Antwerp
Antwerp dresses better than cities twice its size. The fashion academy put it on the map in the 1980s, and the streets around it still carry the proof: designer flagships, sharp independents and a serious vintage scene, all within walking distance. Come midweek; most shops close on Sunday, and some on Monday too.
Compiled from repeated visits. We're looking for someone local to lead this guide. Updated September 2026.
Practical
Plan the day for Tuesday to Saturday: most independents close on Sunday, and some on Monday. The centre is compact enough to walk from Centraal station; trams cover the rest.
Het Zuid has the best tables for dinner. For a late drink, the bars around Van Schoonhovenstraat, near Centraal, are where the city's queer nightlife begins.