Recently I took a trip to Antwerp, a city I had never properly visited. A quick stop for chocolate en route from Holland many years ago doesn’t really count, does it? I hadn’t been back to Belgium since our weekend in Bruges and was curious to discover this city dating back to the Middle Ages that I knew little about. So many gems to share in food and fashion, in addition to the diamonds Antwerp is famous for.
SLEEP : Minutes away from Antwerp’s Central Station, a stunning architectural marvel that some consider the most beautiful train station in the world, sits Hotel Indigo, the ideal refuge in the center of the city.
EAT : Aside from moules-frites (mussels with fries) and waffles, Belgium is not known for its food. I did however, discover a few restaurants worth sharing. Historically a horse stable, De Peerdestal is a charming spot for good meat and fish. For a French meal in grand style with a side of live piano music, head to Bourla. Here I tasted classic chicken fricassee coupled with local Belgian beer, of course. As for the Belgian specialty of chocolate, my favorite shop is Mary, dating back to 1919.
DRINK : Stocking the largest supply of coffee beans in the world, you’ll definitely find a good brew. My favorite, and where they roast their own beans, is Normo. For coffee, cake or a stellar sandwich, head to Cafématic.
DO : Antwerp boasts one of the oldest and most impressive animal parks in the world. Over 5,000 animals of 950 different species, including polar bears and Siberian tigers, are cared for at the Antwerp Zoo. For an art fix, head to 17th-century Rubens House, filled with masterpieces by Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. If music is your passion, book a performance at the Antwerp Concert Hall (Stadt Schouwburg), decorated with statues of the world’s greatest composers and musicians.
SHOP : The Antwerp Six, including Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester, put this city on the fashion map in the 1980’s. To pick up wares from these Belgian greats as well as new and established Scandinavian and international designers, head directly to consignment shop Rosier 41. To discover local and artisanal designers, Superet is the spot. A top gift shop carrying unique home accessories and handmade jewelry is Mme Bovary.
EXTRA : One last stop during your visit to Antwerp is design centric Graanmarkt 13, a restaurant, concept shop and apartment, all in one.
“Aside from moules-frites (mussels with fries) and waffles, Belgium is not known for its food.” This is wrong. Belgium is actually known for its food, among other things (e.g., beer, art, fashion, sciences). Across Belgium and Luxembourgh, there are no less than 144 Michelin star restaurants.