Opposite Central Station you will find China Town. The Van Wesenbekestraat and the Coninckplein boast a variety of specialized shops and supermarkets selling Chinese and Thai foods and many other exotic products.

The shopping streets just to the south and the west of the Meir stock a wide range of exclusive fashion labels as well as utility articles. This area comprises the Huidevettersstraat, the pedestrian de Wilde Zee (with the Wiegstraat, Groendalstraat, Schrijnwerkersstraat, Korte Gasthuisstraat and the Lombardenvest), the chic and and amazingly varied Schuttershofstraat and the Quartier Latin, dominated by the beautifully restored Bourla theatre.

Do not miss the brand-new Horta complex, which has recently appeared near the Stadsschouwburg (theatre) (Hopland side), with its stylish boutiques, an art gallery and a grand café with large art-nouveau dining area. Elements from the Brussels Volkshuis (social centre), built to a design by Victor Horta, have been incorporated into the grand café.

Lovers of bric-à-brac, curiosities, old books and prints should target the little shops in the Hoogstraat and the Kloosterstraat, the Wolstraat and the Minderbroedersrui.

The Eiermarkt, Melkmarkt, Korte Koepoortstraat, Lange Koepoortstraat, Klapdorp and Paardenmarkt is one long chain of shopping streets. Sint-Katelijnevest is the shopping street specializing in electronic equipment, computers and all kinds of office requisites.

The trendy Zuid district is another good area to explore. The Kasteelpleinstraat is particularly good for kitchen requisites, plants and items for the garden. The Volkstraat is lined with shops selling toys, hand-made decorative lighting, bric-à-brac and curiosities. The Graaf Van Hoornstraat and the Museumstraat are synonymous with antiques and accessories for the interior. The Vlaamse and Waalse Kaai area combines modern galleries with design shops.

Markets

On the Theaterplein at the end of the Arenbergstraat

Saturday from early in the morning until about 4pm, mainly fruit and vegetables but also fish, spices, cheeses, plants, clothes.

Sunday’s market, until 1pm, includes a flea market.