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April 28, 2024
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Looking for the best thrift stores and vintage shops in Brussels? I got you! As a local, I think I’m in the perfect position to tell you about some great places to visit in the city. Second-hand shopping is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as it reduces the demand for new products. Without further ado, here are my top 20 places in the city for thrifting and great vintage finds!
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is the vibrant capital city of Belgium and a must-visit destination for any conscious travel enthusiast. Located in the heart of Europe, Brussels combines a rich history with a superb cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Brussels is known for its stunning architecture, with iconic landmarks like the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can see magnificent medieval and Baroque buildings. As you wander through the charming cobbled streets of the city, you’ll surely be enchanted by the blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Food lovers will find Brussels to be a gastronomic paradise. You can indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates, mouthwatering waffles, and sumptuous fries. Don’t forget to sample the famous Belgian beers, which have a long-standing tradition deeply embedded in the city’s culture.
Vegan food lovers also will be spoilt for choices with a wide range of great vegan restaurants in Brussels and you can even find vegan Brussels waffles near La Grand Place.
Brussels also has a very diverse population, translating into a multicultural ambiance that makes for a great melting pot of various cultures.
Brussels is home to several neighborhoods where you can find a concentration of vintage shops and thrift stores. A few areas known for their vintage and second-hand shopping scene are de Marollen, Saint-Géry and the Dansaert area.
While these neighborhoods are known for their vintage and thrift shops, you may also come across hidden gems scattered throughout the city especially if you venture out to places like Ixelles.
In this post, I’ll tell you about my favorite places in and around the center of the city. I have not arranged them according to the neighborhood where they are located but have placed my favorite shops at the top.
If you are only spending one day in Brussels, it might be hard to explore all the areas mentioned above. In this case, pick the Marollen to do some vintage shopping. It has some of the best vintage stores and antique shops and this also allows you to visit the popular flea market that is held every day on the Place de Jeu de Balles.
Fripkot is a thrift store on the Hoogstraat in the Marollen neighborhood in Brussels. It’s a kilo store, selling beautiful items from the past 20 years for €18 per kilo.
In the shop, you can collect the items you want to buy and weigh them at the various scales around the store. That way, you’ll know precisely what you will need to pay. No surprises at the counter!
There are various kilostores in Brussels but this one has the loveliest collection and vibe.
Website: Fripkot
Where: Directions
Bernard Gavilan is a vintage shop located in the popular Blaesstraat in the Marollen district. It has been around like forever and was my favorite vintage shop since I was a teenager going to art school in Brussels.
It has changed locations many times since then and I feel like a lot has changed. While this store used to be the ultimate vintage experience you could have in Brussels, nowadays, the bad reviews on Google seem to pile up.
However, I still strongly recommend visiting Bernard Gavilan because of its status as one of the longest-standing vintage shops in Brussels.
Website: Bernard Gavilan
Where: Directions
For lovely vintage pieces dating back to the seventies, visit Le Vintage 70’s on the Hoogstraat in the Marollen neighborhood.
The store has a great selection of footwear and dresses as well as bags and jewelry. The atmosphere is friendly although, during the weekend, it’s possible that the staff plays awfully loud techno music so I prefer to visit on a weekday.
Website: Le Vintage 70’s
Where (this is the location in google Maps but I think they moved the store recently to 100 meters further down the road): Directions
Think Twice is a popular chain of thrift stores in Belgium known for its affordable second-hand clothing and accessories.
They often have a diverse selection of items and this store, located near the Central Train Station has the best vibe and items for sale in my humble opinion. Many customers appreciate the store for its budget-friendly prices and unique finds.
The store is neatly arranged and the prices are okay for this type of curated thrift store. A pair of Vans in very good condition cost € 23.
Website: Think Twice
Where: Directions
Episode is one of the most popular vintage stores in Brussels and even around Europe. You can also find them in Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands and they distinguish them from other vintage stores with their unique atmosphere and collection.
You can find vintage items here at very affordable prices that are very popular like All Stars, Vans, Hawai shirts, Birkenstocks, and more.
Prices are a tad more expensive than at thrift stores but still reasonable. At the time of my visit, a jeans jacket was € 40, and a pair of Birkenstocks was for sale for € 25.
Website: Episode
Where: Directions
Foxhole is a very popular vintage shop in Brussels. They have two branches, one in the Marollen and one in the Sainte-Géry neighbourhood. For some reason, I like the latter the best. It has a very friendly atmosphere and the store has a more airy feel compared to the one in the Marollen.
The prices are a little cheaper here than in the other vintage stores in the Sainte-Géry area. Expect to pay €30 for Levi’s jeans and € 25 for a pair of Converse sneakers.
Website: Foxhole
Where: Directions
City Store Vintage is not the most attractively decorated store in Brussels but you can find some real gems here at very affordable prices. They are located on Anspach Boulevard and are very easy to find when strolling to the center.
The downstairs floor is jam-packed with items so be prepared to take your time to go through everything. The second floor is more arranged and displays a fabulous sneakers collection!
Website: City Vintage Store
Where: Directions
Les Petits Riens is a well-known chain of thrift stores in Brussels. Translating to “The Little Nothings,” Les Petits Riens has a long history dating back to 1937.
The organization focuses on collecting, sorting, and reselling second-hand goods, including clothing, furniture, household items, and more. The proceeds from these sales are used to fund social projects and provide support for vulnerable populations, including the homeless and those facing economic difficulties.
You can find a lot of branches in Brussels but I prefer the store in the Hoogstraat in the Marollen neighborhood.
Website: Les Petit Riens
Where: Directions
Melting Pot Kilo Store in the Marollen neighborhood of Brussels is a unique thrift shopping experience that embraces the concept of buying clothes by weight.
The store offers a lovely selection of vintage clothes, neatly organized by type, where you can browse through racks and choose items to be weighed at the machines located at various positions in the store.
At the time of my visit, they charged € 18 per kilo. They also operate a second branch in the center of the city but this store has a lovelier vibe and staff.
Website: Melting Pot Kilo
Where: Directions
Podium Vintage is a thrift shop that offers a selection of American and European vintage clothing and accessories. Whether you’re looking to consume in a different way or create your own unique style, Podium Vintage has you covered!
Located next to my favorite Think Twice store near the Central Station of Brussels, their boutique features a range of vintage fashion items from the 1970s to the 2000s. From casual chic with brands like Tommy, Ralph Lauren, and Levi’s to branded sportswear including Champion, Dickies, Adidas, and Nike, there’s something for everyone.
Their e-shop also offers vintage fashion accessories from iconic brands such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Cartier, Céline, and many more.
Website: Podium Vintage
Where: Directions
Foxhole in the Marollen is the second branch of the Foxhole chain in Brussels. The items for sale here are similar to their store in Saint-Géry, however, I find the ambiance in the other store a bit better.
The location of this shop is great though since it’s located next to the famous flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle.
Website: Foxhole
Where: Directions
Docks Caviar is a vintage store in the ultra-hip Vlaanderenstraat near Sainte Catherine in the center of Brussels.
They have a great selection of clothes, however, they could take better care of the presentation of their shoes. At the time of my visit, they were completely covered in dust so it seems like the store doesn’t get cleaned properly.
Prices are reasonable here with Levi’s jeans sold at € 35/piece. The owner is a big fan of cheerful and uplifting music.
Website: Docks Caviar
Where: Directions
Think Twice 2 in Brussels is located near Sainte-Géry in the center of Brussels. It’s another branch of the famous Think Twice second-hand Belgian chain brand that is very popular in Belgium.
The collection is similar to the previously mentioned branch at Rue des Eperonniers near Brussels Central Station.
Website: Think Twice
Where: Directions
Oxfam is an international confederation of charitable organizations that aims to alleviate poverty and promote social justice around the world. Founded in 1942, Oxfam operates in over 90 countries, working with local partners to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
In Brussels, Oxfam operates two vintage clothing stores, one in the Marollen and one in the Vlaanderenstraat. The stores are called Oftam ‘vintage’ but they are rather thrift stores.
Website: Oxfam
Where: Directions
Melting Pot Kilo near Sainte-Catherine is another branch of the Melting Pot Kilo chain that also operates the previously mentioned Kilo Store in the Marollen and a branch in Antwerp.
The collection is similar to the store in the Marollen, however, I find this store to be much messier and the racks aren’t arranged attractively.
Website: Melting Pot
Where: Directions
Ramon & Valy is a boutique vintage shop in Brussels. It is one of the most eye-catching vintage shops in Brussels due to its outstanding collection of high-end vintage pieces and stylishly designed interior.
The owners’ creative touches give the store a unique and one-of-a-kind look and feel and you’ll be eager to explore the vintage universe they created. You’ll be welcomed in a warm way and be given excellent and professional advice on the pieces and items for sale.
Website: Ramon & Valy
Where: Directions
Nectar Vintage is an innovative boutique dedicated to curating a collection of vintage clothing and promoting the principles of ethical fashion. They believe in the power of conscious consumption and encourage customers to embrace the concept of slow fashion, which values quality, durability, and timeless style.
Nectar Vintage offers a refreshing alternative to fast fashion, promoting the reuse and repurposing of garments to reduce waste and environmental impact.
The store is beautiful but ladies be aware that all the items for sale here are mainly for men.
Website: Nectar
Where: Directions
Rose Tendre is a boutique vintage shop in Brussels for fans of vintage high-end jewelry and bags. The brands for sale here are nothing less than Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel.
The owner is a lovely young man that knows everything about his items in little detail. The items on display are of remarkable quality and you can feel and breathe the history and authenticity surrounding them.
Website: Rose Tendre
Where: Directions
Located in the Rue de Chartreux in Brussels near Place Sainte-Géry, Isabelle Bajart is a go-to store for quality second-hand clothes since 2008. This esteemed boutique boasts an impressive selection of clothing and accessories, featuring well-known brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Celine, and Max Mara.
What sets these garments apart is their remarkable originality, timeless appeal, and meticulous craftsmanship. The store is beautifully decorated and doesn’t feel like a vintage shop but rather a high-end boutique store.
Website: Isabelle Bajart
Where: Directions
Rare Vintage is a one-of-a-kind vintage shop in Brussels. They actually operate two stores that are not far from one another: a vintage shop with clothing for both men and women on Anspach Boulevard and a sportswear-orientated vintage shop for men a little further down the road in Rue de Riches Clairs.
Prices are a bit higher than in regular vintage shops. A Levi’s jeans was marked € 65 at the time of my visit and there were Prada Boots for sale for €200.
Website: Rare
Where (the shop at Anspach is not on Google Maps yet but is at the end of Rue the Riches Claires): Directions
Aside from the thrift stores and vintage shops in Brussels, there are a few other great locations to indulge in second-hand shopping!
The flea market at Het Vossenplein in Brussels is a great place for vintage treasures and eclectic finds. Located in the Marolles neighborhood, this lively market is a haven for antique enthusiasts and bargain hunters.
Every day, weather permitting, the square comes alive with stalls offering a wide array of items, from vintage clothing and accessories to quirky collectibles, vinyl records, books, and antique furniture.
Prices are often negotiable and cheaper than in vintage shops. It’s a great place to start your shopping day, and what you can’t find here, you can look for afterward in the vintage shops located in proximity to the square.
The flea market is held every day from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Where: Directions
Brussels Vintage Market is a large warehouse market held every last Sunday of the month. It is located in Reset, a creative space in a former bank managed by Arty Farty Brussels.
Various vintage shop owners display their best pieces of clothing, furniture, and housewares here and you can enjoy browsing through the items while having a bite to eat and enjoy DJ performances.
The event is free but, if you want to have an ultimate shopping experience and be the first one to get a chance to see and buy items, you can purchase a VIP pass allowing you to enter the warehouse before the official opening time. Breakfast is included in the price!
Website: Brussels Vintage Market
Where: Directions
Het Leger des Heils, also known as The Salvation Army, is an international Christian charitable organization with a mission to provide practical assistance and spiritual support to those in need.
Founded in London in 1865, The Salvation Army operates in over 130 countries, including Belgium. The organization offers various programs and services such as homeless shelters, food assistance, addiction recovery, social work, disaster relief, and community development.
They also operate a large warehouse with second-hand items for very cheap prices.
Website: Leger Des Heils
Where: Directions
There is no shortage of good hotels in Brussels, however, it’s hard to find sustainable hotels, aside from the large Greenkey chain hotels. I’ll give you some suggestions here that have nice features or stand out because of their quirkiness.
Thee you go! I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the best thrift stores and vintage shops in Brussels.
This is the most up-to-date source for vintage shopping in Brussels online at the moment. A lot of the other articles online are very old and still mention stores that closed their doors a while ago, like Gabriele Vintage and Idiz Bogam.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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