CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
Located in the city centre just a stone’s throw from Our Lady’s Cathedral, you’ll find Vlaeykensgang alley which dates back to the 16th century. You’d miss it unless you were looking for it – enter through Oude Koornmarkt 16 and wander over the cobblestones. There is a restaurant, art gallery and antique store. Be mindful of the residents that live here.
Previously home to beguines (devout women who lived in a community without taking religious vows), the beguinage today has a residential function. I was fortunate enough to meet an elderly woman who lives in one of the red brick houses. Beside the beautiful garden on the cobbled lanes which also houses the charming St Catherine’s Church, this 78 year old Belgian woman struck up a conversation with me in French. She told me that approximately 40 elderly people now occupy the beguinage, all whom work with young people. If you happen to bump into one of the residents, make sure to say hello. After admiring the façade, take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet sitting on one of the benches in the garden.
Connecting the city’s left and right bank is St Anna’s Tunnel (or the Underpass), which opened in 1933. Rustic wooden escalators are located on each side to allow pedestrians and cyclists to access the tunnel. If you cross the river to the Left Bank, you can view the Antwerp skyline from the riverbank.
In the heart of the old city quarter, you will find Antwerp’s City Hall, adorned with colourful flags, the Brabo fountain, the guildhalls, the tourist office (Stadhuis van Antwerpen) and a spattering of cafes and restaurants around the square.
Considered one of the most beautiful train stations worldwide, come admire one of the finest examples of railway architecture in Belgium. After almost a decade of renovations at the beginning of the 21st century, Antwerp’s Central Station reverted its status as a terminus in 2007. The railway tunnel underneath the station now allows trains to continue their journeys from Antwerp’s Central Station.
Talk about prime location! This gorgeous salon boasts the best view of Hendrik Conscienceplein with the beautiful St Charles Borromeo’s Church on one side and Heritage library on the other. Sit outside under one of the umbrellas and enjoy tea and scones or the sandwich of the day. If you’re fortunate, you might be serenaded by the soothing lullaby of a local playing his guitar under the shade of a tree.
Take a shopping break in this quaint two-storey café with a coffee and delicious apple tart. Le Pain Quotidien also offers a generous breakfast and brunch menu with several gluten-free and organic options. Don’t be surprised if you spot another branch around the city; Le Pain Quotidien has outlets throughout Europe.
Situated on a side street off Meir, you can relax on one of the cushioned lounges at Coffeelabs; one of the only European cafes I have come across so far that serves Iced Lattes! Or try their sugarless homemade lemonades for a sweet drink without the naughty calories. There’s another branch on Mechelsesteenweg and a sister cafe in Brussels too.
Coffeelabs is a firm favourite by locals and visitors. If you’re looking for other cafe options, check out this Antwerp cafe guide.
One of several restaurants at Dageraadplaats, Camping Campina’s menu is only in Flemish but waiters are on hand to explain what’s on offer if you can’t decipher. Try the “Ons huisgemaakt stoofvlees” for a true Belgian experience – a beef stew cooked in gravy and Belgian beer, accompanied with thick beer-battered chips and coleslaw.
TIP: Don’t forget to find a stop to snack on some frites or a Belgian waffle with dark Belgian chocolate, strawberries and whipped cream!
On a side street off Nationalestraat, this small unassuming café serves up “double koffie” in soup bowl cups and gourmet sandwiches when you need to give your credit card and feet a break.
In the heart of Borgerhout, you’ll find Mokkapot located on a corner just behind City Hall. The cosy café is filled with retro furniture and serves coffee and cakes whilst showcasing local designers’ clothing and jewellery.
Selling both a mix of women’s vintage clothing and its own label of clothes, jewellery and accessories, Jutka & Riska is wonderfully arranged by colour scheme. This is the only store in Belgium of the Dutch label (there are three stores in the Netherlands); a staunch supporter of young designers. Pop in to find some vintage denim or quirky printed t-shirts.
If you’re after designer labels without the price tag, you’ll find them in this small used clothing store that stocks Belgian designers including Ann Demeulemeester and Martin Margiela. Pre-loved shoes and accessories are also in stock.
Almost opposite the ModeMuseum (Fashion Museum), walk up the ramp at the entrance and you’ll find something for your wardrobe or something for the home in this IKEA-esque store layout. There is truly a touch of Scandinavia in everything stocked in-store.
Another one for the savvy fashionistas, ROsier 41 sells seasonal and private overstocks (for men and women) from Belgian and international designers. Comb through the racks (organised by designer) diligently and you can find bargains starting from €50.
Just around the corner from Central Station, you’ll find several streets coveting diamonds galore. Drag your other half here and shopkeepers will entice you with offers of 70% off of GIA certified jewels. Trust me – it’s so difficult to stop staring at all the dazzle!
Shopaholics, beware. Not far from the old city centre, Sint-Andries houses a large chunk of the Fashion District. Along Nationalestraat, you’ll find Belgian and international fashion names; shop antiques and furniture on Kloosterstraat every Sunday morning and hustle along Huidervetterstraat for mainstream boutiques.
Previously one of the poorer neighbourhoods, Het Zuid is now one of the trendiest districts in Antwerp. Explore the art galleries and museums by day then discover bustling restaurants and bars at night.
If architectural fans don’t already know, then they will learn of the Cogels-Osylei in Zurenborg when visiting Antwerp. An avenue lined with opulent villas showcase a clash of Art Nouveau and Tudor architectural styles that will have you photographing some #homegoals. Check out Dageraadplaats to grab a bite at one of the yummy restaurants.
Go to www.visitantwerpen.be. The website can be navigated in English, Dutch, French and German and is easy to navigate.
