The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a glass-roofed shopping arcade in the centre of Brussels, Belgium. It is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe, and it is as much a place to look at as a place to shop.
What to expect
The gallery is lined with luxury boutiques, cafes and chocolatiers, so a visit can easily combine browsing with a stop for coffee or a box of Belgian chocolate. The neoclassical architecture, with its elegant proportions and light-filled glass roof, gives the walk a sense of occasion that a modern mall rarely offers.
Why visit
- Architecture: the 19th-century glasswork and neoclassical facades reward a slow walk, especially for visitors interested in historic buildings.
- Shopping: the boutiques range across luxury goods, and the arcade is a pleasant place to look even if you do not plan to buy.
- Food and drink: the cafes and chocolatiers make it a natural pause in a day of sightseeing.
Around the arcade
Because the gallery sits in the heart of the city, it works well as part of a wider walk through central Brussels. Visitors can move from its covered passages straight into the surrounding streets, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the centre on foot.
