Where to Shop, Eat, and Explore
Looking for the best neighborhoods in Antwerp to explore? Whether you’re here for a day trip or a weekend, Belgium’s fashion capital is bursting with character, culture, and cool spots that go far beyond the main tourist streets.
Yes, the Meir is Antwerp’s main shopping boulevard, lined with big-name stores and international brands. Perfect for seasonal shopping sprees, but not the place if you’re hunting for unique finds or cozy cafés. For that, you’ll want to step into Antwerp’s diverse neighborhoods—each with its own vibe, hidden gems, and local charm.
Here are our favourite neighbourhoods in Antwerp to shop, eat, and simply enjoy the city like a local.
’t Eilandje – Historic Docks With a Modern Twist
Once Antwerp’s old docklands, ’t Eilandje has transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant districts. Once known for the red-light area of Schipperskwartier, today it’s all about trendy restaurants, bars, and cultural hotspots overlooking the River Scheldt.
✨ Don’t miss:
- The MAS Museum: Climb to the rooftop (free access) for panoramic views of Antwerp—especially magical at sunset.
- Felix Pakhuis: A restaurant set in an old warehouse, serving local seasonal dishes. Lunching on the terrace with views over the harbor is a real treat.
- Pop-up events: From food stalls in shipping containers to cultural initiatives, there’s always something surprising happening here.
Quartier Latin – The Chic Side of Antwerp
Named after the old city theatre, Quartier Latin is elegant, stylish, and full of historic mansions. Here, you’ll find boutiques, antique shops, and high-end brands tucked away in streets just behind the Meir.
✨ Why visit:
- Perfect for antique hunting or window shopping for luxury brands.
- Relax in one of the many trendy coffee bars and soak in the sophisticated vibe.
- Explore theatres for comedy nights or international productions.
👉 Food tip: Stop by Otomat, a pizza place where the dough is made with Duvel beer yeast. Unique toppings, creative flavors, and perfectly paired beer suggestions make this a foodie must.
Sint-Andries – Vintage Vibes and Local Flavor
Known as a working-class district, Sint-Andries has grown into one of Antwerp’s coolest areas for vintage lovers and street food fans.
✨ Highlights:
- Browse secondhand shops and vintage boutiques.
- Walk through the Voetgangers tunnel, a pedestrian tunnel under the River Scheldt that connects to Linkeroever. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and a fun detour.
👉 Food tips:
- Poule & Poulette – The best grilled chicken in town, a Belgian classic reimagined.
- Loa Streetfood – Fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by cuisines from across the globe. Their Pad Thai is our favorite comfort food!
’t Zuid – Trendy, Artsy, and Always Lively
Finally, we can’t forget ’t Zuid—Antwerp’s art district. This neighborhood is all about modern galleries, stylish cafés, and hip restaurants. It’s trendy yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon.
✨ Why we love it:
- Grab a coffee at Coffee & Vinyl, where you can sip while browsing through secondhand vinyl records.
- Discover new art exhibitions or just enjoy people-watching on one of the many terraces.
Antwerp Beyond the Meir
Antwerp is so much more than its main shopping street. Whether you’re admiring harbor views at ’t Eilandje, sipping coffee in Quartier Latin, bargain-hunting in Sint-Andries, or gallery-hopping in ’t Zuid—you’ll discover that every neighborhood has its own soul.
This is exactly what makes Antwerp such an exciting city: always changing, always surprising, and always rewarding if you go just a little off the beaten path.
💎 Antwerp truly is a diamond in the rough—shining brightest when you take time to explore its neighborhoods.
Lots of love,
Angelique & Carlo
