The first to do's after arriving in Antwerp

The first to do’s after arriving in Antwerp

11 September 2019 09:49 Author: Juul Wolters, editorial team GATE15 Reading time: 3 min

Just arrived in Antwerp and a little overwhelmed? Because where to go in this new city? Not to worry, dear international students, because we gathered the spots you can not miss! So let’s begin!

First things first: the Antwerp Central Station

You might already have seen this beautiful piece of steel, constructed in 1895, when you arrived in Antwerp by train. If not: get your ass over there as soon as possible! It’s considered to be the most beautiful train station in the world and we only can agree on that!

The hidden gems only locals know

Now that we’re sharing this, it isn’t that hidden anymore… BUT you have to believe us when saying you really don’t want to miss out on this. Let’s start with the Vlaeykensgang. This historical hidden passage in the middle of the city centre is an oasis of serenity where you will be thrown back in time (Oude Koornmarkt 16). Another oasis of peace is the Begijnenhof (Béguinage). The nuns used to live here back in the days, but now it’s available for you to enjoy the little and quiet park during the day (beware to not sit on the grass though!) (Rodestraat 39). Walking under the river Scheldt without getting wet? It’s possible in Antwerp! Go and explore the St-Anna’s tunnel. Architecture lovers should go for a stroll through the beautiful Cogels-Osy Lei in Berchem. This street is full of highlights and art-deco houses. And coming soon: the Handelsbeurs. After years of renovating this pearl it will be open again for the public soon.

Fancyness at ‘t Eilandje

Harbour district ‘t Elilandje (the little Island) has experienced a real metamorphosis over the past ten years from a shabby neighbourhood to one of the trendiest places in the city. It breathes an international atmosphere mixed with modern architecture. Visit Antwerp’s proud MAS (museum at the stream) with the most beautiful view over Antwerp, the fascinating Red Star Line Museum and lots of nice cafes and restaurants. Definitely take a peek in the Felix Pakhuis (an old warehouse). For the alternative food, music and art-lovers: Het Bos will be your new favourite place (Ankerrui 5-7).

There are also green spots in the city!

We have to admit that Antwerp is not the greenest city, but if you go outside the city centre, there are plenty of nice places. In the north on an old railway yard you’ll find Park Spoor Noord with its own summer bar, skatepark and water playground. The Rivierenhof in Deurne is really a beautiful park to walk in. Be sure to visit Bar Stark! If you like art and green, don’t miss the Middelheim Museum.

Or you could just go start eating and drinking!

Where should we start? Antwerp is full of great cafes and good restaurants. Let’s at least mention a few typical Antwerp places. ‘t Paters Vaetje is a cosy café with hundreds of beers, friendly staff and Antwerp history in the middle of the centre (Blauwmoezelstraat 1). Café Zeezicht is a cozy folk café in the beautiful Zurenborg (Dageraadplaats 7-8). In the chic neighbourhoud ‘t Zuid, Vitrin is the hipster place to be (Marnixplaats 14). For the best falafel in town go to Beni Falafel in the Jewish quarter, in 2017 awarded for the best Falafel spot in the world (Lange Leemstraat 188).

And last but not least: eat in the authentic ‘t Elfde Gebod (Torfbrug 10) between the christian statues.

We hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Antwerp and don’t forget to come and visit us at GATE15!

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