Markets, boutiques, artisan shops, and shopping districts
Antwerp is a shopper's paradise, where historic streets are lined with both high-end boutiques and quirky artisan shops. From busy markets to hidden ateliers, there's a spot for every taste and budget.
The Vrijdagmarkt on Fridays and the Exotic Market on Saturdays are top picks for a lively shopping experience.
Vrijdagmarkt, held at the stately Vrijdagmarkt Square, is known for its eclectic mix of antiques and vintage items. Arrive early, around 9 AM, to snag the best finds. On Saturdays, head to Theaterplein for the Exotic Market, where you can savor international foods and pick up fresh produce. It's a lively scene open from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Meir is the main shopping artery, while Kloosterstraat offers a appealing selection of antique shops.
Meir stretches from the elegant Central Station to the historic city center, featuring a wide array of international brands and Belgian designers. Kloosterstraat, just a short stroll away, is good for those seeking distinctive antiques and retro finds. For a more upmarket experience, Schuttershofstraat and Hopland boast luxury fashion houses.
Graanmarkt 13 and Stadsfeestzaal are top destinations for high-end and local artisan goods.
Graanmarkt 13 is an innovative concept space featuring a assembled selection of designer clothing, home goods, and a restaurant. It's a true reflection of Antwerp's blend of style and creativity. Meanwhile, Stadsfeestzaal on Meir is a beautifully restored shopping hall with a mix of boutique stores offering everything from fashion to gourmet treats.
Antwerp's beer scene includes breweries like De Koninck, founded in 1833, where guided tours cost €10 and include tastings. Local bars such as Kulminator serve over 700 Belgian beers, with prices starting at €3.50 for a draft. Bottle shops like Beerlovers stock rare finds, with prices ranging from €2.50 to €15 per bottle.
Antwerp's fashion scene features the renowned Meir shopping street, where prices for designer clothing often start at €100. The ModeMuseum, showcasing Belgium's fashion history since 2002, is located just 1 km from the Cathedral of Our Lady. Temperatures in summer average 22°C, ideal for leisurely shopping strolls.
Antwerp features several second-hand stores, like The Vintage Room, where prices start at €5 for clothing. The city has over 20 thrift shops, including Think Twice, which has been a staple since 1996. Vintage markets, such as the monthly one at Sint-Jansvliet, showcase local artisans and vintage finds every third Sunday.
The Antwerp Six, a group of influential fashion designers from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, emerged in the early 1980s, revolutionizing the industry. Their collective work, showcased at the 1986 Paris Fashion Week, led to a 50% increase in international fashion sales for Belgian designers. Today, guided tours of their boutiques start at €15.
The Meir is Antwerp's main shopping street, stretching 1.2 kilometers and lined with over 200 shops. Fashion enthusiasts can find brands like Zara and H&M, with prices starting around €25 for clothing. Nearby, the historic Stadsfeestzaal, built in 1903, features boutiques and cafés in a beautifully restored setting.
Antwerp's Meir shopping district features over 200 stores, with designer items starting around €100. Vintage finds can be discovered at shops like Vintage Kilo Sale, where clothing is priced by weight, averaging €25 per kilogram. The city's fashion scene is influenced by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, established in 1663.
Antwerp is home to renowned chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini, where a box of assorted pralines starts at €20. Visitors can attend guided tastings at the Chocolate Nation museum, which features 3,000 years of chocolate history and is located just 1 km from the Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Indulge in Antwerp’s chocolate scene with tastings starting at €5 in shops like Pierre Marcolini, and don’t miss the annual Chocolate Festival on March 15-17!
Join the fun in Antwerp with the famous Carnival on February 19, 2024, and the lively Christmas Market from December 1-23, 2023, just steps from the Cathedral!
Antwerp's Vogelenmarkt, held every Sunday since 2007, features over 100 stalls selling fresh produce and flowers. Prices for local fruits start at €1.50 per kilogram. The nearby Exotic Market, located just 1.5 kilometers away, showcases international foods and spices, with items priced around €2.50 each.
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