These days it is not Brussels but Antwerp where you will find the pick of the boutiques – mainly in the area around Nationalestraat, including Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter van Beirendonck and Marina Yee. The main shopping area is the Meir, but Schutterhofstraat is good for fashionistas. For urban streetwear, try Kammenstraat, St Antoniusstraat and Nationalstraat. But it’s not all clothes. South of Groenplaats, the antiques district stretches through St Andries. Foodies should visit Kaashandel Vervloet (28 Wiegstraat, 03 233 3729), run by master cheese buyer Luc Wouters.

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