Antwerp Shopping Guide: Fashion, Diamonds & Design
Antwerp is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history and modernity, making it a shopping paradise for fashion enthusiasts, diamond lovers, and design aficionados alike. Known as the world’s diamond capital and home to the iconic Antwerp Six, this city offers an array of shopping experiences ranging from luxurious boutiques to charming vintage stores. Whether you're hunting for high-end fashion or unique local crafts, Antwerp caters to every shopper's desires. This guide will navigate you through the city's most enticing shopping districts and hidden gems.
Antwerp is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history and modernity, making it a shopping paradise for fashion enthusiasts, diamond lovers, and design aficionados alike. Known as the world’s diamond capital and home to the iconic Antwerp Six, this city offers an array of shopping experiences ranging from luxurious boutiques to charming vintage stores. Whether you're hunting for high-end fashion or unique local crafts, Antwerp caters to every shopper's desires. This guide will navigate you through the city's most enticing shopping districts and hidden gems.
Diamond District - The world's diamond capital
Antwerp Diamond District is renowned globally for its extensive selection of diamonds. Located near Central Station, this area is a must-visit for anyone interested in gemstones. Over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through here.
What to Buy: Loose diamonds, custom jewelry
Key Stores: Diamondland (Appelmansstraat 33A), HRD Antwerp (Hoveniersstraat 22)
Price Range: Prices vary widely depending on quality and carat
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
How to Get There: A short walk from Central Station
Insider Tip: Always ask for a certificate when purchasing diamonds to ensure authenticity.
What to Buy: Loose diamonds, custom jewelry
Key Stores: Diamondland (Appelmansstraat 33A), HRD Antwerp (Hoveniersstraat 22)
Price Range: Prices vary widely depending on quality and carat
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
How to Get There: A short walk from Central Station
Insider Tip: Always ask for a certificate when purchasing diamonds to ensure authenticity.
Fashion District (Het Modepaleis) - Antwerp Six & Designer Boutiques
Het Zuid is home to the iconic Fashion District, where you’ll find flagship stores of the famous Antwerp Six designers such as Dries Van Noten. This area is perfect for those seeking cutting-edge fashion.
What to Buy: Designer clothing, avant-garde fashion
Key Stores: Het Modepaleis (Nationalestraat 16), Ann Demeulemeester (Leopold de Waelplaats 7)
Price Range: €200-€1000+
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 6 PM; Sun: Closed
How to Get There: Tram lines 4 and 7 stop nearby
Insider Tip: Visit during Antwerp Fashion Week for exclusive collections and events.
What to Buy: Designer clothing, avant-garde fashion
Key Stores: Het Modepaleis (Nationalestraat 16), Ann Demeulemeester (Leopold de Waelplaats 7)
Price Range: €200-€1000+
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 6 PM; Sun: Closed
How to Get There: Tram lines 4 and 7 stop nearby
Insider Tip: Visit during Antwerp Fashion Week for exclusive collections and events.
Meir - Main shopping street for international brands
Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping thoroughfare, offers a bustling atmosphere with a wide range of international brands. It’s ideal for both luxury shoppers and bargain hunters.
What to Buy: Clothing, electronics, cosmetics
Main Stores: Zara (Meir 68), H&M (Meirbrug 1), FNAC (Wapper 17-19)
Price Range:: €20-€200
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM; Sun: Closed
How to Get There:: Tram lines 3, 5, or metro line U stop at Meir station
Insider Tip:: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon during sales periods to avoid crowds.
What to Buy: Clothing, electronics, cosmetics
Main Stores: Zara (Meir 68), H&M (Meirbrug 1), FNAC (Wapper 17-19)
Price Range:: €20-€200
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM; Sun: Closed
How to Get There:: Tram lines 3, 5, or metro line U stop at Meir station
Insider Tip:: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon during sales periods to avoid crowds.
Kammenstraat - Indie boutiques & vintage
Old Town's Kammenstraat is known for its indie boutiques and vintage shops offering unique finds. It's a favorite among locals looking for something different.
What to Buy:: Vintage clothing, indie designs
Main Stores:: Think Twice (Kammenstraat 85), YOUR Premium Store (Kammenstraat 42)
Price Range:: €10-€150: Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 AM - 6 PM; Sun: Closed: How to Get There: A short walk from Groenplaats metro station: Insider Tip: Check out Think Twice’s regular sales events where everything goes half price.
What to Buy:: Vintage clothing, indie designs
Main Stores:: Think Twice (Kammenstraat 85), YOUR Premium Store (Kammenstraat 42)
Price Range:: €10-€150
"In Antwerp, every cobblestone street tells a story of fashion history, where haute couture meets the glitter of world-renowned diamonds. The vibrant boutiques and artisanal shops showcase a design ethos that's as rich as our cultural tapestry, inviting you to explore with every sense awakened."
Liesbeth Devries - Local Fashion Curator
External Links
Visit Antwerp Official
Official tourism website with events and practical information
Antwerp Museums
Combined ticket and information for Antwerp museums
Antwerp Port Tours
Guided tours of Europe's second-largest port
