Seeing and Doing
Hailed as the modern sartorial city of Europe, take some time to explore the MoMu (the Fashion Museum of Antwerp) to understand the story of Antwerp’s connection to fashion before hitting the shops.
Meir is the most famous shopping street in Antwerp, and today it’s mostly filled with many recognisable high street shops. We propose heading to the true heart of the fashion district, by starting with a great concept store called STAY on Nationalestraat. You’ll find the street peppered with fashion boutiques, most of which you’ve never heard of, which is always a sure sign that you’re shopping in the right place.
In a little historic square about a ten minute walk away, behind a grand neoclassical facade, you will find Graanmarkt 13. Over numerous floors you will find an eco-restaurant which sources honey from its own rooftops, a concept shop with handpicked products chosen from all corners of the world, rangingfrom beauty products to homeware, and a very swish apartment formerly lived in by the owners themselves, now available for booking.
Take a stroll down Kloosterstraat where you’ll find yourself just as tempted by the fashion stores as the vintage furniture shops. Let your curiosity guide you into alluring boutiques from vintage fashion destinations to antique emporiums. Make sure to pop in to Parazaar (a word play on par hasard– French
for, ‘by accident’), a treasure trove of exotic styled wooden furniture; coffee tables, commodes, and home bars – all at indecently low prices.
Discover the Art Nouveau mansions of Zurenborg, a peaceful gem in Antwerp’s southeast. This “golden triangle” of Belle Époque architecture is filled with stunning, eclectic designs at every turn. Stroll the streets, admire the facades, and soak in the surprises—Zurenborg is a must-see!
Take some time to visit Rubens’s former home, so that you can indulge in the city’s artistic history.
Eating and Drinking
Fiskebar is the slickest spot in Antwerp to sample the city’s freshest catch of the day. Indulge in a mountain of shellfish paired with excellent natural wines and finish off with cocktails across the road at the lively Vitrin Café.
Take some time to explore PAKT, the multi-layered creative haven/ think tank in an old industrial warehouse, which hosts a variety of initiatives. Here you can find a rooftop garden, great pizza, while getting familiar with the innovative start up scene in Antwerp.
Meet a diverse crowd of locals and travellers alike while sampling the delights of a diverse menu with Seti’s Persian Supper Club. Hosted by Tehranborn chef Setareh and held in a secret location which is revealed one week before the event, this one will need some advance planning (or planning around) by signing up to the newsletter to know about upcoming events.
To up the romance, book a table under the glass conservatory that used to serve as a coach house at Den Brandt castle. Danieli il Divino is a truly memorable dining spot, located in one of the most
beautiful areas of Antwerp (perfect for a stroll after dinner). Serving reliably good Italian, it’s a great dinner choice for a romantic weekend escape to Antwerp.
Hang out with the high fashion crowd at The Jane, set inside a converted military hospital. It’s fine dining foodie heaven in the stunning restaurant space, and drinks and nibbles in the Upper Room Bar
Buchbar is a carefully curated bookshop where every book has been read and personally chosen by the owners. This place is cute, cosy and homely, and the little restaurant/café is super for getting lost in your new book while munching on a vegan lunch or scrumptious homemade cake from their ever-changing menu. And don’t worry, they sell english books too!
Belgium’s only officially recognised Chinatown is in Antwerp and dates back to the 1970s as a result of Chinese migration after World War Two. Spread out along one colourful street, it’s home to a smattering of solid no-frills asian culinary gems. Try a steaming bowl of noodles at Ting Kee Mie and some perfect dumplings at Fong Mei.
Newcomer Osaka is a casual, local gem, with one of the best natural wine cellars in Antwerp
For a taste of Asian delights with a glass of natural wine try Album
For more natural wine, the Nage neo-bistro is also a delight!
Veranda offers an amazing selection of cocktails, just be sure to reserve ahead!
Where to Stay
Soul Suites is where you can get a large and stylish one bedroom apartment to yourself in the heart of a trendy neighbourhood. Make sure to get breakfast nearby at De Biologisch, a cozy organic bakery with the biggest and best croissants in the city and eat dinner across the street at Fiskebar.
Hotel August is sleek and contemporary, with historical touches from its former life as a convent. Here you’ll find a zen library, spa, garden and outdoor swimming pond. If you don’t get a chance to spend the night here, stop by their restaurant and bar which is in the former chapel.
Flora is a magical place to stay and two interesting new guesthouses of note created by fashion designers: Handbag designer Lies Mertens hosts artists-in-residence at her new guesthouse-gallery called Patina. Then Pascale Masselis, an alchemist of interior design hosts guests in two-light filled apartments above her beautiful historic boutique. Also, there’s a free tour to learn about Antwerp’s historic role in the gem trade.