Bookstores in Brussels
There are many bookshops around the city, though most only sell books in one of the local languages. The majority of bookstores contain French books but there are places where you can get books in other languages. English books can be found in some locations, though often not very good collections. The selection of books is, in many ways, reflective of the culture with literature in novels, art and comic books, and much more. There are several chain bookstores and perhaps more interestingly, many private bookstores littered around the city, many with fantastic collections of books. Below is a list of some chains in the city, websites supplied if available:
Bookstore Chains
FNAC – Offering a wide selection of books in many languages (including English), this chain store also has a good reference section and offers music and photo service as well. Nieuwstraat123/401, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 022751111. Website: http://www.fnac.be/nl/Default.aspx
Brusel – Comic book store featuring a gallery as well, this is a truly wonderful store and testament to the Belgian comic-loving culture. Definitely worth visiting. Boulevard Anspach 100, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 025110809. Website: http://www.brusel.com/
Bookstores with Foreign Language Sections
Het Ivoren Aapje – Bookshop specializing in rare Dutch, German and English poetry, philosophy, psychology and fiction books as well as essays. Begijnhofplein 4, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 022194686.
Libraire des Etangs (The International Bookshop) – Carrying books in Spanish, Italian, English, German, French and Dutch, there is also a tearoom where you can play chess and that often hosts literary debates. There is also a small theatre at the top, seating just under 30 people where texts and poems are recited as well the occasional play performed. Chaussee de Ixelles 319, Brussels 1050. Telephone: 0264697086
Little Humane Books – A children’s book subscription service that is truly inspiring. Book subscribers receive carefully curated monthly packages of children’s books based on 8 themes to cultivate humane values (ie: well-being, diversity, equality, environmental care, gratitude…). Books are delivered in Belgium (and beyond) to the subscribers home or their child’s school. Website: https://www.LittleHumaneBooks.com
Posada Art Books – Art bookstore, with a great range of new and second-hand art books. The books are in a range of languages including English and possibly the best bookshop for art lovers in Brussels. Rated by some as the best bookshop in the world!!! Rue de la Madeleine 29, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 025110834.
Nicola’s Bookshop – Selling books, periodicals and publications in English and four other languages, this bookshop carries books from all over the world and has a book club as well. Rue de Stassart 106, Brussels 1050. Telephone 025139400.
Waterstone’s – A leading English bookstore chain, Waterstone’s is a welcome relief for people looking for an English bookstore in Brussels. Features the largest collection of English reading material in the city in a not too crowded atmosphere. Boulevard Adolph Max 71-75, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 022192708. Website: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/displayFindBranch.do
Sterling Books – Bookshop selling English titles as well as featuring a comprehensive kids’ section. Wolvengracht 38, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 022236223. Website: http://www.sterlingbooks.be/
Punto y Coma – Spanish bookshop that can order books for you if not in stock. Rue Stevin 115a, Brussels 1000. Telephone: 022301029.
