Where to buy a board game in Brussels? A guide to the specialist shops

This article is part of our guide Brussels, City of Games. See also our guides to board game bars, escape rooms and shops.

Bringing a board game home from Brussels is the travel souvenir that lasts far longer than a bag of speculoos (and makes people happy back home). The good news: the capital has several specialist board game shops, run by gamer-booksellers who know how to point you to the right title. Here they are, from the historic centre to the neighbouring districts, with addresses so you don't wander in circles.

Brussels has around ten specialist board game shops, spread between the city centre and districts like Ixelles, Jette, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Etterbeek and Schaerbeek. Most stock both the big classics and the latest releases from Essen, and many offer genuine personalised advice rather than just a shelf.

Which board game shop is in the centre of Brussels?

Le Meeple Lecteur is the most central board game shop in Brussels, located in the Galerie Ravenstein, a stone's throw from Central Station and the Grand-Place. It's the ideal address if you're here for a weekend: you get a varied selection and personalised advice between two visits, without leaving the tourist heart of the city. For a tourist in a hurry, it's the first stop I recommend.

What is the biggest board game shop in Brussels?

Sajou, at avenue de Jette 298 in Jette, is one of the historic addresses for gaming in Brussels and offers a very wide catalogue for all ages and budgets. From family games to heavy hobbyist titles and children's games, you'll find enough to fill an entire evening (or a whole year). It's the place to go when you want to compare lots of titles in one spot.

Where to find expert advice and hobbyist games?

Dédale, home to the Ludotrotter gaming brand, focuses on a carefully curated selection and connoisseur advice, with two Brussels addresses: rue du Bailli 61 in Ixelles and avenue Georges Henri 466 in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. You go there to unearth a more demanding gem, talk mechanics with someone who actually plays, and sometimes complete a trading card collection. It's the kind of place you enter for one game and leave with three.

A board game shop close to where you're staying in Brussels

Fox & Co has several outlets in and around Brussels (notably in Brussels, Uccle and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) and covers both classics and new releases. Having multiple addresses makes it a safe bet wherever you're staying in the city. Handy when you don't want to cross the whole capital for a last-minute gift.

Where to buy a game for the family or for kids in Brussels?

For families, two names stand out. Oliwood Toys, with several shops in Brussels (including Etterbeek at avenue de la Chasse 94, Stockel and Ixelles), combines toys with a strong board game section for all ages. Woodee, at avenue Félix Marchal 31-35 in Schaerbeek, specialises in wooden and educational games, perfect if you're looking for a lasting gift for a child. Two addresses that make the choice easy even with little players in tow.

Where to buy Magic, Pokémon or One Piece cards in Brussels?

If you're after trading cards rather than a box, shops like Outpost Brussels (rue de la Tribune 8) specialise in Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, One Piece and Lorcana. We cover all of that in our dedicated guide to trading card game shops in Brussels, with addresses and tournament venues.

Our practical tips before you buy

A few useful reflexes. Check opening hours before heading out, as several shops close on Sunday or Monday. If you're travelling, think about weight and size in your suitcase (some big games weigh as much as their box). And don't hesitate to ask for advice: in these shops, they love steering you to the game that really fits your group, your budget and the time you have. That's the whole point of buying in a shop rather than online.

Fancy playing on site rather than buying? Head to our guide to board game bars in Brussels. And for everything else, keep our complete guide to Brussels gaming spots close at hand.