Where Antwerp shops, snacks and lunches: the markets worth your morning.
Food markets, farmers markets and covered halls: where Antwerp shops, snacks and lunches.
The Vogelenmarkt in Antwerp has run on Theaterplein since 1912. Sunday-morning stalls cover produce, prepared food, antiques and household goods.
Go forSunday morning, Produce, Street food, Antiques
TipAnimals are no longer sold from 2026. Arrive before 11:00 for the fullest stalls.
The Exotische Markt in Antwerp on Theaterplein runs every Saturday with a Mediterranean and North African lean. Olives, spices, fresh produce, street plates.
Go forNorth African, Mediterranean, Spices, Street food
TipBring cash. The food stalls clear quickest; the spice merchants stay until close.
The Antwerp Christmas Market runs across Grote Markt, Groenplaats and Handschoenmarkt from early December to early January. Glühwein, frites, speculoos.
Go forGlühwein, Belgian winter snacks, Speculoos, Frites
TipThe Ferris wheel returns to Steenplein each year. Hot chocolate stalls cluster near the Cathedral.
Vrijdagmarkt in Antwerp is a Friday auction market on the square of the same name. The lots run furniture and antiques; the surrounding cafes serve lunch.
Go forAntiques, Auction goods, Lunch stalls
TipWednesday and Friday morning are the active days. The square hosts other small markets at other times.
The Wednesday and Friday morning weekmarkt on Sint-Jansplein is the closest food market to Eilandje and the old town. Open wed and fri 08:00-13:00.
Go forProduce, Belgian cheese, Bread, Cheap weekday lunch
TipFriday is the busier of the two days. Buy bread early; the bakers clear out by mid-morning.
The weekly Thursday morning market on Dageraadplaats fills the tree-lined square beside the art-nouveau Cogels-Osylei mansions with about fifty stalls.
Go forZurenborg produce, Bread, Cheese, Sunday flea-market browsing
TipThe square fills with the brunch crowd from Dome and surrounding bistros after 11:00. Sunday flea-market dates are listed in advance.
