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Brussels is a particularly interesting city to explore if you’re passionate about photography. With its museums, galleries, festivals, specialty shops, and numerous neighborhoods featuring very different architectural styles, the Belgian capital offers plenty of opportunities to discover the city through the lens.
Whether you’re looking for beautiful spots to take photos in Brussels, a store to buy photography equipment, or places dedicated to photography, the city is brimming with places to discover. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your photography trip to Brussels.
What are the must-see exhibitions in Brussels?
Belgium’s capital boasts a particularly vibrant art scene, with museums, art centers, galleries, and independent venues that regularly host exhibitions. From contemporary art to the great names in photography, these exhibitions offer a chance to discover different movements, approaches, and artistic worlds. Here are a few places to check out if you’d like to see photography exhibitions in Brussels.
Exhibitions at Bozar
Located in the heart of Brussels, Bozar is one of the city’s leading cultural centers and regularly features exhibitions that place a strong emphasis on photography and the visual arts.
The program changes with the seasons and offers the chance to discover both renowned international photographers and projects that blend photography, video, and other art forms.
To plan your visit, it’s a good idea to check Bozar’s program before your trip.
Hagar
In Ixelles, Hangar is a particularly interesting venue for lovers of contemporary photography.
The venue organizes exhibitions that explore different approaches to the image and showcases Belgian and international photographers.
Its program is a great way to discover emerging artists or less conventional photographic practices.
What photography festivals are worth checking out in Brussels?
Throughout the year, Brussels hosts several festivals and events dedicated to photography. These events offer the chance to discover Belgian and international photographers, visit various exhibitions, and participate in talks, workshops, or photography walks.
Photo Brussels Festival
The Photo Brussels Festival is one of the major photography events in Brussels.
Its format is particularly appealing to visitors: rather than focusing on a single venue, the festival takes place in numerous locations throughout the city. Galleries, cultural centers, foundations, bookstores, and other venues host exhibitions for several weeks.
Brussels Street Photography Festival (BSPF)
Street photography enthusiasts also have their own event in Brussels: the Brussels Street Photography Festival.
The BSPF is dedicated to this genre and offers a variety of activities centered around street photography, including exhibitions, photo walks, workshops, lectures, contests, and portfolio reviews.
In 2026, the Brussels Street Photography Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with an edition held at several venues in central Brussels, notably around the Bourse and the Halles Saint-Géry. Josef Koudelka was the guest of honor for this anniversary edition.
If you love street photography, the BSPF is definitely an event to keep an eye out for during your next visit to Brussels.
What are the must-visit shops for photographers passing through Brussels?
A photography tour of Brussels can also be an opportunity to discover the city’s specialty photo shops and labs.
Mori Film Lab: For film photography enthusiasts
Photographers who work with film may also be interested in Mori Film Lab, a Brussels-based lab specializing in film development.
The lab was founded in 2020, at a time when interest in film photography was experiencing a resurgence among a younger generation of photographers.
It’s a great spot for photographers looking for film or film equipment, as well as for having their film developed during their stay in Brussels.
Liva: High-End Photography Store
Located on Avenue Louise, Liva is a Brussels-based photography equipment store specializing in high-end photography.
The store offers equipment and lenses from renowned brands such as Leica, Hasselblad, and Fujifilm, as well as a selection of accessories and gear for photographers.
For photographers visiting Brussels, this is a great opportunity to explore the equipment in-store, compare different systems, and receive personalized advice.
Baxton Studio: For Vintage Cameras and Lenses
For lovers of film photography and vintage equipment, Baxton Studio is also worth a visit.
Located in Brussels’ historic center, the studio combines a shop, gallery, bookstore, film darkroom, and a space dedicated to historical photographic processes. Here you’ll find, among other things, used cameras, film, and books on photography.
The studio is also known for its work with wet collodion and regularly organizes workshops and training sessions on film and historical photographic processes.
For vintage camera enthusiasts, it’s therefore a particularly interesting stop during a stroll through downtown Brussels.
Where can you take great photos in Brussels?
Beyond exhibitions and events, Brussels offers many interesting places to photograph. Its architecture, neighborhoods, and contrasts provide a wide range of opportunities, whether you’re into urban photography, architectural photography, or street photography.
Among the must-see photo spots in Brussels are:
- The Grand-Place and the historic center: for its architecture and iconic facades.
- Mont des Arts: for its views of downtown Brussels.
- The Marolles: for street photography, the building facades, and the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
- The Sablon: for its architecture, squares, and elegant streets.
- The European Quarter: for its contemporary buildings and architectural photography.
- The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries: for their architectural details and play of light.
- Cinquantenaire Park: for its views, arcades, and monumental architecture.
- Brussels-Midi Station and the surrounding neighborhoods: for a more urban and spontaneous take on the city.
These different neighborhoods allow you to discover very different facets of Brussels and offer just as many opportunities for a photographic stroll through the capital.
Why visit Brussels if you’re passionate about photography?
Brussels is more than just a few must-see photo spots. With its diverse architectural heritage, numerous neighborhoods, and vibrant arts scene, the Belgian capital offers a particularly interesting setting for photography enthusiasts.
From exhibitions and festivals to galleries, specialty shops, and film labs, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore and practice photography.
Whether you’re into street photography, film photography, or architectural photography, Brussels has a photography scene rich enough to rival other major Belgian cities like Antwerp.
For a trip dedicated to photography, the Belgian capital certainly deserves its place among the must-visit destinations.
