Bookstores in Brussels
Bookstores reward the browsers. Brussels, Brussels has 277 mapped right now, and 11 of them deal in used books. That's 277 bookshops mapped around Brussels, each with its own shelves and specialties. The used sections are where the real bargains hide.
This guide covers every bookstore we could verify in and around Brussels (within about 40 km), built from OpenStreetMap's community-maintained data. Names you'll run into include Slumberland and bookstore, plus La petite portugaise. If a bookshop's missing from Brussels's list, it probably just hasn't been mapped yet.
The Brussels bookstore lineup
277 mapped within about 40 km — showing 60:
Slumberland
Bookstore
Slumberland is Bookstore on 20 Place de l'Université. Slumberland also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
20 Place de l'Université
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-19:00
Phone: +32 10 45 17 57
bookstore
Bookstore
bookstore is Bookstore.
La petite portugaise
Bookstore
La petite portugaise is Bookstore. La petite portugaise also notes on the map: it has a website with more detail.
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 4 Boomstraat. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
4 Boomstraat
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 3 889 40 44
Message Media
Bookstore
Message Media — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Message Media: it has a website with more detail.
De Slegte
Bookstore
De Slegte — Bookstore, found on 9 Korenmarkt in Mechelen. Also worth knowing about De Slegte: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
9 Korenmarkt, Mechelen, 2800
Phone: +32 15 43 61 77
Collette / Ignace
Bookstore
Collette / Ignace — Bookstore.
The European Bookshop
BookstoreRun by The European Bookshop Ltd.
Run by The European Bookshop Ltd., The European Bookshop is Bookstore. Also worth knowing about The European Bookshop: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-17:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-17:30
Phone: +32 2 231 04 35
Librairie Graffiti
Bookstore
Librairie Graffiti — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Librairie Graffiti: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 10:00-14:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Waterloo
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 10:00-14:00
Phone: +32 2 354 57 96
La Main Blanche
Bookstore
La Main Blanche — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about La Main Blanche: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Phone: +32 2 354 59 42
Cordovero
Bookstore
Cordovero — Bookstore on 52 Rue du Chanoine Scarmure. Also worth knowing about Cordovero: it has a website with more detail.
52 Rue du Chanoine Scarmure, 7060
Boekenvoordeel
Bookstore
Boekenvoordeel — Bookstore, found on 17 Bondgenotenlaan in Leuven. Also worth knowing about Boekenvoordeel: it has a website with more detail.
17 Bondgenotenlaan, Leuven, 3000
Onder De Linde
Bookstore
Onder De Linde is Bookstore.
Tropismes
Bookstore
Tropismes — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Tropismes: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 10:30-19:00; Su 13:30-18:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Fr 10:00-18:30; Sa 10:30-19:00; Su 13:30-18:30
Phone: +32 2 512 88 52
Dagbladhandel Niessens
Bookstore
Dagbladhandel Niessens is Bookstore.
Bookshop Mia
Bookstore
Bookshop Mia — Bookstore on 9 Ringlaan.
9 Ringlaan
Club
Bookstore
Club is Bookstore on 4 Sentier du Chafor, Gembloux.
4 Sentier du Chafor, Gembloux, 5030
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 1 Vilvoordsesteenweg. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
1 Vilvoordsesteenweg
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 2 270 32 82
Librairie Biber
Bookstore
Librairie Biber — Bookstore.
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:30-19:00; Su,PH 11:00-17:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:30-19:00; Su,PH 11:00-17:30
Phone: +32 2 219 27 08
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 393 Leuvensesteenweg. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
393 Leuvensesteenweg
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:30
Phone: +32 2 253 36 52
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore.
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 9 366 46 25
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore, found on 55 IJzerenleen in Mechelen. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:30-18:00; PH off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
55 IJzerenleen, Mechelen, 2800
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:30-18:00; PH off
Phone: +32 15 21 81 08
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore, found on 35-37 Boomsesteenweg in Schelle. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:30; Su,PH off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
35-37 Boomsesteenweg, Schelle, 2627
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:30; Su,PH off
Phone: +32 3 449 85 95
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 65 Kapellestraat. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
65 Kapellestraat, 2630
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 3 887 33 86
De Kelle
Bookstore
De Kelle is Bookstore.
Dagbladhandel Jos en Anja
Bookstore
Dagbladhandel Jos en Anja — Bookstore on 68 Oude Haachtsesteenweg.
68 Oude Haachtsesteenweg
Houba
Bookstore
Houba — Bookstore.
Kikadikoi
Bookstore
Kikadikoi — Bookstore.
Candide
Bookstore
Candide is Bookstore. Candide also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 08:00-19:00; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-19:00
Drukkerij Vervecken Aalst
Bookstore
Drukkerij Vervecken Aalst — Bookstore on 17 Van Langenhovestraat.
17 Van Langenhovestraat, 9300
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 4 Varkensmarkt. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
4 Varkensmarkt
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 52 47 43 40
Tabac Dailly
Bookstore
Tabac Dailly is Bookstore. Tabac Dailly also notes on the map: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
Phone: +32 2 735 47 32
Pêle-Mêle Ixelles
Used bookstore
Pêle-Mêle Ixelles — Used bookstore. Also worth knowing about Pêle-Mêle Ixelles: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 10:00-18:30; Fr,Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 10:00-18:30; PH off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Th 10:00-18:30; Fr,Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 10:00-18:30; PH off
Phone: +32 2 888 95 44
Piola Libri
Bookstore
Piola Libri — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Piola Libri: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 12:00-22:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Sa 12:00-22:00
Phone: +32 2 736 93 91
Librairie Club
Bookstore
Librairie Club — Bookstore on 69 Avenue Léon Jourez. Also worth knowing about Librairie Club: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:30-18:00; Su off; PH off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
69 Avenue Léon Jourez
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:30-18:00; Su off; PH off
Phone: +32 2 385 49 96
Librairie coopérative Par Chemins
Bookstore
Librairie coopérative Par Chemins is Bookstore. Librairie coopérative Par Chemins also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 15:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-18:30; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Fr 15:00-18:30; Sa 10:00-18:30
Museum Shop
Bookstore
Museum Shop — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Museum Shop: it has a website with more detail.
Librairie Météores
Bookstore
Librairie Météores is Bookstore. Librairie Météores also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as We,Th,Sa,Su 11:00-19:00; Fr 14:00-19:00; Tu 10:00-17:00; Mo off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: We,Th,Sa,Su 11:00-19:00; Fr 14:00-19:00; Tu 10:00-17:00; Mo off
Phone: +32489 16 29 91
De Kleine Johannes
Bookstore
De Kleine Johannes — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about De Kleine Johannes: it has a website with more detail.
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 16 Molenborre. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo 10:00-18:00; Tu-Sa 09:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
16 Molenborre, 1500
Hours: Mo 10:00-18:00; Tu-Sa 09:00-18:00
Phone: +32 2 356 61 95
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Standaard Boekhandel: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:30-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:30-19:00
Phone: +32 2 217 56 42
De Slegte
Bookstore
De Slegte — Bookstore, found on 47 Bondgenotenlaan in Leuven. Also worth knowing about De Slegte: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
47 Bondgenotenlaan, Leuven, 3000
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00
Phone: +32 16 22 68 81
In 't Profijtelijk Boeksken
Bookstore
In 't Profijtelijk Boeksken — Bookstore, found on 180 Diestsestraat in Leuven. Also worth knowing about In 't Profijtelijk Boeksken: it has a website with more detail.
180 Diestsestraat, Leuven, 3000
Peeters
Bookstore
Peeters — Bookstore, found on 153 Bondgenotenlaan in Leuven. Also worth knowing about Peeters: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; it has a website with more detail.
153 Bondgenotenlaan, Leuven, 3000
Hours: Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00
Librairie Flagey
Bookstore
Librairie Flagey is Bookstore. Librairie Flagey also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 10:00-17:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Tu-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 10:00-17:00
Phone: +32 2 649 02 11
Peinture Fraîche
Bookstore
Peinture Fraîche — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Peinture Fraîche: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Phone: +32 2 537 11 05
Pêle-Mêle
Bookstore
Pêle-Mêle — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Pêle-Mêle: the map lists its hours as 10:00-18:20; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: 10:00-18:20
Standaard Boekhandel
Bookstore
Standaard Boekhandel — Bookstore on 17 Dorpsstraat.
17 Dorpsstraat
Studiolo
Bookstore
Studiolo is Bookstore. Studiolo also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu-Sa 10:30-18:30; Su 10:30-16:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Tu-Sa 10:30-18:30; Su 10:30-16:00
Phone: +32 2 767 48 36
Maison CFC
Bookstore
Maison CFC is Bookstore. Maison CFC also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00
Phone: +32 2 227 34 00
De Wase Boekhandel
Bookstore
De Wase Boekhandel — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about De Wase Boekhandel: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Phone: +32 3 776 01 68
Gutenberg Buchhandlung
Bookstore
Gutenberg Buchhandlung is Bookstore. Gutenberg Buchhandlung also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo off; Tu-Sa 10:00-18:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo off; Tu-Sa 10:00-18:30
Phone: +32 2 731 83 29
Fnac
Bookstore
Fnac is Bookstore on 7 Vital Decosterstraat, Leuven. Fnac also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th,Sa 10:00-18:30; Fr 10:00-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
7 Vital Decosterstraat, Leuven, 3000
Hours: Mo-Th,Sa 10:00-18:30; Fr 10:00-19:00
Phone: +32 16 75 12 11
Tipi Bookshop
Bookstore
Tipi Bookshop — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Tipi Bookshop: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00; We off; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00; We off
Slumberland Tome 2
Bookstore
Slumberland Tome 2 is Bookstore. Slumberland Tome 2 also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Sa 10:00-19:00; Tu-Fr 10:30-18:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Sa 10:00-19:00; Tu-Fr 10:30-18:30
Phone: +32 2 771 72 78
Slumberland
BookstoreRun by Slumberland
Slumberland is Bookstore run by Slumberland. Slumberland also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 10:30-18:30; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo-Su 10:30-18:30
Phone: +32 2 648 04 40
Slumberland Tome 1
Bookstore
Slumberland Tome 1 is Bookstore. Slumberland Tome 1 also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu-Su 10:30-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Tu-Su 10:30-18:00
Phone: +32 2 219 58 01
Passa Porta Bookshop
BookstoreRun by Don Quichote@Passa Porta
Run by Don Quichote@Passa Porta, Passa Porta Bookshop is Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Passa Porta Bookshop: the map lists its hours as Mo 12:00-19:00; Tu-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 12:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hours: Mo 12:00-19:00; Tu-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 12:00-18:00
Phone: +32 2 502 94 60
What the map tells us about bookstores in Brussels
165 of the 277 list their opening hours on the map, which is genuinely useful — bookshops keep civilised hours, so the listed ones are usually reliable.
174 have websites listed. Worth a look for events — readings and signings get announced there first.
There's a cluster: 2 of them sit on 20 Place de l'Université, so you can string those into one walk and drive between the rest.
11 of the shops are tagged as selling used books — the second-hand shelves are where out-of-print gems and first editions turn up for pocket change.
The Brussels bookstore crawl
The efficient Brussels bookstore crawl strings these together: Slumberland on 20 Place de l'Université, bookstore, La petite portugaise, Standaard Boekhandel on 4 Boomstraat, Message Media, De Slegte on 9 Korenmarkt, Collette / Ignace, and The European Bookshop — 277 stops, one logical order. 269 more are listed below.
Bookstore tips for Brussels
The regulars' playbook for Brussels's bookshops:
- Check the sale shelf rhythm at Slumberland. Shops clear shelves on cycles. Ask when the next cull happens — that's when the bargains land.
- Ask the booksellers at bookstore. A good bookseller lives for the question 'what should I read next?' Give them three books you loved and watch them work.
- Bring a tote bag. Bookshops and tote bags are a natural pair. You'll need it — nobody leaves with the one book they came for.
- The used section is underpriced everywhere. Books are heavy and slow to sell, so used shelves price to move. First editions hide here regularly.
Good to know
We searched about 40 km around Brussels — that covers the town itself plus the surrounding communities you'd reasonably drive to. Listings come from OpenStreetMap, mapped by local volunteers, so a brand-new bookstore in Brussels can take a while to appear. Spotted a closure among the 277, or a bookstore we missed entirely? The map is the source of truth here — one OpenStreetMap edit corrects it for everyone.
We don't list prices — they change constantly and vary by edition. What we list is the where: real shops, verified by real mappers, in alphabetical order with no favourites.
If you run one of the 277 listed here and something's wrong — a closure, a move, new hours — the fix is the same: update the shop on OpenStreetMap and the correction flows through to this page on the next daily refresh.
Bookstore listings for Brussels: 277 mapped from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Photos from Wikimedia Commons contributors; individual photo credits appear in captions. Listing data was last refreshed automatically — verify hours before visiting.