Lifestyle in Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s shopping and fashion capital. An artistic energy pulses through its streets as people eat at roadside cafes, explore its attractions or take a quiet moment in one of its parks. 

Shopping in Antwerp

Expats will find all the variety they’d expect from a major city. They'll be able to shop at modern malls and along historic pedestrian streets. The main shopping area is Meir, which is also Antwerp’s most famous street. Though the street draws comparisons with other major shopping streets such as 5th Avenue in New York City, this iconic street has been a prominent part of the city for centuries and many historical buildings remain.

The Wijnegem Shopping Centre is Belgium's largest mall with the retail area clocking in at 6 hectares. With 250 stores ranging from supermarkets and restaurants to fashion and hobby shops, there's something for everyone at this must-see mall.

The diamond district, known as the Diamantkwartier (Diamond Quarter) is among Antwerp's best-known shopping areas and is the world's largest diamond trading centre. Fans of all that glitters will find plenty of trinkets to gawp at here.

Eating out in Antwerp

Antwerp has a good selection of restaurants and its historical architecture means that many of the best establishments provide a feast for the eyes too. The wide variety of restaurants reflects the city’s diverse modern population. Diners can savour a broad palette of everything from Asian Fusion to Mediterranean food to French cuisine and local fare.

Outdoor activities in Antwerp

Expats who enjoy the outdoors won’t be short of things to do in Antwerp. The city has several parks and sports facilities and lends itself well to being explored by bicycle and on foot.

The triangular piece of land occupied by the Stadspark was once the site of a 16th-century fort. Close to the station and the zoo, its central location gives expats a chance to escape the city’s bustle without leaving its boundaries. The park boasts a lake and several historical monuments and is especially popular with joggers, walkers and families.

There’s also plenty to do outside the city, including various cycle routes around the Flanders region, which can be used to explore the surrounding towns or tour the tranquil Belgian countryside.