Antwerp

Antwerp Travel Guide

• About Antwerp

Forget the beer and waffles cliché, Belgium’s second largest city is the latest European hipster hub, with an avant-garde cultural scene that blows all stereotypes out of the water. The style revolution spearheaded by the Antwerp Six in the 1980s helped establish this modern metropolis as a capital of cool. Though it’s packed with contemporary art galleries and independent fashion houses, Antwerp has never lost touch with its historic roots. The magnificent Old Town is home to some of the finest architecture in the Low Countries, and the stepped-gable buildings that line the Grote Markt are as impressive as anything you’ll find in Amsterdam. Antwerp’s architectural achievements are mirrored by its artistic ones. The city has long been a magnet for painters, but not even Van Gough’s stint here could steal the limelight from Antwerp’s most celebrated resident, Sir Peter Paul Rubens. The house and studio of this legendary Baroque painter have been turned into a museum, and his work is proudly on display in a selection of world-class galleries. If you prefer fashion to fine arts, a stroll through the bustling diamond quarter is a must. This small and fairly shabby district has been the capital of the world’s diamond trade for centuries, giving the city a long-standing reputation for glamour and sophistication. The sprawling industrial cargo docks once added some grit to the Antwerp oyster but, thanks to a recent intensive programme of rejuvenation, the port has morphed into one of the trendiest parts of town. With a stellar array of restaurants. Antwerp doesn’t disappoint on the foodie front either. There are Michelin-starred venues scattered across the city, not to mention an array of more eclectic places to dine, plus a few traditional Belgian gems too. Unfortunately, eating out isn’t particularly cheap. Diners won’t find significant reductions by escaping the touristy Old Town, but you’ll soon forget about the exorbitant restaurant bills with an Antwerp-style shindig. The city’s energetic nightlife caters to everyone from rockers to ravers.

• Key facts 

Population: 520, 504 Latitude: 51.217473 Longitude: 4.416687

• Antwerp History

The name Antwerp has an interesting, albeit fanciful, story behind it. The legend goes that a cruel giant called Drone Antigoon once controlled the River Scheldt, which runs through the city, and demanded exorbitant tolls from ships navigating the waters. Shipmasters foolish enough to refuse payment were punished by having their hand lopped off. Happily, the brave Roman soldier Silvius Brabo brought an end to the giant’s reign of terror by chopping Antigoon’s hand off and throwing it into the river.A statue situated in the Grote Markt still commemorates the origin story with great pride. Antwerp loosely translates to ‘hand throwing’.As far-fetched as the founding of Antwerp sounds, the city has a long and interesting history in the real world, not least by the 14th century, when it became one of Europe’s most important trading centres.No sooner had it done so though, the city began to decline as it lost privileges to Bruges. It took half a century to re-establish itself. But this second golden era didn’t last either, as Catholic Spain arrived in the 16th century to put the Protestant north in its place. Antwerp fell in 1585, with the Spanish leaving the city to burn. From the ashes emerged a wave of artistic talent pioneered by painters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. But while the city thrived culturally, its economic recovery was slow. That was all helped by Antwerp’s involvement in the diamond trade. In the 16th century, when nearly half of the world’s trade was said to pass through the city’s port, Antwerp’s diamond cutters were among the most revered in Europe. In 1795, the city was taken by Napoleon, who thought its strategic position would help him defeat the British. It didn’t. A brief reunification with the Netherlands in 1815 ended with the Belgian Revolution of 1830. In retaliation, the Dutch closed the River Scheldt, pushing Antwerp into another period of economic decline. 30 years later, the river was permanently reopened, paving the way for the city’s third golden era. Although the city suffered grievously during both World Wars, its upward trajectory continues today with modern Antwerp being one of the biggest and richest cities in Belgium. Its legacy of art and fashion makes Antwerp a unique tourist destination and cultural hub.

• Did you know?

The first printed newspaper in the world was published in Antwerp in 1605. The former home and studio of Antwerp’s most famous artist, Peter Paul Rubens, is now a museum. The gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1352, boasts a 400 foot spire, making it one of Belgium’s tallest ecclesiastical buildings.

• Weather in Antwerp

Antwerp has a sub-oceanic, humid climate marked by relatively cold winters and refreshingly cool summers brought in by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s regarded as a great year-round destination. Summer (June to September) sees pleasantly warm and sunny weather with average temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). August is typically the hottest month, but some say summer is a good time to visit Antwerp because many inhabitants go on holiday. Note that July has the greatest rainfall. Autumn (October and November) offers cold, wet and windy weather. The average temperature falls in the mid-teens (around 55°F) and the sunshine is far less frequent. Winter (December to February) is generally unpleasant, as night-time temperatures hover around freezing and sit a few degrees above this during the day. January is the coldest month, and while snowfall is frequent it is not abundant. Spring (March to May) sees the sunshine levels gradually rise. The period has an average temperature of 18°C (65°F), which is a pleasant climate to explore street markets and festivals galore. This means late spring and early autumn are probably the best times to visit Antwerp, as you’ll avoid summer tourists without having to endure chilly drops in temperature.

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Things to see in Antwerp

Attractions

• Plantin-Moretus Museum

Probably Antwerp’s most unexpected tourist attraction, this fascinating 16th-century aristocratic house is home to the world’s first industrial printing works. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this museum reaches far beyond the history of the namesake publishing group to portray the birth of a new technological age and the lifestyle of the city in its Golden Age. Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 221 1450 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.museumplantinmoretus.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)

Since opening in 2011, the MAS (Museum on the River) has transformed this once neglected dockside into a thriving arts district. A feat of modern architecture, it houses some of the city’s most extraordinary exhibitions and a Michelin-starred restaurant. This gargantuan building, constructed of red stone and curved glass, dominates the area and takes visitors on an entertaining and interactive journey through Antwerp’s colourful history. Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 338 4400 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.mas.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Diamond Pavilion at the MAS (Diamantpaviljoen aan het MAS)

Antwerp has long been entwined in the romance of diamonds, with the city controlling much of the rough and polished diamond market. The excellent Diamond Museum reopens on 7 May 2018. Address: Suikerrui 17-19, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 360 5253 Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00 Except Wed Closed. Website: www.divaantwerp.be Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)

Described as ‘lacework in stone’, this beautiful structure was completed in 1521 and remains the largest gothic cathedral in the Low Countries. Rubens’ masterpieces adorn the interior, including his well-known works Raising of the Cross and the Descent from the Cross. A symbol of Antwerp’s rich culture and history, the cathedral is a stunning sight by night when floodlit. Address: Groenplaats 21, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 213 9951 Opening times: Tue-Mon 10:00-17:00. Website: www.dekathedraal.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Grote Markt (Main Market Square)

At the heart of Antwerp’s Old Town sits the magnificent Grote Markt, arguably the city’s biggest drawing card. In summer, this cobbled square throngs with tourists who come to see the imposing Renaissance-style Town Hall, flanked on both sides by a row of 16th-century guild houses. An unfeasibly large water feature dominates the centre of the square. Dubbed the Statue of Brabo and the Giant’s Hand, it was erected in 1887 and depicts the legend of Antwerp’s creation. It’s all overlooked by the largest gothic church in the Low Countries, the Cathedral of Our Lady. Address: Grote Markt, Antwerp. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Ruben’s House (Rubenshuis)

The former residence of Sir Peter Paul Rubens is now a museum dedicated to the legendary baroque painter, who lived and worked in Antwerp from 1610 until his death in 1640. As well as a small exhibition of his works (which includes Adam and Eve in Paradise, Henry IV in the Battle for Paris and Self Portrait) the museum displays some of Rubens’ personal possessions and objects d’art. Visitors can also admire the impressive Flemish-Italian Renaissance garden, which Rubens designed himself. Address: Hopland 13, 2000 Antwerpen. Telephone: +32 3 201 1555 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website:www.rubenshuis.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Middelheim Museum

This stunning open-air art gallery is well worth the bus ride from the city centre. Visitors can wander around the leafy park, which sports a quirky collection of 400 sculptures including a sausage massacre, a bendy boat and a series of eerie statues lurking in the woods. The museum fuses contemporary art with more traditional works by artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Rik Wouters. Address: Middelheimlaan 61, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 288 3360 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00 Except Mon Closed. Website: www.middelheimmuseum.be Admission Fees: No. Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Mode Museum/MoMu (Fashion Museum)

Antwerp is a city at the cutting edge of fashion, so it seems apt that it should have a museum dedicated to this international obsession. In addition to MoMu’s permanent collection of clothing, lace, embroidery, fabrics and artisans’ tools, the museum hosts two themed exhibitions every year to reflect the current trends. MoMu is currently closed for renovations, but will reopen in the autumn of 2020. Address: Nationalestraat 28, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 470 2770 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 Except Mon Closed. Website: www.momu.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• MUHKA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Antwerp)

Housed in a converted grain store, the MUHKA boasts over 4,000sq m (43,055sq ft) of exhibition space used to display a vast collection of art from 1970 to present day. The works come courtesy of Belgian artists, as well as a host of international painters and sculptors, and are enhanced by a range of fascinating temporary exhibitions. The museum strives to create connections between artistic expression and emerging social issues. Address: Leuvenstraat 32, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 260 9999 Opening times: Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00 Except Mon Closed. Website: www.muhka.be Admission Fees: Yes. Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Royal Museum of Fine Arts collection at MAS

Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts houses a collection fit to grace any world capital, spanning 600 years from the 14th century to the present day. Unfortunately, it’s currently closed for an epic renovation and won’t reopen until 2020. Until then, some of the museum’s works are being temporarily displayed at the Cathedral of our Lady and the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS). Address: Leopold de Waelplaats 2, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 224 7300 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.kmska.be Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Visit Antwerpen

Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen. Telephone: +32 3 232 0103 Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00. Website: www.visitantwerpen.be As well as stocking a wide range of brochures and maps. Antwerp’s tourist office can book tours and make hotel reservations. There is also an information desk at level 0 in Centraal station.

Tourist passes

The Antwerp City Card offers free admission to 16 museums and three churches, along with a host of other discounts, including free transport across the city. Website: www.visitantwerpen.be Passes are available for 24-, 48- or 72-hour periods.

Things to do in Antwerp

• Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton by go-karting

Indoor Karting Antwerp’s tarmac track

Telephone: +32 3 541 4343 Website: www.indoorkartingantwerpen.be One of the best in Belgium and a magnet for petrol heads and budding racers alike. This 710m-long (2,329ft) circuit features kerb stones gravel traps and some nippy little go karts, which make for a true racing experience. Cycle through Flanders’ fields There aren’t many places better than Belgium to hop on your bike; the country is as flat as a pool table. A cycle around the city is scenic enough, but if you prefer natural beauty there are plenty of cycling trails in Flanders that take in the region’s waterways and villages. Cyclant Address: Antwerp Central Train Station, Pelikaanstraat, Antwerpen. Telephone: +32 3 232 0109 Website:  www.cyclant.com can help with bikes and advice.

• Hike to your heart’s delight

Visitors can cover plenty of ground just getting around Antwerp’s urban sights. However, for more serious walkers, there are plenty of great hiking trails in and around the Flanders region. The Antwerp tourist board Telephone: +32 3 232 0103 Website: www.visitantwerpen.be  will be able to point you in the right direction.

• Show your Royal Antwerp colors

Founded in 1880, Royal Antwerp Football Club Telephone: +32 47 265 2440 Website: www.rafc.be is the oldest team in the Belgium league. They play at the city’s historic Bosuilstadion and currently compete in the second division. After some crippling financial problems, the club is now alive, kicking and worth a watch.

• Splash about in Lake Zilvermeer

If you need to blow the cobwebs away after too many De Koninck beers Lake Zilvermeer Telephone: +32 1482 9500 Website: www.zilvermeer.be located 50km (31 miles) east of Antwerp. This 25-hectare (61-acre) lake is used for a variety of watersports. Visitors can sail, kayak and even learn to dive.

Antwerp tours and excursions

Antwerp tours

• Bicycle tours

Several local companies offer a variety of city cycling tours, in which you might pedal along the quays of the River Scheldt to the old port, visit the ‘Eilandje’ (Little Island), or navigate the narrow medieval streets of the Sint-Andries quarter. Telephone: +32 3 232 0109 Website: www.antwerpbybike.be

• Walking tours

The Antwerp tourist office organises no fewer than eight themed walking tours of the city, which are led by tour guide Carolien Krijnen. Her saunters cover subjects such as Rubens, history, fashion and architecture. Places are limited, so the tourist board advises visitors book walks three weeks in advance. Telephone: +32 3 232 0103 Website: www.visitantwerpen.be

Antwerp Excursions

• Lier

Just 16km (10 miles) southeast of Antwerp is Lier, a charming little city that has drawn comparisons with Bruges thanks to its scenic canals and gothic architecture. Trains depart hourly from Centraal station. If you go, don’t miss the beguinage – this 13th-century collection of buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Telephone:+32 3 800 0555 Website: www.visitlier.be

• Ghent

Antwerp is often regarded as an excursion itself from either Brussels or Ghent. Turn the tables and visit the latter, which is 58 km (36 miles) southwest of Antwerp. Peppered with pretty canals and awash with medieval architecture, head first to the UNESCO-listed Belfort belfry for an amazing overview of the city. Then seek out The Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo Cathedral, a panelled masterpiece painted by 15th century artist Jan van Eyck. Telephone: +32 9 266 5660 Website: www.visit.gent.be

Shopping in Antwerp

If diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, then a lady can make many companions in Antwerp; most of the world’s diamonds are cut and sold in the city’s bustling diamond district. Add this to the plethora of designer boutiques and fashionable high street stores and you can see why Antwerp has forged a reputation for being “Belgium’s shopping city.” There are also plenty of antique stores, bric-a-brac shops and lively markets for you to hunt down unique treasures. Not only do these spots make for good shopping, but they also give visitors a taste of local life.

• Key areas

Antwerp is famous for its fashion district,  De Modewijk, found on and around Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat – don’t miss Schuttershofstraat if you want to check out high-end labels. Meanwhile, pedestrianized Meir (pronounced my-er) is the main shopping street, lined with a host of national and international brands. For more individual shopping, browse the alleyways of the Historic Centre and try Kloosterstraat for bric à brac and antiques. website: www.kloosterstraat.com One of the hippest shops in town is Fish & Chips (Kammenstraat 18-22), which boasts three floors of new and second-hand vintage clothing, bikes, oddball gadgets and alternative art. It also doubles as a bar and restaurant.

• Markets

Vogelenmarkt, the Sunday morning bird market at Theaterplein, is an Antwerp institution and great for a slice of local life. The Exotic Market is also lively, although if you don’t like seeing caged birds give it a miss. It’s held all day every Saturday.

• Shopping centres

There are several shopping centres in Antwerp, but Stadsfeestzaal (Meir 78/Hopland 45) is by far the best. Located in the city’s old Festival Hall, this lavish 20th-century building is now home to approximately 40 retailers including Urban Outfitters and Tommy Hilfiger.

• Opening hours

Shops in Antwerp normally open Monday to Saturday 09:00/10:00-18:00/18:30. The main exceptions are Kloosterstraat and Hoogstraat, where many shops open on Sunday.

• Souvenirs

The Belgians are masters of brewing beer. Stella Artois, Leffe and Chimay are some of the most celebrated tipples, but there are hundreds to choose from and absolutely no excuse for returning home without a few bottles. Avoid tourist shops where you’ll pay over the odds – small off licenses and supermarkets have the best deals. Those looking to procure some of Belgium’s famous chocolate should visit one of the city’s numerous chocolatiers; prices aren’t cheap, but you get what you pay for.

• The Chocolate Line

Telephone: +32 3 206 2030 Website: www.thechocolateline.be at Paleis op de Meir 50 is the best for pralines. The shop just so happens to be a former residence of Napoleon, of whom there is a chocolate sculpture inside. Those on slimmer budgets can find some of the big brands at local supermarkets. Antwerp is synonymous with diamonds, so if you’re looking for something more than a souvenir (i.e. an engagement ring) this is the place to buy it. More than half the world’s diamonds are traded in the city’s bustling diamond district.

• Tax information

Sales tax in Antwerp is 21% and can be refunded to non-EU citizens by shops affiliated to Global Refund. Participating shops will issue a Global Refund cheque, which should be stamped at customs.

Restaurants in Antwerp

If you have a penchant for mussels then you’ve come to the right place; these molluscs are the main feature on most menus in the city. Yet Antwerp is no one-trick-pony when it comes to gastronomy. The city’s plethora of restaurants gives diners an extensive choice of cuisine from all corners of the globe. The Antwerp restaurants below have been handpicked by our guide author and grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €45) Moderate (€25 to €45) Cheap (up to €25) These prices are for a three-course meal per person without drinks.

Expensive

• RAS

Cuisine: Belgian This ship-shaped restaurant is something of a landmark in Antwerp and not just because of its gregarious design. Formerly known as Zuiderterras, the eatery was redesigned and renovated, emerging as RAS in early 2016. The menu boasts superb Belgian cuisine with contemporary twists that follow seasonal cues. Better still, the view across the water is as stunning as the food, particularly as the sun sets along the river’s edge. Address: Ernest van Dijckkaai 37, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 234 1275 Website: www.ras.today

• ‘t Fornuis

Cuisine: Belgian, French Right in the heart of the city, this elegant restaurant has maintained the highest standards, with admirable consistency, for around three decades. With a regularly changing menu, the French-influenced creations of Michelin-starred chef Johan Segers continue to win over customers, garnering accolades in abundance. Address: Reyndersstraat 24, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 233 6270 Website: www.fornuisantwerpen.be

Moderate

• De Rooden Hoed

Cuisine: Belgian Fully renovated in 2013, this café-cum-restaurant claims to be the oldest in Antwerp, apparently existing in some form or another since 1750. All we know is that De Rooden Hoed features a gamut of traditional Belgian cuisine on its menu, including a great range of mussel dishes. The restaurant has a casual yet bustling ambiance and it can be hard to get a table during the summer crush. Address: Oude Koornmarkt 25, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 289 0909 Website: www.deroodenhoed.be

• Grand Café Horta

Cuisine: European This lovely art nouveau brasserie occupies a magnificent light-filled pavilion with huge glass walls and a ceiling held up by towering cast iron arches. There’s a more modern annex in the cellar if all the magnificence distracts you from enjoying the food, which is often a refined take on established European classics. Address: Hopland 2, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 203 5660 Website: www.grandcafehorta.be

• Het Gerecht

Cuisine: European Established in September 1998, Het Gerecht is an expensive culinary experience with weekly-changing lunch menus and 5-6 course dinners. For those looking to indulge in a pleasant ambience, Chef Wim makes dining an unforgettable experience. He holds personal conversations with his diners, who eat in a room surrounded by beautiful photography – the chef’s second passion. Address: Amerikalei 20, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 248 7928 Website: www.hetgerecht.be

Cheap

• Bia Mara

Cuisine: Seafood, European An Irish phrase meaning seafood, Bia Mara is reinventing the traditional fish and chips combo. The restaurant sits in the historic Grote Markt of Antwerp and offers its speciality of Cajun spiced mackerel. With other options, including salmon, seabass and halibut, Bia Mara boasts a creative take on the classic dish at affordable prices. Address: Maalderijstraat 1, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 707 2387 Website: www.biamara.com

• Cypro

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish This restaurant is a hidden gem in Antwerp. The place is filled with locals, which is always a good sign, and offers great food at affordable prices. Known for its friendly service. Cypro prides itself on an original menu with entrees influenced by Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. The mix of new and comfort food (expect pizza, kebabs and falafel) will satisfy the taste buds of everyone dining. Address: Volkstraat 60, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 216 4900 Website: www.cypro.be

• Kartini

Cuisine: Indonesian This beautiful Indonesian restaurant offers a smorgasbord of authentic dishes at incredible prices. Cosy and casual, this is one of the best places to dine comfortably thanks to its warm ambiance and delicious cuisine. Fare includes Indonesian favourites like nasi kuning (rice with coconut milk and turmeric) and nasi goreng (stir-fried rice). Address: Oude Koornmarkt 61, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 226 4463 Website: www2.resto.be

• Sensunik

Cuisine: French-Belgian Quirky, fun and family-friendly, the menu at Sensunik has a different theme every day of the week. The incredible prices more than compensate for the short stroll required to get here, but it doesn’t cut corners where quality is concerned. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll struggle to get more for your money. Address: Molenstraat 69, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 216 0066 Website: www.sensunik.be

Antwerp Nightlife

Antwerp is a young and buzzing city with a student population of 15,000 that ensures the nightlife remains lively around the clock. The docklands are the current centre for clubs, but good bars and cafés can be found all over town, with many tucked in the historic centre.

Bars in Antwerp

• Clodette

Described as a “cozy wine bar” and “nice pub”, this bar is run by locals of Antwerp who will make you feel asthough you’re home. Clodette also has the give-away sign of a good bar, as it is often full of locals, where many patrons are recognised and greeted happily, but where all are welcome. Friendly staff, nice décor, and a reasonably priced selection of drinks awaits all diners experience. Address: Paardenmarkt 42, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 4 846 56 575

• Kulminator

For many years, this endearingly dishevelled bar just south of the city centre has been a place of pilgrimage for global beer lovers. Don’t be put off by the rather shabby-looking façade – the cosy interior is a place to try more than 800 different Belgian brews, many in aged versions you won’t find anywhere else. Address: Vleminckveld 32, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 232 4538

• Oud Arsenaal

For a glimpse of what Antwerp used to be like, step into this atmospheric art deco pub near the Rubens House, which has remained unchanged since it opened in 1929. Most of the locals propping up the bar look like they’ve been here since day one too. Address: Maria Pijpelincxstraat 4, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 4 867 17912 Website: www.dorstvlegel.be

Clubs in Antwerp

• Café d’Anvers

Angels may look down in disgust at what goes on in this former church, where the new owners have adopted an “anything goes” policy. If the bouncers don’t like the cut of your jib, you might struggle to get in. But once you’ve crossed the threshold, you’ll be rewarded with a night of DJ fuelled hedonism that’s not for the fainthearted. Address: Verversrui 15, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 226 3870 Website: www.cafedanvers.com

• IKON Antwerp

Previously the well-known NOXX nightclub, IKON opened on September 19th following the disappointment expressed when NOXX closed. Registered by the Quality Nights label and part of the new Inventus Group, an Antwerp event organiser, this club offers an experience that should not be missed. Address: Straatsburgdok Noordkaai 3, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 295 5465 Website: www.ikonantwerp.com

Live music in Antwerp

• Café Hopper

An Antwerp institution for over 20 years, Café Hopper is one of the city’s finest jazz venues. And rightly so: talented musicians from across the globe have graced the stage at this insouciant cafe, which hosts live jazz throughout the month in stylish surroundings. Address: Leopold de Waelstraat 2, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 248 4933 Website: www.cafehopper.be

• Jazzcafe De Muze

Even if you’re not a jazz cat, you’ll still want to stop for a drink in this beautifully decorated, multi-level café. If you can, grab a seat on the first floor before slinking back and savouring a beer from the incredible selection on offer. Jazz aficionados will love when bands perform live, which is almost every evening. Address: Melkmarkt 15, Antwerp. Telephone: +32 3 226 0126 Website: www.jazzcafedemuze.be

Belgium Food and Drink

Often quoted as having the best cuisine in Europe, Belgium’s foodie specialities extend far beyond just waffles, beer and chocolate. For such a small country, it has rich local resources with fish and mussels being harvested from its North Sea coastline; pheasant, rabbit, and venison from the forested hills of the Ardennes; and first-class beef and lamb from the fertile Flemish polders. Butter, cream, beer and wine are used liberally and feature regularly in the cooking. Restaurants run the full gamut: from Michelin-starred to the humble fritkot (chip) stand. Gastronomes won’t be disappointed!

• Specialities 

1- Moules frites: mussels and chips/French fries. 2- Stoemp: mashed potato with leeks and carrots. 3- Witloof en oven: endives wrapped in ham and covered in cheese sauce. 4- Waterzooi: a fish/chicken and vegetable broth. 5- Paling in ‘t groen: young eel cooked in a sauce of spinach, thyme, tarragon, sorrel, mint and white wine. 6- Filet américain: raw mincemeat mixed with egg, onion and capers. 7- Lapin aux pruneaux: rabbit cooked with prunes and beer. 8- Faison à la brabançonne: pheasant cooked in butter with brussel sprouts and chicory. 9- Salade liégeoise: salad containing boiled potatoes, bacon bits and green beans.

• Things to know

Belgians love their meat and vegetarian options can be harder to find in smaller towns, so it’s advisable to stock up at the supermarket. Look out for restaurants offering a lunchtime special, known as dagschotel in Flanders and plat du jour in Wallonia, they offer great value for money.

• Tipping

A service charge of 10-15% is usually included in hotel or restaurant bills, although an additional tip may be left at the discretion of the individual. Cloakroom attendants and porters may expect a tip per item of luggage.

• Drinking age

16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits.

• Regional drinks

Over 400 beers are brewed in Belgium. They range from the mass-produced lagers like Stella Artois through to boutique ales brewed by microbreweries. • Cantillon (microbrewed beer made in Brussels). • Trappist beers (monastery-brewed). • Hoegaarden (white beers). • Kriek (cherry flavoured beer). • Lambics and Gueuzes (oak-aged beers). • Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren, Orval and Achel (Trappist ales). • Jenever (a 20-40% spirit, similar to gin, unique to northern Belgium and Netherlands that was originally flavoured with juniper berries, but now appears in all manner of flavours such as chocolate, chilli and lemon).

Hotels in Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the most important cities in Belgium when it comes to culture and economy. Along with New York and South Africa, Antwerp is one of the most important centers for the diamond industry. The city also has a large this well. You will be amazed by the castles and Renaissance villas as you eat and drink at the local cafes. The city is well known for its museums and galleries which demonstrate artistically the different moods of the city. Included in the art galleries are the works of the 15th century Flemish Master Jan Van Eyck, and 17th century Baroque artists such as Antoon Van Dyck. The city has also been given international recognition as a city known for its fashion design. Many students who have graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts have went on to become world famous designers. Those who enjoy wildlife will want to visit the Antwerp Zoo, which is world famous and is located in the center of the city. Next door to the Antwerp Zoo is the Central Sation, which visitors will also want to see. Like Brussels, Antwerp is fairly expensive, and visitors will want to bring ample sums of money when touring this city. If you are looking for a tourist spot where you can avoid the large crowds and head off the beaten track, Antwerp is a city you will want to visit. Choose From a Wide Range of Properties Which Travoley Offers. Search Now! Book your Hotel in Antwerp online. No reservation costs. Great rates. Special Offers. Low Rates. No Booking Fees. Great Availability and Compare Hotel & Accommodation Deals.