Shopping mall in Antwerp, Belgium : Where to find the top spots

Shopping mall in Antwerp, Belgium : Where to find the top spots

Explore the top shopping malls in Antwerp, Belgium

Visiting a new city is always exciting … until you try to figure out where to go shopping. If you're looking for a shopping mall in Antwerp Belgium, the options aren’t as obvious as in other European capitals.

In this article, you’ll discover the two official shopping malls in Antwerp, plus the city’s best shopping streets and local fashion districts. Perfect for finding both big-name brands and local treasures !

We’ll also show you how to make your shopping tax-free using Zapptax, and why Antwerp is a fashion destination worth planning for.

Let’s start with the two main shopping centres in the heart of Antwerp.

Discover the step-by-step guide to claim your VAT back in Belgium.

Key points

• Antwerp has two official shopping malls : Stadsfeestzaal and Grand Bazar.
• The city is also known for its fashion districts, including Meir, Wilde Zee, Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat.
• Non-EU visitors can get a VAT refund on their purchases using the Zapptax app, even in stores that don’t offer tax-free shopping.
• Both malls and shopping streets are easily accessible on foot from Antwerp’s city centre.

1. Stadsfeestzaal : The most iconic shopping mall in Antwerp, Belgium

Located on Meir, Antwerp’s central shopping avenue, Stadsfeestzaal is the city’s most impressive shopping destination. Housed in a beautifully restored 20th-century events hall, this shopping mall offers both elegance and variety.

What you can find at Stadfeestzaal :

• 40+ stores including Cos, Urban Outfitters, HEMA, and Sissy-Boy
• Local Belgian brands and beauty products
• A stylish food hall and champagne bar
• Historical architecture with a golden dome and marble accents

Whether you're shopping for fashion, gifts or souvenirs, Stadsfeestzaal delivers a memorable retail experience in the heart of the city. It’s just a short walk from Antwerp’s main train station (“Antwerpen Centraal”) and right in the middle of the pedestrian zone.

📍Address : Meir 78, 2000 Antwerp

2. Grand Bazar Shopping Center : Practical and central

Tucked between Groenplaats and the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grand Bazar Shopping Center is the second official shopping mall in Antwerp, Belgium. It may be smaller, but its central location and convenience make it a good stop during a day of sightseeing.

Highlights of Grand Bazar :

• Popular stores like JBC, Damart, and Casa
• Supermarket (Delhaize) for snacks and essentials
• Cafés and services (optician, dry cleaning, beauty salon)

If you are looking for a quick, practical shopping break in the city centre, Grand Bazar is an easy choice. It’s within walking distance of Meir and the main historic sites.

📍Address : Beddenstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp

3. Antwerp’s best fashion districts

Antwerp is known internationally for its fashion scene, and some of the best shopping happens outside traditional malls. By walking in the city, you will find charming neighborhoods full of independent boutiques, concept stores, and designer labels.

Here are the best areas to explore :

Meir

This long pedestrian street stretches from the antwerpen centraal (central station) to the old town. It’s lined with well-known brands like:

• Zara, H&M, Massimo Dutti
• Apple Store, Primark, Galeria Inno
• Belgian chocolate shops and perfumeries

It is the busiest and most commercial area in the city and leads directly to Stadsfeestzaal.

📍Address : Meir, 2000 Antwerp

Wilde Zee

A hidden gem behind Meir, Wilde Zee is a network of small streets filled with :

• Designer boutiques and artisanal shops
• Gourmet stores and home décor
• High-end cosmetics and local creations

Great for shoppers looking for unique and curated finds.

📍Address : Between Lombardenvest & Schrijnwerkersstraat, 2000 Antwerp

Kammenstraat & Nationalestraat

Trendy and alternative, these streets are home to :

• Skater fashion, vintage clothing
• Belgian designers and streetwear
• Outlets and niche concept stores

The area reflects Antwerp’s fashion school legacy and creative energy. Don’t miss it.

📍Address : Kammenstraat & Nationalestraat, 2000 Antwerp

How to get a VAT refund in Belgium with Zapptax ?

Shopping in Belgium as a non-EU resident ? With the Zapptax App, you can easily claim back VAT, right from your phone. Here is how it works :

1. Shop anywhere : Buy in any store (even those that don’t offer tax-free shopping) and ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax. You can also shop online and make your goods delivered in Belgium.

2. Upload invoices : Take a photo of each invoice and upload it in the Zapptax app. No paperwork or in-store forms needed.

3. Get Customs validation : Before leaving the EU, go to Customs and mention your forms are electronic. If flying from another EU country, print your forms beforehand.

4. Submit in the app : Once validated (digitally or with a stamp), submit your form in the app. Zapptax handles the rest.

5. Receive your refund : Get your money back via bank transfer, credit card, PayPal or Alipay, with lower fees than traditional operators.

Tip : Always ask for an invoice at checkout, it is the key to unlocking your VAT refund with Zapptax.

What are the conditions for a VAT refund in Belgium ?

To benefit from a VAT refund in Belgium, you must meet a few essential conditions :

• Be a non-EU resident travelling in the EU for less than 6 months.
• Spend at least €125 (VAT incl.) during your stay.
• Buy goods for personal use only, not for resale or professional purposes.
• Export the goods outside the EU within 3 months and before using or consuming them.
• Get your tax-free forms validated by EU Customs on your final departure from the EU.

Eligible goods include clothing, electronics, jewelry, books, arts, souvenirs, cosmetics and beauty products, food products (non-perishable and sealed) and other consumer goods.

Non-eligible items : hotel stays, restaurant meals, transport, services, medical or pharmaceutical products or used/opened products.

If you're not sure whether an item qualifies, don't hesitate to check directly with the Zapptax team.

By following these conditions, you can shop with confidence and enjoy real savings, while making the most of your stay in Antwerp.

Conclusion

From elegant malls to trendy boutiques, Antwerp offers a rewarding shopping experience for every taste.

And with Zapptax, non-EU visitors can make it even smarter by claiming VAT refunds easily and digitally : no paperwork, no hassle.

Shop freely, save more.

FAQ

1. How many shopping malls are there in Antwerp, Belgium ?

There are only two official shopping malls : Stadsfeestzaal and Grand Bazar Shopping Center, both located in the city centre.

2. Is Antwerp a good city for clothes shopping ?

Absolutely. Antwerp is one of Europe’s top fashion cities, offering everything from luxury labels and independent designers to vintage and high-street brands.

3. Where is Antwerp’s fashion district located ?

The city’s fashion district is centered around Nationalestraat and the nearby ModeNatie, home to designer boutiques and the Fashion Museum (MoMu).

4. What is Antwerp best known for ?

Antwerp is famous for its fashion scene, diamonds, architecture, and its vibrant creative energy. It’s also a hotspot for chocolate and contemporary art.

5. What is the main shopping street in Antwerp ?

Meir is the city’s main shopping boulevard, lined with popular international chains, Belgian department stores, and elegant 19th-century buildings.

6. Can I get VAT refund on purchases in Antwerp ?

Yes, if you are a non-EU resident, you’re entitled to a VAT refund on your purchases made in Antwerp. The easiest way to get your refund is by using the Zapptax app. All you need to do is ask for a VAT invoice in the name of Zapptax when paying, upload it to the app, and have your forms validated at Customs when leaving the EU. Once validated, Zapptax processes your refund safely.