Belgium
Antwerpen
Bookz&Booze
Gierstraat 2, Antwerpen
This magnificent bookshop is just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral of Our Lady.
I had already visited the branch in Ghent and was deeply impressed, but I found this Antwerp location even more captivating. The interior design and colour palette are beautifully composed, with the original wooden ladder adding a particularly charming touch.
Near the entrance, a window offers a glimpse into the basement below. The concept is simple yet distinctive: books and booze. In Antwerp, there is also a strong emphasis on cookbooks, a reflection of the bookseller’s passion for cooking and his background as a trained chef. Every book is hand-picked and thoughtfully paired with a complementary drink. The result is pure passion, and you can sense it the moment you step inside.
This is not a typical, trend-driven bookshop. Here, you will find carefully chosen titles that stand out, along with the perfect drink to accompany your read. A visit to Antwerp would not be complete without stopping by this remarkable place.
Book i bought:
Leo Vardiashvili: Hard By a Great Forest
Cosimo
Scheldestraat 79, Antwerpen
Cosimo is a literary publisher with a small bookshop and an integrated café. At first glance, you might not realise that this beautiful building once served as a butcher’s shop, though the original wall tiles from that era have been carefully preserved as a subtle reminder of its past.
At the front of the shop, where the coffee bar is located, you’ll find the English titles alongside most of the Flemish ones. Toward the back, small tables invite visitors to sit and linger, surrounded by more Flemish books. The message seems clear: this is intended as a place for meeting and exchange, even if the number of visitors is limited to twenty-five, which feels entirely fitting for such an intimate space.
The publishing house itself focuses on rediscovering forgotten classics of world literature. Each first edition is released as a hand-numbered copy, adding a personal touch to every book. The English selection is naturally limited and centred on the classics, which suits the atmosphere perfectly, while the Flemish titles offer greater variety.
A charming and distinctive spot in Antwerp, well worth a visit, and complete with its own logo.
Book i bought:
Jean Rhys: Quartet
Luddites Books & Wine
Hopland 34, Antwerpen
This gorgeous bookshop in the heart of Antwerp has been around since 5 March 2020.
Incidentally, the name is pronounced luh-daits.
It takes its name from the Luddites, an English social movement from the early 19th century that resisted the rise of industrial machinery in defence of human craftsmanship. In protest, they famously destroyed textile machines.
In much the same spirit, this bookshop seeks to be a space for de-digitisation, a haven for those who prefer the feel of paper to the glow of a screen.
The shop spans three floors. In the basement, you’ll find children’s books and discounted titles. The top floor is home to a wonderfully inviting café and wine bar, beautifully set within the building’s historic architecture. Cookbooks are sold there too. But the heart of the shop is the first floor, which offers Antwerp’s largest selection of English books, along with a fine range of Flemish and Dutch titles.
If I had one small wish, it would be for a slightly bolder selection, at times, the choices feel a bit too guided by current trends.
Still, I was completely captivated by the beauty of this bookshop. It’s truly one of the most beautiful I have ever visited.
Book i bought:
Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Stad Leest
Oudaan 18, Antwerpen
Stad Leest is tucked away in the centre of Antwerp, and if it weren’t for the oversized Nintje standing by the door, you might easily walk right past it.
You enter the shop through a passageway that opens into a beautifully bright, white interior, filled with natural light. The inviting scent of food drifts in from the café at the front, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The selection is impressively broad: plenty of fiction and non-fiction, a delightful children’s section, puzzles and other non-book treasures, even records. English fiction is displayed on the gallery level. I was particularly struck by the extensive and beautifully curated selection of greeting cards, truly one of the most varied I’ve seen.
If I could wish for one thing, it would be a slightly more daring range of titles; many of the books seem chosen with current trends in mind. I also noticed a strong presence of Asian literature in the English section, which was a pleasant surprise.
What continues to surprise me, however, is how little French literature is available in the Flemish part of Belgium. While I understand the historical reasons, I can’t help but wish that such boundaries would dissolve, especially when it comes to books.
All in all, Stad Leest is highly recommended. It’s not just a bookshop, but a genuine shopping experience.
Book i bought:
Emmanuel Carrère: The Moustache
Bruxelles
Boutique TinTin
Rue de la Colline 13, Bruxelles
Just off the marvellous Grand Place, down a quiet side street, lies a shop devoted entirely to Hergé’s legendary hero, Tintin.
By rights, I shouldn’t even include it here, since I usually stick to bookshops with fiction. But how could one resist making an exception? This place is pure delight. Beyond the complete Tintin series—available both as individual albums and in a handsome box set—you’ll find figurines (including the iconic red-and-white rocket), bags, T-shirts, and a whole array of treasures for fans.
As an admirer of the incomparable Picard family, I naturally sought out my favourite character, the endearingly eccentric Professor Calculus. It didn’t take long to spot him, complete with his trademark green coat.
What impressed me most, however, was the elegance of the shop itself. I had expected something noisy, crowded, and colourful—but instead discovered a bright, uncluttered space with real style. The displays have the refinement of a boutique hotel gift shop, making every item feel like a keepsake worth cherishing.
In short: a place of class, charm, and irresistible nostalgia.
Book i bought:
Michael Farr : TinTin - Le rêve et la réalité (The Complete Companion)
Cook & Book
Place du Temps Libre 1, Bruxelles
Right next to Roodebeek metro station (line 1) lies a true haven for both literature and cuisine: Cook & Book.
The space is divided into two blocks. Block A houses comics, children’s books (and non-book items for kids), travel literature, as well as vinyl and CDs. Each of its nine themed rooms is worth exploring, with the travel section standing out in particular—complete with a VW bus parked right in the middle of the room. The shop also hosts numerous events, so it’s always worth checking their website for the latest program.
For me, however, Block B—with its own entrance just next door—was the real highlight. The first impression is breathtaking: books dangle from the ceiling, creating a magical, immersive atmosphere that makes you want to linger instantly. The selection of novels is excellent, and there is even a dedicated room for English literature, easily spotted thanks to the Union Jacks—though the interior styling feels more like an American bistro.
All in all, it’s not just a bookshop, but a true shopping and culinary experience. Absolutely fantastic!
Book i bought:
Philippe Besson: Paris-Briançon
Filigranes
Bd de Waterloo 25, Bruxelles
Filigranes is celebrated as Belgium’s largest independent bookshop. Founded in 1984 by Marc Filipson, it has moved several times before settling into its current home on Boulevard de Waterloo, an address it shares with the flagship stores of major fashion designers.
The first impression is unforgettable: a vast shop window framed by a towering wall of books, impossible to simply stroll past.
Inside, Filigranes is more than just a bookshop—it’s a complete shopping experience. Beyond an enormous and inventive range of non-book items, the selection of books is equally impressive. A large French-language section occupies a slightly raised area to the right as you enter, while the shelves span art, music, science, and a wide variety of non-fiction.
On the upper floor, a light-filled café beneath a glass roof invites visitors to linger. From here, a spiral staircase leads to a gallery devoted to foreign-language books, adding another layer to the sense of discovery.
Altogether, it is an absolutely remarkable concept—both grand in scale and intimate in detail.
Book i bought:
Ben Shattuck: La forme et la couleur des sons
Passa Porta
Rue Antoine Dansaert 46, Bruxelles
This delightful bookshop is tucked away in a side street, nestled between the Sainte-Catherine church and the whimsical Zinneke Pis, the canine counterpart to the famous Manneken Pis.
The layout is thoughtfully arranged: Flemish-language books greet you at the entrance, French titles line the side shelves, and English works can be found toward the back. A cosy corner is devoted to children’s books. The selection is excellent without ever feeling overwhelming.
The interior has a sleek, almost understated elegance—cool at first glance, yet full of charm and quiet sophistication. The friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere. One of the shop’s most exciting features is the stone staircase that leads down to the basement, where the non-fiction section is housed. Descending feels almost like stepping into another building altogether.
Brussels’ literary spirit is also celebrated beyond the shop itself: every two years, the city hosts the Passa Porta Festival, affirming its role as a true capital of literature.
The name of the bookshop is particularly fitting, evoking both a passport and a gateway into the world of books. It is also a fine example of just how varied and wonderful the bookshops of Brussels can be.
Book i bought:
Agustina Bazterrica: Tender is the Flesh
Slumberland
Rue des sables 20, Bruxelles
In my view, museum shops are almost always fascinating places to browse—and the Comics Museum in Brussels is no exception.
The Slumberland bookshop opened here in 1989, alongside the Belgian Comic Strip Centre. It was the very first branch of what has since grown into a small chain: seven in total, six in Belgium and one in Luxembourg.
Housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building, the shop greets visitors right at the entrance—and for me, it was almost as enjoyable as the exhibition itself. Tintin and the Smurfs are everywhere you turn. Admittedly, the explosion of colour feels almost too bold for such a refined setting, yet somehow it all comes together in harmony. The selection is vast, drawing in readers of all ages. For someone like me, not usually a great comic fan (with a few exceptions), the sheer variety was almost overwhelming.
Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t include this shop in my list, as it doesn’t focus on fiction. But for special places, I’m willing to make exceptions—and this one is undoubtedly special.
Book i bought:
Pieter De Poortere: Renée
Tropismes
11 Galeries des Princes, Bruxelles
There are places that steal your breath away the moment you step inside. For me, Tropismes is one of them.
The bookshop itself has been here since 1984, though the gallery that cradles it is far older—an architectural jewel designed by Cluysenaer in 1847. Nestled in the elegant Galerie des Princes, with a chocolatier offering the finest Belgian delights just around the corner, it feels like being at the very heart of Brussels’ charm.
From the outside, you expect something small and discreet. But the moment you walk in, the space unfolds like a secret. Tropismes spans three glorious levels: comics and manga on the first floor, where you also get a stunning view over the shop; novels filling the ground floor, whispering to you from every shelf; and, below, a treasure trove of non-fiction waiting to be explored.
The selection is generous, especially the French-language novels, and leaving without a book (or three) feels nearly impossible.
If anyone were to ask me which is the most beautiful bookshop I have ever visited, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second: Tropismes.
Purely, utterly phenomenal.
Book i bought:
Philippe Marczewski: Quand Cécile
Waterstones
Bd Adolphe Max 71/75, Bruxelles
Waterstones is one of those bookshops I always enjoy visiting—whether in the UK or abroad.
This Brussels branch is an English-language bookshop, with staff who also speak English, which makes it especially welcoming for international readers. The selection is naturally smaller than in the UK, but still spread generously over two floors. Upstairs you’ll find non-fiction, children’s books, and comics, while the ground floor is devoted mainly to fiction, along with politics and current affairs.
What I particularly love about Waterstones is their approach to recommendations: not limited to the latest releases, but often highlighting enduring classics as well. Another detail I appreciate is the presence of many male booksellers, which is reflected in their staff picks—perfect for me, as I tend to favour male authors.
Book i bought:
John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Man
Gent
Bookz&Booze
Hoogport 35, Gent
This extraordinary shop sits right beside Ghent’s famous Graffiti Street, and stepping inside brings a true aha! moment. The bookshop lives up to its name in every way: here you’ll find books and booze in all sorts of variations and combinations.
Books and bottles are displayed side by side in both the front and back rooms, creating a setting that feels vibrant, stylish, and delightfully personal. The book selection is anything but ordinary, and the bookseller himself clearly has flair.
He confidently calls it “the best shop in the world” and while that may be a bold claim, I found the place exceptional too. I especially appreciate when a bookshop dares to have a concept, and this one embraces it wholeheartedly.
True to its motto: have a book, have a drink, have a nice day.
Wonderful!
Book i bought:
David Benioff: City of Thieves
Limerick
Koningin Elisabethlaan 142, Gent
In the beautiful city of Ghent, a short walk from Sint-Pieters railway station toward the city centre, you’ll come across this charming bookshop—right beside the Old Book Bar at the beginning of the street.
The focus is mainly on Dutch-language literature, with a smaller selection of French titles and, rather unexpectedly, an entire shelf dedicated to German books. The front area feels a little cramped around the checkout, but the back opens up visually, with books displayed on tables and artworks adorning the walls.
What fascinated me most, though, was the rail track running along the floor. A ladder slides smoothly back and forth across the towering shelves, and I must confess, I was sorely tempted to give it a push, just for the sheer joy of it.
Book i bought:
Marc Levy: La librairie des livres interdits
Liège
Livres aux Trésors
Place Xavier-Neujean 27/A, Liège
Even on a foggy day, this bookshop is impossible to miss. Founded in 2002, it gleams from afar with its vast shopfront windows and stands proudly on the edge of Liège’s town centre.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by bluesy rhythms drifting through the air. At first it almost feels like you’ve entered a record store. The interior is laid out in much the same spirit: the shelves may not be beautiful in themselves, but the atmosphere has its own raw charm. To me, the whole place feels distinctly masculine, in an intriguing way.
The selection is excellent. Novels line the big windows, bathed in natural light, and the choices are refreshingly unconventional, with a surprising number of Asian titles. Beyond fiction, the range extends into human sciences, politics, philosophy, and art.
Upstairs, a splash of colour awaits: children’s books and comics displayed beneath a striking stained-glass roof.
Altogether, it’s a wonderful addition to the city of Liège, already home to the architectural splendour of Gare Guillemins railway station.
Book i bought:
Margarita Garcìa Robayo: La Encomienda (The Delivery)
Librairie Pax
Place Cockerill 4, Liège
This multi-storey bookshop sits close to the university and the banks of the Meuse River. From the outside, you can already see that it stretches across several adjoining buildings, explaining why the interior feels like a labyrinth.
It’s a real pleasure to wander from room to room, following the different genres, and the overall selection is excellent. Between the first and second floors, a kind of gallery has been inserted. While it provides additional display space, to me it feels oddly out of place—more like a giant iron ulcer than an organic part of the shop.
The upper floor, however, is beautifully arranged. With its high ceilings and tall walls lined with art books, music, and other non-fiction, it exudes real elegance.
What I particularly love is the shop’s website feature, Mots du Libraire. Here, the booksellers share their favourite novels along with personal reflections, an intimate touch that adds real personality to the experience.
Book i bought:
Chris De Stoop: Le livre de David