The best stores and bookstores to buy books in Brussels?
Updated February 12, 2022 by pierre
Where to buy books in Brussels? Our best bookstores
Amélie Nothomb, Georges Simenon, Anne Provoost … Belgium is full of well-known and world-renowned writers. It is therefore not for nothing that Belgians like to read. This is why in Brussels there are very good stores to buy books. Some are very well known and well-established, others more hidden the happiness of bibliophiles. Belgians do not always buy on Amazon and like to go to the store to get advices, browse the literature departments and touch the books.
Here are my favorite book and comic book stores, there is even a restaurant where you can eat and consult books. If you go shopping in Brussels, do not miss these places to buy books while passing.
1. Filigrane, the largest bookstore in Brussels
It is one of the biggest Brussels bookshop. This one was born in 1984. The Filigranes bookstore has been established in Brussels since 1989 (avenue des Arts) where it was founded by Marc Filipson. With an area of 2 m600 open 2 days a week, it is a delight for book lovers. Did you know that its turnover propels it into the top 7 independent bookstores in Europe.
It is around the services offered to customers that it has built its reputation. We count on it huge selection of books (180 references from the DB to the cookbook), chairs and armchairs for resting and leafing through books. Also, meetings and signings of authors. All accompanied by a little coffee and a snacks. All these activities invite the customer to read and stroll all day long.
The bookstore has various specialized spaces. You will find a press section, CDs and DVDs, the classical literature, a practical life, science, creative hobbies, fine arts department and even a travel book shelf (with a rather impressive Le Routard book collection). A really top bookstore to buy books at Brussels
See this post on Instagram
Avenue des Arts 39, – 1000 Brussels
2. COOK & BOOK, a bookstore restaurant in Brussels
This place is probably among my top 10 restaurant in Brussels. It should be noted that the concept is rather original. It's definitely more than just a bookstore or a simple restaurant…. But both at the same time! It is the ultimate address for book lovers and good breakfasts. In short, ideal for strolling the weekend.
Located next to the Wolluwé shopping center, this huge book store offers meals all day. On Sunday you can have brunch there.
Free Time Square 1
1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
See this post on Instagram
3. Waterstone, a perfect bookstore for books in English
East Waterstone THE reference Anglo-Saxon bookstore in Brussels. To find you the book of your choice, the staff will bend over backwards. The sellers are friendly and give good advice. In the event that a book is unavailable, it is possible to place an order. You will find a very wide selection of novels as well as magazines. They have all the latest literary novelties, but also all the essentials and classics. The icing on the cake, meetings on different themes are organized, in different forms. We highly recommend it. The prices do not have to be ashamed with the online competition. Great for buying your English books in Brussels.
See this post on Instagram
Boulevard Adolphe Max 71/75, 1000 Brussels
4. Librairies Tropismes, a chic bookstore open on Sundays
This bookshop is one of the jewels hidden in the Galleries Saint-Hubert in the center of Brussels. You will immediately notice the class at this location. Stepping here is like stepping into another era. Large ceilings as well as walls adorned with mirrors. A long time ago, this place was a dance school for the Brussels elite, and then a Jazz club in the 60s. The place is worth a visit, especially if you pass visit the center of Brussels ou the main square
See this post on Instagram
Princes' Gallery, 1000 Brussels
5. BORTIER GALLERY
Bortier Gallery was founded in 1848. It was originally a shopping mall. Ideal for when it rains in Brussels! It's a covered walkway. It is a covered passage in the city center of Brussels. You may have never visited it, it is a somewhat secret place in Brussels. It connects rue St-Jean and rue de la Madeleine, nestled in the center of Brussels. It is located close to the Royal Library.
At the time, the Madeleine market was located here, a covered hall intended for stalls and peddling. Today, the place is well known to lovers of literature and old books. All the space is dedicated to stalls and bookseller's stalls, with the exception of an art gallery.
See this post on Instagram
Rue de la Madeleine 55, 1000 Brussels
