Things to do in Antwerp – Visit the Market Squares and Shopping Zones

Antwerp consists of a number of market squares and shopping zones, mostly car-free, making your time here more enjoyable. A few of these pedestrian-friendly areas include the Historic Center, Meir Street, the Quartier Latin, De Wilde Zee, and the Fashion District.

In the city’s Historic Center you’ll find Grote Markt, the main market square, site of the medieval guild houses, which include the house of the Oude Voetboog (Old Archers Guild) topped by an equestrian statue of St George. You’ll also see the city’s Stadhuis (City Hall) built in the 16th century, and in the center of the Grote Markt, a19th century fountain known as the Brabo Fountain, created by sculptor Jeff Lambeaux (also known for his statue of the builders which stands outside of Antwerp Cathedral).  In keeping with its history as a market square, Grote Markt is also the site of the Rubensmarkt, a festive market held each year in August when the merchants and vendors dress in 16th/17th century fashions.

Another market you might stumble upon nearby is the Vrijdagmarkt, an antique auction held every Vrijdag (Friday) in the aptly named Vrijdagmarkt square.

Walking east you’ll come to Meir, considered to be the busiest shopping street in Antwerp. It’s lined with a mix of designer boutiques, trendy chain stores, and attractive architecture. Here you’ll find one of the most interesting shopping centers, the Stadsfeestzaal. Built as a banquet and exhibition hall at the turn of the 20th century and rebuilt following a disastrous fire at the turn of the 21st century, this elegant ‘city party hall’ reopened in 2007 as a shopping center. Though suffering from the effects of the recent financial crisis to hit Belgium, the Stadsfeestzaal is worth a short visit just to look around. There are two entrances to the Stadsfeestzaal, one at Meir 78 and one at Hopland 31,

one street down from the Rubens House. Meir is also where you’ll see the 18th century Paleis op de Meir, former palace for the likes of Napoleon and the Belgian Royals, and current location of The Chocolate Line  shop and factory.

Head south of Meir to the Quartier Latin, or Latin Quarter, known for fashion and theater. Here’s where you’ll find a number of designer boutiques and the eye-catching Toneelhuis. Inaugurated in 1834 as the Théâtre Royal Français, this classical structure is nicknamed the Bourla Theater, after architect Pierre Bruno Bourla. Housed in the circular foyer of the building is the spectacular restaurant Brasserie De Foyer. Het Toneelhuis and Brasserie De Foyer are located at Komedieplaats 18.

West of the Latin Quarter lies De Wilde Zee neighborhood centered around a radial of 5 car-free streets. Here you’ll come across shops and boutiques for fashion and fashion accessories as well as designer accessories for the home. De Wilde Zee is within a 5-minute walk from our recommended hotel (Banks).

Continuing west toward the river, and the neighborhood surrounding the Hotel Banks, you’ll enter the Antwerp Fashion District. This area is home to the Fashion Academy, Flanders Fashion Institute (FFI), and the Fashion Museum (MOMU). On your walk through these streets you may see the designer fashion houses such as the historical Het Modepaleis, a former department store now featuring the fashions of local designer Dries van Noten.

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2 Comments

  1. Haven’t been in Antwerp in an age, but remember it as very lively and pretty. I enjoyed this look at the market squares and your pretty pictures. Should really return to Antwerp soon.

    • Mikestravelguide

      Thanks, Sophie. We hope you get to return to Antwerp soon and that it’s all that you remember…and more 🙂

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