Discover the best shopping streets in Antwerp
Antwerp is a true paradise for fashion lovers and shopaholics. Home to some of the most iconic shopping streets in Belgium, each street has its unique character. This blog post will guide you through the Meir, Kammenstraat, Nationalestraat, Korte Gasthuisstraat, and Kloosterstraat. Discover what makes each street special.
Foto: Meir Antwerpen
The most important shopping street of Antwerp: Meir
The Meir is the most famous and most visited shopping street in Antwerp. Originally a watercourse, the ‘Mere,’ this street evolved from a noble residential street in the 16th century into a bustling commercial center. Today, it houses large international chains such as H&M, Zara, and Nike, as well as the magnificent Stadsfeestzaal shopping center with golden domes and marble floors. The Meir is also the most expensive street in the Belgian version of Monopoly, highlighting its status and popularity.
Foto: The stunning façade of Zara on the Meir is well worth a closer look.
Shopping in Kammenstraat in Antwerp
Traditionally the shopping street for the young and trendy in Antwerp, the Kammenstraat was once the center of streetwear and alternative fashion. Today, it still features cool alternative stores and vintage shops, but also increasingly big brands that offer something different. However, Kammenstraat remains a hotspot for youth with a mix of music stores, skate shops, and urban fashion. It was also where the famous Laundry Day festival originally began as a small-scale street party with decorated clotheslines. It is now one of Belgium’s largest dance festivals.
Nationalestraat: Antwerp fashion
Located between Groenplaats and Kronenburgstraat, Nationalestraat is where fashion and art meet. With the Royal Academy of Fine Arts at one end and the renowned Fashion Museum (MoMu) at the other, this street forms the heart of Antwerp’s fashion district. It boasts many high-end boutiques and well-known fashion brands, but also small, characterful shops. Nationalestraat offers a unique opportunity to discover both established brands and emerging designers.
Korte Gasthuisstraat: ‘the tastiest street’ in Antwerp
As part of the Wilde Zee, this street is known for its delicacies and gastronomic delights. The Korte Gasthuisstraat, also known as ‘the tastiest street in Antwerp,’ is a culinary hotspot where you can enjoy delights from chocolatier Mary, bakery Goossens, and frieshop Frites Atelier. Besides food, this street also offers shops for interior design, personal care, household items, shoes, and clothing, making it one of the most versatile shopping streets in the city.
Kloosterstraat: buying antique treasures
Kloosterstraat is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating streets in Antwerp. Known for its unique collection of antique, vintage, and brocante shops, it has always been a magnet for lovers of antique treasures. In recent years, Kloosterstraat has reinvented itself with the addition of concept stores, elegant interior shops, and various art galleries, giving the street a new, vibrant look. An added advantage: the shops in Kloosterstraat are open every Sunday. On the first Sunday of every month, all shops in downtown Antwerp are also open, offering even more shopping fun.
Fashion in Antwerp is more than just shopping; it’s an essential part of the city’s identity. The influence of the Antwerp Six, a group of avant-garde fashion designers from the 1980s, is still felt today. Their innovative approach to fashion has put Antwerp on the map as an international fashion capital, making the city an ideal spot for a genuine shopping day.
Bonus tip: Discover Wijnegem Shopping Center
If you’ve already explored the city center but are not yet done shopping, consider visiting the Wijnegem Shopping Center. This large mall is located just outside the city and offers an extensive shopping experience with 250 stores and dining establishments. It also has long opening hours, even staying open until 9 PM on Fridays. Several public transportation options are available from downtown Antwerp to Wijnegem Shopping Center, with buses 410 and trams 5 and 10 getting you there in less than half an hour.
