Antwerp travel guide - a must see city

This is why Antwerp should be on your to do list

By Sheila Baron

Posted July 4, 2018

In Belgium, My world, Travel with me

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My last visit to Antwerp – what you can do in a day 🙂

Its small, its flat, it’s easy to walk around and YOU HAVE IT ALL

Antwerp is located in Belgium and its definitely on my top cool cities list.

I just came back from a 24 hour trip and loved it, it wasn’t my first time there, and it is not going to be my last.

They call it the city of fashion and they are right, you can find everything you are looking for in Antwerp from the big retailers (like Primark, H&M, Zara, Hema, C&A , Uniqlo and many more ) to much smaller boutique shops. You can find the best upcoming designers and the unknown. Also vintage and street style. Everything is there within walking distance

But let’s not forget about the art and the food. There are many museums But the one I love the most is the city’s fashion museum MoMu.

MOMU

There’s no permanent display but different programs that focus on different themes and topics. Even if you’re not interested in fashion, you’ll get inspired there. Unfortunately at the moment it’s closed until 2020 you can check online here

I only had one day to visit this amazing city (and it was a Monday- most of the museums and restaurants are closed) but I will give you all my tips so you can plan your trip easily

While you walk in the city

Central Station

One of the most important points in the city is the central station and it’s a good way to start your day (or just have a look at it if you arrive to Antwerp by train)

The central station was chosen by Newsweek (in 2009) as the fourth most beautiful train station in the world. It’s located near the diamond district (if you fancy a ring) and near the zoo ( for animal lovers)

It was renovated in 2007. It’s definitely a place to stop by when you visit the city.

Walking down MIER Street will lead you to the old city. this main shopping street in Antwerp connects the City Hall and the Central Station. It is an ideal place for every shopaholic.

Shopping Stadsfeestzall

on Meir street number 78 you will find the renovated shopping Stadsfeestzall. It used to be a Festival hall in 1905 but in 2000 fire destroyed the building and since 2007 you can walk in the hall and shop there or just enjoy the place

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The secret Vlaeykensgang alley

While walking in the old city there is a small secret alley that makes you feel like in a harry potter book. The secret Vlaeykensgang alley dates from 1591 and connects Hoogstraat. I found 2 small restaurants there.

Walking in this city is like walking in every big city BUT better, it has it all and you don’t need to jump on a bus/ cab or tube to get from place to place

Some shops you should put on you’re to do list

Graanmarkt 13

A house where you can find high end fashion. a great space to walk in, several floors with a nice restaurants and an apartment you can rent

Moose in the city

This was a very nice surprise since I didn’t know this store and I just loved it!
Immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture and discover some gems from the world of design, the art of living and fashion.
Great shopping experience

Gaest Design

Just next to moose you can find Gaest Design a very nice store
They have trendy items, textiles and accessories

Bolia.com

On my way to my must do I entered the Bolia store and wished I was living in Antwerp and could buy a sofa or 2:)

Mark, **Read, cycle & cherish**

As I said, Antwerp is flat and you can walk it all or you can ride a bike … while walking I entered this super cool shop that has many gifts gadget books and cycling

I found so many shops in my one day of wondering around Antwerp that I was sad that they only open until 1800 (why is that??? ) and will definitely have to return to roam around this beautiful city.

Let’s not forget the most important part of my visit – FOOD

We landed at 19:30 and I made Davy run in order to arrive to this small Japanese restaurant, why? Cause I remembered the AGEDASHI taste from my last trip to Antwerp.

I Ro HA

It is a really small place in the old city But Manina and her husband make the best Agedashi Tofu ever, it’s just melts in your mouth and I can only wish to return and eat there again.
Of course the sashimi (take the large plate ) and the eel ( unagi) plate were super good too

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When you get there please tell her hello from me

FISH A GOGO

Since it was a Monday all the restaurants were closed.
I managed to have some oysters in fish a go go looking at the cathedral

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Maritime restaurant

Is a very nice fish restaurant in the old town just next to the river. I understand it exist for 50 years. We loved it. We Sat inside cause outside was a bit windy. We had the fish soup and the mussels which Belgium is famous for.

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