Zuid Antwerp – All our local tips

At the very end of the famous Kloosterstraat, you find the shop of German Designer Anja Austa. It’s a small, but very cosy shop where she sells her own label. Everything (dresses, sweaters, bags, jewellery,…) looks so nice and cute, and the quality is superb!

I always fall in love with the bags and the jewellery. Once a wanted to buy a beautiful sweater there, but it was a bit too big. So Anja made one specially for me, a bit smaller. You really feel at ease when you enter the shop and Anja is sooo friendly, you just want to sit down and chat with her a while.

This address really deserves a visit on your way from the south to the city centre or the other way around.

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Anja Austa | Shopping
Kloosterstraat 175 | Zuid | +3232373867
Wed – Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 14:00 – 18:00

Just like any other big city Antwerp has its own exposition center. The variety of expositions and events provide to a wide range of visitors the opportunity to acquire different things: from particular services to renovation ideas, from hobbies to books, for babies, for adults, and the list goes on and on.

Although most of the events are focused on locals, some events are more welcoming to foreign visitors. Most of the expositors speak other languages like Dutch, French and English, but that is not it; themes like Mega Eroticabeurs , and Parascoop beurzen can be appealing to any traveler why not?

For more information on Eroticabeurs check their website. Who knows; this may become a learning experience. And if you are looking for the meaning of life, the Parascoop beurzen website can also be of great help.

Practical tips: Antwerp Expo is very easy to reach, just take tram 2 or 6 from the city centre. Otherwise jump on the bus 26, or 25 or 27. If you come by car be aware in the residential area you are allowed to park for limited time.

Mega Eroticabeurs | 13 -14 March 2010
Sat 14:00 – 01:00, Sun 13:00 – 22:00

Paranormale Beurs: Parascoop | 28 March 2010
Thu 10:00 – 18:00

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Antwerp Exposed | Art & culture, Festivals & events
Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191 | Zuid
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 01:00

Atelier Assemblé is a small shop/atelier that designs retro clothing for kids and women. The people of Atelier Assemblé have an appealing taste for the beauty of former days.

They started in 2005 with only clothing for kids. These clothes are exceptional because of the old fabrics and old accessories. The fabrics are purchased from the stocks of old fabric stores. This is why all the clothing is limited.

It was a hit. A lot of people fell in love with the attractive designs and the patterns. Now there are about 20 shops in Belgium that sell these unique clothing.

Since October 2008 they also have a collection for women. They have about six designs and they offer it made-to-measure. You can select fabrics form the stock of the atelier and choose your own retro pattern…

In November 2009, they’ve opened a shop. And that’s a good thing! When I look inside I feel like spending money. And when I go in, there is a real danger! The fabrics are really great and it is wonderful that they can make the design also for my difficult body. It is more expensive then usual, but it is absolutely worth it to have some original clothes that actually fit!

And they have a great collection for the summer of 2010…

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Atelier Assemblé | Shopping
Leopold De Waelstraat 30 | Zuid | +3232378733
Wed – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

You won’t spot me on the Meir; the shops are too big and too crowded for me. But of course every girl needs clothes (and lots of them). So therefore I shop till I drop @ ‘de Nationalestraat’, Schuttershofstraat, ‘Wilde Zee’, ‘T zuid’…

There is a lot of ’shoppingheaven’ to discover in the small streets of Antwerp.

Baby Beluga is a very nice address, just between the Nationalestraat (with a lot of nice shops) and ‘T Zuid’, you find this beautiful, very cosy shop with brands like Paul & Joe (my favourite for bags!), See by Chloe, Vintage 55, … The Summer 2010 collection looks very lovely.

It’s not an address for everyday shopping (my budget doesn’t really allow that, unfortunately), but when you want to spoil yourself with something special, this is the right place.

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Baby Beluga | Shopping
Volkstraat 1 | Zuid | +3232899060
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 18:30

In the shadow of the new and modern palace of Justice, you’ll find the best sandwich bar in town.

The sunny terrace and enormous choice in the best tradition of Belgian sandwiches will make your breakfast or lunch a topper!

Every week they have a “sandwich of the week”.  Try it out, because that’s the way to learn different tastes of the Antwerp way of living….

One thing, which I think is very important, is the friendly service at the table.

After a big smile from the waitress my sandwich tastes even better! Take Away also possible!

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Berros | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich € 3.00
Brusselstraat 35 | Zuid | +3232163526
Mon – Fri 06:30 – 15:00

Right across the beautiful Art Deco building of the Steinerschool, you find the Biologische bakker (”biological bakery”). when the weather allows it, we put ourselves on the terrace, order a coffee and a piece of pie (they are great!) and we just look at the beautiful building across the street.

I buy my sugar there, and they have great biologic fruit juices, the apple-cherry is my favourite!. And as the name already says it, you can buy very good biologic bread there (and cakes, pies, cookies… mmm!)

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Biologische bakker | Coffee & tea
Volkstraat 17 | Zuid | +3232160042
Mon- Sat 08:00 – 18:00, Sun 10:00 – 16:00

In Antwerp we have a controversial building at the outskirts of town: The Law Courts. We call it also the ‘Vlinderpaleis’ (Butterfly palace) because it has strange ‘wings’ on the roof. A sweet name for such a building.

It was designed by the famous architect Richard Rogers. When it was finished in 2006 everybody spoke of the courthouse. Some people found it very ugly, others thought it was a spectacular beauty. It cost a fortune and it took years to build it. The roof is made of stainless steel and looks like shark fins or waves. From a lot of places in the city you can see the threatening rooftops.

They used also a lot of glass. ‘They’ say they want to make every visitor at ease by the glass and the open character of the building. I don’t find it a reassuring place. It looks dangerous and impressive on the outside. The hall is enormous.

I go there sometimes for my work (Juvenile Court). Behind the glossy facade it is a sad place where they made some crucial errors in the design and for people who have unpleasant business to take care of it’s cold and hostile.

I live very close to this building. I see it everyday. At night it can be spec

ial – like a big dragon in the dark. It is great for photographers. I can recommend everybody to pass by, to look inside, but remember: in the belly of the dragon there is mostly misery.

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Court house of Antwerp | Art & culture | Free
Bolivarplaats 20 | Zuid | +3232578011
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 12:30 & 13:30 – 16:00, closed on holidays

If you love food, love to cook or need a present for a food lover, this shop is the place to be.

It’s located at ‘t Zuid. My father is a wine-freak and when I need a present, I come here. You can find cookbooks (du-huh), but also literature about food or cooking (I once bought him a book with the story of a man travelling from Wine Farm to Wine Farm in Africa, he loved it!). When you want to find a good restaurant, you can buy a restaurant guide here too.

Their website has a ‘Top 10′, ‘Promotions’ and a ‘favourite of the month’.

Sometimes I just walk in, to open a few books to get some inspiration for diner that evening .

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Daem Mollet | Shopping
Volkstraat 9 | Zuid | +3232388959
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00

This place is new in the neighbourhood where I live. You can have breakfast, lunch and the tastiest coffees, teas and juices here.

They serve fresh sandwiches, soups, burgers, …. every week a new sandwich, latte and cappuccino special.

I went there for breakfast, which was great and I’m definitely going back for some more!

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De Cafetaria | Coffee & tea, Snacks
Montignystraat 21 | Zuid | +3232944570
09:00 – 19:00 daily

Owner Misjel had a design shop for years. He got sick and tired of it and he started an ecologic ‘French fries stand’.

When you eat in, you get wooden knives and forks and all the boxes are Eco. Only for those things you have to eat there… but the fries are real good too! MMM Jammie, I Love Fries! Misjel also makes his own ‘meat croquettes’, tartare sauce and lots more!

So if you want to eat fancy but don’t wanna pay … go and eat some french fries at Haute Friture! Big chance you will spot me there

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Haute Friture | Snacks | Small box of fries € 1.40
Vlaamse Kaai 66 | Zuid
12:00 – 23:00 daily

This Café located in the South part of the city is probably the most famous café… Opinions vary about this spot, it’s just personal flavour. But when you’re looking for a spot to enjoy some jazz this is one of the better options in Antwerp.

I ain’t much of a jazz lover but I can appreciate the soft sound while enjoying a beer. Gigs are organised twice a week on Sunday starting from 16h and on Monday evening. Occasionally there are more concerts, check their website for more details.

Besides the jazzy atmosphere of this café, its terrace is one of the best to capture the most sun during the day. The view on the Musée Royal des Beaux-Arts (see the Royal Museum of Arts article) adds even more value to the terrace.

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Hopper Café | Bars
Leopold de Waelplaats 2 | Zuid
Daily

In the most Southern point of Antwerp, with a great view on the new Court House of Antwerp you can find Restaurant The Lobby. This fresh and modern restaurant is a must visit for every overnight visitor in Antwerp. I really like the interior and the special big lamp centrally placed in the restaurant.

Their dinners are of high quality and every plate has an ingredient you never heard of before. Served with a great smile and passion for their “métier”.

If you have the time: take time to have breakfast… you’ll never find any better! Apparently they have a superb Bed & Breakfast.

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Lobby Antwerp | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French) | Main Meal € 30.00
Jan Van Beersstraat 51 | Zuid | +3232336483
Tue – Fri from 08:00, Sat – Sun from 10:00

There once was a super fun bar in Antwerp: ‘the king kong’, we sat there drinking and laughing every weekend … and then the fun was over. King Kong closed.

But now ‘the king kong’ is back, but as a shop! It’s a great, cosy place with clothes, furniture and music.

Most clothes are for men, but women can also find a few lovely pieces. Brands as Junk Deluxe, Le Fabuleux Marcel de Bruxelles and Le Monde Dumas are represented here.

The owner is very chill and he always has his crazy little jack russell in the shop.

A Must See!

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Magasin Moustache | Music, Shopping
Geuzenstraat 21 | Zuid
Tue – Fri 14:00 – 18:00

I’m a ‘cosmetics’ addict and if you are one like me, this is the shop for you.

You just cannot walk by without going in. From the outside the shop looks so nice and cute. With the Magnolia flowers, the gold walls and the beautiful decorated window. You just feel like a princess.

The owner started the shop because when she was travelling, she always discovered products she liked, but she couldn’t find them here. So she opened Magnolia and sells all this products in her beautiful shop.

My favourite is the ‘Jimmy Jane Scented candle’. When you use it, the wax changes into very soft massage-oil… or the body lotion (I’m not sure who’s it from) with a little honey spoon to take it out. And this, and that, and this… I can go on and on about the lovely things there.

But maybe you just have to go and take a look yourself. It is so worth it! And when you subscribe to their newsletter, twice a year you get a beautiful Magnolia postcard.

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Magnolia | Shopping
Volkstraat 28 | Zuid | +3232570377
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

I always meet one of my best friends here. Almost every Saturday we have breakfast at Mo’s. We throw ourselves in the sofa, order a healthy breakfast and start chatting.

The breakfast is great! muesli, bio-yogurt, a big bowl of fresh fruit, fresh orange juice, coffee or tea (order the traditional Mint tea!). The other breakfasts are also great, but after a Friday night of drinking, we always prefer the healthy one.

The salads also are delicious and there are a lot of newspapers, magazines and even wifi to spend your time there. Ooo i can’t wait till it’s Saturday!

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Mo Made | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Healthy breakfast € 10.00
Volkstraat 63 | Zuid | +3232904680
07:30 – 19:00 daily

The museum (see the Royal Museum of Arts article) is very interesting to visit, but I must confess that I almost never do that (but it is definitely worth it!).

What I do a lot is relaxing at the square in front of the museum. During spring and summer you can play ‘petanque’ there, relax, read a book or drink some wine with friends on the stairs or next to the fountain.

A friend of mine lives right across the museum and often we take chairs, tables and food to the square and have diner there.

The entire afternoon, the sun shines on the square. Believe me, it’s fantastic! (So let’s all hope these cold days will end soon!)

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Museum square | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Leopold de Waelplaats | Zuid
24 hours daily

The renewed museum opened its doors in 2004 (after being closed for three LONG years) and it looks great.

It’s my favourite museum because they always have different collections and exhibitions at one time. There is a permanent History Collection and the exhibitions. I go there once every two months. Just to wander around, drink a coffee in the lovely bar, find books in their library or buy stuff in their shop.

The shop is great, you find a lot of Photography Magazines, books and funky photography stuff. The perfect place to hide from the busy museums and the perfect place to buy a cool gift for someone.

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Photomuseum | Art & culture, Coffee & tea | Entrance € 6.00
Waalse Kaai 47 | Zuid | +3232429300
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

A very black coffee, a magazine or newspaper, a free hot-spot to work a bit, good music and a pleasant atmosphere. One of my favorite places on the South side of the city is Revista (Spanish for magazine). It is a very good place to meet friends and be the first to arrive, way to early.

They have a various offer of magazines and newspapers, national and international. The also offer music (USA imports) for sale. It is easy to stay and let the hours pass by. It feels like my living room on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Even when it’s Thursday morning.

They sell fresh soup and sandwiches, so you could really stay there for days. But it closes at 20:00 so eventually you’ll have to leave…

I like it very much because I live nearby and I like places that make me feel at home. But after three coffees I have to drink something else, because the coffee is way to black for me… But they have a great sandwich (the serranoham I can really recommend!)

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Revista | Bars
Karel Rogierstraat 47 | Zuid
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 20:00, Sun 11:00 – 20:00

When you’re walking around in the area of ‘Het Zuid’, the one beautiful palace in the middle of it is the wonderful museum!

Built at the end of the 19th century, it was already one of the leading museums of the world.

They have an incredible large collection of Rubens, Jordeans, Van Dijck, Ensor and Magritte.

There are audio-Guides in Dutch, English, French and German.

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Royal Museum of Fine Arts | Art & culture | Entrance < 26 € 1.00
Leopold De Waelplaats | Zuid | +3232387809
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 17:00

Just a recent discovery thanks to my girlfriend. We were looking for some fresh food before we would go to the cinema, and sat down at the terrace. We had a magnificent view of the sun setting in the sky.

The food, well the food is just what you need if you’re looking for a snack or a quick bite. They say it’s healthy and it probably is but that doesn’t matter for me. I just want to have well prepared food and that’s what they offer.

I think this will be my new favorite for the coming months. Honest, easy going and good food… that’s just what I need, and I know you do to!

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Sano Sano | Snacks | Main meal € 15.00
De Gerlachekaai 11 | Zuid | +3232378480
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 22:00

Starfish & coffee is a coffeehouse of Katja, a friend of mine. She designed the place in a way that it feels like coming home. You can have all kinds of coffees, tea’s… and my favourite: hot milk with honey and maltesers

And you really have to try the homemade Gingertea (cold and hot)! It’s an energyboost you have never experienced before!

Katja makes fresh pies and muffins everyday and they are soooo good! Starfish & coffee is the ideal place to drink a coffee and just enjoy the atmosphere and the relaxing environment…

To get warm again in winter Katja serves hot wine! Yummie!

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Starfish & Coffee | Coffee & tea
Bresstraat 9 | Zuid | +32486987977
Tue – Sun 09:30 – 18:30

There is a little shop in the Volksstraat in Antwerp where they sell strange but beautiful things. When it opened several years ago I didn’t expect that it would be such a success. Now I know why it is still there. It is one of shops that stay true to what they do…

The name of the shop means ‘Stone and Bone’ and that’s exactly what they sell. They have fossils, little skeletons of rodents (and sometimes bigger animals), antlers, pinned butterflies etc. It’s all very decorative and very classy. Of course they don’t sell anything illegal or any endangered species. They have also educational toys that stay true to the core idea of the shop. The result is a very cosy and warm shop where I like to come from time to time.

For example: when I’m completely desperate looking for a nice gift for somebody. A lamp made from a seahedgehog, some pearls of the sea, shells, a tooth of a shark. You can find great things for very little money. I’m enjoying just being there, or looking in the window. Nice owners with an eye for style. And it’s not expensive. That’s how I like it!

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Steen en Been | Shopping
Volkstraat 59 | Zuid | +3232372522
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

When you walk from the south to the city centre, or the other way around, you have to walk through the Volkstraat. In this street, you can find this beautiful building.

This is one of the finest ‘Art Nouveau’ buildings of Antwerp. City Architect Bob Van Reeth rebuilt the inside, but the outside stayed original. Now it’s a Steiner (Waldorf) school.

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Steinerschool | Art & culture
Volkstraat 40 | Zuid
No entrance possible

Deeply hidden in the the beautiful Belle Epoque neighbourhood of Antwerp is a little gallery inside a house. This gallery is owned by a passionate photographic enthusiast who wants to enable young photographers to display their work. He goes around the world to find them and offers them a jump to Europe/Belgium.

It felt really strange to just walk up to a house, ring the bell and then enter some-one’s house to see an exhibition. But it also adds charm and value to the concept. Take your time to look at the displayed work and talk to the  friendly owner of the gallery. He can tell you an awful lot about the displayed artist and work.

So keep an eye on the website and whenever there’s something that you like, don’t hesitate to check it out. It might be a nice alternative an a rainy day. It’s not big, so you’ll be in and out in about 45 minutes. I really liked it!

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Stieg Litz 19 | Art & culture
Arthur Goemarelei 19 | Zuid | +3232484931
For opening times check website, depending on exhibition.

If you are tired of the classic tourist bus, I can recommend a safari trip with tram 12. There are eleven trams in Antwerp and most of them are nothing special, but this one shows you a lot of aspects of this town.

Tram 12 has its terminus at the famous Antwerp courthouse (check the Courthouse article) and when you get in there you are sure of a seat…

So you start at the trendy South, where you can see Antwerp in all its glory. Tram 12 drives you over the Leien (also called ‘den Boulevard’), the former ramparts of the city. You see the nice building of the National Bank and also by the beautiful opera building on the Amerikalei. You’ll see the impressive Central Station.

By now the tram is probably full of people with of all kinds of colours. And then you travel straight into a different world. First: the notorious De Coninckplein. On this square addicts and tramps gather. Behind the glass you are safe!

Tram 12 goes on through the poor part of Antwerp where 181 different nationalities live! Eventually you’ll get to the Sportpaleis, the big arena for events (Proximus Diamond Games, concerts, with almost 20 000 seats… ). On its way back tram 12 also shows you Chinatown and a piece of Africa…

Tram 12 doesn’t travel through the old city centre but it shows an interesting part for the visitor that wants a deeper insight into Antwerp.

Tip: With a 10-ride card (€8) you can travel 10 times with all the trams in the city for 1 hour.

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Tram 12 | Art & culture, Relaxing | Ticket (in tram) € 1.60
Bolivarplaats – Schijnpoortweg | Zuid
05:40 – 00:40 daily (every 10 or 20 minutes)

Usawa is a non-commercial coffeehouse with an atmosphere of a living room and – most important – it is honest. Usawa means ‘honest’ in Swahili and that’s what this place is all about.

The concept is that you can eat soup or a fresh salad and you can buy almost everything that you see. Do you like the lamp in the corner? Check out the menu and you’ll find the price and you can be sure that it is fair trade, made in Africa (for example) and the person that made it gets an honest share. Do you love the little basket where they put the sugar in? Let’s buy it! They sell wonderful recycled toys, nice jewelry, djembes, African masks, art, furniture, etc. And for the moment they also sell paintings from Ine Van Wesel.

They have great ginger tea and when I’m there I always walk around in the place, looking at things, feeling at home, talking to the owner, a nice woman with a relax attitude.

It’s a funny combination of a shop and a coffeehouse. Not fancy or modern, but honest and cosy. And the owner is a great girl…

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Usawa | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | Breakfast € 7.50
Kasteelpleinstraat 53 | Zuid | +32497734183
Sun – Fri 10:00 – 18:00

When I’m looking for a descent yet quick meal, I go to Lunch Cafe Walrus.

It has an very good kitchen with honest prices. The service is mostly with a smile and you just get what you want here: something to satisfy your hunger!

Wether for a breakfast  – brunch – lunch or dinner … they got what you need! Don’t expect haute cuisine, but expect to be satisfied!

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Walrus | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Belgian) | Meal from € 15.00
Jan van Beersstraat 2 | Zuid | +3232383993
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 22:00

I have no idea of how many professional swimmers will have the chance to read this, but I hope there will be a lot because I want to give this message: you do not have to stop practice while you are on holidays; here in Antwerp swimming pools are open to the public, except when there is competition, naturally.

Now going back to my less sportive readers, you do not need to be a professional swimmer to stay in shape. If your idea of moving your body goes beyond shaking your bootie on the dance floor, swimming is a great idea after you consider all the benefits: wear your bikini even in the middle of the winter (or watch girls wearing bikinis), burn calories, refine your cardiac rhythm, strengthen flaccid zones, etc, etc. Plus benefit: it is fun!

Tariffs may change but the normal price for an adult is 2 euro. You can also buy a pass for 12 times at discount.

Just like any other great attraction in Antwerp, it is very easy to reach by public transport. Take tram 2 or 6 from the city centre, direction to Hoboken. If you go by car public parking is available.

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Wezemberg | Relaxing | Entrance adults € 2.00
Desguinlei 17-19, 2018 | Zuid | +32032592311
Mon-Fri 7:00 – 21:30, Sat – Sun 8:00 – 13:00