Guidebook for Antwerpen
Food Scene
Fong Mei
65 Van ArteveldestraatGreat dimsums! You have to try Ha Kau. Chinese restaurant.
Lung Wah
38 Van WesenbekestraatFamous for the suckling pig. Chinese restaurant.
Köfteci Doktor
124 BrederodestraatA chef from Istanbul. The best Kofte in town!
Vegetarian Indian Kitchen. Try the Dahi Puri, a vegetarian snack with potatoes and chili.
24 locals raden deze aan
Aahaar Delux
23 Lange HerentalsestraatVegetarian Indian Kitchen. Try the Dahi Puri, a vegetarian snack with potatoes and chili.
Tawan Tai
3 Van ArteveldestraatThe Pad Thai with big shrimps is delicious.
Delicious traditional Jewish kitchen. Big counter where you can simply point out the dishes you like. The staff and owners will happily help you with your choices.
Hoffy's Restaurant & Take Away
52 Lange KievitstraatDelicious traditional Jewish kitchen. Big counter where you can simply point out the dishes you like. The staff and owners will happily help you with your choices.
Jewish bakery. Famous for its tradional bread, eastern european specialties and cheesecake.
8 locals raden deze aan
Bread and Confectionery Kleinblatt
206 ProvinciestraatJewish bakery. Famous for its tradional bread, eastern european specialties and cheesecake.
Las Mañas
42 AnkerruiSpanish restaurant, famous for many years.
Buenos Aires Empanadas
3 KoepoortbrugIf you like Empanadas.
Chocolatier Del Rey (Chocolate)
5 AppelmansstraatGreat Belgian chocolates and cakes.
Very famous restaurant in Antwerp. It's listed in the Michelin guide.
9 locals raden deze aan
't Fornuis
24 ReyndersstraatVery famous restaurant in Antwerp. It's listed in the Michelin guide.
Fuji-San
36 WaalsekaaiIf you like Sushi.
Fiskebar
12 MarnixplaatsSimple dining, but good! Fish, oysters and kingcrab.
Mampoko
8 AmerikaleiGood for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Very good restaurant. Competitive prices, choose the menu off the day!
34 locals raden deze aan
restaurant Veranda
34 Lange LobroekstraatVery good restaurant. Competitive prices, choose the menu off the day!
Gran Duca
28 De KeyserleiGood Italian restaurant on the top floor. No pizza's.
Tarbouch
18 AppelmansstraatLibanese kitchen.
Pizzeria Bellini
75 TransvaalstraatPizza's with the taste of Napels. Really good.
Kornél
1 Sint-LambertusstraatGood coffee, breakfast and lunch.
Very good restaurant. If you want something special on your plate you will not be disappointed.
9 locals raden deze aan
Troubadour
32 TiensestraatVery good restaurant. If you want something special on your plate you will not be disappointed.
Restaurantje Den Beer
85 HandelstraatLobsterhouse with a pure taste.
Zaowang
22 Oude KoornmarktSushi, simple but good.
DÔME
2 GrotehondstraatFood for foodies!
Probably the only pita place with a reference in GaultMillau. Good for a fast and easy snack or dinner. Great pita and falafel.
30 locals raden deze aan
Finjan
1 Graaf van HoornestraatProbably the only pita place with a reference in GaultMillau. Good for a fast and easy snack or dinner. Great pita and falafel.
High end restaurant. Famous chef. Located in an old church. Make your reservation long in advance.
63 locals raden deze aan
The Jane
1 ParadepleinHigh end restaurant. Famous chef. Located in an old church. Make your reservation long in advance.
Very good moroccan cuisine. Famous for their tajines. We love their humus, feta salad, sardines and Egyptian bouillabaisse.
13 locals raden deze aan
El Warda
4 DraakstraatVery good moroccan cuisine. Famous for their tajines. We love their humus, feta salad, sardines and Egyptian bouillabaisse.
Modern French-Belgian cuisine. Pure tastes, great ingredients, original combinations. Somewhere between mid-range and high-end: a bit more expensive, but a bit better than many restaurants.
In de balans
7 KaasruiModern French-Belgian cuisine. Pure tastes, great ingredients, original combinations. Somewhere between mid-range and high-end: a bit more expensive, but a bit better than many restaurants.
Good for classical Belgian cuisine. Cosy place, big portions, good quality.
11 locals raden deze aan
De Pottekijker
5 KaasruiGood for classical Belgian cuisine. Cosy place, big portions, good quality.
Traditional Belgian cuisine. Famous for it's shrimp croquettes. Order them with a glass of Rodenbach (Belgian beer).
Brasserie De Kleine Post
Traditional Belgian cuisine. Famous for it's shrimp croquettes. Order them with a glass of Rodenbach (Belgian beer).
Entertainment & Activities
Famous local concert/theater/... hall, with a rich history and strong ties with the neighborhood.
76 locals raden deze aan
the Roma
286 TurnhoutsebaanFamous local concert/theater/... hall, with a rich history and strong ties with the neighborhood.
UGC
17 Van ErtbornstraatMain cinema in the city center.
Antwerpen Sportpaleis station
Concert hall. The biggest one in Antwerp.
Concert hall and the home-base off the basketball team Antwerp Giants.
19 locals raden deze aan
Lotto Arena
119 SchijnpoortwegConcert hall and the home-base off the basketball team Antwerp Giants.
Indoor theme park for kids. Situated at the back entrance of the central train station.
14 locals raden deze aan
Comics Station Antwerpen
MediapleinIndoor theme park for kids. Situated at the back entrance of the central train station.
Yearly fair in Antwerp. With over 100 attractions, it is one of the biggest fairs in Belgium.
In principle it starts the weekend of Pentecost (May/June) and stays for 5 weeks. Check the exact dates and opening hours online: https://www.antwerpen.be/nl/overzicht/sinksenfoor/
Sinksenfoor
BuurtspoorwegleiYearly fair in Antwerp. With over 100 attractions, it is one of the biggest fairs in Belgium.
In principle it starts the weekend of Pentecost (May/June) and stays for 5 weeks. Check the exact dates and opening hours online: https://www.antwerpen.be/nl/overzicht/sinksenfoor/
Arts & Culture
Main library. On the ground floor you have some expositions.
11 locals raden deze aan
Bibliotheek Permeke
26 De ConinckpleinMain library. On the ground floor you have some expositions.
Trix
28 NoordersingelSmall concerthall nearby.
The MAS is more than an interesting building with countless impressive objects. Discover what makes the museum so unique and how it works.
475 locals raden deze aan
MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
1 HanzestedenplaatsThe MAS is more than an interesting building with countless impressive objects. Discover what makes the museum so unique and how it works.
Rubenshuis
9-11 WapperRubens in a nutshell.
Museum for contemporary art. If you like contemporary art and have enough time, visit it. It's special.
26 locals raden deze aan
Verbeke Stichting
1 WestakkerMuseum for contemporary art. If you like contemporary art and have enough time, visit it. It's special.
Museum and tribute to the famous Red Star Line, the Belgian shipping company that operated a regular service between Antwerp and America between the 1870's and 1930's.
129 locals raden deze aan
Red Star Line Museum
3 MontevideostraatMuseum and tribute to the famous Red Star Line, the Belgian shipping company that operated a regular service between Antwerp and America between the 1870's and 1930's.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp.
147 locals raden deze aan
Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen
32 LeuvenstraatThe Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp.
Museum Vleeshuis looks back at six hundred years of music and dance in the city. You will be immersed in the stories of musicians, shown how musical instruments are made, taken to the first balls and opera performances…and especially enjoy many beautiful sounds.
19 locals raden deze aan
Museum Vleeshuis
38 VleeshouwersstraatMuseum Vleeshuis looks back at six hundred years of music and dance in the city. You will be immersed in the stories of musicians, shown how musical instruments are made, taken to the first balls and opera performances…and especially enjoy many beautiful sounds.
Walk inside the printing office and house of the Plantin-Moretus family as if you were a friend of theirs visiting 400 years ago.
81 locals raden deze aan
Museum Plantin-Moretus
22 VrijdagmarktWalk inside the printing office and house of the Plantin-Moretus family as if you were a friend of theirs visiting 400 years ago.
ModeMuseum
28 NationalestraatFashion museum. Also known as MoMu.
Arts Campus. Big variety of performance arts: mostly music, dance and theater. Check the agenda: https://desingel.be/en
33 locals raden deze aan
deSingel
25 DesguinleiArts Campus. Big variety of performance arts: mostly music, dance and theater. Check the agenda: https://desingel.be/en
Sightseeing
Central train station. It has been voted "most beautiful train station in the world" several times. It's huge and beautiful indeed. See its majestic old facade from "De Keyserlei" or "Koningin Astridplein". From there you can enter the old main hall. Walk up the big staircase and look down on the platforms: the old architecture behind and above you is beautifully mixed with the new platforms (deep) below.
188 locals raden deze aan
Antwerpen Centraal station
27 Koningin AstridpleinCentral train station. It has been voted "most beautiful train station in the world" several times. It's huge and beautiful indeed. See its majestic old facade from "De Keyserlei" or "Koningin Astridplein". From there you can enter the old main hall. Walk up the big staircase and look down on the platforms: the old architecture behind and above you is beautifully mixed with the new platforms (deep) below.
Below the city lie its old sewers.
These sewers, known as "De Ruien", are a shadow of the rich history above ground. Sewers, streams and fortifications have crisscrossed Antwerp ever since the Middle Ages. This network of both natural and man-made waterways provided the city with water and an internal harbour.
You can take guided tours : http://ruien.be/en/
34 locals raden deze aan
De Ruien
21 SuikerruiBelow the city lie its old sewers.
These sewers, known as "De Ruien", are a shadow of the rich history above ground. Sewers, streams and fortifications have crisscrossed Antwerp ever since the Middle Ages. This network of both natural and man-made waterways provided the city with water and an internal harbour.
You can take guided tours : http://ruien.be/en/
Main square of Borgerhout (the area in Antwerp, where you are staying) with beautifull city-hall (built 1886-1889, completely renovated in 2017).
Moorkensplein
MoorkenspleinMain square of Borgerhout (the area in Antwerp, where you are staying) with beautifull city-hall (built 1886-1889, completely renovated in 2017).
Middelheimmuseum
61 MiddelheimlaanOutdoor museum. Where a park meets art.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
21 GroenplaatsFamous Cathedral in Antwerp.
The ancient monument Het Steen is undergoing a substantial renovation. Het Steen will be the gateway to Antwerp in 2020 and familiarise visitors with the past, present and future of this attraction. In the meantime stroll past the building, take lovely photos and discover what's in store for the building at the information stand.
85 locals raden deze aan
Hetsteen
1 SteenpleinThe ancient monument Het Steen is undergoing a substantial renovation. Het Steen will be the gateway to Antwerp in 2020 and familiarise visitors with the past, present and future of this attraction. In the meantime stroll past the building, take lovely photos and discover what's in store for the building at the information stand.
This street, the Cogels-Osylei, is probably the most beautiful street in Antwerp. Magnificent Art Nouveau buildings.
83 locals raden deze aan
Cogels Osylei
Cogels-OsyleiThis street, the Cogels-Osylei, is probably the most beautiful street in Antwerp. Magnificent Art Nouveau buildings.
The square "Grote Markt" is the center of the historical center of Antwerp. It's a beautiful square with the town hall. Stroll around in the surrounding streets to see historic Antwerp.
157 locals raden deze aan
Grote Markt
Grote MarktThe square "Grote Markt" is the center of the historical center of Antwerp. It's a beautiful square with the town hall. Stroll around in the surrounding streets to see historic Antwerp.
Parks & Nature
The zoo of Antwerp. Situated next to the central train station. You can still see its origins from the 19th century here and there, but heavily renovated over the years.
188 locals raden deze aan
ZOO Antwerpen
20-26 Koningin AstridpleinThe zoo of Antwerp. Situated next to the central train station. You can still see its origins from the 19th century here and there, but heavily renovated over the years.
Nice in the summer to sit and relax, or play Kubb or another outdoor game. There is a bar, but often with a big waiting line to order. So if you don't mind sitting on the grass, better bring your own drinks. Nice play area for young children, including a play fountain.
183 locals raden deze aan
Park Spoor Noord
EllermanstraatNice in the summer to sit and relax, or play Kubb or another outdoor game. There is a bar, but often with a big waiting line to order. So if you don't mind sitting on the grass, better bring your own drinks. Nice play area for young children, including a play fountain.
Big park. Nice to walk. There's also an open air theater (http://www.oltrivierenhof.be/).
10 locals raden deze aan
Kasteel Rivierenhof
244 TurnhoutsebaanBig park. Nice to walk. There's also an open air theater (http://www.oltrivierenhof.be/).
City park. Small, and not too special, but closeby. Popular for jogging. It has a play area for kids.
Often crowded in the summer.
Not advised to go here alone at night.
28 locals raden deze aan
Antwerpen Stadspark station
City park. Small, and not too special, but closeby. Popular for jogging. It has a play area for kids.
Often crowded in the summer.
Not advised to go here alone at night.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cafe Kulminator
32 VleminckveldFamous for the large number of different kind of beers.
Zeezicht
7-8 DageraadplaatsVery famous local pub at the "Dageraadplaats".
Café Moeskop
17 DageraadplaatsIt's on the same square like café Zeezicht, but more cosy.
Small café. Nice place. In summer people gather here after work. Nice green square in front, with big play area for young kids.
www.barleon.be
69 locals raden deze aan
bar Leon
23 ReuzenstraatSmall café. Nice place. In summer people gather here after work. Nice green square in front, with big play area for young kids.
www.barleon.be
Café d'Anvers
15 VerversruiFamous discotheque.
Club Vaag
4 RijnkaaiNight club with electronic music.
Small and typical local bar. Sometimes live music (check the website for the agenda). Usually closed in summer.
http://plazareal.be/ .
Occasional parties next door, in an old factory called "Pekfabrik" (google for the agenda)
29 locals raden deze aan
Plaza Real / De Steeg
89 KattenbergSmall and typical local bar. Sometimes live music (check the website for the agenda). Usually closed in summer.
http://plazareal.be/ .
Occasional parties next door, in an old factory called "Pekfabrik" (google for the agenda)
Great bar in the summer. Lots of sun, nice view over the water, relaxed atmosphere. Only open during summer months.
34 locals raden deze aan
Bar Paniek
21B Kattendijkdok-OostkaaiGreat bar in the summer. Lots of sun, nice view over the water, relaxed atmosphere. Only open during summer months.
Small local pub. Sometimes concerts and performances. Check the agenda on the website.
8 locals raden deze aan
Rood-wit
42 Generaal DrubbelstraatSmall local pub. Sometimes concerts and performances. Check the agenda on the website.
Great square to have lunch/diner and/or spend an afternoon/evening on a terrace in summer. Several bars and restaurants (our favorites are mentioned elsewhere in this list). Bustling atmosphere on sunny days. Small play area for young kids, and a small basketball and soccer field.
Sometimes live music in summer.
136 locals raden deze aan
Dageraadplaats
DageraadplaatsGreat square to have lunch/diner and/or spend an afternoon/evening on a terrace in summer. Several bars and restaurants (our favorites are mentioned elsewhere in this list). Bustling atmosphere on sunny days. Small play area for young kids, and a small basketball and soccer field.
Sometimes live music in summer.
Shopping
Meir
MeirThe biggest shopping street in Antwerp.
Together with the Nationalestraat, the center of the fashion district. De Kammenstraat has several smaller authentic clothing stores.
69 locals raden deze aan
Kammenstraat
KammenstraatTogether with the Nationalestraat, the center of the fashion district. De Kammenstraat has several smaller authentic clothing stores.
Julie is one of our best friends. She has her own clothing store in the center of the fashion district. Expect cute and funny prints, decent quality and a lot of custom designs at very affordable prices.
By Julie
54 KammenstraatJulie is one of our best friends. She has her own clothing store in the center of the fashion district. Expect cute and funny prints, decent quality and a lot of custom designs at very affordable prices.
Antwerp's little Chinatown. A beautiful Asian archway gives entrance to the street. Many Asian mini- and super-markets and restaurants.
24 locals raden deze aan
Chinatown
Antwerp's little Chinatown. A beautiful Asian archway gives entrance to the street. Many Asian mini- and super-markets and restaurants.
Parallel to the biggest shopping street in Antwerp (Meir) is Hopland, probably the most expensive shopping street in Antwerp. Several of the more expensive and exclusive clothing brands are located here.
11 locals raden deze aan
Hopland
HoplandParallel to the biggest shopping street in Antwerp (Meir) is Hopland, probably the most expensive shopping street in Antwerp. Several of the more expensive and exclusive clothing brands are located here.
Together with the Kammenstraat, the center of the fashion district in Antwerp. Many shops, a mix of big fashion designers, small shops and commercial brands. The fashion museum (MoMu) is also located here.
44 locals raden deze aan
Nationalestraat
NationalestraatTogether with the Kammenstraat, the center of the fashion district in Antwerp. Many shops, a mix of big fashion designers, small shops and commercial brands. The fashion museum (MoMu) is also located here.