Discover the hotspots of Antwerp

The hotspots of Antwerp, do you know them already? Where to find Instagram worthy photo spots, what bike routes to do and where to shop? Go on your own adventure or be surprised with a surprise day with Antwerp Unplugged!

What to do in Antwerp?

This summer will unexpectedly look a little different than planned for many Dutch people. Vacations and getaways are also likely to take place closer to home. The Belgian city of Antwerp is not only very easy and quick to reach from the Netherlands, but has something for everyone.

Coronaproof activities

From sun worshippers to world travelers, whatever your favorite vacation looks like, you can have a great time in the city of Scheldt. To get you started, the city created a new inspiration platform with coronaproof activities that are regularly updated. Are you more into surprises?

Book an active or less active surprise day full of unexpected activities through the brand new Antwerp Unplugged. With Antwerp Unplugged, Antwerp launches a unique and limited edition surprise concept.

Hidden gems and hotspots

Where there is good shopping? Where are the hotspots and where can I take Instagram worthy photo’s? All hidden gems and hotspots can be found here:

The hippest districts for the real shopping queens

Antwerp is the fashion city par excellence and in addition to the world-famous shopping street De Meir, you’ll find six other fun shopping districts within walking distance. Each district has its own atmosphere and assets: from exclusive boutiques in Quartier Latin and pop-ups in Wilde Zee to hip concept stores at ‘t Zuid. Also, more and more young designers and sustainable stores are establishing themselves in hip Antwerp.

Antwerp shopping 3_copyright FARMBOY:Mike van Cleven

For the gourmets: atmospheric summer bars and world cuisine

Tired after shopping? Then have a drink at one of Antwerp’s atmospheric summer bars. Settle down in a beach chair and enjoy.

And do you prefer a nice dinner with all the trimmings?? Most restaurants can be found near the historic center, Het Zuid and Het Eilandje. Feel like surprising your taste buds with worldly dishes?

Then Antwerp North with its multicultural influences is the place for you.

Bar Noord summer bar –copyright Jonas van Bouwel

The place to be for sun worshippers

Summer temperatures in Antwerp? That’s no problem at all. In the Boekenberg Park in Deurne you will find an ecological swimming pond that is completely purified by plants. For the little ones there is a paddling pool and you can relax on the sunbathing lawn. Do you prefer to sit on the bank?

Then relax on Sint-Anneke beach with a unique panorama of the city. Swimming in the Scheldt is not allowed but you can enjoy a snack and a drink there. The renovated quayside of the Scheldt is also a great place to relax by the water.

Swimming pond_Boekenberg_Copyright Ans Brys

Instagram-worthy hotspots for photographers

Aren’t we all looking for it these days? Instagram worthy spots to take the most beautiful photos’s. For photographers and Instagrammers, Antwerp has a lot of great spots. Some more hidden than others.

One of the most photographed places in Antwerp is undoubtedly the Vlaeykensgang, a beautiful alley from the 16th century. Yet it remains a hidden gem, hidden behind the little gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16. For those who love color there is a lot of street art in various locations and neighborhoods of the city.

In short, Antwerp is full of photogenic places, so keep your eyes open and go on your way.

Vlaeykensgang_copyright Sigridspinnox.com.

Cycling routes for sports enthusiasts

Want to discover as much of Antwerp as possible in a short time? Then the themed cycle routes in the city are ideal. There are three routes, so there is something for everyone! With the Easy-going route you cycle past various sights, beautiful panoramas’s and cultural highlights. The Urban Jungle route provides a bit more of a challenge and takes you over cobblestones to the Port of Antwerp while taking in unique street art and architecture you can admire.

Finally, the Bollekesroute starts at De Koninck brewery, home of ‘the bolleke’, and effortlessly combines Antwerp landmarks with relaxed drinking stops.

The best museums for culture lovers

The MAS and the Rubens House are no longer strangers to true culture lovers, but Antwerp has even more surprising museums. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is home to the unique art collection of the 19th-century art lover of the same name. With his penchant for unknown and less popular art, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh was a true visionary.

For example, in the museum you will find two works by Bruegel, including the famous work The Dulle Griet. And there are only 45 of his paintings left worldwide!

Immerse yourself completely in Antwerp

To get to know a city better, it is nice when you can stay here for a few days. This is also true of Antwerp. Immerse yourself completely in Antwerp city life and discover the city like a local.

In any case, choice abounds: from international hotel chains to intimate boutique hotels, B&B’s and even campsites.

Be surprised with Antwerp Unplugged

From July 17 to September 15, the new surprise box Antwerp Unplugged is available. Via the website antwerpunplugged you select the day of your surprise visit and Antwerp does the rest. The surprise package costs 49.50 euros per person and you can choose between an active and a less active package. Please note: each day there is one type of arrangement available for 20 participants.

So being quick is the message. If you book a surprise package, you get a fully planned day with two activities, a lunch, picnic or light dinner and a nice ending such as an aperitif or ice cream. Young and old alike can discover the city’s full summer offerings

Visit Antwerp yourself

In February, our youngest son said he would love to go to Antwerp. We started looking at accommodation, but decided – because of the cold weather- to wait a few more weeks. Those weeks became months by Corona and meanwhile the plans are still there. I have been to Antwerp before, but I have by no means discovered all the places, as it turns out!

Good reason to start making plans now anyway!