Belgium’s favourite retail destination

This impressive boulevard is characterised by its many international chains, displaying collections and products like works of art in the Meir’s beautiful 18th and 19th-century rococo buildings. Without a doubt, this is Antwerp’s most popular shopping destination, and virtually every shop sees high traffic. This is mainly due to the street’s proximity to the railway station and an adjacent student neighbourhood housing more than 40,000 full-time students. This also explains the extensive range of lunch spots. 

Schuttershofstraat is home to many highly exclusive boutiques. The street is the focal point of a lively neighbourhood, graced with spectacular buildings such as Bourla Theatre. On and around Graanmarkt are bars and high-end restaurants full of character. These do extremely well and attract a rather chic clientele. 

The Botanique area is an inspiring environment full of heritage buildings, art galleries, museums and cultural centres. Botanic Sanctuary is Antwerp’s first 5-star superior hotel. Specialist shops thrive here. Past Bourla Theatre, boutiques make way for antique shops on Leopoldstraat until further south, near Sint-Jorispoort, interior design takes over. Shops alternate with trendy coffee shops, hip eateries and famed bars. This area is fully in development. 

De Wilde Zee area consists of five characteristic pedestrian streets. Thanks to its wide range of delicatessens, gourmets are spoiled for choice, especially if they have a sweet tooth. Visitors delight in offerings from excellent bakers, authentic chocolatiers, an artisan biscuit shop, mouth-watering catering options and even a Michelin-starred chef’s chip shop. Fashion lovers have a choice of large and smaller chains, beauty stores and trendy fashion and shoe shops. 

De Modenatie, Antwerp’s creative fashion centre, has re-opened its doors after a thorough freshening-up. This building, at the beginning of Nationalestraat, houses the MoMu Fashion Museum and the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. No wonder major fashion brands, such as Dries Van Noten and Christian Wijnants, have chosen to settle here. Parallel to Nationalestraat runs Kammenstraat, where bold new businesses pop up regularly. Its shop windows  teem with colourful streetwear and alternative collections. 

Kloosterstraat is renowned for its antique, vintage and bric-a-brac shops. Recently, this range has expanded considerably. Now it is also a favoured location for contemporary fashion, sustainable concept stores and interior design as well. Its stately, narrow façades house original jewellers and galleries as well. 

Combining a cultural experience with some great deals? It’s possible in Antwerp. The city’s historic centre boasts both stunning cultural heritage and a superb range of shops. Traffic-free Hoogstraat is home to numerous specialist shops that are even open on Sundays. The area is centrally located and can always rely on attracting large numbers of visitors. 

Eilandje is a neighbourhood that is developing fast. Visitors are primarily locals and tourists wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the historic centre. Around Willemdok marina, old warehouses have been converted into trendy lofts, offices, clubs and restaurants. From walking along Godefriduskaai to outdoor dining in the shadow of the MAS, this area offers plenty of space to chill out, both literally and figuratively. Het Eilandje mainly features showrooms and retail distribution points for the B2B market. 

With incredible museums and plentiful galleries, lively Het Zuid has a chic, artistic appeal and is home to a number of exclusive design and interior businesses. Visitors start their day with a leisurely breakfast or spend evenings exploring the area’s many cosy restaurants and bars. Thanks to the redevelopment of the Scheldt quays and transformation of the Gedempte Zuiderdokken into an extensive park, this area offers tremendous potential to establish your business. 

Antwerp’s various districts include clearly designated commercial centres with bustling shopping streets. Chains such as C&A, Hema and Kruidvat complement a range of local shops. Such centres are easily accessible by public transport and by car, making them a preferred option for many shoppers. The largest of these district centres are Kiel-Abdijstraat, Wilrijk-Bist and Merksem-Bredabaan. 

Retail parks offer much-needed space along Noorderlaan, Boomsesteenweg and Bredabaan. These areas mainly feature furniture, electronics, interior and DIY chains such as Ikea, Brico, Media Markt and Cool Blue. They are a mecca for the efficient shopper: easily accessible and with ample parking space.