The world's diamond capital, and the richest city in Europe during its 16th-century Golden Age, Antwerp's charm offensive begins on arrival at the cathedral-like Central Station, with its dizzying array of architectural styles. Head south to the historic centre for cobbled streets lined with appealing watering holes like Café De Kat, an old-school 'brown cafe'. Antwerp's main square, the Grote Markt, glitters with superb guild houses, while The Cathedral of Our Lady - the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries - houses masterpieces by former Antwerp resident Rubens, including his triptych The Descent from the Cross. There's more pomp on display at Baroque church Saint Charles Borromeo, and for snackable souvenirs, try 'Antwerp Hands' (nodding to the legend of the city's birth) from Philip's Biscuits.
TAKE SANCTUARY
Antwerp's first five-star hotel, the Botanic Sanctuary, transformed the local hospitality scene when it opened in 2022. For one thing, the former 13th-century monastery has an embarrassment of Michelin stars, split between two-star legend Hertog Jan's three-hour Omakase experiences, and one-star restaurants Fine Fleur (laidback fine dining) and Het Gebaar (afternoon teas from a much-garlanded pastry chef). Besides the Zen rooms and suites, there's a spa with a greenhouse-style pool, and The Unprecedented - a whisky investment club hosting ultra-rare single malts. The Theaterbuurt's high-end shops and galleries and the city's tranquil Botanical Garden are right on the doorstep.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1737482156/articles/x8E796q8S1737717089130/0787033707.jpg]
SHOP IN SINT-ANDRIES
Ever since edgy designers the Antwerp Six emerged in the 1980s, Belgium's second city has ruled in the style stakes. The compact Sint-Andries district has the highest concentration of riches, starting with Dries Van Noten's stately flagship, Het Modepaleis. Just down Nationalestraat, fashion museum MoMu - which shares digs with the city's fashion school - offers winning temporary shows. For handmade leather gloves, dip into the old-school Ganterie Boon, or bag discounted Belgian designer garb at Labels Inc. And antiques strip Kloosterstraat, which runs parallel to the Scheldt river, abounds in vintage curios and mid-century furniture. Don't miss the Plantin-Moretus Museum (the world's only UNESCO-listed museum), which has the first ever printing presses.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940...
TAKE SANCTUARY
Antwerp's first five-star hotel, the Botanic Sanctuary, transformed the local hospitality scene when it opened in 2022. For one thing, the former 13th-century monastery has an embarrassment of Michelin stars, split between two-star legend Hertog Jan's three-hour Omakase experiences, and one-star restaurants Fine Fleur (laidback fine dining) and Het Gebaar (afternoon teas from a much-garlanded pastry chef). Besides the Zen rooms and suites, there's a spa with a greenhouse-style pool, and The Unprecedented - a whisky investment club hosting ultra-rare single malts. The Theaterbuurt's high-end shops and galleries and the city's tranquil Botanical Garden are right on the doorstep.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1737482156/articles/x8E796q8S1737717089130/0787033707.jpg]
SHOP IN SINT-ANDRIES
Ever since edgy designers the Antwerp Six emerged in the 1980s, Belgium's second city has ruled in the style stakes. The compact Sint-Andries district has the highest concentration of riches, starting with Dries Van Noten's stately flagship, Het Modepaleis. Just down Nationalestraat, fashion museum MoMu - which shares digs with the city's fashion school - offers winning temporary shows. For handmade leather gloves, dip into the old-school Ganterie Boon, or bag discounted Belgian designer garb at Labels Inc. And antiques strip Kloosterstraat, which runs parallel to the Scheldt river, abounds in vintage curios and mid-century furniture. Don't miss the Plantin-Moretus Museum (the world's only UNESCO-listed museum), which has the first ever printing presses.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940...
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Business Traveller Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 2025