Buy chocolate and antiques at Marcolini's on Grand Sablon square, speculoos spiced biscuits from Dandoy on the Grand' Place and Belgian fashion from rue Antoine Dansaert.

Find Belgian style on quirky rue Antoine Dansaert and international designer brands along the wide avenue Louise and boulevard de Waterloo. Browse ethnic art and art deco antiques around Grand Sablon square. For junky antiques, take to the hilly rue Haute or rue Blaes. Rue Neuve is for high-street shopping and the leafy place du Chatelain area is for couture, cashmere and designer bargains.

Rise in time for the weekend's smart antiques market held in white tents on Grand Sablon square, in the shadow of Notre-Dame du Sablon church, then walk up rue Blaes to the Jeu de Balles flea market. Buy flowers at the Grand' Place from Tuesday to Sunday in spring through to autumn.

Standard shopping hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Tourist shops touting Belgian lace and chocolate and mini Manneken-Pis statues open until 9pm on weekdays and Sunday morning around the Grand' Place. Most markets open on Saturday and Sunday mornings.