Looking for the perfect city break in Belgium? Say hello to Hasselt, the charming capital of the Limburg province and one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets for shopping, strolling, and soaking up Belgian culture. With its compact city center, stylish boutiques, and relaxed vibe, Hasselt is a top destination for shopping in Flanders, without the tourist crowds of bigger cities like Brussels or Antwerp.
Explore the Heart of Hasselt: Historic City Center Meets Modern Cool
Hasselt’s pedestrian-friendly city center is a joy to explore. Cobbled streets wind through a charming mix of medieval architecture and contemporary design. The Grote Markt, the city’s central square, is surrounded by cozy cafés, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy a local Jenever (a Belgian gin) or a cappuccino in the sun.
Nearby streets like Kapelstraat, Demerstraat, and Hoogstraat are packed with fashion boutiques, concept stores, and Belgian designer shops. If you're after luxury labels, vintage treasures, or local handmade goods, you’ll find something for every budget and style.
Best Places to Go Shopping in Hasselt
1. Demerstraat: The High Street Experience
Demerstraat is one of Hasselt’s busiest shopping streets, home to well-known international brands like ZARA, Pull & Bear, Rituals, and more. It's the place to go for trendy, affordable fashion and beauty products.
2. Kapelstraat & Hoogstraat: Boutique Shopping Paradise
These elegant side streets are a paradise for boutique shopping in Hasselt. Browse local fashion designers, high-end shoes, handmade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind accessories.
3. Quartier Bleu: Hasselt’s Trendy Waterfront Shopping District
Opened in recent years, Quartier Bleu is a modern open-air shopping mall right on the water. It blends premium retail stores, chic restaurants, and beautiful canal views. This is where you’ll find shops like H&M, JBC, A.S. Adventure, and more, all in a sleek, modern setting that feels like a mini city within a city.
Don’t Miss: Food and Drinks While Shopping in Hasselt
Refuel during your shopping trip at one of Hasselt’s many stylish lunch spots or chocolate cafés. Try La Fontanella for Italian, Tarte Tatin for coffee and sweets, or grab a Belgian waffle from a local stand. If you’re into beer, don’t leave without sampling a craft brew at Brouwerij Jessenhofke in Kuringen, or sip a Jenever at the National Jenever Museum just around the corner.
Parking & Getting Around Hasselt
Hasselt is known for its easy accessibility. There are multiple underground car parks in the center, like Q-Park Molenpoort or Parking Quartier Bleu, just steps from the shopping districts. You can also reach Hasselt by train, with the Hasselt Railway Station just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city.
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Belgium - Hasselt