Living in Brussels, I love to go to Antwerp for a day or for a weekend. It’s the perfect quick escape, not too far from home but far enough for it to feel like a nice break. Here is a roundup of my favorite adresses in Antwerp, be it for a coffee break, a trip to the museum or vintage shopping.

Have fun during your next trip to Antwerp !

Drinks and coffee

Dogma Cocktails
Wijngaardstraat 5
Antwerp 2000

Every time I’m in the city and want a cocktail, that’s the first I think about. The atmosphere is really cozy and the place is very welcoming. There is « twenties » kind of feeling to the whole place and the cocktails are made in heaven.

Kaffeenini
Nationalestraat 114a
2000 Antwerp

It a very pretty little cafe and the staff there is so friendly. The have a huge range of coffees and teas available as well as some bagels.

Restaurants

The Jane
Paradeplein 1
2018 Antwerpen

If you’re looking to eat really good food in a breathtaking location, The Jane is where you must go. This restaurant is pretty expensive but it’s definitely worth it if you want to spend a night being spoiled while enjoying the decor, excellent wine and great food.

Caramba
Kaasrui 8
Antwerp

Caramba is the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy a nice meal in a cozy and quite romantic atmosphere. They food id packed with flavors and their cocktails are really worth the try !

Divers
Volkstraat 9
2000 Antwerpen

This is a new spot in town and this address is filled with healthy fixes. Superfood smoothies, raw food, cold pressed juices,… And acai bowl. Being a big fan of acai bowl, I rushed in to try them and I have to say: they are amazing. So if you’re looking for a healthy lunch or snack, this is the perfect address.

Museums

MaS Museum aan de Stroom
Hanzestedenplaats 1
2000 Antwerpen

This museum is all about the city, its history and its specificities. What is really striking at first when you are in front the museum is of course its architecture. Just for the view, you should go and look at the museum while in Antwerp. In addition to all the exhibitions, there is also a really cool panorama at the top of the building (and the panorama is free – another good reason to go and have a look at the city) !

ModeMuseum
Nationalestraat 28
2000 Antwerp

The MoMu is the city’s fashion museum. It’s really worth a visit if you’re in Antwerp as they have some really interesting exhibitions. Until February 2017, the museum has an exhibition about Rick Wouter. The next one will be all about Margiela during his Hermès years. This museum is definitely a favorite of mine when I’m in Antwerp and I would recommend it without a second thought to every fashion lover.

Vintage Shopping

Labels Inc
Almoezenierstraat 3A
2000 Antwerpen

This vintage store offers a lot of pieces from Belgian designers. They also have a webshop and you can find pieces from designers like Raf Simons and Ann Demeulemeester online as well as in stores.

Think Twice

This is a Belgian thrift shop chain and they have some amazing pieces ! They have several locations in Brussels, Gent, Leuven and Brugge as well in Antwerp (so I’d recommend checking their website to find the nearest location) and they have huge sales every month where some pieces can go down to 1€.

Labellov

This is originally an Antwerp-based webshop (http://www.labellov.com/) but they also have an actual store. You can then and browse through their amazing selection of designer pieces on Tuesday or Thursday or by appointment.

Les Hommes flagship store
Arme Duivelstraat 6
2000 Antwerpen

Two years after their first Milanese flagship store and 6 after their first stand-alone store in Antwerp, they opened this new Antwerp location. If you’re looking for wearable yet luxurious menswear designs, it is the place to go. Bart Vandebosche and Tom Notte started their label together back in 2002 and since then they haven’t stopped offering elegant pieces.

Article by Margot Thibaut.