Guidebook for Antwerpen
Food Scene
Dr. Oetker who? Bellini is da bomb. A small menu but the best pizzas in town. The chef is from Napoli, so whip out your best Italian. Also take-away.
21 lokale anbefaler
Pizzeria Bellini
75 TransvaalstraatDr. Oetker who? Bellini is da bomb. A small menu but the best pizzas in town. The chef is from Napoli, so whip out your best Italian. Also take-away.
Take away caterer. Lot's of veggie, pasta, salads and soups. Different menu every week, so check out their Facebook page for delicious updates!
Mikel Cuisine
24 Korte AltaarstraatTake away caterer. Lot's of veggie, pasta, salads and soups. Different menu every week, so check out their Facebook page for delicious updates!
It does not get more Indian than this. Great selection of masala's, curries and korma's. Try the vindaloo if you can handle the spices. Also take-away.
Ballywood
34 DageraadplaatsIt does not get more Indian than this. Great selection of masala's, curries and korma's. Try the vindaloo if you can handle the spices. Also take-away.
Close to the Schelde, you will find this little Mexican restaurant which serves all the classics with fresh ingredients. They don't accept reservations so either go early or wait at the bar to be seated (which is not bad actually since they serve excellent cocktails…)
8 lokale anbefaler
Gringo's Cantina
24 Ernest Van DijckkaaiClose to the Schelde, you will find this little Mexican restaurant which serves all the classics with fresh ingredients. They don't accept reservations so either go early or wait at the bar to be seated (which is not bad actually since they serve excellent cocktails…)
Don't let the flowery interior scare you away: this vegan restaurant actually serves great fresh dishes with wines on the side. They have a daily changing menu with two options and several side dishes.
Bites & Wines
60 Oude BeursDon't let the flowery interior scare you away: this vegan restaurant actually serves great fresh dishes with wines on the side. They have a daily changing menu with two options and several side dishes.
THE place to get your breakfast on is CARAVAN, close to Park Spoor Noord. About 15 minutes by bike or 30 minutes by foot, but definitely worth the travel. Try the Huevos Rancheros!
32 lokale anbefaler
Caravan
17 DampleinTHE place to get your breakfast on is CARAVAN, close to Park Spoor Noord. About 15 minutes by bike or 30 minutes by foot, but definitely worth the travel. Try the Huevos Rancheros!
Open air bar & restaurant in Park Spoor Noord that also serves an extensive breakfast buffet. Only open during the summer months, with a nice area for the kids to run around. Check their Facebook page for events such as dancing workshops, flea markets etc.
50 lokale anbefaler
Bar Noord
64-80 Viaduct-DamOpen air bar & restaurant in Park Spoor Noord that also serves an extensive breakfast buffet. Only open during the summer months, with a nice area for the kids to run around. Check their Facebook page for events such as dancing workshops, flea markets etc.
The name says it all. The Van Wesenbekestraat is Antwerp's Chinatown, so expect traditional Chinese food in likewise decor. Try the Peking duck or the vegetarian sweet-sour 'chicken'.
The Best
57 Van WesenbekestraatThe name says it all. The Van Wesenbekestraat is Antwerp's Chinatown, so expect traditional Chinese food in likewise decor. Try the Peking duck or the vegetarian sweet-sour 'chicken'.
Close to The Best you will find this little Thai restaurant, ran by true Thais. Don't let the front bar with TV screens scare you away, there is a gem of a restaurant hidden in the back.
Ploy Phochana
69 Van WesenbekestraatClose to The Best you will find this little Thai restaurant, ran by true Thais. Don't let the front bar with TV screens scare you away, there is a gem of a restaurant hidden in the back.
Moroccan fish and shell fish restaurant, where you choose the fish you want grilled/baked/fried from the counter. Can be very busy but there are other similar options in the same street. By itself, the Handelsstraat is the heart of a lively multi cultural neighborhood.
7 lokale anbefaler
Calamares
40 HandelstraatMoroccan fish and shell fish restaurant, where you choose the fish you want grilled/baked/fried from the counter. Can be very busy but there are other similar options in the same street. By itself, the Handelsstraat is the heart of a lively multi cultural neighborhood.
Great selection of local grown food and wines in an Art Deco setting. The owner is a true wine connoisseur, so don't be afraid to ask for advise. Fish, meat and vegetarian options: check out their website for the changing menu.
19 lokale anbefaler
Brutal
72 KerkstraatGreat selection of local grown food and wines in an Art Deco setting. The owner is a true wine connoisseur, so don't be afraid to ask for advise. Fish, meat and vegetarian options: check out their website for the changing menu.
THE Belgian speciality: fries! Try a 'pakske' with mayo, andalouse or home made tartar sauce. Combine it with a snack (kroket, curry worst or bicky burger) and you are good to go for a night out on the town. You can also try the Frituur on Dageraadplaats.
Frituur 2010
79 KerkstraatTHE Belgian speciality: fries! Try a 'pakske' with mayo, andalouse or home made tartar sauce. Combine it with a snack (kroket, curry worst or bicky burger) and you are good to go for a night out on the town. You can also try the Frituur on Dageraadplaats.
Situated on the old slaughter house site, this meat lovers restaurant serves steaks by the gram. Try the Koningsballen if you are up for a challenge ;) There are plenty of other meat-oriented restaurants in the area but this one stands out for its vintage decor.
Piétrain
25 Lange LobroekstraatSituated on the old slaughter house site, this meat lovers restaurant serves steaks by the gram. Try the Koningsballen if you are up for a challenge ;) There are plenty of other meat-oriented restaurants in the area but this one stands out for its vintage decor.
By far the best bakery in town, this bakery is managed by the owners of star restaurant Dome. Delicious sweets, fresh bread and tasty croissants.
15 lokale anbefaler
Domestic
37 SteenbokstraatBy far the best bakery in town, this bakery is managed by the owners of star restaurant Dome. Delicious sweets, fresh bread and tasty croissants.
Fancy a more Belgian inspired diner? Check out Staff's Kantine, a small restaurant in the hip South area of Antwerp. Great interior, great food. Reservations might be needed.
13 lokale anbefaler
Staff's Kantine
19 Graaf van EgmontstraatFancy a more Belgian inspired diner? Check out Staff's Kantine, a small restaurant in the hip South area of Antwerp. Great interior, great food. Reservations might be needed.
Drinks & Nightlife
Just across your front door: this no nonsense bar is very popular with locals. They offer a small selection of bar food (pasta, soups). It's hard to choose which beer to drink, but we recommend the Tripel Karmeliet. Don't forget to bring cash (no cards accepted).
96 lokale anbefaler
Zeezicht
7-8 DageraadplaatsJust across your front door: this no nonsense bar is very popular with locals. They offer a small selection of bar food (pasta, soups). It's hard to choose which beer to drink, but we recommend the Tripel Karmeliet. Don't forget to bring cash (no cards accepted).
A small bar within crawling distance that also has art exhibitions on the first floor.
28 lokale anbefaler
Café Moeskop
17 DageraadplaatsA small bar within crawling distance that also has art exhibitions on the first floor.
Popular meeting point for the gay/straight/open minded community. Check out their Facebook page for live music, karaoke nights and other events.
17 lokale anbefaler
Den Draak
1 DraakplaatsPopular meeting point for the gay/straight/open minded community. Check out their Facebook page for live music, karaoke nights and other events.
This bar/club is a little hidden but worthwhile the search. Situated in the courtyard of an old abandoned building, Plein Publiek offers drinks and music in a fabulous setting. Check out Facebook for their weekly program.
41 lokale anbefaler
Plein Publiek
2A ZonnestroomstraatThis bar/club is a little hidden but worthwhile the search. Situated in the courtyard of an old abandoned building, Plein Publiek offers drinks and music in a fabulous setting. Check out Facebook for their weekly program.
Beer, beer and beer: situated next to the cathedral you will find this somewhat touristy but nevertheless cute bar that serves a wide selection of Belgian's number one export product. Try local beers like Seef and Koninck, also know as a 'Bolleke' because of the round glass it is served in.
31 lokale anbefaler
Paters Vaetje
1 BlauwmoezelstraatBeer, beer and beer: situated next to the cathedral you will find this somewhat touristy but nevertheless cute bar that serves a wide selection of Belgian's number one export product. Try local beers like Seef and Koninck, also know as a 'Bolleke' because of the round glass it is served in.
This cosy Jazz cafe hosts several live music nights a week. Don't let the small stage fool you, Antwerp's finest blues and jazz musicians have performed here. Check out the website for the program.
37 lokale anbefaler
Café Hopper
2 Leopold de WaelstraatThis cosy Jazz cafe hosts several live music nights a week. Don't let the small stage fool you, Antwerp's finest blues and jazz musicians have performed here. Check out the website for the program.
This tiny café is Belgian's stand-up comedy heart, with several performances a week. Belgian upcoming talent and (inter)national names can be found here. Friendly staff and regulars, with metal/rock music on the side.
Cafe The Joker
16 Kleine MarktThis tiny café is Belgian's stand-up comedy heart, with several performances a week. Belgian upcoming talent and (inter)national names can be found here. Friendly staff and regulars, with metal/rock music on the side.
Sightseeing
The only brewery open to public in Antwerp (since 1833) has undergone a renovation and is now a true experience center, where you can see and taste how the famous Antwerpian 'Bolleke' is made. Cheers!
76 lokale anbefaler
De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery
291 MechelsesteenwegThe only brewery open to public in Antwerp (since 1833) has undergone a renovation and is now a true experience center, where you can see and taste how the famous Antwerpian 'Bolleke' is made. Cheers!
This famous Belle Epoque street is home to the most beautiful houses of Antwerp. Just a stone throw away from the apartment, be prepared to be dazzled by its grandeur.
83 lokale anbefaler
Cogels Osylei
Cogels-OsyleiThis famous Belle Epoque street is home to the most beautiful houses of Antwerp. Just a stone throw away from the apartment, be prepared to be dazzled by its grandeur.
Close to the Schelde lies this street filled with second hand and vintage furniture shops. Have a stroll, do some (window) shopping and take a coffee/lunch/diner break at Café Dancing Chocola. Most shops here are also open on Sundays.
129 lokale anbefaler
Kloosterstraat
KloosterstraatClose to the Schelde lies this street filled with second hand and vintage furniture shops. Have a stroll, do some (window) shopping and take a coffee/lunch/diner break at Café Dancing Chocola. Most shops here are also open on Sundays.
Every Friday morning, bargain hunters from all over the city and beyond gather here for an auction style flea market. Don't be scared to raise your hand and make an offer, you might be surprised what you can get for a small price. Might be best to arrive around 9 in the morning to check out what will be up for sale later on. Bidding starts around 11 o'clock. Get a coffee at one of the cute bars on the square in the meantime.
27 lokale anbefaler
Vrijdagmarkt
VrijdagmarktEvery Friday morning, bargain hunters from all over the city and beyond gather here for an auction style flea market. Don't be scared to raise your hand and make an offer, you might be surprised what you can get for a small price. Might be best to arrive around 9 in the morning to check out what will be up for sale later on. Bidding starts around 11 o'clock. Get a coffee at one of the cute bars on the square in the meantime.
Want to see the Antwerp skyline in it's full glory? Then you should take the Sint-Annatunnel to the left bank of the Schelde. It offers an iconic sight over the city and the river. The beautifully tiled tunnel itself is worth the visit. Only accessible by bike or on foot!
37 lokale anbefaler
Sint-Annatunnel
Sint-AnnatunnelWant to see the Antwerp skyline in it's full glory? Then you should take the Sint-Annatunnel to the left bank of the Schelde. It offers an iconic sight over the city and the river. The beautifully tiled tunnel itself is worth the visit. Only accessible by bike or on foot!
Since you're staying on it, you won't be able to miss it! If it's a sunny day you might even forget all about the rest of Antwerp since the square offers the best terraces in town!
136 lokale anbefaler
Dageraadplaats
DageraadplaatsSince you're staying on it, you won't be able to miss it! If it's a sunny day you might even forget all about the rest of Antwerp since the square offers the best terraces in town!
Arts & Culture
Situated in the former harbor area ' 't Eilandje', this museum hosts interesting exhibitions about the history and culture of Antwerp. Even if this is not your cup of tea, travel up to the rooftop terrace of this magnificent building for a great view of the city.
475 lokale anbefaler
MAS - Museum ved Stranden
1 HanzestedenplaatsSituated in the former harbor area ' 't Eilandje', this museum hosts interesting exhibitions about the history and culture of Antwerp. Even if this is not your cup of tea, travel up to the rooftop terrace of this magnificent building for a great view of the city.
Outdoor temporary art museum with varying exhibitions throughout the year. Check the website for their current artist exhibitions!
83 lokale anbefaler
Middelheim Museum
61 MiddelheimlaanOutdoor temporary art museum with varying exhibitions throughout the year. Check the website for their current artist exhibitions!
Temporary art museum with interesting exhibitions. Sometimes provoking, sometimes soothing. Special nonetheless. It's also close to the Schelde. Check the website!
147 lokale anbefaler
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp
32 LeuvenstraatTemporary art museum with interesting exhibitions. Sometimes provoking, sometimes soothing. Special nonetheless. It's also close to the Schelde. Check the website!
Decent exhibitions, but really, you should check the website if Photography is your point of interest.
145 lokale anbefaler
Photo Museum of Antwerp
47 WaalsekaaiDecent exhibitions, but really, you should check the website if Photography is your point of interest.
If you dig museums, Antwerp south is your place to be. Rubens, Van Eyck, Ensor, Rodin … It's not only a beautiful building on the outside, the KMSKA has a great collection! Be sure not to step in the vulva (fountain) which has been made by a contemporary artist.
98 lokale anbefaler
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
1 Leopold de WaelplaatsIf you dig museums, Antwerp south is your place to be. Rubens, Van Eyck, Ensor, Rodin … It's not only a beautiful building on the outside, the KMSKA has a great collection! Be sure not to step in the vulva (fountain) which has been made by a contemporary artist.
Parks & Nature
This used to be an old train construction site but it's been repurposed to become the green oasis that the city desperately needed. You won't find a lot of trees in this park but you will find a lot of open spaces where you can practice sports or have a quiet picnic. Right next to the fountains you will find Cargo Zomerbar for tapas and drinks.
183 lokale anbefaler
Park Spoor Noord
EllermanstraatThis used to be an old train construction site but it's been repurposed to become the green oasis that the city desperately needed. You won't find a lot of trees in this park but you will find a lot of open spaces where you can practice sports or have a quiet picnic. Right next to the fountains you will find Cargo Zomerbar for tapas and drinks.
Entertainment & Activities
The largest eco-friendly swimming pond in Europe! Is it too hot outside? This is your place to be. Be sure to go early enough though (starting at 10 o'clock) since they only allow a limited amount of people a day so the eco-balance is maintained. Only people with fitting bathing suits (tight ones) are allowed in. Definitly worth the visit!
24 lokale anbefaler
Swimming Pond Boekenberg - Deurne
88 Van BaurscheitlaanThe largest eco-friendly swimming pond in Europe! Is it too hot outside? This is your place to be. Be sure to go early enough though (starting at 10 o'clock) since they only allow a limited amount of people a day so the eco-balance is maintained. Only people with fitting bathing suits (tight ones) are allowed in. Definitly worth the visit!
This old Art deco, pre-olympic swimming pool has recently been renovated. It's a hidden gem if you want to have your swimming workout. If you wanna relax there's also a wellness area with hot tubs, hammam and a small swimming pool (bathing suit only).
12 lokale anbefaler
Sportoase Veldstraat
83 VeldstraatThis old Art deco, pre-olympic swimming pool has recently been renovated. It's a hidden gem if you want to have your swimming workout. If you wanna relax there's also a wellness area with hot tubs, hammam and a small swimming pool (bathing suit only).
Small movie theatre that offers a limited selection of new quality releases. The theater itself is rather tiny but you won't be disturbed by crunchy potato chips bags! All movies are shown in their original languages often subtitled in english french or dutch. Check out their website!
50 lokale anbefaler
Cinema Cartoon's
4 KaasstraatSmall movie theatre that offers a limited selection of new quality releases. The theater itself is rather tiny but you won't be disturbed by crunchy potato chips bags! All movies are shown in their original languages often subtitled in english french or dutch. Check out their website!
Shopping
On saturday this square features the 'vreemdelingenmarkt', roughly translated as the foreigners market. People of different cultures offer their countries specialties for honest prices. Try the Morrocan pancake with figs and syrup if you don't mind the sugar rush, WEEEEEEEE.
On saturday the same square is transformed into the 'Vogelenmarkt' translated as Birds' market. In time the birds have made place for stands with cheese, cava, vegetables,… Be sure to try some Croquettes at the stand that looks like a small light tower!
45 lokale anbefaler
Nieuwstad
NieuwstadOn saturday this square features the 'vreemdelingenmarkt', roughly translated as the foreigners market. People of different cultures offer their countries specialties for honest prices. Try the Morrocan pancake with figs and syrup if you don't mind the sugar rush, WEEEEEEEE.
On saturday the same square is transformed into the 'Vogelenmarkt' translated as Birds' market. In time the birds have made place for stands with cheese, cava, vegetables,… Be sure to try some Croquettes at the stand that looks like a small light tower!
The Meir…you probably read it in every city guide. This is thé shopping street of Antwerp. If you are interested in small shops and better quality stores this is not your best bet. It features large chain like H&M, Mango, etc. Nevertheless it is a gem! Don't keep your eyes on ground level, the really beauty starts one level high!
151 lokale anbefaler
Meir
MeirThe Meir…you probably read it in every city guide. This is thé shopping street of Antwerp. If you are interested in small shops and better quality stores this is not your best bet. It features large chain like H&M, Mango, etc. Nevertheless it is a gem! Don't keep your eyes on ground level, the really beauty starts one level high!
A recently renovated hall where Kitsch meets old grandeur. It has become the beating heart of Meir over the recent years. Plenty of shops to visit, mostly chains, if you are a shopping fanatic this might just be your place to be.
65 lokale anbefaler
Shopping Stadsfeestzaal
78 MeirA recently renovated hall where Kitsch meets old grandeur. It has become the beating heart of Meir over the recent years. Plenty of shops to visit, mostly chains, if you are a shopping fanatic this might just be your place to be.
This street has a more Urban vibe over it. Tattoo parlors, bars and plenty of clothing stores like 'Fish and Chips' and the 'Vans' flagstore. Very close to the 'Groenplaats' which can be found in any other city guide :)
69 lokale anbefaler
Kammenstraat
KammenstraatThis street has a more Urban vibe over it. Tattoo parlors, bars and plenty of clothing stores like 'Fish and Chips' and the 'Vans' flagstore. Very close to the 'Groenplaats' which can be found in any other city guide :)