Being a book lover in Brussels does not have to break the bank. With several second-hand bookshops, the Belgian capital offers many options to find a literary bargain.
The Brussels Times has compiled a list of some shops across the capital to help guide you through the journey of finding your next favourite read.
Evasions
Between stacks of DVDs, classic vinyls and CDs, Evasions offers readers a wealth of second-hand options in various languages, including English.
Evasions storefront. Credit: The Brussels Times
Located just a five-minute walk from Grand Place, Evasions has been on a mission to offer carefully selected second-hand items since 1998, including modern novels, antique books, comic strips and children's books. The shop also welcomes customers looking to make space for some new book titles by selling some of their pre-loved books.
Rue du Midi 89, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Het Ivoren Aapje
Just a stone's throw away from the Church of Saint Catherine in the city centre is Het Ivoren Aapje. But don't be fooled by the Dutch name: this bookshop is also home to several English titles.
Credit: Het Ivoren Aapje/Facebook
With its packed bookshelves and neat piles of novels, the shop is the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to spend some time searching for interesting hidden gems.
Rue du Cyprès 14, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
NiJiNSKi
Founded in the early 1990s, this second-hand bookshop aims to offer intriguing titles to bookworms of all genres. While most novels are in French and English, the shop also stocks books in other languages.
With over 20,000 titles, NiJiNSKi ensures that no duplicates can be found in-store, offering a unique treasure-hunting experience for those looking for their next read.
Like other second-hand shops, NiJiNSKi offers to buy pre-loved books for about a third of retail price. For those looking to sell their entire library, the shop offers an at-home service.
Chaussée d'Ixelles 315, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Pêle-Mêle
As well as board games, CDs and DVDs, visitors of Pêle-Mêle can also find literary gems. The second-hand shop offers to buy and sell pre-loved novels in a variety of languages, including English. Whether you're in search of a novel, essays or antiques, Pêle-Mêle might just have your next read in-store.
Credit: Pêle-Mêle/Facebook
The chain has multiple locations dotted across the capital. For those who prefer the comfort of their home, Pêle-Mêle also offers the option to browse online and even filter book searches by language.
Various locations in Brussels. Find more information here.
Tulibris
Often described as a shop with a living room feel, Tulibris offers a cosy environment to book lovers in search of quality second-hand titles.
Credit: Tulibris/Facebook
Among the long shelves with more modern titles, the shop also offers unique, lesser-known gems.
Rue de la Tulipe 25, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Oxfam
For those passing through Ixelles or Uccle, Oxfam offers novels in English, as well as French and Dutch, covering a wide range of genres, from crime thrillers to children's books.
Credit: Oxfam Bookshop Uccle/Facebook
Those interested in donating books in good condition can bring their novels to one of the Oxfam shops. For those looking to make a large donation, it is worth contacting the shop in advance.
Chaussée d'Ixelles 254, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Rue Vanderkindere 248, 1180 Uccle. Find more information here.
