Shopping - Antwerp | ArrivalGuides.com

ShoppingGuide was updated: June 12, 2025

Renowned as a premier shopping destination, Antwerp combines vast diversity with convenience, housing a small selection of shopping centres all within a short stroll from each other. The city's historical architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets make window-shopping a unique delight. At the heart of Antwerp's retail allure is its iconic fashion scene, anchored by the legacy of the Antwerp Six. Their names are well-known: Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. This group of visionary designers transformed the city into a global fashion capital in the 1980s, setting the stage for Antwerp's continuing influence in contemporary design. Today, you can explore a wealth of boutiques offering cutting-edge fashion from well-established designers like Jan-Jan Van Essche, garments from fresh, yet undiscovered talents, and a plethora of second-hand treasures. If you are looking for some souvenirs that are less permanent in nature, you can never go wrong with artisanal Belgian chocolate, signature hand-shaped cookies or a bottle of a rare jenever.

De Meir

The Meir is a pedestrianized shopping street that connects the central station to the historical centre of Antwerp. Here, international chains jostle for attention with small Antwerp designer boutiques. The Stadsfeestzaal shopping centre, once a concert hall, has 40 luxurious stores lavishing in the restored marble, gilded and mosaic interior, plus a few restaurants and a bar. Once a month and all through the month of December, many shops, cafes and restaurants will stay open for Koopzondag (Shopping Sunday).

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Wilde Zee

De Wilde Zee is a quaint and pleasant shopping neighbourhood, just south of the iconic Boerentoren building. The shops of this pedestrian area specialise in delicatessens, pralines, fashion and create a social atmosphere and a laid back clientele.

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Quartier Latin

In Quartier Latin, also known as Theaterbuurt, you'll find the most upscale boutiques and specialty stores, antique and interior design shops. The Bourla on Graanmarkt and Stadsschouwburg theatre still remind us of the former Mecca for travelling theatre companies and the vibrant nightlife. When the weather cooperates, bring your lunch and a book to the botanical garden in the centre of the neighbourhood.

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Fashion District

The Modenatie building on the corner of Nationalestraat and Drukkerijstraat is the centre of this district, housing the Fashion Museum and the Fashion Academy. The area around Kammenstraat, Lombardenvest and Sint Antoniusstraat beckons the true fashionistas.

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Het Zuid

South of the centre, between Amerikalei and the river, is the district known as het Zuid. Art and culture are the assets of this area, with important museums, numerous art galleries and renowned auction houses. Surely the trendiest area of the city, there is an abundance of designer restaurants, shops and cafes, too.

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Kloosterstraat

Kloosterstraat remains Antwerp’s most compelling paradox. It's a street where 17th-century guildhouses jostle with avant-garde boutiques, and the scent of aged wood from antique shops mingles with espresso from minimalist cafés. While still home to Belgium’s densest cluster of vintage dealers (think Art Deco chandeliers, Flemish oak cabinets and stacks of Delftware), the thoroughfare has evolved beyond its brocante roots. Design galleries and independent fashion ateliers now occupy spaces between the traditional antiquarians, their sleek displays contrasting with the patina of Mercator-Orteliushuis’s Golden Age facade. The real pleasure lies in the hunt: you might uncover a 1920s medical diagram in one shop, then turn the corner to find handcrafted leather jackets or a gallery specialising in Brutalist ceramics. Even the street’s quirks — like the whimsical wooden Guirlande sculpture dangling above the pavement — reflect its refusal to be pinned down as purely old or new. Come weekdays when dealers have time to chat about provenance over bitterballen at the corner wine bar.

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Around Central Station

Did you know that Antwerp has been the world's largest diamond centre for over 550 years? Hundreds of diamonds are traded here daily. More than 80% of all rough diamonds in the world pass through here. All this takes place within a compact area next to the central station. You can shop precious stones, gawk at the shiny window displays, check out the specialised jewellery tool shops or have excellent Jewish or Indian food.

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Historic City Centre

There is nowhere better to begin a shopping trip to Antwerp than in the traditional heart of the city — the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. The Grand Bazar Shopping Centre links Eiermarkt and Schoenmarkt with 50 shops. Kloosterstraat offers top-notch antiquing.

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Sonna Import/Export

Next to the south entrance to the central station, on Mediaplein, you'll find the fantastic Sonna store. The store offers an expansive collection of the finest African textiles. The creativity on display is incredible, and the plethora of designs will surely inspire you to create something unique for your wardrobe. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Sonna, even if you only plan to browse their shelves.

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Kringwinkel

Antwerp has plenty of opportunities to shop second hand items, from clothing and books to furniture and interior design items, and everything in between. Kringwinkel is a long-standing charity shop, and probably the first step for any Antwerpener who wants to say goodbye to a precious object they no longer need. Stop by and browse the shelves, and find something unique without breaking the bank.

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Shopping in Antwerp

De Meir

Wilde Zee

Quartier Latin

Fashion District

Het Zuid

Kloosterstraat

Around Central Station

Historic City Centre

Sonna Import/Export

Kringwinkel