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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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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Historic City Centre

Antwerp