Looking for the best places to shop in Waterloo, Belgium? Just south of Brussels, this charming town combines stylish boutiques, international brands and welcoming shopping galleries.
From Chaussée de Bruxelles to Passage Wellington and Rich'L, discover where to shop and how to save on eligible purchases with a VAT refund.
And for more shopping destinations in the capital, discover our guide to the best shopping malls in Brussels.
Key takeaways
- Main shopping street: Chaussée de Bruxelles, for fashion, accessories and specialty boutiques.
- Shopping galleries: Passage Wellington and WHAT Galerie, both in central Waterloo.
- Open-air shopping: Rich'L, for larger stores, homeware, sportswear and everyday essentials.
- Tax-free shopping: Eligible non-EU residents can combine Belgian purchases with Zapptax to reach the €125.01 VAT refund threshold.
Where to shop in Waterloo: the best shopping areas
Chaussée de Bruxelles: Waterloo's main shopping street
Chaussée de Bruxelles is the best place to start your shopping trip in Waterloo. This lively avenue brings together independent fashion boutiques, well-known brands, jewellers and beauty stores.
You'll also find Passage Wellington and WHAT Galerie along the street, making it easy to explore several shopping spots on foot.
Passage Wellington: shopping in the heart of town
Passage Wellington is a covered shopping gallery with a wide selection of fashion, footwear, jewellery and specialty stores.
Look out for Delvaux, the Belgian luxury leather goods house, Cricket & Co for men's fashion and Muse for women's clothing and accessories. The gallery also houses restaurants, cafés and Cinés Wellington, where you can catch a film after shopping.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 165, 1410 Waterloo
Rich'L: a convenient open-air shopping centre
For larger stores and everyday shopping, head to Rich'L, an open-air shopping centre with 20 stores spread across 23,000 m².
You'll find A.S.Adventure and Intersport for sports and outdoor equipment, Maisons du Monde for home décor and Medi-Market for health and beauty products.
With more than 700 free parking spaces and several dining options, it's a convenient choice if you're visiting Waterloo by car.
📍 Drève Richelle 6, 1410 Waterloo
WHAT Galerie: independent boutiques and local finds
For a smaller, more intimate shopping experience, visit WHAT Galerie, a gallery in central Waterloo with a mix of fashion, jewellery and specialty shops.
Browse Devernois for elegant women's clothing, Rose Metal for jewellery and accessories, or Cactus Store, a concept store offering fashion and lifestyle finds.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 238, 1410 Waterloo
Best boutiques and stores in Waterloo
Fashion, shoes and accessories
Looking for designer fashion, everyday essentials or a perfectly fitted suit? These three boutiques along Chaussée de Bruxelles are worth a visit.
BoUvy
BoUvy brings together designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Perfect if you're looking for premium brands and timeless pieces.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 181, 1410 Waterloo
Les Filles de Wenda
Run by Lara and Marina Marinof, this family-owned boutique has roots dating back to 1974. Inside, you'll find a carefully chosen mix of established fashion labels, emerging designers and accessories, with personalised styling advice.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 219, 1410 Waterloo
JAGGS
Specialising in made-to-measure suits, shirts and formalwear, JAGGS is the place to visit for a wedding or special occasion. You'll also find premium menswear and original accessories, including bow ties.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 273, 1410 Waterloo
Beauty, Belgian chocolate and gift ideas
Waterloo also has some tempting addresses for fragrances, beauty products and delicious Belgian souvenirs.
Senteurs d'Ailleurs
Perfume lovers will appreciate this boutique's selection of niche fragrances and luxury skincare. An excellent place to discover distinctive scents and find a special gift.
📍 Chaussée de Bruxelles 171, 1410 Waterloo
Leonidas
Located inside Passage Wellington, Leonidas is a reliable choice for classic Belgian pralines. Choose from milk, dark and white chocolates, with gift boxes perfect for bringing home.
📍 Passage Wellington, Chaussée de Bruxelles 165, 1410 Waterloo
Passion Chocolat
Prefer artisanal chocolates? Head to Passion Chocolat at WHAT Galerie for handcrafted pralines, chocolate assortments and beautifully presented sweet gifts.
📍 WHAT Galerie, Chaussée de Bruxelles 238, 1410 Waterloo
Still craving something sweet? Discover more delicious addresses in our guide to the best chocolate shops in Brussels.
How to enjoy tax-free shopping in Waterloo with Zapptax
Who can claim a VAT refund in Belgium?
If you normally live outside the European Union and are visiting temporarily, you may qualify for a VAT refund on your purchases in Belgium.
To qualify, eligible purchases must reach €125.01 including VAT. The goods must be for personal use, exported unused in your luggage before the end of the third month following the month of purchase, and validated by Customs when leaving the EU.
Your tax-free form must also be validated by Customs when leaving the EU.
Belgium's standard VAT rate is 21%, although the actual refund depends on the applicable rate and any processing fees.
For more details, read our Belgium VAT refund guide.
How Zapptax makes VAT refunds easier
Shopping at several boutiques in Waterloo? With Zapptax, you can combine purchases from different stores and shopping days to reach the €125.01 threshold.
The process is simple:
- Shop and keep your receipts. Make sure they show the retailer's details, purchased items and applicable VAT information.
- Upload your receipts to Zapptax. The app brings your eligible Belgian purchases together and prepares your tax-free form.
- Validate your form at Customs. Present the required documents and goods when leaving the EU. Once validated, your refund can be processed.
If you're departing directly from Belgium, Zapptax forms can be validated electronically. If you leave the EU through another country, you'll need to print your Belgian forms for Customs validation.
Discover the procedure in our guide to Belgian Customs and VAT refunds.
Make the most of your Waterloo shopping trip
Whether you're browsing designer boutiques, discovering local fashion stores or picking up Belgian chocolates, Waterloo is worth adding to your shopping itinerary.
And if you live outside the EU, remember to keep your receipts and use Zapptax to claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases.
FAQ
Why go shopping in Waterloo, Belgium?
Waterloo is a good alternative to central Brussels if you prefer a smaller shopping destination. Along Chaussée de Bruxelles, you'll find independent boutiques, established fashion brands and shopping galleries, all relatively close to one another.
Are shops in Waterloo open on Sundays?
Most fashion boutiques in Waterloo are closed on Sundays, including BoUvy and JAGGS. However, some shops may open during special shopping events or the holiday season. Check individual opening hours before visiting.
Is Waterloo shopping the same as Boulevard de Waterloo in Brussels?
No. Waterloo is a separate town south of Brussels, while Boulevard de Waterloo is a luxury shopping avenue in the Belgian capital, known for prestigious designer boutiques.
Can I combine purchases made in Waterloo and Brussels for a VAT refund?
Yes. With Zapptax, eligible purchases made in Waterloo, Brussels or elsewhere in Belgium can be combined to reach the Belgian minimum threshold of €125.01 including VAT. However, purchases made in different countries cannot be combined on the same Belgian tax-free form.
