Bimbi Books - Children's international bookstore

Bimbi Books is a charming children's bookstore in the heart of Brussels that goes beyond just selling books. With regular story hours, puppet shows, and interactive reading events, this literary haven sparks imagination and fosters a love of reading in a welcoming, multilingual environment perfect for both local families and visitors exploring Belgium's capital.

• ✓Regular puppet shows that entertain young children in multiple languages
• ✓Interactive story hours that bring books to life
• ✓Multilingual book selection including English titles for international visitors
• ✓Knowledgeable, friendly staff who can recommend age-appropriate reads
• ✓Cozy, child-centered atmosphere designed to foster a love of reading

1. 1.Check their website or call ahead to confirm story hour and puppet show schedules, as these special events typically happen at specific times and may be in French, Dutch, or English.
2. 2.The Ixelles neighborhood has excellent public transport connections. Take tram 81 or buses 38, 59, or 60, which stop nearby, as street parking can be limited in this busy area.
3. 3.Ask staff for English language book recommendations. Brussels is multilingual, and the bookstore stocks quality children's books in various languages including English.
4. 4.Visit on Saturday morning for the best chance of catching special programming and enjoying the neighborhood's weekly market atmosphere.
5. 5.Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Ixelles Ponds (Etangs d'Ixelles), just a 10-minute walk away, for a perfect half-day outing.

Saturday mornings are ideal, offering longer opening hours (until 6:30 PM) and the highest likelihood of special events like story hours or puppet shows. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter if you prefer a more relaxed browsing experience.

Entry is free, though you may want to budget for book purchases. The bookstore is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly. Public transport is the easiest option for getting there from central Brussels.

Open year-round with consistent hours Tuesday through Saturday. Special holiday-themed story hours and events may be offered during Christmas and Easter periods. Always check ahead for event schedules, especially during Belgian school holidays when programming may vary.

La Quincaillerie, a family-friendly brasserie in a converted hardware store about 5 minutes away, offers Belgian classics with a kids menu. For something quick, Peck 47, a gourmet sandwich shop nearby, has healthy options perfect for hungry little readers.