Antwerp is a true Belgian gem where neoclassical architecture marries with dystopian brutalist structures is located in the northern part of Belgium, in the Flanders region, Looking at both its past and present, this small city has long been the capital of fashion, design, and diamonds in Europe.
Since the 16th century, Antwerp has been one of the world’s most desirable and wealthy cities due to its status as the second largest port in Europe. The city’s history dates back to the Middle Ages; particularly in the 16th century, it became one of Europe’s largest trade and financial centers. The Antwerp Stock Exchange, opened in 1531, is considered the world’s first stock exchange building.
It has also gained worldwide fame for diamond trading, known as the “diamond capital of the world.”
The city is also known for fashion and contemporary design; the MoMu (Fashion Museum) and the famous Belgian fashion designers known as the Antwerp Six originated here.
In the city, Gothic, Baroque, and modern architecture intertwine. Notably, the Antwerp Central Station is one of the must-see structures.
Another place you must visit is the MAS Museum, a contemporary museum designed by Dutch architects Neutelings Riedijk, standing 60 meters tall. The MAS Museum has a rich collection that multifacetedly addresses the relationship between the city of Antwerp and its port with the world.
The city hosts many hotels. I stayed at Hotel Franq, located in the historic center of Antwerp on Keizerstraat. It is within walking distance of the Rockoxhuis Museum, the Baroque-style St. Charles Church, and almost everywhere else.
The hotel, converted from an old bank building, is minimally furnished. The rooms are decorated with high ceilings, marble details, and black-and-white art photographs. Hotel Franq’s Michelin-starred restaurant caters to gastronomic enthusiasts.
In addition, I recommend Hotel Julien, located in the center, and its sister hotel, August, which is a bit further from the center, among the best boutique hotels in Antwerp.
Belgium is known for its cuisine, especially seafood. The restaurants in Antwerp exceed expectations.
There are many restaurants in this small city that could rank among the best in the world. One of them is Cobra Antwerp, which has a terrace and all excellent dishes but is not easy to find a table. Another is Le Pristine Antwerp. Le Pristine offers fine dining, featuring a garden in the inner courtyard and a café bar at the front. The dishes are excellent because the chef is the famous Sergio Herman. Almost every dish by Sergio is close to perfection. While I wouldn’t highly recommend Fiera Antwerp for its food, it is a must-try restaurant due to its location. Fiera, located in an annex to the Royal Exchange Antwerp building, is a magnificent restaurant with high ceilings and Gothic details.
A small restaurant called Osaka has a brutalist interior and an Asian-inspired menu, making it a very cozy and friendly place.
One of Antwerp’s biggest features is, of course, the flagship stores of fashion designers located here.
Dries Van Noten’s iconic store in Antwerp, “Het Modepaleis” (Fashion Palace), is housed in a historic building built in the late 19th century. Its red brick facade, curved iron balconies, and impressive corner dome are eye-catching. The store showcases Dries Van Noten’s collections for both men and women across three floors.
Ann Demeulemeester’s store in Antwerp is an important venue that reflects the brand’s aesthetic understanding and history. It has two floors, very high ceilings, and a backyard, focusing not only on clothing but also on Ann Demeulemeester by Serax home goods and furniture collections.
Antwerp’s most magnificent store, by far, is the Verso boutique. With a restaurant and café right next door, stepping into Verso feels like entering a world you’ve never seen before. Located in a grand 16th-century mansion, it features the latest products from all luxury brands, especially highlighted by the magnificent stained glass dome overhead.
I will also recommend another very stylish boutique selling multi-brand products, Renaissance, which is across from Verso and is the city’s cutting-edge design boutique.
Graanmarkt 13 is a charming store where you can find design objects.
Antwerp may be a small city, but there are so many places to see that I recommend dedicating at least three full days to explore it.
