testimonials

"One of the benefits of living in Antwerp has to be the shopping. There is something for every taste, for every occasion and every budget.  Relatives from all over the world regularly crash at our house; at which point, you don't see them the whole weekend because they are out spending their dollars, pounds, crowns, you name it. Or, in a twist of fate, you become the unofficial shopping guide, who knows where to go and what to get. In the last year, I have served as diamond adviser (an aunt who needed a new stone for a family heirloom), teenage fashion counsellor (what should I buy my daughter? Do you think Mum will go through the roof if I buy this outfit?), impartial critical eye, and the list goes on. I have been dragged from Louis to Zara to the street fashion stores in Kammenstraat. Amazingly enough, I still find the time to shop for myself too after the dust has settled. I love the quirkier, tiny stores that are tucked away on Antwerp's streets: Farmacia Santa Maria Novella for Florentine soaps and scents, Elsa for interesting shoes, Akotee for funky interior styles, the beautiful gloves at Boon, Lila Grace for that feminine touch. Oh, and did I mention the yummy food?"
Sandy Logan, Antwerp lover

“While researching the Wallpaper* City Guide to Antwerp, I had the perfect opportunity to get under the skin of the city’s shopping scene. Antwerp may seem small, but don’t let this fool you – it’s a retail haven, particularly if you are on the hunt for innovative fashion. The centre, which you can easily stroll through on foot, is especially fashion-rich. I’ve always had a soft spot for Antwerp’s designers, and this is where you will find them, one store only a few minutes away from another, from Demeulemeester to Branqhuino and van Noten, and many more. And avant-garde fashion is not the only white-hot scene in the city; Antwerp has excellent designer and antiques shops, where you can pick up great vintage clothes and furniture, from local and international designers. The impressive Copyright bookshop, designed by architects Vincent van Duysen, is a must-visit for art, design and architecture lovers.”
Ellie Stathaki, Assistant Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*, author of the Wallpaper* City Guide Antwerp

"For me it is especially the friendliness of the people.  Unlike Brussels where tourists/travelers are the norm, it is refreshing to receive a warm reception that you get from the people of Antwerp.  This all helps to create a good impression of the city.
The river adds another dimension too – in just a few minutes you can walk beside the calming waters and watch the boats go by.  This means that you can combine shopping with relaxing (which is not always easy!).  On the subject of shopping – Antwerp has it all – from haute couture to standard high street names.
And of course I have to say that getting to Antwerp is an easy stress free experience.  A fantastically small airport within minutes of the city centre and direct flights from the UK.
With Antwerp you get all the feel of the big city in a small more mangeable area.
I love it!"
Kathryn Townley, Sales Account Manager VLM Airlines