The main commercial strip is the Meir, the pedestrianised avenue running from Central Station to the Cathedral. Mainstream brands and the larger department stores (Inno, Hema) are here, alongside several restored historic palaces — the Meir Palace was Napoleon's lodging during his 1810 visit.
For Belgian fashion, the Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat area south of the centre is the only address that matters. The Antwerp Six shops — Dries Van Noten's Modepaleis, Walter Van Beirendonck's Walter, Ann Demeulemeester — are all here, along with younger independent designers.
For diamonds, Pelikaanstraat behind the Central Station is lined with retail diamond shops. Negotiate aggressively if you actually want to buy. The DIVA museum has the official certification information.
The Saturday Vogelenmarkt at Theaterplein is the city's traditional flea market — antiques, books, vinyl, secondhand clothes — open every Saturday morning. The Friday market at Vrijdagmarkt is for plants, household goods, and small antiques.
For chocolate, Del Rey on Appelmansstraat is the city's serious chocolatier — better than most of the famous Brussels names.