Leuven Shopping

FNAC is somewhat of an entertainment-store institution in Belgium and can be found in the main cities. The stores are quite big and well organized. The Leuven location has only been around for a few years.

What to buy: The ground floor is all consumer electronics and related items - there's quite a selection but I do find them quite expensive in this department (more below) and would only recommend buying someting like a peripherial (cable, memory card, etc...) you can't find elsewhere immediately.

FNAC also specializes in ticket sales for various shows and events, check their ticketing desk if you need to get hold of some.

The books / music / movie department on the upper level is where the store really shines in terms of selection. I can't say too many things about the store clerks I've encountered so far, since I find them fairly uninterested / uninformed - which leads me to think that working at FNAC must be some sort of terrible punishment - but if you know what you're after and can do without bothering any of these disgruntled, lackluster individuals just when they're about to go on their coffee- or sanitary break - you'll love the store.

What to pay: I find FNAC to be a rather pricey store. I saw an item I wanted in the electronics department marked at EUR 225 and after shopping around I managed to get the exact same thing for EUR 180 a few days later ... do the math. I can only assume it must be terribly expensive to run this place if they charge an average of 15 to a whopping 25% more on electronics than most places. The price difference is less noticeable on books, music and movies, however - so don't let my whining put you off.

Essenza is a small chain of bath / beauty & health products with a dozen shops throughout Belgium, the Leuven location - a nice store in a beautiful row house - only opened recently.

What to buy: Delicatessen, health products such as food supplements and herbal teas, a wide range of cosmetics and bath & beauty products, and gifts.

Ok so we belgians are know for our chocolate. We have different known brands. Leonidas being one of the most famous and relatively cheap. When we have people visiting from other countries we usually buy them some and they just can't stop eating them. A japanese visitor even managed to finish a whole box in between dinner courses! But NOTHING prepares you for chocolate from this little store, they are just out of this world good. They are all house made and come in many different flavours, raspberry truffles anyone? It should say "Heaven" on the window!

What to buy: I like the white truffles most.

What to pay: 8 euros for 250 grams

For everyone who enjoys good cooking, good eating or just good living; you will always find just the right gift at Oil & Vinegar. They offer an extensive range of original, delicious culinary gifts, and many of these can be sampled in the shop. Almost all of their products can be specially wrapped, making a gift into a feast in itself.
Moreover, you can always have your special oil and vinegar containers (re-)filled at Oil & Vinegar with your favourite product.

What to buy: They have special olive oils (more than 25 varieties), different types of vinegar, dressings, olives, dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, various types of pesto, bruschetta, herbs and spices, chutneys, pasta in a wide range of colours, types and sizes, and so on. They also carry characteristic wines from South Africa.

As well as culinary products, you will find a range of associated articles at Oil & Vinegar. From authentic Spanish oil jars to handmade serviette rings, from decorative pasta dishes and inspirational cookbooks to candles and hand-decorated place-mats.

What to pay: Prices are moderate to expensive, but you get what you pay for.

This site used to be a renowned flower shop, "Amadeus". A few years ago, Nuances home decoration/furnishing moved in. It's a beautiful store.

What to buy: lamps, decoration, tableware, furniture

What to pay: moderate to expensive

Caroline Biss has stores throughout Europe, of which a dozen or so in Belgium. I haven't seen any stores other than the Leuven location so it can't say how it compares to others - it's a spacious store, though.

What to buy: Modern, prêt-a-porter ladies fashion.

What to pay: Prices are moderate to expensive.

De Toekan (toucan) can best be descibed as an "ethnic gift shop" where you can buy mostly handmade products. While the store isn't that big, it takes a while to go through all the nooks and crannies - but it's fun.

What to buy: Men's / women's clothing / apparel (mainly from Asian countries), handmade jewelery, paper goods, incense, figurines, dolls, and all sorts of little nic nacs.

What to pay: inexpensive to moderate prices

One of the bigger "parfumeries" - if not the biggest - in Leuven. It used to be on the opposite side of the street but recently moved to a new location. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

What to buy: Very large selection of scent/beauty products.

What to pay: Prices are moderate, not exactly (in-)expensive, then again - this is not a discount store. You may find certain products cheaper when shopping around, then again the selection here is hard to beat for a store in a mid-size town like Leuven.