In the heart of the centre, The Grasshopper is a wonderful toy shop on two floors and has every possible gadget and plaything, from wooden dolls to mind-bending electronic games (39-43 Rue du Marché aux Herbes, tel: 02 511 9622).

Curiosities has eclectic antiques for sale, from papier maché elephants to ornate mirrors, and is the perfect place to find that unique present for someone special at Christmas (24 Rue de Rollebeek).

If the heat of the city is getting too much sample one or more of the 240 flavours of some of the best icecream and frozen yoghurt in Brussels on sale at Le Framboisier Doré (35 rue du Bailli, 026475144 )

Minutes from the Grand Place, the Rose de Damas has delicious sweetmeats, cakes and oriental patisseries on sale. Sample your choice in the elegant tearoom before taking home a packet or two of pistachio cakes or almond chocolate (19 Rue du Marché aux Herbes, tel: 02503 18 00, rosededamas.be).