Schuttershofstraat

On the Schuttershofstraat, you can stroll along the window displays of some of the world's most exclusive brands. This elegant street is the beating heart of Antwerp's luxury shopping district. Chanel, Delvaux, Carolina Herrera, Maison Sisley: they have all found a place here among stately facades and stylish architecture. The street has been transformed into an elegant pedestrian zone, ideal for wandering at leisure. An eye-catcher in the street is the first public artwork by fashion icon Martin Margiela.

Then more top brands

A little further down at Komedieplaats, you will spot boutiques from Louis Vuitton and Delvaux. In fact, this remarkable Belgian handbag brand has been around even longer than Belgium itself. And in Lange Gasthuisstraat, you will discover all kinds of exclusive brands at Verso.

Leopoldstraat

Leopoldstraat is famous for its antique stores. In a beautifully renovated historic house, you will find the shop belonging to Frank Van Laer, the antiquarian you may recognise from the TV series Stukken van Mensen. In Stein and Cedric Moermans Arts and Antiques, two sons are pursuing the antiques business once launched by their father William. Looking for an outfit for a wedding or other special occasion? Then be sure to add the Karolien Verstraeten store to your list. 

Graanmarkt

Antwerp's most beautiful square? That may well be Graanmarkt. While only a five-minute walk from the Meir, it remains a hidden gem. Discover Graanmarkt 13, a shop, top-class restaurant and apartment all in one. Also on Graanmarkt, you will find De Duifkens bar, a cosy 'brown café' and local meeting place for many actors.

Botanical Garden

Time for a rest? Then pop into the Botanical Garden. These gardens with their medicinal herbs once belonged to the St. Elisabeth hospice. Nowhere else in Antwerp will you find so many herbs and plant species in one place. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy the peace and quiet. By the way, you are close to the five-star hotel: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.

Theaterplein

This large square is the scene of two exciting markets: the exotic market on Saturdays and the famous Vogelenmarkt (birds market) on Sundays. With the many cafés, restaurants and shops around the square, you will also find plenty to do on other days as well. Grab a coffee and a bagel from Barnini and continue your explorations past, among others, a comic strip shop, a wine shop and one of the city's most famous pet specialist stores. In hot weather, the Italian ice creams from Borgo Gelato provide the perfect refreshment.