![\"Interior](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_2187-546f982c5ff9c.jpg\")
Dellafaille<\/p>\nIt might only have a population of half a million but Belgium\u2019s second city is our first choice for shopping this yuletide. Straddling the River Scheldt, this unassuming stop has long been one of Europe\u2019s most prosperous ports and its enviable roster of independent retailers reflects this. As well as being a hub of the diamond trade, the emergence of a handful of world-beating fashion designers (the so-called Antwerp Six) put the city on the map in the mid-1980s and offered a glimpse of the city\u2019s lurking potential. Add to this Antwerp\u2019s mix of Gothic, medieval and renaissance architecture, walkable size and traditional and modern shops, and you\u2019ve got a host of festive finery to choose from. Here\u2019s what we have unwrapped.<\/p>\n
1.
Dellafaille
Patisserie<\/p>\n
Some passers-by just stop to admire this large-windowed, concrete-floored bakery in the swish surrounds of Antwerp\u2019s Museumstraat. However, those in the know dip in for a taste of what makes Dellafaille so delightful. Vanessa Roggeman (pictured) manages the pretty patisserie that opened in 2010 and is piled high with goodies delivered daily from its sister bakery in the nearby town of Schoten. Top of our list are the strikje (sugared pastries) and raspberry pie. For a festive take-home we plump for the neatly packaged madeleintjes (small shell-shaped cakes) or an artisan baguette.<\/p>\n
2.
Atelier Solarshop
Fashion and design<\/p>\n
\u201cCurating the shop is intuitive. We don\u2019t stock what fashion says; we try to tell a story,\u201d says Pi\u00ebtro Celestina (pictured), who founded this comely shop in 2008 with his fashion-designer partner Jan-Jan Van Essche. Inside you\u2019ll find Van Essche\u2019s latest collection, including a natty hand-felted hat we\u2019ve got our eye on (worn by Celestina, left), alongside scarves from Daniel Andresen, accessories from New York-based Fort Standard and a few rare finds from the pair\u2019s extensive travels, too. Sometimes the<\/p>\n
3.
DVS
Fashion<\/p>\n
For clothes from Belgium\u2019s best fashion designers head straight to Dirk Van Saene\u2019s elegant first-floor showroom above shoe shop Coccodrillo (see page 271). The parquet-floored shop features jumpers from Walter van Beirendonck, smart jackets from Veronique Branquinho and handmade scarves from Monsieur Maison.<\/p>\n
4.
Copyright
Bookshop<\/p>\n
Offering a haven on the busy Nationalestraat, Copyright\u2019s large glass door offers passage to the city\u2019s best space for books. Head to the mezzanine levels on either side of this well-stocked shop for some perspective on its selection of art and architecture titles.<\/p>\n
5.
The Recollection
Design and homeware<\/p>\n
After careers in fashion and hospitality respectively, Vincent Defontaines and Bert Verschueren opened this inviting design shop in September 2013. The homely ground-floor space houses 15 international brands selected for their exclusivity to the city. Highlights include Mad et Len perfume and hand-woven shawls from Denis Colomb.<\/p>\n
6.
Broer Bretel
Coffee shop<\/p>\n
Broer Bretel opened in 2011 and is named after the trouser braces the founding siblings\u2019 grandfather would give them on their birthdays. Located just north of the striking waterside Museum aan de Stroom, it is the best place to stop for a refreshing apple, parsley and fennel infusion, or a hot chocolate topped with pieces of Belgian waffle.<\/p>\n
7.
Ganterie Boon
Glove shop<\/p>\n
Founded in 1884 by two Italian brothers, this gorgeous ganterie stocks some 8,000 pairs of leather gloves and hasn\u2019t changed much since the oak-panelled interiors were installed in the late 1920s. \u201cI never thought about altering it,\u201d says the shop\u2019s former owner Patsy Sarteel, who manned the counters from the mid 1970s until passing on the reins to her daughter last year. Fourth-generation owner Sofie Possemiers (pictured) can judge your hand size by sight and we\u2019d recommend inquiring about a toasty pair of hand-stitched, sheepskin-lined gloves this winter.<\/p>\n
Dellafaille<\/p>\n
![\"Green](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_2736-546f993f0ebbd.jpg\")
Vier<\/p>\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_5301-546f9845282b8.jpg\")
Atelier Solarshop<\/p>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_2521-546f988669480.jpg\")
Copyright<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_3242-546f98e39e8c3.jpg\")
Ganterie Boon<\/p>\n
![\"Glass](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/img_4506-546f9910a1b0e.jpg\")
Verso<\/p>\n
8.
Louis
Fashion<\/p>\n
From its infancy, clothes shop Louis has hosted Antwerp\u2019s most important fashion designers. Founded 27 years ago by Geert Bruloot, the shop has always banked on local talent and showed the first collection from Ann Demeulemeester. It has also kept up distribution deals with designers such as Martin Margiela and Dior by Raf Simons.<\/p>\n
9.
Bakkerij Goossens
Bakery<\/p>\n
Fourth-generation baker Patrick Goossens\u2019 (pictured) small granite-fronted shop is busy from daybreak. Situated in the pedestrianised heart of the city, it fills with locals eyeing up fresh baguettes and rye bread. The venerable viennoiserie\u2019s Van Dyk bread (made with cinnamon, apple, raisins and sugar) is a must.<\/p>\n
10.
Philip\u2019s Biscuits
Baked goods<\/p>\n
One theory as to where the city got its name concerns the legend of Silvius Brabo, a Roman soldier who chopped off the hand of a giant and tossed it in the river (Handwerpen means \u201cHand throw\u201d). This \u2013 let\u2019s say unlikely \u2013 tale also gave rise to a popular baked treat and the Antwerp Hands for sale from Phillip\u2019s Biscuits are the best in town. The smell alone justifies a visit and, for those in need of a sugar rush, we can suggest fennel-and-lemon biscuits or a hand-wrapped speculoos: short-crust treats flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.<\/p>\n
11.
Verso
Department store<\/p>\n
Opened 22 years ago and in its current spot for the past 12, Verso is the city\u2019s best-stocked department store. Inside what was once two large townhouses is a zodiac-themed glass dome (added in 1927) that illuminates the international brands on offer \u2013 including Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Fendi \u2013 while a perfume selection was added six months ago.
\u201cPeople from everywhere seem to like Antwerp,\u201d says Valere Thoelen (pictured), Verso\u2019s general manager and creative director. \u201cThere\u2019s a single city centre and everything is close.\u201d<\/p>\n
12.
Wouters & Hendrix
Jeweller<\/p>\n
Katrin Wouters and Karen Hendrix studied at Antwerp\u2019s Academy of Fine Art before setting up a flagship shop on Lange Gasthuisstraat in 2001. The city\u2019s main diamond district is by the train station but Wouters & Hendrix\u2019s neighbouring shops offer a more retail-minded introduction to Antwerp\u2019s renowned trade. Service is the big sell here.<\/p>\n
13.
Helder
Design<\/p>\n
With a changing line-up of 15 to 20 design brands from Belgium and beyond, Diana Keller (pictured) and Brecht Baert\u2019s shop showcases its owners\u2019 services as interior designers as well as selling the products on show. \u201cThere\u2019s always been an interest in fashion here but now there\u2019s more talk about design and interiors, too,\u201d says Keller.<\/p>\n
14.
Het Modepaleis
Fashion<\/p>\n
At one corner of the Nationalestraat is the five-storey flagship of Antwerp\u2019s most famous fashion export. Dries Van Noten\u2019s art nouveau building was bought by the designer in 1989, three years after he started his now internationally lauded brand. The shop stays pristine by closing once a year for a week to accommodate repairs.<\/p>\n
15.
Coccodrillo
Shoe shop<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an easy city to live in and we have a few loyal customers in surrounding countries,\u201d says Eddy Michelis, the affable founder of Coccodrillo. Like the interiors of his elegant shop, Michelis\u2019s patronage of young designers hasn\u2019t changed over the years. As well as being an early supporter of Dries Van Noten, Michelis gives an annual prize to local shoe-design graduates. The brogues by WHF \u2013 the firm he discovered two years ago \u2013 have perfectly updated his collection.<\/p>\n
16.
Baltimore Bloemen
Florist<\/p>\n
Christmas is big business in the flower game and be it a single handpicked bloom or a shop-front display, our choice for the job is Baltimore Bloemen. With 21 years experience in the industry and eight on his own as an entrepreneur, florist Mark Colle\u2019s buds and bouquets are Antwerp\u2019s finest.
The pinewood-clad space houses 100 varieties of flowers and 25 distinct species of roses. Throughout Christmas the four-strong team takes it in turns to sleep in two-hour shifts as the company fulfils orders for shops around town and abroad.<\/p>\n
17.
AF Vandevorst
Womenswear<\/p>\n
The cross-shaped insignia above the door of this smart womenswear boutique hints at the hardwearing military accents of AF Vandervorst\u2019s new collection. Opened this August, the flagship is the best place to snap up its signature knee-high boots as well as leather purses, chunky key rings and handbags galore.<\/p>\n
18.
Morrison
Clothing<\/p>\n
\u201cWe looked for a small space with personality,\u201d says Patrick Olyslager, who with his brother Jan (both pictured, Patrick on left) revived their parents\u2019 knitwear business with the Howlin\u2019 brand in 2009. The design team works on the first floor in Morrison; downstairs, on a tiled floor from an Italian monastery, the pair stock warming clothing from 20 international brands.<\/p>\n
19.
Graanmarkt 13
Fashion and design<\/p>\n
Along with a gallery above and award-winning restaurant below, Graanmarkt 13 also has some choice stock. Home-grown talent comes courtesy of ceramic, marble and brass homeware from Micha\u00ebl Verheyden, while Madrid-based Alvaro Catal\u00e1n de Oc\u00f3n\u2019s lamps and Italian womenswear from Forte Forte and Marni also feature.<\/p>\n
20.
G\u00fcnther Watt\u00e9
Chocolate shop<\/p>\n
Having studied the art of pastry making in Antwerp, G\u00fcnther Watt\u00e9 (pictured) opened up this chandelier-studded space on the buzzy Steenhouwersvest seven years ago. Behind the shop\u2019s glass-counter display (and past the 20-strong selection of single-origin coffee beans) is a caf\u00e9 with comfy seating; the perfect pit-stop.<\/p>\n
21.
De Vagant
Liquor shop<\/p>\n
For a uniquely Belgian tipple we\u2019d prescribe a bottle of Genever, a gin-like, juniper-infused spirit (from which the word \u201cgin\u201d likely comes) enjoyed throughout Belgium and the Netherlands. For about 30 years this charming shop has stocked 200 brightly packed varieties ranging from the traditional Vieux d\u2019Anvers, made with over 30 herbs, to offerings from smaller start-ups such as homegrown distiller Stookkot. For the sweet toothed, De Vagant also stocks Elixir d\u2019Anvers: a saccharine variation of the drink that is golden in colour and flavoured with saffron and star anise.<\/p>\n
22.
Magazyn
Design<\/p>\n
Founded in 2008 and in its current cavernous pitch on Steenhouwersvest for the past two years, German-born Thomas Haarman\u2019s interior-design shop is a hospitable stop for well-made chairs, wooden chopping boards, rice paper notepads and Finnish bed linen. \u201cPeople from abroad are always pleasantly surprised by what\u2019s on offer,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
23.
Vier
Clothing<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to do something out of our love for good products \u2013 not making money,\u201d says Bob Follens, who started this menswear go-to with Giancarlo Angeletti in October 2010. Vier is snug inside but piled high with international brands including Norse Projects, Pendleton and Nanamica.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It might only have a population of half a million but Belgium\u2019s second city is our first choice…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31889,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[6],"tags":[19,8528,263,17323],"class_list":["post-31888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-antwerp","tag-antwerp","tag-belgian-fashion","tag-christmas","tag-gift-guide"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@be\/117059986599749889","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/be\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}