Antwerp's main pedestrian shopping street, running from Antwerpen-Centraal toward the Groenplaats, lined with chain stores, the Stadsfeestzaal gallery and historic facades.
The Meir is the principal pedestrian shopping street of Antwerp, in Belgium's Flemish Region, running in a broad, gently curving line from the area near Antwerpen-Centraal toward the Groenplaats and the cathedral quarter. The street is lined with 19th-century and early 20th-century facades, and its architectural character is as much a draw as the retail on offer. The Stadsfeestzaal, a restored former festival hall, now operates as a shopping gallery under a glass dome and gives the street its most photographed interior. Goods sold are dominated by international and Belgian high-street fashion, department-store departments, footwear, cosmetics, homeware and electronics, with a handful of jewellers and chocolate shops. Unlike the independent boutiques of the nearby Nationalestraat district, the Meir is a mainstream chain environment, so the experience is closer to a well-kept city-centre high street than to a market for crafts or local makers. Authentic Belgian goods are best sought in dedicated chocolate and food shops, while souvenir trinkets are less prominent here than around the Grote Markt. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining culture; card payment, including contactless, is accepted almost everywhere, though small bakeries may still prefer cards over cash handling. Visitors from outside the European Union can usually claim a VAT refund on larger purchases from participating shops, which issue a tax-free form to be stamped at the airport or border; a minimum spend per shop per day applies. The atmosphere is busy on Saturdays and during the winter sales in January and July, and calmer on weekday mornings. Food options are plentiful, with cafes, waffle and fries stands, bakeries and restaurant terraces on the street and the side streets leading toward the Groenplaats. Many shops open on Sunday afternoons in the centre, though hours vary by retailer. The wide, flat pavement makes the Meir easy to walk end to end in under fifteen minutes without stopping, and the tram and train connections nearby make it a natural first or last stop on a day in Antwerp.
| Hours | Shops typically Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM or 7PM; many open Sunday afternoons in the centre |
|---|---|
| Price | Free to stroll; fashion mid-range to luxury |
| Address | Meir, 2000 Antwerp |
Location
Meir, 2000 Antwerp
51.2184, 4.4051 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the length of the Meir and its historic 19th-century facades
- Visit the Stadsfeestzaal shopping gallery beneath its glass dome
- Browse international fashion and department-store floors
- Stop at cafes and bakeries on the side streets toward the Groenplaats
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid the Saturday crowds
- Ask for a tax-free form when spending as a non-EU visitor
- Winter and summer sales in January and July bring the best reductions
- Prices are fixed, so do not expect to negotiate in the chain stores
- Combine the visit with the Nationalestraat boutiques, a short walk away
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest; Saturdays and sale periods in January and July are the busiest.
Accessibility
The street is flat and wide with smooth paving, and most larger stores and the Stadsfeestzaal gallery have step-free entrances and lifts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meir pedestrian-only?
Yes, the Meir is a pedestrian shopping street, although trams and cyclists may cross at certain points, so visitors should stay alert near the intersections.
Are shops open on Sunday?
Many shops in the centre open on Sunday afternoons, but hours vary by retailer, so it is worth checking a specific store before planning around it.
Can non-EU visitors claim a VAT refund?
Yes, participating shops provide a tax-free form for qualifying purchases, which is stamped on departure from the EU. A minimum spend per shop applies.