One day in Antwerp

Antwerp has an excellent public transport network, but you could pick up a Velo (rental bike) from one of the 153 spots in the city. The first half hour of every ride is free and you’ll find them near every attraction. Hop on and off and park your Velo safely in the designated bike racks.

A must-see is the Central Station (pictured), a stunning building with an eclectic style and a magnificent ceiling. Right of the station is the Zoo, one of the oldest in the world and home to thousands of animals of hundreds of species. On the left side of the station you’ll find the Diamond Quarter, the Jewish area of the city with (diamond) shops, Jewish schools and restaurants.

Straight ahead you’ll find the Meir, the city’s largest shopping street. This car-free zone leads to Groenplaats where you’ll see the big Cathedral of Our Lady, UNESCO World Heritage. Soak up some Antwerp fashion in Nationalestraat at the MoMu Fashion Museum or the many boutiques with (inter)national designer wear. Stretch your legs in the Botanical Gardens or go for a drink on Mechelseplein with its popular bars ‘Kapitein Zeppos’ en ‘De Pallieter’. Head back via Grote Markt, marvel at the guildhalls and cycle along the canal of river Scheldt.

Eilandje docklands area

Visit the new MAS Museum and learn more about Antwerp and the rich history of the port. It explores Antwerp’s links with the world via a permanent exhibition on art, heritage, the river and the port. Some of the temporary activities include Sporting MAS (on Antwerp’s role as European Capital of Sport 2013) and Happy Birthday Dear Academy (on the 350th birthday of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts). It’s an eye-catching building with a towering 10 floors in a contemporary Lego-block-like design. Café Storm on the ground level is a popular venue for culture and music lovers, while restaurant ’t Zilte on the ninth floor is winning rave reviews. From the top floor, visitors are treated to a 360-degree panoramic view over the city and port.

Broer Bretel is an espresso bar with a dazzling list of caffeine treats: from a strong doppio ristretto to a drip (slowly extracted single origin coffee) or a flat white to a chocolate ball latte. Don’t worry if you’re not a coffee fan: tea and lemonade are also served. Soak up some sun on their lovely terrace while enjoying the view over the docks, or catch up online with free wifi.

De Natie is a café and restaurant located in the recently renovated building of De Valkeniers Natie (an 1817 warehouse transformed into offices, housing and commercial space). With a menu featuring tapas and cocktails, sandwiches and salads, mains such as Irish steak or cod with vegetables, it’s a perfect spot for a bite at any time of the day. On weekends, (late) breakfast is served until 14.00.

Park Spoor Noord is a popular green spot in what was once an old and neglected space in between railway tracks has been turned into a contemporary and eco-friendly park. The park opened in 2009 and has attracted many picnicking families, students cramming for exams, joggers and friends gathering for a drink ever since.

Hotel Marjorie Where better to spend the night in this area than on a boat? Not just any boat, but a luxury sailing ship called Marjorie, moored in the shadow of the MAS Museum. There are 12 cosy cabins, all with private shower and toilet. Wake up in the Antwerp port, enjoy your breakfast and you’re ready to explore the area as well as the nearby city centre. It’s €135 for a double room (€100 a night during winter, when booking a minimum of two nights).

From the Willemdok you can take short or long boat trips around the harbor and port with the Flandria line. Ticket booth is next to the MAS.

This article was originally published in Newcomer Magazine, 2013