Culturally rich Antwerp in 11 tips

Breakfast in style at Brasserie Royal

When you get off the train at Antwerp Central Station, you'll be amazed. This station is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The complex exudes unprecedented grandeur and is spectacularly beautiful. In the station café, Brasserie Royal, you can have breakfast at your leisure and start your weekend in Antwerp in style.

Shop ‘till you drop!

From the station, walk via the Keyserlei towards the old centre of Antwerp. On the Meir, you'll find the biggest flagship stores of well-known and lesser-known brands. Be sure to walk into the majestic shopping complex, Shopping Stadsfeestzaal, which is also known as the Champs Elysées of Antwerp.

MAS Museum aan de Stroom

On Antwerp's trendy 'Eilandje' lies the MAS, a warehouse full of stories about culturally rich Antwerp. The museum houses half a million alternating collection pieces spread across 10 floors. A promenade with metres-high glass windows takes you, floor-by-floor, to a new story. Once at the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the city, the port and the river. Don't forget to reserve a time slot for your visit.

Have a drink in Park Spoor Noord

Park Spoor Noord, in the emerging Noord district, was built on an old railway yard. The park is intensively used by Antwerp residents. Besides two water playgrounds, a skate and bmx track, you will also find the cosy summer bar Bar Noord. Here you can enjoy hours of relaxing music, fresh cocktails and delicious wood-fired pizza's with a view on the park.

Eat some fries at Frites Atelier

It doesn't get any more Flemish than eating fries. According to the Frites Atelier in the heart of Antwerp, there's nothing better than a good fry with a specific sauce. In this friterie of Dutch top chef Sergio Herman, the fries are served just a little differently. Like the special Spicy kimchi with melted cheese, pickled vegetables and Jalapeño pepper.

Hidden gem PAKT

Local food and drink among Antwerp's creative entrepreneurs at sustainable, creative breeding ground PAKT. A hidden, green gem between the old warehouses in the Groen Kwartier district. Find a table in the cosy courtyard for coffee from the hip Caffènation, a special beer from Spèciale Belge or a delicious sourdough pizza from Standard.

Concept store Graanmarkt 13a

At Graanmarkt 13a, in the centre of Antwerp, everything you need is housed under one roof. Fashion and designer goods in the shop and simple and healthy dishes in the restaurant. The unsurpassed flat, renovated by the famous Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, is perhaps Antwerp's best kept secret.

©Frederik Vercruysse

Think Twice vintage Whalhalla

With as many as 4 branches in the city centre Think Twice can rightly be called Antwerp's vintage Walhalla. The racks are filled with fashionable, second-hand basics, but real treasure hunters will also find unique vintage clothes and original, old pieces. The collection is renewed every five weeks.

Street art in Sint-Andries

Art is also abundant outside the many museums in Antwerp. Lovers of street art will be especially pleased in the Sint-Andries district. Don't miss the 'graffiti alley' Kopstraatje. Outside Sint-Andries, you'll find more street art in Krugerstraat and the area around Berchem station.

The renovated Zuidpark

The new South Park is the ideal place to unwind or where children can have fun. You can immediately see why this park is the beating heart of the district: it is surrounded by museums and cultural houses, dozens of bars and restaurants, and exclusive shops. You can also get a breath of fresh air on the renovated Scheldt Quays, a green garland with seating, playgrounds, sports areas and a skate park.

Relax in a hammock at Boutique Hotel Indigo

Opposite Antwerp Station lies boutique hotel Indigo. The hotel's interior reflects the natural creative character of the city, with handmade furniture, sleek design and modern artworks by Flemish artists. After a long day in the city, you can relax in the peaceful courtyard with a cocktail in one of the hammocks.