Antwerp: a city guide
I recently got back to London after spending a couple of days in Antwerp. Pinned as Belgium’s ‘city of cool’, Antwerp is Belgium’s largest city closest to The Netherlands, so there are plenty of Dutch influences and similarities to Amsterdam; for this reason, I knew that I would love the city, and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Don’t make the mistake that I did though: if you visit at the height of summer, expect many of the city’s restaurants and cafes to be on their summer break from the end of July until mid-August. Despite this, we still managed to visit an impressive number of places during our visit, and I’ll certainly be heading back to discover the remainder of the spots I didn’t manage to check off. Read on for my favourite destinations to eat and sleep in the city…
To stay:
A chic design hotel located in Het Groen Kwartier (the Green Quarter), an elegant red-brick complex located about 30 minutes’ walk from the city centre, August is somewhat of a sacred haven in the city. A former Augustinian convent, the hotel has been converted into a minimalist sanctuary: think individually designed rooms, each boasting white washed walls, plenty of marble surfaces and Le Labo fragrances wafting around every corner. The hotel lobby and bar occupies the spectacular original chapel, and downstairs, you’ll find a luxe wellness centre offering Bamford treatments.
To eat:
A vibey wine bar and restaurant, Osaka is probably one of the city’s coolest watering holes. Guests perch on polished silver stools and dine on a menu of flavourful sharing plates among concrete walls and neon signage. The burrata and fried zucchini, beef tartare, and vanilla choux bun were just a handful of our favourite dishes - all washed down with a selection of over 200 natural wines.
A relaxed, all-day coffee shop located just a stone’s throw from August serving a menu of comforting lunch dishes (think hearty salads, green shakshuka and spicy pork nori bowls) - along with good coffee, and generous slices of homemade cake.
A small sourdough bakery with an impressive selection of freshly baked goods, all at super reasonable prices. The ridiculously fluffy cinnamon twist, and pistachio chocolate swirl were our favourites.
A speciality coffee roastery and cafe located in the neighbourhood district of Zurenborg. Alongside coffee, you’ll find an impressive brunch menu here, with dishes including whippied ricotta and peaches on toasted brioche, and jerk chicken sandos served on fluffy Japanese milk bread.
Probably my favourite brunch spot in town, Tinsel serves great coffee, freshly baked cakes, and a delicious all-day brunch menu right in the centre of town: their ‘special eggs’ (ricotta, spicy green salsa and fried eggs on sourdough) are a great savoury option, or if you have more of a sweet tooth, opt for their famous Tinsel pancake, a fluffy hotcake doused in whipped cream, almond flakes, and blueberries.
A cosy coffee shop in the heart of the city serving an all-day brunch menu, and homemade bakes. The chocolate chip cookies are ridiculously moreish, as are their Belgian hot chocolates.
An Asian-inspired eatery, offering seasonally changing dishes, and impressive menu of natural wines. Pop in for a bowl of warming dan dan noodles, or feast on small plates such as smacked cucumber, spiced corn on whipped ricotta, and pork belly bao.
Nives is an airy, light-filled bakery situated on the edge of Harmoniepark. The menu here is simple: expect eggs on toast, and granola with seasonal homemade compotes - along with plenty of homemade pastries on the counter.
Also: Kukai Matcha Studio for the best matcha in town, Toi Toi for specialty coffee in a space that often plays host to live music events, Milad for homemade ice cream in delicious Middle Eastern flavours, Brood Atelier for traditional pastries and viennoiserie, and St Vincent’s, a furniture and design store housing a coffee shop.
Have you ever been to Antwerp, or to any of these recommendations? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below!
