We love Hasselt! But we might be (a bit) biased as we are both from this lovely place. However we love Hasselt because it’s such a cosy and small city, with everything you need in walking distance. And it’s the perfect shopping city too, just for that reason!
We’d like to show you our favourite hotspots in Hasselt West. Why this area? Over the recent years, this area has become more popular and trendy instead of arty and alternative. It has become the place to be and meet up with friends, with all the perky little boutiques and food spots that are hot and happening.
INTERIOR & DECO
Hot and happening! Of course that means the most interesting design and furniture stores are in this area!
Oui
Our favourite place when looking for interior stuff and presents! They have fun home decorations and quirky gadgets. With brands such as Serax, House Doctor etc you’ll quickly get carried away and start shopping for your own interior. Even when you are not particularly looking for a present or home upgrade, it’s still a fun store to pop in every once in awhile.
Looking for more Scandinavian products? You have 2 options just around the corner: the Hay store and Evolution design with brands as Muuto, Hay, Normann Copenhagen, Menu,… They even have an evolution café to hang out. Looking for high-end design? Your place to be is Donum (B&B Italia, Vitra, Missoni, Piet Stockmans,…) the established design store in the former post office (renovation and store design by Bart Lens, famous Hasselt architect). Grutman Home Decor also offers a wide variety in carpets and upholstery and their rooftop penthouse is worth an inspirational visit.
SHOPPING
Just Julia
Walk a couple of streets over to Just Julia to get your latest IT items. It’s a trendy shop with the latest fashion, books and interior must haves.
Pop-ups
On your walk you might have passed Dokterwillemstraat 12, a pop-up hub. Every month there is something hip and new to discover here. It’s the best pop-up location in Hasselt!
Essentiel
Essentiel is a Belgian clothing brand with shops around the world (From France, to Switzerland and even in South-Korea). So the one in Hasselt is certainly worth a visit! The fashion brand Essentiel is known for colorful combinations, exotic prints and fun outfits in summer and warm and playful outfits in winter. We love to mix and match some of their bright pieces with the rest of our wardrobe.
Jade
A gorgeous high-end fashion and shoe shop that will make you feel like a star! At Jade they mix and match designer clothes such as Acne studios, Isabelle Marant, See by Chloe, etc. The result is always fabulous! For this one you might want to bring your wallet (or husband :)) as it’s a bit pricy… For now we have to do with sales and stock sale shopping at Jade. Inside info: the building as such is amazing and owned by Bart Lens, who formerly had his architect office on the ground floor.
COFFEE BREAK
Aroma
In summer their garden is the secret spot of town. Aroma has a sunny back garden, where you can still sit in the sun after a day of shopping. During the rest of the year, it’s an excellent brunch or lunch location.
Tarte Tatin
Our lunch and coffee stop! We love catching up with friends at Tarte tatin. It has this homy / going to grandma for coffee / friends (the TV show) vibe. They have some simple lunch options and a wide selection of home made pies. We are a sucker for the carrot cake!
Fietsbar
A hipster hotspot for locals. Here you can sip a coffee, while they repair your bike. It’s not just a repair shop, also a nice coffee stop even when you are without bike.
FOOD & DRINKS
Dito
By the time wine’o’clock comes around we head over to Dito. The best wine bar in Hasselt! The friendly owners always take the time to explains their monthly selection of wines. With your glass of wine, you get a small bite but don’t go with an empty stomach either.
Belges en Route tip: order the “Hasselt’s water” (a.k.a. tapwater with ice and a slice of lemon) if your shopping trip left you thirsty and empty walled :-).
Rosch
Our happy place in Hasselt! Rosch is a fairly new restaurant in this area run by the vibrant duo Glenn (the Belgian chef) and Nicole (the Dutch patissier). How romantic, they fell in love whilst working in the 3 star restaurant Hof van Cleve. And oh are we happy they followed their dream to open their own restaurant! Not only the food amazing, read here why this hotspot is too good to miss out on!
Belges en Route tip: be sure to make reservations in advance, especially for the weekend!
SLEEP
Getting tired after a long day of shopping? Head over to YUP hotel for a good night’s sleep. Read more about YUP here.
INTERIOR & DECO FOOD & DRINKS
- Oui 1. Sladerij
- Hay Store 2. Dito
- Evolution Design 3. Ogst
- Donum 4. Rosch
- Grutman Home decor
SHOPPING COFFEE BREAK
- Just Julia 1. Aroma
- Essentiel 2. Tarte Tatin
- Jade 3. Fietsbar
SLEEP
- YUP hotel
