The Antwerp List

Art and design are part of Antwerp’s DNA. This port city was once the wealthiest in Europe, home to elite merchants and the artists they patronized (think Rubens, Van Dyck…). But the city’s modern renaissance came in the 1980s, when the Antwerp Six—including Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester—put Antwerp on the fashion map. Smaller than Milan or Paris, Antwerp is a global cultural hub with its own brand of avant-garde cool. Sixteenth-century guildhalls and Art Nouveau neighborhoods coexist with modern architecture born from WWII’s destruction—now home to wine bars, galleries, and young creatives—and more recently, work by Belgian architects Axel Vervoordt and Vincent Van Duysen (who shared his list of favorites with us!). The same innovative energy has shaped the city’s culinary scene, with at least a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants—alongside classic Flemish comfort food served in the coziest rooms, and wildly diverse global options (it’s a port city, after all).

We tapped three in-the-know locals—an architect, a gallerist and a food writer—to share their recommendations in this intimidatingly cool city, which Antwerpenaren simply refer to as “‘t Stad” (the city). They describe how effortlessly it blends the grand and the tucked-away: world-class museums and opulent cathedrals alongside hidden glove ateliers, garden oases, and great dumpling houses. And generously shared their favorite go-tos, including the coffee counters, bakeries and wine bars; antiques shops and art galleries; the restaurant where you’ll always find a who’s-who of Antwerp; and a renovated cloister you can sleep in.

BARBARA JACOPS – local food and travel writer and author of Guided by Food 

“Most tourists head to Brussels, but those in-the-know come to Antwerp. We really have everything: shops, museums, coffee bars, gorgeous architecture, art, and stylish people-watching. It’s the perfect place for a city break—it’s highly walkable (and bike-able), and you can explore it all in a few days. Born and bred locals have a reputation for being snobby, but you’ll understand when you visit ‘T Stad’—aka THE city. I’ve lived here since I was 18, and I’m the biggest Antwerp cheerleader. I hope this list of my favourite spots in Antwerp will win you over and make you a fellow Antwerp ambassador.”

STAYS

Antwerp is full of stunning places with an eye for detail. That’s especially true in its hotels. The aesthetics in Antwerp just keep on giving.

Aside from the Antwerp Six of fashion, Axel Vervoordt and Vincent Van Duysen put Antwerp on the map. They’re some of architecture’s greatest, and your chance to sleep in one of Van Duysen’s projects is  Hotel August,  a beautifully renovated cloister that has become a sanctuary. Book a spa, enjoy your Van Duysen designed suite under the wooden beams (you must ask for a room on the upper floor—super cosy with the old wooden beams) Then there’s  Hotel Julien,  a townhouse in the historic city centre. Recently updated by Peter Ivens, it’s a perfect hideout and retreat after a day of exploring. Ask for the room with the private terrace and view of the Cathedral.  If you want grander vibes and to swim in the coolest, most photographed pool before having a buffet of Roger Van Damme pastries, book a room at Botanic Sanctuary.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE