Shopping mall Brussels (Belgium) : Top places for tax‑free shopping

Shopping mall Brussels (Belgium) : Top places for tax‑free shopping

What are the best places for shopping mall in Brussels ?

When visiting Belgium’s capital, you probably wonder : where’s the best place to shop without wasting time or missing out on tax-free savings ? With dozens of malls and boutiques scattered across Brussels, choosing the right destination can be confusing.

This article explores the top shopping malls in Brussels, Belgium, from modern retail hubs to elegant 19th-century galleries and shows you how to make the most of your VAT refunds using Zapptax.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway or a shopping spree, this guide helps you shop smarter, save on tax, and enjoy the very best of Brussels retail culture.

Let’s explore the best malls in Brussels for smart, seamless, and stylish shopping.

Don’t miss our guide to outlet shopping and tax-free tips across Belgium.

Key points

• Brussels is one of the best cities in Europe for combining shopping and sightseeing.
• Top shopping malls for tourists include City2, Docks Bruxsel, Woluwe Shopping Center, and Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries.
• You can claim a VAT refund as a non-EU visitor if you meet the €125.01 minimum during your stay and export your goods within 3 months.
• With Zapptax, you can claim back VAT on your purchases, even from stores that don’t offer traditional tax-free forms.
• The process is 100% digital, secure, and often comes with a higher refund than in-store alternatives.

Where to go shopping in Brussels ?

Brussels offers a wide range of shopping experiences to suit every style and budget. From lively pedestrian streets to elegant historic arcades and modern shopping malls, the city is a paradise for shopping lovers.

Rue Neuve, Brussels’ busiest commercial street, is packed with high-street brands and is a must-visit for quick fashion finds. For upscale shopping, Avenue Louise and Boulevard de Waterloo feature luxury designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. If you’re looking for artisanal goods or Belgian chocolate, head to Sablon or the area around the Grand Place, where local shops and chocolatiers offer top-quality souvenirs.

But for comfort, variety, and a streamlined shopping experience, nothing beats Brussels’ shopping malls. They bring together fashion, food, entertainment, and even tax-free shopping opportunities, all under one roof.

Let’s dive into the best shopping centers the city has to offer !

Best shopping malls in Brussels for tax-free purchases

1. Docks Bruxsel

This stylish, contemporary shopping complex sits slightly outside the city centre and features over 110 shops, a food court, and an 8-screen cinema. Designed with sustainability and modern architecture in mind, Docks Bruxsel offers a relaxed shopping environment with a mix of Belgian and international brands. It’s especially convenient for those driving into Brussels, thanks to its spacious underground parking.

📍Quai des Usines 163, 1000 Brussels

2. Woluwe Shopping Center

A local favourite in the eastern district of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, this centre combines practicality with variety. It boasts around 130 stores including fashion, electronics, homeware, and food. Woluwe Shopping Center is family-friendly and easy to access via metro, making it ideal for longer shopping sessions with breaks at the cafes and restaurants inside.

📍Rue Saint-Lambert 200, 1200 Brussels

3. Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Step back in time at the elegant Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. This 19th-century arcade is filled with luxury boutiques, artisanal chocolatiers, and charming cafés. It’s a must-visit for tourists interested in high-end shopping, Belgian souvenirs, and refined architecture.

📍Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels

4. Westland Shopping

Located in Anderlecht, Westland Shopping offers a great mix of fashion boutiques, beauty stores, and eateries across two levels. Recently renovated, the mall now features wider walkways, bright interiors, and improved amenities. It’s ideal for both locals and tourists who want an all-in-one shopping escape without the city-centre crowds.

📍Boulevard Sylvain Dupuis 433, 1070 Brussels

5. City2

City2 is Brussels’ largest inner-city shopping mall, located right on Rue Neuve, Belgium's busiest shopping street. With over 100 stores, it includes popular brands like Fnac, H&M, Zara, and a large Carrefour for everyday essentials. The atmosphere is modern, the layout is efficient, and it is perfect for those looking for a one-stop shopping experience.

📍Rue Neuve 123, 1000 Brussels

6. Anspach Shopping Center

Smaller but centrally located, Anspach Shopping is right between the Grand Place and Place de Brouckère. With a compact selection of fashion, cosmetics, and lifestyle stores, it is ideal for quick shopping breaks while sightseeing in central Brussels. The location is unbeatable for those on a tight schedule.

📍Boulevard Anspach 24, 1000 Brussels

7. Basilix Shopping Center

A lesser-known mall in the northwest of Brussels, Basilix offers around 60 shops and essential services. You’ll find supermarkets, fashion, electronics, and more, making it practical for everyday shopping, especially for long-term visitors or expats. Free parking and a calm atmosphere make it a hidden gem.

📍Avenue Charles Quint 420, 1082 Brussels

How to shop tax-free in Brussels with Zapptax ?

1. Understanding VAT in Belgium

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services in Belgium. The standard VAT rate is 21%, which applies to most retail items. However, there are reduced rates for specific categories :

• 12% for items like restaurant meals and some social housing projects
• 6% for basic products such as books, medicine, and certain food items

When shopping as a tourist, you don't recover the full 21% due to handling fees and commission, but thanks to Zapptax, you can still get back between 12% and 16% of your purchase value.

It is a meaningful saving that makes shopping in Belgium even more attractive, provided you follow the proper steps.

2. Conditions for VAT refund eligibility

To benefit from a VAT refund in Belgium, you must :

• Be a non-EU resident
• Spend at least €125.01 during your stay (Zapptax allows you to reach this amount across multiple purchases)
• Export the goods outside the EU within 3 months of purchase
• Validate your tax-free form with Customs before departure

3. Types of goods eligible

Most tangible, exportable goods are eligible for a VAT refund :

• Clothing, fashion accessories
• Electronics and personal gadgets
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Souvenirs, chocolates, and gifts

Feel free to ask the tax-free operator (Zapptax) if you are not sure whether your purchase is eligible.

Note : all services (like restaurant meals, hotel stays, taxis, or guided tours) are not eligible for a VAT refund. Neither are consumables (foods, drinks) you’ve already used.

4. How to use Zapptax in Belgium ?

This is where Zapptax makes VAT refund easier. Unlike traditional refund systems that require you to handle paper forms at each store, Zapptax allows you to centralise everything through its app. And here is how it works :

1. Download the Zapptax app before or during your trip.
2. Shop at any store in Belgium, including popular chains, boutiques, department stores, and shops in all major Brussels malls. You can also shop online and have your goods delivered in Belgium (more details below).
3. Request an invoice made out to Zapptax when paying. The shop will print or email you an invoice with Zapptax’s invoicing details.
4. Upload the invoice into your Zapptax account. The app tracks your purchases and generates the necessary digital tax-free form.
5. Validate your tax-free form at Customs when leaving the EU (via Brussels Airport, Eurostar terminal, etc.).
6. Get your refund securely, by bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal.

Zapptax works seamlessly with purchases made at City2, Docks Bruxsel, Woluwe Shopping Center, Westland, and even premium locations like Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries.

With Zapptax, the entire process is paperless, transparent, and easier than using traditional tax-refund operators. Plus, you benefit from a higher refund amount since Zapptax charges lower commissions than many in-store providers.

5. What to do at the airport or EU point of exit ?

Before you leave Belgium — or wherever you exit the European Union — it is essential to validate your tax-free forms with Customs. Without this step, no refund can be issued.

• If you are leaving from Belgium :

There’s no need to print your Zapptax forms. Head to the Customs office before check-in and security, and inform the officer that your forms were issued electronically. The Customs agent may ask to see your passport and the goods you purchased. Once confirmed, they will validate your forms digitally.

This digital validation only applies to tax-free forms issued in Belgium. If you carry tax-free forms from other EU countries, they must be validated manually with a physical stamp by a Belgian Customs officer.

• If you are leaving the EU from another country :

You must print your Belgian tax-free forms before your trip. At your point of departure, visit the Customs desk and show your printed forms for manual validation (physical stamp).

We advise you to plan this step in advance, especially if you’re flying during busy periods. Arrive early to allow time for Customs procedures and ensure your refund is not jeopardized.

Can I use Zapptax for online shopping in Belgium ?

Absolutely! One of the best features of Zapptax is that it also works for online purchases, as long as the goods are delivered to an address in Belgium. This is perfect if you're staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or visiting friends/family and want to take advantage of Belgian prices without spending your entire day in stores.

When shopping online, simply add Zapptax’s billing information at checkout and request an invoice from the retailer, just like you would in-store. Once you receive the invoice by email or download it from your customer account, you can upload it to the Zapptax app. The rest of the VAT refund process works exactly the same way.

Online shopping is particularly useful during busy seasons like sales or Christmas, when malls can get crowded. With Zapptax, you can enjoy the convenience of e-commerce while still getting your tax refund, the best of both worlds !

Conclusion

Are you chasing the latest fashion trends, hunting for Belgian delicacies, or picking up souvenirs ? Well, shopping malls in Brussels deliver all you are looking for. From the grand charm of the Saint-Hubert Galleries to the retail efficiency of City2 and the convenience of Woluwe or Docks, there is a shopping experience for every traveller. And with Zapptax, you can enjoy it all while saving on VAT.

Happy shopping in Brussels !

FAQ

1. Is Belgium a good place for shopping?

Yes, Belgium is a fantastic shopping destination. It combines international fashion labels, Belgian designer boutiques, premium chocolate shops, and local artisanal markets. Brussels in particular offers a mix of luxury shopping avenues, malls, and charming independent stores.

2. Which stores are open on Sundays in Brussels?

Most malls and major shopping streets are closed on Sundays, but some areas like the city centre (especially around Grand Place) have boutiques and souvenir shops open. Docks Bruxsel and some stores on Avenue Louise may also open during special Sunday shopping events.

3. What is the biggest shopping mall in Brussels?

City2 is the largest inner-city mall with over 100 stores and direct metro access.

4. Which mall is best for luxury shopping in Brussels?

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are best for luxury boutiques, chocolates, and elegant gifts.

5. Can I get tax-free shopping in Brussels malls?

Yes, absolutely ! With Zapptax, you can claim VAT refunds on almost all your purchases, and even on your online shopping. For online shopping, you just have to make your goods delivered in Belgium, and add Zapptax’s billing information at checkout. What’s especially convenient is that you don’t need to rely on in-store tax-free forms. With Zapptax, all you need is an invoice made out to them, and the app takes care of the rest. That means more flexibility, less paperwork, and higher refunds compared to traditional methods.

So yes, shopping in Brussels malls can absolutely be tax-free and with the help of Zapptax, it’s also stress-free.

6. What is the chic shopping street in Brussels?

Avenue Louise is considered the chicest shopping street in Brussels. It features luxury boutiques such as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, along with elegant cafés and art galleries.