Living in Belgium - Shopping

Belgium is a densely populated country. In urban areas there is a wealth of goods and services, shopping streets, local shops, all-night stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. In the centre, most needs are within walking distance of each other. Convivial, often rather touristy shopping streets can be found in the centre of most towns, while the bigger shopping centres and supermarkets are often in outlying areas. Public transport facilities link town centres with outlying areas.

In the country you will sometimes have to travel a bit further to do your shopping, but the distance between countryside and town is never very great.

Most shops are open from 10:00 to 18:00. and some large chain stores, shopping centres and supermarkets are open until 20:00 There are even some shopping centres where one day a week the shops are open until 21:00 and on Sundays. Bakeries are also open on Sunday. In larger towns there are also all-night stores selling an ever-growing range of items.

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Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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