Monki found its way to Antwerp a few years ago and continues to be a real eye-catcher and a must-visit. You’ll find the largest Monki store in the world in Antwerp, with a pink crystal staircase, rainbow-coloured mirrors and even a merry-go-round. The collection is very much in the same vein, with funky designs, eye-catching materials and bright colours. Although Monki targets a somewhat younger customer base, everyone should visit a Monki shop just for the experience. You may want to bring sunglasses, though!

Meir 73, 2000 Antwerp

If you like a lavish and eclectic interior, then Sissy-Boy is the place to shop. Think palm-tree shaped floor lights, shiny velvet armchairs and opulent gold flatware. The more, the merrier! Besides home dec, this Dutch concept store also sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothes, the most beautiful bathroom soaps and a unique range of stationery. You can spend hours browsing this shop, searching for the perfect accessory for your home or wardrobe. PS: Sissy-Boy is also the reason why my collection of Christmas tree ornaments has been growing at a steady space...

Nationalestraat 36, 2000 Antwerp

Your mood when you enter PIET Moodshop? Instant happiness! This eclectic shop sells unique gadgets, home deco items that enhance your interior and lots of fun gift ideas! My faves are the original birthday cards, fun coffee mugs and the amazing selection of artificial flowers. Take your time to browse the amazing stuff on offer in this beautiful building, then find a table for some pre-dinner drinks and a few sharing plates. Because Restaurant Grandeux is part of the concept! Their spacious terrace under the trees of Graanmarkt quite possibly is one of the best hidden gems in Antwerp.

Graanmarkt 2, 2000 Antwerp

If affordable and sustainable is your motto, vintage is the way to go. While Antwerp has several great vintage options, one of my faves can be found in lively Lange Koepoortstraat: RIOT. This spacious vintage shop is well organised, making it easier for you to spot the perfect pair of cowboy boots or those cool 90s denim shorts. RIOT mainly sells 90s and 00s fashion items, which are easy to style in a more contemporary way. Check their Instagram for inspiration and previews of their new collections.

Lange Koepoortstraat 46, 2000 Antwerp

Two sisters combined their passion for all things fashion and lifestyle in a nice shop: STAY Antwerp is here to stay! The bright space in Nationalestraat feels like home. Here you can shop for a mix of surprising Belgian and international brands, which are both trendy and affordable. Check the shoe and jewellery collections, to add a final flourish to your look. I went with a lovely, long yellow dress with puff sleeves.

Nationalestraat 49, 2000 Antwerp

One of the more recent additions to the Scandinavian H&M family is Arket. This one-stop shop caters to the entire family: in addition to contemporary looks for men, women and children, they also sell nice Scandi home deco items and even serve lunch! Their shop in a magnificent building in Huidevettersstraat is ideally located for a quick coffee or a healthy wrap while shopping! And afterwards, I can’t stop myself from browsing their lovely blazers and dresses… Oh, one last tip: I always find the cutest baby gifts at Arket!

Huidevettersstraat 37, 2000 Antwerp

Slightly off the beaten track and away from the well-known shopping streets, but definitely worth the detour as they say: Nordica 31. This Scandi-inspired lunch spot is all about ‘hygge’ or the art of creating intimacy and a place that feels like home. The most important elements? Nordic street food, specialty coffee and sourdough that is baked in-house. My personal faves are the smorrebrød with avocado and the most delicious cinnamon buns in all of Antwerp!

Belegstraat 31, 2018 Antwerp

Buying jewellery out of the wall? Why not? Billion Avenue sells timeless jewellery with a twist, which can be mixed and matched without problems. The Belgian brand believes in affordable and accessible designs, for everyone’s budget. In fact, they’re so accessible that you no longer have to enter the shop to buy a new pair of earrings! In the Wilde Zee neighbourhood, you can now head to the striking Billion Avenue jewellery vending machine, where you can buy jewellery out of the wall. Not 100% sure about your purchase? Try on the collection in the shop and buy it from the vending.

Groendalstraat 5, 2000 Antwerp

Tinsel has been a fixture on Antwerp’s lunch bar scene for many years and it is also my favourite place for breakfast, lunch and coffee! The place to go for a nice chat and fair, seasonal, and often plant-based goodness. Think toast with vegan cashew spread, the best French toast or a spicy frittata. Oh, and have you ever tried a vegan Snickers? Do, preferably while sitting on their sunny terrace. You share it with a fun mix of neighbours, tourist and businessmen, which only makes this local spot even more special.

Vlaamsekaai 40, 2000 Antwerp

Tiny but nice! Anna + Nina’s upbeat window display is a bit of an eye-catcher and once inside you’ll realise that the Amsterdam label has everything you need for a happy shopping trip. The designers were inspired by their trips to Thailand, Bali and India, creating colourful collections of jewellery, home dec and clothes every season. At Anna + Nina, I like to shop for original candles, Insta-worthy coffee mugs and the prettiest, delicate jewellery! Pro tip: after your shopping spree, stop for a glass of natural wine at the neighbours, a wine bar called Titulus.

Oever 6, 2000 Antwerp