Around Central Station

Did you know that Antwerp has been the world's largest diamond center for over 550 years? Hundreds of diamonds are traded here daily. More than 80% of all rough diamonds in the world pass through here. All this takes place within a compact area next to the central station. You can shop precious stones, gawk at the shiny window displays, check out the specialised jewellery tool shops or have excellent Jewish or Indian food.

De Meir

The Meir is a pedestrianized shopping street that connects the central station to the historical centre of Antwerp. Here, international chains jostle for attention with small Antwerp designer boutiques. The Stadsfeestzaal shopping centre, once a concert hall, has 40 luxurious stores lavishing in the restored marble, gilded and mosaic interior, plus a few restaurants and a bar. Once a month and all through the month of December, many shops, cafes and restaurants will stay open for Koopzondag (Shopping Sunday).

• Web:

  visit.antwerpen.be/koopzondagen

Fashion District

The Modenatie building on the corner of Nationalestraat and Drukkerijstraat is the centre of this district, housing the Fashion Museum and the Fashion Academy. The area around Kammenstraat, Lombardenvest and Sint Antoniusstraat beckons the true fashionistas.

• Web:

  visit.antwerpen.be/en/shopping-zone-fashion-district

Het Zuid

South of the centre, between Amerikalei and the river, is the district known as het Zuid. Art and culture are the assets of this area, with important museums, numerous art galleries and renowned auction houses. Surely the trendiest area of the city, there is an abundance of designer restaurants, shops and cafes, too.

Historic City Centre

There is nowhere better to begin a shopping trip to Antwerp than in the traditional heart of the city — the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. The Grand Bazar Shopping Centre links Eiermarkt and Schoenmarkt with 50 shops. Kloosterstraat offers top-notch antiquing.

Kringwinkel

Antwerp has plenty of opportunities to shop second hand items, from clothing and books to furniture and interior design items, and everything in between. Kringwinkel is a long-standing charity shop, and probably the first step for any Antwerpener who wants to say goodbye to a precious object they no longer need. Stop by and browse the shelves, and find something unique without breaking the bank.

• Web:

  www.kringwinkel.be

• Address:

  Lange Koepoortstraat 39, Antwerp

• Phone:

  +32 3 340 88 61

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun closed

• More info:

  Kringwinkel has locations all over Flanders. Five of them can be found in Antwerp.