How To Spend A Weekend In Antwerp
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FRIDAY
Check Into Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Head straight to this newly opened hotel, a design-led property set in a former 15th-century monastery inside the Botanical Gardens. The city’s coolest opening of the summer has stunning interiors, with light-filled rooms that have unique furniture positioned in every corner. Once you’ve checked into your room – which range from cosy doubles to spacious suites, one of which spans the entire rooftop – check out the spa, which is home to an 18m swimming pool, a whirlpool, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas. You’ll also want to walk around the Botanic Gardens and book into one of the hotel’s five restaurants, three of which are Michelin starred and set under a glass roof.
Head to the Grote Markt
Just a short walk from the hotel, the Grote Markt is the city’s main medieval square which dates back to the 12th century. The pedestrianised area is home to the famous Brabo Fountain by sculptor Jef Lambeaux, and Stadhuis, the town hall which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short walk will get you to the Cathedral of Our Lady, a beautiful gothic cathedral which looks particularly majestic lit up at night – though if you want to see inside, you’ll have to visit before 5pm. Finally, don’t miss Photograph Vlaeykensgang, a photogenic street where you’ll find antiques shops and a few galleries.
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Have Dinner at Bar Raket
For a small city, Antwerp has an impressive number of Michelin-starred and fine dining restaurants. You’ll also find numerous modern outposts serving small plates and glasses of wine. One such spot is Bar Raket, a contemporary restaurant with an intime dining room and an outdoor courtyard. Showcasing a range of modern European dishes, dinner could start with fresh ricotta with anchovies and lemon, or bone marrow on toast, followed by larger dishes of fennel sausage or potato mousseline with shrimps. There’s a nice list of low-intervention and organic wines, as well as cocktails made with seasonal ingredients.
Stop For Drinks at Het Archief
If you want to continue the night, head to Het Archief, a contemporary wine bar also in the city centre. Set in a historic building, it has industrial interiors, with a wrought iron staircase winding its way up through each floor. Guests can sit outdoors or head inside to try a selection of wines and local Belgian beers.
SATURDAY
Pick Up A Bike
One of the best ways to see the city is on bike. Pick up a rental from Cyclant at the Central Station. You can also book tours if you’d rather have a guide for the morning or afternoon.
See The Railway Station
Head straight to Antwerp Central Station, often considered to be one of the world's most beautiful train stations. Its dome and ornate façade blend Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, while the grand hall has intricate mosaics and soaring ceilings. Once you’ve seen the building, stop for coffee at the station’s Le Royal Café with its beautiful baroque interiors and ornately decorated ceiling.
Have Breakfast at Butchers Coffee
If you’d rather have something more substantial, stop for food and coffee at Butchers Coffee, known for its fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Other dishes include BLTs, egg sandos, beans on toast and focaccia sandwiches, all served with fresh juices and coffee. Don’t forget to buy a slice of cake to enjoy later.
Check Out The Harbour
As one of Europe’s key design cities, Antwerp has countless contemporary galleries and museums to visit. Start at the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), located along the river Scheldt in the Eilandje district. One of the city’s most recognisable buildings is set over seven floors that tell the story of Antwerp’s maritime history – and houses contemporary art installations. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, where you can take in the stunning skyline and the harbour below. Afterwards, wander along waterfront to see other modern architecture against the backdrop of the historic docks. Cycle or walk to Havenhuis, an award-winning building which was deigned to look like part of a ship, inspired by the city’s maritime past.
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Have Lunch at Album
Cycle or walk (it’s around 30 minutes from Eilandje) towards the city centre to have lunch at Album, a cool restaurant which showcases the country’s best produce with its regularly changing menu. Diners can sit at the bar or at oak tables in the minimalist, pared-back dining room, to tuck into freshly baked bread with whipped butter, followed by dishes like lamb shoulder with aubergine and peanuts, squid with sweetcorn, and peaches with almonds and mint.
Go Shopping
Start your late afternoon exploring Kloosterstraat, an area home to independent boutiques and numerous vintage shops. Here, you’ll find everything from retro furniture to vintage fashion. Head to Jutka & Riska, known for its eclectic mix of pre-loved and designer pieces. After you’ve bagged a one-off piece, visit the Dries Van Noten flagship store on Nationalestraat, just a ten-minute walk away. The Belgian designer – one of the ‘Antwerp six’ who made the town a fashion capital in the mid-80s – has his collections spread across the building that was built by his grandfather in the 1880s. You’ll also find a range of make-up and fragrances to choose from. Finally, make time to visit Graanmarkt 13, a contemporary store that showcases Belgian designers, with one-off pieces you won’t find elsewhere.
Have Dinner at Cobra
Away from the fine dining restaurants that pull in tourists (including The Jane with its beautiful high-ceilinged dining room), one of the buzziest spots is Cobra in the Het Zuid district. This modern brasserie is where the fashion set head when they’re in the city. The menu features modern dishes, with a particular emphasis on seafood. Highlights include poussin with miso, confit lemon and daikon; spaghetti vongole with sherry; and crema catalana with vanilla and orange. If you get just one cocktail, make it the ‘Pastor’, made with Patron Silver Tequila, pineapple rum, chilli and lime juice.
Go Out Out
Much like its neighbour Germany, Belgium’s nightlife has something for everyone. For a big night out, Club Vaag was made for electronic music lovers. Tucked away in the harbour district, Vaag has an intimate underground vibe, with DJs spinning house and techno until the early hours. Another great option is Pekfabrik, a cool warehouse venue known for its eclectic music.
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SUNDAY
Have Brunch at Humm
Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, have brunch at Humm, a plant-based café loved for its friendly service and crowd-pleasing dishes. Choose from avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and hearty salads, served with coffee or fresh juices. There’s also an adjoining deli next door where you can pick up lunch or browse its selection of condiments and drinks.
Visit the Sint-Jansvliet Sunday Flea Market
No visit to Antwerp is complete without exploring the lively Flea Market at Sint-Jansvliet. Held every Sunday, this market has everything from antique furniture to retro décor and second-hand clothing. Locals are usually up for haggling.
Head to the Middelheim Museum
If you have time for one final culture fix, make your way to Middelheim Museum, an open-air sculpture park home to over 400 pieces of artwork. Located in vast landscape park, this museum features an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures by renowned artists like Rodin, Henry Moore, and Ai Weiwei. Afterwards, enjoy drinks and snacks at the pavilion café which overlooks the water.
HOW TO GET THERE
Traveling to Antwerp is quick and easy. The quickest option is to take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels, with a journey time of just over two hours. From Brussels, a quick 40-minute train ride will take you straight to Antwerp Central Station. If you prefer to fly, direct flights are available from London City Airport to Antwerp International Airport, taking just over an hour. Alternatively, flights to Brussels Airport followed by a 30-minute train to Antwerp are another option.
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