The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a covered shopping arcade in central Brussels, close to the Grand Place. Opened in 1847, it is among Europe’s oldest arcades, with a high glass roof, ornate façades and marble details. Walk its elegant passage to see the architecture, browse luxury boutiques and stop at Belgian chocolatiers such as Neuhaus, Leonidas and Pierre Marcolini. Cafés make it an easy place to pause, and the roof keeps the walk sheltered from rain. You can enjoy the gallery without shopping.
An arcade opened in 1847
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert opened in 1847. Its covered shopping passages belong to the early history of the European arcade, and later galleries in other cities followed this kind of design. The project was led by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer.
The gallery was built as an elegant indoor route lined with shops and cafés. Its glazed roof brings daylight into the passage, while the formal façades and marble details give the walkway a more stately character than an ordinary shopping street. The building remains part of Brussels’ central streetscape, a short walk from the Grand Place.
Look beyond the shop windows
The glass canopy is the most noticeable feature overhead, but the shopfronts reward a closer look too. Arched openings, pilasters and decorative mouldings run along the passage, framing boutiques, cafés and specialist shops. Pause to take in the repeated architectural details as well as the changing window displays.
The gallery is also a working commercial space, not only a historic interior. Its shops include fashion and jewellery boutiques, bookshops and chocolate makers. Some businesses have a distinctly high-end character, so browsing is as much a part of the visit as buying. You can walk through and enjoy the setting without spending anything.
Chocolate and a café stop
Belgian chocolate is one of the gallery’s most tempting reasons to stop. Neuhaus, Leonidas and Pierre Marcolini are among the names found here. Browse the displays and choose a box or individual treats; the range of makers makes it easy to compare before you decide.
Cafés and restaurants add places to sit between sights. The glass roof provides cover from rain, so the passage can work as a sheltered break while exploring central Brussels. If you are planning to shop, remember that many of the boutiques are positioned at the luxury end of the market. A stroll and window-shopping are enough to appreciate the gallery.
FAQ
Is the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert free to visit?
Yes. You can walk through the public arcade without buying anything.
How long should I spend at the gallery?
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for a stroll and a look at the architecture and shops.
What can you buy at the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert?
The arcade has boutiques, bookshops, cafés and Belgian chocolate shops, including Neuhaus, Leonidas and Pierre Marcolini.
Is the gallery near the Grand Place?
Yes. It is in central Brussels, close to the Grand Place.
