Fashion District & Sint-Andries

Sint-Andries Modesector

Antwerp's epicenter of avant-garde fashion and design, featuring flagship boutiques of the renowned Antwerp Six designers and cutting-edge contemporary stores. This vibrant neighborhood exemplifies the city's role as a global fashion capital and creative powerhouse.

Things to do

• Browse MoMu (Fashion Museum Antwerp) — Explore rotating exhibitions of haute couture, avant-garde design, and the work of the Antwerp Six in a converted 16th-century building.
• Shop Dries Van Noten Flagship — Visit the multi-story boutique of one of Belgium's most celebrated designers, showcasing his complete collections in an immersive setting.
• Discover Ann Demeulemeester's Atelier — Experience the austere, minimalist aesthetic of this Antwerp Six founder's iconic designs in her intimate boutique.
• Walk Sint-Andrieskwartier Streets — Stroll Nationale Straat, Verlatstraat, and surrounding cobblestone lanes lined with design studios, vintage shops, and creative galleries.
• Visit Maison Martin Margiela — Step into the experimental studio space of the avant-garde collective known for deconstructed fashion and conceptual approaches.
• Explore Scoubie & Co. — Browse this carefully curated boutique specializing in emerging Belgian designers and independent international fashion brands.

Food to try

• Ptemps Broodnodig Sourdough Sandwiches — Grab artisanal sourdough sandwiches with local Belgian ingredients at this popular neighborhood bakery-cafe beloved by fashion professionals.
• Gentse Stoverij (Ghent-style beef stew) — Order this Flemish classic of slow-braised beef in dark ale sauce, typically served with fries at traditional Sint-Andries restaurants.
• Croquettes at Local Frituren — Sample Belgian croquettes filled with shrimp, cheese, or meat from family-run frituren stands throughout the neighborhood.
• Kwark or Vla (Dutch custard) — Enjoy creamy, thick Flemish custard available at neighborhood cafés, often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
• Waterzooi (Flemish fish or vegetable stew) — Try this hearty, creamy Antwerp staple made with seasonal vegetables and sometimes fish, served at casual Sint-Andries eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit boutiques during afternoon hours — Many independent designer shops and small studios open late morning and close by early evening, with some closing on Mondays.
• Respect creative privacy in studio areas — Sint-Andries contains working design studios and ateliers where designers are actively creating; knock before entering unmarked doors.
• English is widely spoken but Flemish appreciated — While most shopkeepers and gallery staff speak English, learning basic Flemish greetings shows respect for the local creative community.
• Fashion District is a year-round destination — Unlike seasonal tourist areas, Sint-Andries thrives regardless of weather with indoor galleries, studios, and boutiques always active.

Nearby

• FotoMuseum — 0 km
• Plantin-Moretus Museum — 1 km
• Rubens House — 1 km
• Museum Mayer van den Bergh — 1 km