Antwerp City guide

The first stop of our trip was FOMU, one of the leading photography museums in Europe and one of our favourite places to get inspired. Located right next to the newly opened Zuidpark and close to the river Scheldt, it’s always a great way to connect with art.

Feeling inspired, we coasted over to Rush Rush cafe to browse their curated vibes and grab a specialty coffee, followed by a trip to August Antwerp to enjoy the serene architecture and lush gardens. We shopped at the beautifully curated Tango before rolling up to CAOS. A delicious cocktail and a relaxed dinner was the only way to toast to a successful first day on the saddle.

The second day began with a brisk ride just outside the busy city centre. We made a beeline for Polly, one of the city’s most famous morning stops for a reason, and honestly, it’s worth every extra mile. Heading back on the Mechelsesteenweg, we leaned our bikes outside Hello Buy Buy, a staple for the best curated items. For lunch, we found a spot in the sun at Notti. Their seasonal, local menu is a true favourite of ours whenever we’re in town.

As the pace of the day slowed, we tucked our bikes into a corner near Cafe Service, an intimate wine bar where the natural wine flows as easily as the conversation. We finished the evening at Spiridon, a modern European bar and eatery that practically begs you to stay for just one more course (or glass).

Our final day was all about refined design and mindful living in the heart of the city. We started at ST VINCENTS, enjoying the morning air in their beautiful 19th-century courtyard. From there, it was a brisk ride to Het Modepaleis Dries van Noten for some window-shopping over another excellent coffee, and Enso, which features some of the best vintage we’ve seen.

With new items and inspiration in our bags we headed to the open-air concept market of Re Bale, feeling the wind off the historic docks. We ended our journey at Nectar. Simple food, fresh flowers, and courtyard views—the perfect, peaceful ending to our Antwerp story.

Antwerp rewards a slower pace. By bike, the city feels more intuitive: shaped by movement, balance and attention to detail. This guide reflects an approach to exploring that values design, quality and rhythm.