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WHERE TO STAY
August · Antwerp
August
Our favorite boutique hotel in Antwerp, and the sister hotel to the more central Hotel Julien. This stylish 44-room property is set in a former Augustinian convent and was refreshed by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. The best rooms—which once housed the convent's nuns—boast high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, and the spa is worth a major mention: book the private space to hop between the sauna, hammam, relaxation area, and outdoor pool for a cold plunge. It's not in the city center, but you can walk there in about 25 minutes, or bike there even faster.
Hotel Julien · Antwerp
Hotel Julien
The top boutique hotel in the city center, the minimalist, modern Hotel Julien is set in a 16th-century townhouse and has 22 simple but chic accommodations, a particularly beautiful lounge area and cocktail bar, and a lovely private spa. A sweet respite in the city center.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp · Antwerp
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
The best five-star stay in Antwerp, this sprawling luxury address housed in a former monastery boasts so many amenities you’d be hard-pressed to leave the property. It has 108 plush, wabi-sabi–style rooms, a stellar wellness center complete with a pool and state-of-the-art gym, four restaurants, and even a chapel.
DAY 1
Nives · Antwerp
Nives
Start your day at Antwerp’s best cafe, Nives. This beautiful bakery with an open-plan kitchen serves fresh baked goods (try the sourdough), breakfast, and lunch, and has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Harmoniepark, which is particularly lovely in the warmer months.
St Vincents · Antwerp
St. Vincents
Shop at St. Vincents, a required stop on the interior design circuit. Both a design store and a gallery, it’s filled with beautiful home accessories and contemporary furniture.
valerie_traan · Antwerp
Valerie Traan
Continue the design tour at this gallery run by gallerist Veerle Wenes (who also lives at the address). The gallery features striking architecture—it’s housed in an old convent—and pieces by both up-and-coming and established artists.
Camino · Antwerp
Camino
For lunch, pop into Camino, a buzzy Asian-fusion spot in the city center. Reserve a table on the patio and indulge in seasonal small plates, from BBQ cabbage with miso caramel to Thai shrimp cakes with chili dip.
Plantin-Moretus Museum · Antwerp
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Head nearby to this museum dedicated to and housing the world’s first printing press. It is a special place to visit to take in art and history but also the building’s architecture and courtyard garden.
MoMu - Antwerp Fashion Museum · Antwerp
MoMu Antwerp
Continue to this stylish museum dedicated to Belgian contemporary fashion. Learn about and admire pieces by the “Antwerp Six”—Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, Marina Yee—and more Belgian designers. Pop into the MoMu Café after touring the galleries.
Dries Van Noten · Antwerp
Dries Van Noten - "Het Modepaleis"
Keep with the fashion theme at the headquarters and flagship for Belgian fashion label Dries Van Noten. A local landmark, the boutique has five floors dedicated to the label's designs.
Album · Antwerp
Album
For dinner, reserve at Album, one of the best dining experiences in Antwerp. With a laid-back atmosphere and refined but entirely unfussy set menus, it is a must for foodies.
TAZU · Antwerp
TAZU
Have a nightcap at this Axel Vervoordt–designed cocktail bar. Tucked down a 16th-century alley, Tazu serves Japanese-inspired cocktails from one of the world’s best mixologists, and sushi.
DAY 2
Bakkerij FUNK · Antwerp
Bakkerij FUNK
Start the day at this new-wave coffee shop, bakery, and natural wine shop. Grab some pastries before heading out for the day.
Ann Demeulemeester Store Antwerp · Antwerp
Ann Demeulemeester
After breakfast, stop at this high-end boutique. One of the “Antwerp Six,” Ann Demeulemeester is one of Belgium’s top fashion labels. Visit her flagship store to browse her high-end womenswear alongside her tableware and home furnishing line.
KMSKA
Allocate a few hours before lunch to this can’t-miss cultural attraction, which reopened in 2022 after an 11-year, €100 million renovation. Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts is home to a rich art collection, from an entire hall devoted to Peter Paul Rubens to an impressive modern art gallery which was added to the museum during its renovation.
Ciro's · Antwerp
Ciro's
For lunch, dine at this old-school institution that is known for its classic Belgian-French cuisine—particularly its steak and fries.
Axel Vervoordt · Antwerp
Axel Vervoordt
Spend the entire afternoon at this sprawling art campus from Belgian art collector Axel Vervoordt, set within a former malting distillery 30 minutes by car from the city center. Come for the industrial-cool architecture (think galleries within grain-storage silos) and the permanent collection with works by Anish Kapoor, Tatsuo Miyajima, Marina Abramović, and James Turrell.
Osaka · Antwerp
Osaka
For dinner, head to Osaka for small plates and perhaps the best natural wine in the city. With an always-buzzing vibe and industrial-cool interior, it’s the perfect intimate dinner spot.
DAY 3
Tinsel · Antwerp
Tinsel
This local favorite in the city center is known for its pancakes. Enjoy an alfresco brunch and people watching if it’s nice out.
Middelheim Museum · Antwerp
Middelheimmuseum
Set off in the morning for a drive to this open-air sculpture museum set on 30 acres and home to more than 400 works of art, including works by Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, and more.
Tim Van Laere Gallery · Antwerp
Tim Van Laere
Head back into the city for a quick tour at this prestigious contemporary art gallery, which has long been a must on the Antwerp art scene, even more so after 2022, when it moved into a new concrete gallery space that’s a work of art in and of itself.
NI SHIFU · Antwerp
NI SHIFU
Grab a quick, casual bite at NI SHIFU. The no-frills spot serves incredible Sichuan food—don't skip the chili wontons.
Rubenshuis · Antwerp
Rubenshuis
In the afternoon, tour this Italian-style villa, which was the home and workshop of famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. The beautiful landmark (which Rubens himself helped to design), offers immersive, high-tech tours and a particularly special Baroque garden.
ROsier 41 · Antwerp
ROsier 41
Make a shopping stop here for vintage wears from Belgian designers like Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester.
Tango | Restaurant in Antwerp · Antwerp
Tango
A beloved dinner spot, this atmospheric restaurant never fails. Go for a chic, warm setting, and superb small plates—think beef tartare with salted egg yolk or a BBQ turbot for two. After dining, head next door to Tango Bar for cocktails.
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