WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
French fries were invented in Belgium, and the best place to sample them is the all-night spot Frituur No 1 (Hoogstraat 1). It’s not an elegant experience, for sure, but a fun one that unites all types of crowds.
Ciro’s (ciros.be) is an old-school Antwerp institution, with 1970s interiors and delicious traditional Flemish cuisine. On our last trip we discovered Table Dance (tabledance.be), the best secret bar in town, located on the edge of the red light district. It has a great selection of organic beers and natural wines; head there on a Saturday night for live music.
WHERE TO STAY
Found in Antwerp’s up-and-coming Green Quarter, an area built around a vast 19th-century military hospital complex, August hotel is a great place to stay for its tranquil surroundings, and is only a short taxi or tram ride to the city centre. Its main attraction, though, is the restaurant and its Michelin-starred chef Nick Bril, who whips up fresh, fuss-free dishes. Its equally stunning bar is housed in a former chapel. A spa, with an outdoor swimming ‘pond’ and a guest library, is another reason not to leave.
Rooms from £157 (august-antwerp.com)
WHAT TO DO
The Antwerp Six (a group of designers including Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten) started a revolution in the city to make it a centre for fashion. Then there is the Fashion Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most prestigious fashion schools in Europe, which we both graduated from. MoMu Antwerp (momu.be), the city’s fashion museum which is in the same building as the academy, is undergoing renovation but continuing to organise excellent off-site activities.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (muhka.be) is well worth a visit for its permanent collection of art from the 1960s onwards. For a break between gallery hopping, stroll under the Scheldt river via the old Sint Annatunnel to the Left Bank’s green parks and lakes, or visit Groenplaats square or indie cafés and shops.
WHERE TO SHOP
Ganterie Boon (glovesboon.be) sells the most luxurious leather gloves. We bought elbow-length ones there for our AW19 show.
We never visit the city without going to Bakkerij Goossens (bakkerijgoossensantwerpen.be), an authentic bakery known for its rye bread with raisins. We go back for the speculoos (Belgian cookies).
