Shopping in Belgium and in Ghent in particular - is the opportunity to purchase original, exclusive things. Let's talk more about it.
Shopping features in Ghent, Belgium
- Working time . Opening hours of small Ghent shops - from 10 am to 6 pm. On Sundays, when temporary markets open, they usually rest. On Saturdays jewelry shops in the Jewish quarter do not work - their religious owners at this time celebrate Shabbat. Supermarkets can be visited, usually from 8 to 21 hours daily, and small outlets are open around the clock. As for the specialized markets opening on the streets of the city on Sundays, they begin their work around 7 am and finish at noon. The only exception is a large antiques market that does not close until 18:00.
- Prices . While shopping in Belgium, you should know that in Gent stores all prices are fixed, and in markets and in small private shops you can always bargain. Especially it concerns flea markets, which here are called "brokant". Sellers here do not overestimate prices by 2-3 times, as is customary in Turkey and Egypt, and the size of the trade will depend on the price of the goods. It is very convenient to check tax-free. According to this document, you will receive about 12% of taxes if the total value of goods purchased in one of the stores exceeds 125 euros. The stamp on the check should be placed already on the border, when leaving the country.
- Service . Vendors are a very sociable people, but Belgian traders have their own peculiarity. They speak in Ghent mainly in French and Dutch, but even if the seller speaks English, it's far from the fact that he wants to communicate with you in this language. This sometimes causes considerable difficulties for our compatriots, who find it difficult to explain exactly what color or size they need.
- Payment . Plastic cards are accepted at most major stores here. Usually this is indicated by a sticker on the door. However, if you want to buy a thing that does not cost more than 10-15 euros, you will have to get cash - this is the minimum threshold for non-cash settlement. Paper notes are usually paid in small shops.
What to bring from Ghent?
The most popular purchases in the Belgian Ghent, both in principle and throughout Belgium , are:
- lace - clothes, tablecloths, towels, gift lace frames;
- antiques;
- jewelry;
- tapestries;
- devices for fondue preparation;
- designer clothing;
- perfume;
- beer;
- second-hand;
- handmade decorations.
All this can be bought both in relatively inexpensive shops, each of which specializes in its subject matter, and in large boutiques, where only the most fashionable, stylish and elite brands are represented.
Gent Shops and Markets
The main shopping street of Ghent is, of course, Veldstraat. There are dozens of fashion stores from modern designers. Also, go to the streets of Henegouwenstraat (vintage clothing, lingerie, elite shoes, bags and accessories) and Brabantdam (decor stores, women's and men's clothing).
Vintage items can be purchased at the Zoot store on Serpentstraat street, and inexpensive exclusive clothes - in Think Twice on Ajuinlei street. Luxury women's accessories (hats, scarves, bracelets and earrings) are waiting for you at Onderbergen, 19, at the Marta store. In Chocolaterie Van Hecke, you can buy Belgian chocolate, truffles and famous praline for yourself or as a present to loved ones. And lovers of intoxicating drink will like it in the De Hopduvel store, in the assortment of which more than 1000 different types of beer.
Food can be bought not only in supermarkets and grocers, but also in the famous Butchers' House, which is located near the Cathedral of St. Bavo . They sell delicacies from all over East Flanders - cheeses, poultry and, of course, meat.
The trading spirit of Ghent can be felt on its Sunday markets. The flower market opens on Cowater Square. On the same day of the week, you can visit the flea market behind the Cathedral of St. James. There you will find jewelry, furniture, books, dishes and all sorts of trinkets. For fresh vegetables and fruits, come to Sint-Michielsplein, and after the bird - to the Vrijdagmarkt market. Used bicycles are traded on the Oude Beestenmarkt.
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