Meir, Land Of Waas Travel Guide

4.5 (489)

Experience Antwerp's vibrant heart at Meir, a historic shopping street with top brands, stunning architecture, and a bustling atmosphere.

The Meir is Antwerp's most famous and busiest shopping street, evolving from a swampy area in the 13th century to a prestigious commercial center. Today, it's a pedestrianized haven for shoppers, boasting international brands and stunning architecture.

A brief summary to Meir

Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Meir.

Visit during weekdays to avoid the largest crowds, especially if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience.
Explore the Stadsfeestzaal shopping center for a unique experience with its historical architecture and high-end boutiques.
Take a break at one of the many cafes to enjoy Belgian waffles or artisanal coffee while people-watching.
Check out the surrounding streets like Hopland and Huidevetterstraat for a wider shopping selection.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kasteel Cortewalle

Fort Liefkenshoek

Verbeke Foundation

Castle Wissekerke Basel

Modave Castle

Explore Meir on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Meir, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Meir

Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Getting There

Public Transport

From Antwerp Central Station, take tram lines 3, 5, 9, or 15 to the Meir stop. Alternatively, from Groenplaats, take tram line 5 to Meirbrug. A single fare costs €3. The journey from Groenplaats to Meirbrug takes approximately 1 minute, with trams departing every 5 minutes.
Walking

From Antwerp Central Station, walk straight ahead, following the 'Via Sinjoor'. The Meir is a direct route from the station. From the Grote Markt, walk north towards the Antwerp City Hall, then continue straight onto the Meir. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Antwerp. A short taxi ride from Antwerp Central Station to the Meir typically costs between €12-€15 and takes approximately 7 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.
Parking

Several parking garages are located near the Meir, including Car Park Meir , Car Park Meir-Opera , and Parking Antwerpen Meir. Hourly rates range from €3.24 to €3.60, with daily maximums between €22.50 and €25.00. Parking availability can be limited, especially on weekends. Consider parking at Interparking Meir, which is centrally located.

Discover more about Meir

The Meir is the main shopping street in Antwerp, Belgium, and one of the most important shopping areas in the country. Its history dates back to 1257 when it was a swampy area outside the city borders. The name 'Meir' comes from the old Dutch word 'meere,' meaning lake, as it was once a 'wood lake' where wood for furniture was kept wet. Over the centuries, the Meir transformed into a wide, paved street with a canal in the center by the early fifteenth century. By the 16th century, it became a prestigious street lined with mansions of wealthy patricians and the location of the new stock exchange. The canal was covered, further enhancing its appeal.In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Meir continued to evolve, accommodating increasing traffic and the construction of grand buildings like the Stadsfeestzaal. In 1993, it was pedestrianized, solidifying its position as the region's prime shopping street. Today, the Meir is home to major international chains, luxury boutiques, and architectural landmarks. Key attractions include the Stadsfeestzaal shopping center, known for its golden interior, and historical buildings like the Royal Residence and Osterrieth House.The Meir connects Antwerp City Hall with Antwerp Central Station. It attracts over 220,000 visitors on peak days and is known as the Belgian equivalent of New York's 5th Avenue.

More to explore near Meir

Explore More of Land Of Waas

File:Sint-Niklaaskerk and the belfry of Ghent (DSCF0229).jpg - Wikipedia

Looking beyond Meir? Discover Land Of Waas for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Land Of Waas

Discover the vibrant Kiekeboe comic strip wall in Antwerp, a colorful tribute to the beloved Flemish comic series, celebrating Belgian comic culture through public art in a lively neighborhood.

Experience Antwerp's premier shopping street, Meir, where historic architecture meets modern retail in a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, offering a blend of luxury brands and unique local finds.