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Antwerp Nightlife

Antwerp is a young and buzzing city with a student population of 15,000 that ensures the nightlife remains lively around the clock. The docklands are the current centre for clubs, but good bars and cafés can be found all over town, with many tucked in the historic centre.

Bars in Antwerp

Clodette

Described as a “cozy wine bar” and “nice pub”, this bar is run by locals of Antwerp who will make you feel as though you’re home. Clodette also has the give-away sign of a good bar, as it is often full of locals, where many patrons are recognised and greeted happily, but where all are welcome. Friendly staff, nice décor, and a reasonably priced selection of drinks awaits all diners experience.

 

Address: , Paardenmarkt 42, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 479 77 61 72

Kulminator

For many years, this endearingly dishevelled bar just south of the city centre has been a place of pilgrimage for global beer lovers. Don’t be put off by the rather shabby-looking façade – the cosy interior is a place to try more than 800 different Belgian brews, many in aged versions you won’t find anywhere else.

Address: , Vleminckveld 32, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 232 4538
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kulminator.friends/

Oud Arsenaal

For a glimpse of what Antwerp used to be like, step into this atmospheric art deco pub near the Rubens House, which has remained unchanged since it opened in 1929. Most of the locals propping up the bar look like they’ve been here since day one too.

Address: , Maria Pijpelincxstraat 4, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 232 9754
Website: http://www.dorstvlegel.be/our_beers.html

Pelgrom

Hidden down a narrow street close to the cathedral, this charming tavern is housed in an atmospheric brick-vaulted cellar that’s dimly lit by candlelight whether day or night. It’s the perfect place for romantic trysts and hushed conversations over fine local ale and good food.

Address: , Pelgrimsstraat 15, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 234 0809
Website: http://www.pelgrom.be/en

Clubs in Antwerp

Café d'Anvers

Angels may look down in disgust at what goes on in this former church, where the new owners have adopted an “anything goes” policy. If the bouncers don’t like the cut of your jib, you might struggle to get in. But once you’ve crossed the threshold, you’ll be rewarded with a night of DJ fuelled hedonism that’s not for the fainthearted.

Address: , Verversrui 15, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 226 3870
Website: http://www.cafedanvers.com/

IKON Antwerp

Previously the well-known NOXX nightclub, IKON opened on September 19th following the disappointment expressed when NOXX closed. Registered by the Quality Nights label and part of the new Inventus Group, an Antwerp event organiser, this club offers an experience that should not be missed.

Address: , Straatsburgdok Noordkaai 3, Antwerp, 2030
Telephone: +32 3 295 5465
Website: https://ikonantwerp.com/

Live music in Antwerp

Café Hopper

An Antwerp institution for over 20 years, Café Hopper is one of the city’s finest jazz venues. And rightly so: talented musicians from across the globe have graced the stage at this insouciant cafe, which hosts live jazz throughout the month in stylish surroundings.

Address: , Leopold de Waelstraat 2, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 248 4933
Website: http://www.cafehopper.be/

Jazzcafe De Muze

Even if you’re not a jazz cat, you’ll still want to stop for a drink in this beautifully decorated, multi-level café. If you can, grab a seat on the first floor before slinking back and savouring a beer from the incredible selection on offer. Jazz aficionados will love when bands perform live, which is almost every evening.

Address: , Melkmarkt 15, Antwerp, 2000
Telephone: +32 3 226 0126
Website: http://jazzcafedemuze.be/

Superdiesel

Located in the Zuid district, this former warehouse is slightly out of the way but well worth the pilgrimage if you’re a fan of live music. Fun and funky, Superdiesel is a pop-up summer club that has widespread appeal thanks to the sheer diversity of acts and theme nights. Expect anything from rock and dubstep to 70s soul.

Address: , D'Herbouvillekaai 25, Antwerp, 2020
Telephone: +32 3 226 4963.
Website: http://superdiesel.org/

Classical music in Antwerp

Dance in Antwerp

Theatres in Antwerp

Music and Dance in Antwerp

Culture in Antwerp

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Hotel Rubens

Tucked away in a quiet side street behind the Grote Markt, this stylish 4-star hotel is the perfect base to explore the Old Town. A friendly concierge welcomes weary travellers with a refreshing port or sherry, while the hotel’s chic rooms are comfortable, quiet and well-appointed. You won’t go hungry either; their buffet breakfast will set you up for a day full of sightseeing.

Hotel Rubenshof

Next to the Fine Arts Museum, this cheap Antwerp hotel sits in the trendy Zuid district. The building occupies a former cardinal's residence that dates back to 1860, with ornate public areas and 22 tastefully decorated bedrooms.

Hotel Matelote

Matelote is a unique boutique hotel merging 21st century convenience with 16th century architecture. Nestled in the Haarstraat, the building is just a short walk from main attractions like the Grand Palace and its town hall, the River Scheldt and the Antwerp Cathedral. The Fashion Museum and Rubens House also sit nearby, making sight-seeing a breeze. Because it’s a historical site, there is no elevator in the hotel, meaning it does not offer full accessibility.

 

Firean Hotel

Built in 1929, the Firean Hotel is reputed to be one of the most charming hotels in Belgium. This hotel is an Art-deco mansion that the actual owners restored in 1986. They take pride in offering outstanding quality and service with thoughtful gestures. One of the proprietors welcomes guests upon arrival, acquainting visitors with the space.

 

Tra Noi

Located in the heart of the fashion district, this superb little guesthouse is owned by Danielle, a friendly lady who has two apartments and a guest bedroom that she rents out at very reasonable rates. Danielle used to work in the fashion industry, so the decor is stylish and slightly eccentric (there’s an antique rowing boat hanging from the ceiling of one apartment), but the city centre location is almost unbeatable.

Hotel Postiljon

Nestled in the shadow cast by the neighbouring cathedral, this long-established Antwerp hotel offers simple, clean and elegant rooms. It may be small with no frills, but considering its prime location opposite the city’s biggest landmark, Hotel Postiljon offers fantastic value for money.