimba: streetwear and skate style
This independent shop specialises in skate-inspired clothing, footwear and accessories, with labels that are harder to find on a standard high street.
📍 Doorniksestraat 48
Atelier VIC: tailored menswear
Come here for personal styling, contemporary menswear and made-to-measure pieces rather than a quick, anonymous purchase.
📍 Leiestraat 13–15
Nys Juweliers: watches and jewellery
Established in Kortrijk in 1946, Nys carries premium watches, jewellery and accessories on the central pedestrian shopping route.
📍 Korte Steenstraat 9
Tiny Stories: an inclusive bookshop
This independent bookshop selects children’s books, young adult titles, graphic novels and stories reflecting a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
📍 Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 12
Vuvve: vinyl for heavier tastes
Browse punk, metal, hard rock and new wave records alongside posters and specialist books in this compact shop on Buda Island.
📍 Budastraat 5
BUDA11: designer second-hand and art
BUDA11 sells carefully selected second-hand clothing and accessories from established brands, alongside contemporary art. Opening times are limited, so check before visiting.
📍 Budastraat 11
Wild Van Stof: fabric and sewing supplies
Worth the short walk south for dressmaking fabrics, haberdashery and the materials needed for a new sewing project.
📍 Zwevegemsestraat 97
Coup-de-foudre: handmade Belgian design
This local studio creates sculptural porcelain lighting by hand.
Visits are normally possible on Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment, so check the studio’s current calendar before travelling.
📍 Gentsestraat 17
Neuhaus: Belgian chocolate gifts
Boxed pralines travel well and make a dependable Belgian gift. Keep them sealed if they form part of a VAT refund claim.
📍 Lange Steenstraat 23
How to claim a VAT refund in Kortrijk with Zapptax
Non-EU residents can claim VAT back on goods purchased in Belgium and taken out of the European Union in their personal luggage.
To qualify, you must be at least 16 and remain in the EU for less than six months. The goods must be intended for personal use, remain unused and leave the EU in your personal luggage no later than the end of the third month following the month of purchase.
Zapptax lets you combine purchases from different stores until you reach the national threshold of €125.01, including VAT.
1. Keep your shopping receipts
Ask for a standard receipt when paying. It should clearly show the retailer’s name and address, the purchased items, the amount paid and the applicable VAT rate or amount.
2. Upload each receipt to Zapptax
Photograph or scan your receipts in the app as you shop. Eligible purchases made in different stores and on different days can be combined.
3. Generate your tax-free form
Once your eligible Belgian purchases reach €125.01, follow the instructions in the app to generate your tax-free form before leaving the EU.
4. Validate the form with Customs
Present your form and purchases to Customs at your final EU departure point. When leaving through another EU country, print the Belgian form in advance so that a Customs officer can stamp it. Keep the goods unused and accessible in case they need to be inspected.
5. Receive your refund
After Customs validation, Zapptax processes the refund using the payment method selected in the app.
Plan a better Kortrijk shopping day
Kortrijk is best explored on foot. Pick the centre or Ring Kortrijk according to your priorities, check opening times and upload each eligible receipt to Zapptax as you go.
Continuing through Flanders? Read our guide to shopping in Ghent.
FAQ
Are shops in Kortrijk open on Sundays?
Most city-centre shops and most stores at K in Kortrijk and Ring Kortrijk close on Sundays. Special shopping Sundays and seasonal openings do take place, so check the relevant calendar before travelling.
Where should you park for shopping in Kortrijk?
The K in Kortrijk and Veemarkt car parks are close to the central shopping streets, and the first hour is currently free in both. Ring Kortrijk provides free parking and is more convenient for a longer mall visit by car.
What can families do after shopping?
LAGO Kortrijk Weide is a good choice for recreational swimming, slides and water attractions. Families and groups can also try Lockdown Escape Rooms at 44 Doorniksestraat; check the individual room requirements before booking with children.
Is there a weekly market in Kortrijk?
The main weekly market takes place every Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. around the Grote Markt, Graanmarkt, Schouwburgplein and Doorniksestraat. It is useful for food, textiles and flowers. The centre is busier during market hours, so allow additional time for access and parking.
