This Is Antwerp #3

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© Luc Deleu, Orbino, 2004

‘MAN WITH DOG’

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03 288 33 60

This Is Antwerp

STORES WITH STORies

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INSPIRING ANTWERP

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INSTANTWERPEN

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BY BIKE

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urban 30 sportspots

ON THE MARKET

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CONTEMPORARY ART

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inspiring antwerp

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burger king

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free wifi

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contemporary art

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antwerp by bike

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on the market

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instantwerpen

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STORES WITH STORies

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urban sportspots

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Sleep IN STYLE

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THIS IS ANTWERP Stylish & confident.

Vibrant & cosmopolitan.

Heart-warming & relaxed.

Colophon This magazine is a publication of the city of Antwerp and Antwerp Tourism & Convention. It was edited with great care. Antwerp Tourism & Convention cannot be held responsible for printing errors or changes. No part of this publication may be used by third parties without prior written consent of Antwerp Tourism & Convention.

None of the adresses mentioned in this magazine paid for their mentioning in it any way.

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With its countless cultural sights, eyecatching architecture, and high-fashion character, the least you can say is that Antwerp is both an inspirational and aspirational city. “Antwerp is the perfect city if you want to start something cool, young and creative”, says Sebastiaan of VRbeeld, one of the four living examples of how this inspiration colours Antwerp. To show off the city’s spacious parks and vibrant urban culture, we’re taking you on a bike tour to discover and really feel the vibe of the city.

Also, this summer, Antwerp is all about contemporary art, and we found the perfect hidden jewels to lift this experience to a higher level.

Publisher Antwerp Tourism & Convention – Annik Bogaert, Grote Markt 15, BE2000 Antwerp Editors in chief Antwerp Tourism & Convention, Trendwolves Design & Illustration We Make Graphics Photography Ellen Goegebuer Trendwolves Antwerp Tourism & Convention

We went on a search for the best burger in town (boy, was that tasty), and listed the coolest markets and urban sports places for you. To top it off, we decided to unravel the coolest on trend shops you probably wouldn’t have found without us. You can thank us later!

This Is Antwerp is a guide to discover the city with the benefit of insider knowledge.

The magazine and the accompanying app are full of tips from people who know the city, and addresses to help you get the maximum out of your city trip. You can track most hotspots on the ‘Antwerp by bike’ map that you find in this magazine.

Don’t wait. Plan your trip now, so you can experience the spirit of the city yourself.

Cartography Nick Van Hee Translation Alphatrad Print Flyer.eu Depotnumber D/2012/0306/134

Inspiring Antwerp Let’s Go Urban Nobody knows the urban dance scene in Antwerp better than Sihame El Kaouakibi (25). In 2009, she founded the ‘Let’s Go Urban’ dance school. Sihame explains: “this school quickly evolved into something more”. “Today we have become an urban culture organisation, responsive to the needs of many young people in Antwerp. In the past 1½ years, I have focused on the development of several new urban trends such as urban sports (free running, freestyle basketball, freestyle football, ...), and urban music (producing, slam poetry, MC’ing). Young people are the key aspect of ‘Let’s Go Urban’: “dance, music and sport are an expression of their world, here in Antwerp.”

Sihame explains that she finds the city inspiring. “For me, space is very important. Antwerp is dynamic, diverse

and challenging, a combination of aspects that you can find in my work as well. Our urban opera performance ‘Is It Love?’

(2010) is a good example. That year I took the metro next to the impressive opera house almost every day. I saw it as a challenge to break down those ‘elitist’ walls and to ensure that our production could be performed there. Mission accomplished!”

Hotspots: Wijnbostro Patine

Leopold De Waelplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp Café Zurich

Verlatstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp Brasserie Nero

Leopold De Waelplaats 34, 2000 Antwerp Park Spoor Noord Grote Markt

“The next project that ‘Let’s Go Urban’ has lined up is the ‘Urban culture and sports hall’ that will open on the 1st of July. In this indoor city, young people will be able to engage in urban sports seven days a week (see page 30). It will be THE urban spot of the summer”, says Sihame enthusiastically. “But that is not all: In August, we perform the show ‘Cinderella, an urban fairy tale’, 10 times, and on September 1st, we launch the urban music project.” It will definitely be a busy summer for Sihame!

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IwonderU In 2012 Marjolijn van Boxel and Margot Herman founded ‘IwonderU’. Marjolijn and Margot both studied culture management at the University of Antwerp and then decided to continue working in that sector, no matter how difficult that may be. They both combine their work for ‘IwonderU’ with another job.

“Two things are important for us”, says Marjolijn. “First of all, we offer young bands or musicians opportunities to play in front of an audience, and secondly we organise affordable gigs. We therefore try to stage as many free activities as we can.”

That’s what happened in December 2011 when they started ‘Donderbar’. Under this name, every Thursday the two ladies arrange performances of young, Antwerp based bands. To complete the evening they invite two DJs. In spring of this year, ‘IwonderU’ launched ‘B A S T A A R D’, a new concept in Bar

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Leon, at Krugerplein in Borgerhout. Each 1st Friday of the month, an illustrator and a band team up here. The illustrator gets his or her inspiration for the evening from the music played live by the band, thus creating a new work. ‘B A S T A A R D’ is free and takes place every month until the end of 2012.

‘IwonderU’ also handles the bookings of three young Antwerp bands Dóttir Slonza, Crippled Nerdface and Soldier’s Heart, and they also provide production support for a number of events in Antwerp such as BorgerRio in Borgerhout.

Hotspots: Bar Leon

Reuzenstraat 23, 2140 Borgerhout Cafés at Mechelseplein Zeezicht

Dageraadplaats, 2018 Antwerp Caffènation

Mechelsesteenweg 16, 2000 Antwerp Barnini

Oude Vaartplaats 10, 2000 Antwerp

VRbeeld Sebastiaan, Tom & Nick jointly form VRbeeld, a design lasercut agency.

VRbeeld not only devises complete product concepts, they also handle the actual design and most of the production.

The three partners have a background in design, architecture, photography and interior design which gives them a broad-based, creative approach to product development.

We meet Sebastiaan at the VRbeeld building at Eilandje. He shows us the office on the ground floor and takes us down the stairs to the studio on -1. We notice the furniture in the office are their own designs. “We think it’s important that we show our customers what we are capable of. It is very useful when you come up with an idea to test it out downstairs”, says Sebastiaan. “We combine the finesse of the laser cutter with the rather sterile, rough edge of our own style. That combination seems to work. The advantage of designing and making everything yourself is that you can continue working on a prototype to see that it is just right.”

“We must admit that life for young entre-

preneurs is tough. But Antwerp is THE city to launch a cool, young and creative agency.”

Sebastiaan tells us that an office at Eilandje was a very deliberate choice as a location.

“Park Spoor Noord and the proximity of the water really provide a good vibe.” If we ask him about his favourite spots in Antwerp, he comes up with a lot of addresses. Sebastian notices our surprise when he mentions Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout. “Yes, I know. It has a pretty bad reputation. But we think it is the ‘most awesome’ street in Antwerp.

While in some ‘posh’ Antwerp neighbourhoods, nothing happens in the evenings, the whole world is out on the street at the Turnhoutsebaan. There is always something going on. that’s what we love.”

Hotspots: Homey

Sint-Paulusplaats 24, 2000 Antwerpen La Terra Sarda

Lange Koepoortstraat 32, 2000 Antwerpen Bartilia

Falconplein 43, 2000 Antwerpen Trix

Noordersingel 28-30, 2140 Borgerhout Roma

Turhoutsebaan 286, 2140 Borgerhout

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De Poedelfabriek ‘De Poedelfabriek’ is the name of graphic design agency of Tina Smedts and Fre Devriendt. Six years ago, Tina started ‘De Poedelfabriek’ after a number of jobs at big advertising agencies. Fre, who went to school with Tina, started working with her three years ago. Since last year, they have formed a small creative agency.

Currently Tina and Fre work virtually. In their living rooms, they run Skype on their computers and share their screens. Twice a week they come together to discuss their work. In autumn the duo hopes to rent a small office to facilitate the daily running of the business.

grafische vormgeving

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The designers of ‘De Poedelfabriek’ prefer working for the cultural and social sector and specialize in printing.

Tina and Fre already worked for a large number of Belgian magazines. “We are very complementary. Fre is very strong in terms of images and I more into typography. That is a very good

combination”, says Tina.

‘De Poedelfabriek’ works for a lot of Antwerp businesses and companies. “I came to live in Antwerp when I was 17.

I have built a social network here, so it is perfectly logical for us to do a lot of projects in Antwerp.”

The name ‘De Poedelfabriek’ (The Poodle Factory) comes from Tina’s collection of odds and ends related to poodles, scattered throughout her house.

Hotspots: Middelheimpark & MiKa Galleries Nocturnes at Zuid Caffènation

Mechelsesteenweg 16, 2000 Antwerp (because Tina used to live above this coffee bar) Chez Fred

Kloosterstraat 83, 2000 Antwerp (because Fre lives above it) Den Armen Duvel

Schuttershofstraat 46, 2000 Antwerp for beef stew with fries

Burger King Antwerp is a city with a growing hamburger culture. And no, we are definitely not talking about the big hamburger chains. The real burger kings, with some of the best Belgian burgers, are to be found right here in Antwerp.

We are serving up some of our top spots for you, because everyone likes to eat hamburgers. And if you are going to do it, then you might as well do it good!

1. Burgerij:

2. Lombardia:

Tramplein 2, 2600 Antwerp Open Mon.-Fri.: 12.00-14.30, 18.0022.00, Sat.-Sun.: 17.00-22.00 -------------------------------------Anyone who refers to ‘Burgerij’ as just the next hamburger joint ought to be ashamed of themselves. ‘Burgerij’ has a careful selection and cooking process, which is what puts it way ahead of the fast food chains. Björn, who co-owns the business with Robin, shows us their innovative cooking process: “we grill every burger on both sides at the same time, which means the burger is faster baked, and it keeps more of its flavour. At ‘Burgerij’, we find the mix of new technology and old fashioned quality is the perfect recipe to get the most out of every hamburger”. The fact that, besides the business at Tramplein in Antwerp and the one in Schoten, another one recently opened near the MAS Museum tells you a lot. You should definitely try the “Smoky Bacon’ too; the combination of a quality beef burger with rashers of bacon, cheddar and BBQ sauce, is very popular here in Antwerp.

Lombardenvest 78, 2000 Antwerp Open Mon.-Sat.: 08.00-18.00 -------------------------------------‘Lombardia’ is an established concept in Antwerp. Not only locals, but also many international stars like Moby, Sting, Eliza Doolittle and Sigur Ros have been served by chef Alain Indria already. With a healthy mix of fair-trade, gluten-free and fresh products, he has been running this business since 1972. In this megakitschy decor with grunting pigs and walls crammed with writing, where you can spend hours looking around and still not have seen everything, he tries to come up with fast, healthy snacks for his customers. The burgers on the menu at Lombardia are not classic burgers, but are all alternative versions with chicken, tuna or vegetarian substitutes. Carnivores should not be put off by this, because these burgers are definitely worth trying!

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3. Hamburg:

4. Lunchbox:

5. Wattman:

Leopold De Waelplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp Open Mon.-Sun.: 11.00-00.00 -------------------------------------“The way a burger should taste” is the motto of this restaurant located at Zuid area. The menu is almost completely filled with hamburgers. The classic burger of fresh and crispy fried minced beef is a real winner, but the alternative with tuna steak is delicious too. Moreover, the hamburger buns are supplied by Dellafaille, a bakery in Antwerp with a cast-iron reputation. You should try to get one of the desirable seats on the terrace overlooking the KMSKA Fine Arts Museum. Perfect for rounding off a visit to one of the many museums in this neighbourhood!

Nieuwstad 8-10, 2000 Antwerp Open Mon.: 10.00-21.00, Wed.-Sat.: 10.00-22.00, Sun.: 10.00-21.00 -------------------------------------‘Lunchbox’ is a healthy food cafe, and that is the image it shows too. You can hardly miss the fresh green facade as you walk on Theaterplein. Inside you are surrounded by trays of fresh fruit as well as redcheckered tablecloths and other colourful accessories. Both inside and outside on the terrace, where you have a nice view on the skaters on Theaterplein, there is usually a pleasant bustle. The burgers on the menu are as vivid as the people and the interior decor: a Mega Lamb Burger, Chicken Steak with pineapple, or the surprising veggieburger with jalapeño, just to mention the best! Owner Jan also tells us that during the summer months a special Antwerp burger will be on the menu: ‘Lange Wapper ‘, named after the world-famous Antwerp legend.

Tramplein 3, 2600 Antwerp Kitchen open Mon.-Fri.: 10.00-15.00, 18.00-22.00, Sat.-Sun.: 10.00-22.00 -------------------------------------Opposite ‘Burgerij’ is ‘Wattman’, named after the drivers of the early electric trams, and very appropriate for a business located at Tramplein. This eatery, which has the same owners as ‘Burgerij’, is actually the predecessor of the hamburger restaurant across the street. ‘Wattman’ only serves one kind of burger: the Wattburger. This burger was and still is a huge success in Antwerp, and that is exactely why Björn and Robin opened a business specialising entirely in hamburgers. Yet the Wattburger has never been outnumbered, and anyone who wants to taste this almost legendary burger now knows where to get it!

Wattman also has a large and charming terrace which is an ideal place to be on a sunny day.

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Free wifi 1. Bar Leon One of the hippest bars in the upcoming neighbourhood Borgerhout.

Reuzenstraat 23, 2140 Borgerhout 2. Berlin Whether you’re alone, with friends or on a date, this café is the perfect place to hang around for hours!

Kleine Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp 3. Yellow Submarine This coffee bar also houses an advertising agency, so don’t be surprised if you walk in and find yourself surrounded by desks!

Falconplein 51, 2000 Antwerp 4. Storm You want to find out more about the art you’ve seen in the MAS? Have a drink at museum café Storm and surf the net!

Hanzestedenplaats 5, 2000 Antwerp

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5. Coffee & Vinyl This concept store combines a coffee bar with a record store and an art gallery.

Volkstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp 6. Caravan Eating house nearby Park Spoor Noord, where you can eat great homemade food or order a picnic basket to enjoy in the park (see page 21). Try the ‘koppijnontbijt’ (headache breakfast), a breakfast that comes with a beer or water with an aspirin.

Damplein 17, 2060 Antwerp 7. Kolonel Koffie A brand new coffee bar owned by a very charming barista, named Kobe, who is absolutely fascinated by latte art. If you want to suck up to him, try complimenting him on the furniture, he made a great deal of it himself!

Grote Pieter Potstraat 38, 2000 Antwerp

More free wifi: 8. Café den Draak Draakplaats 1, 2018 Antwerp 9. Permeke De Coninckplein 26, 2060 Antwerp 10. Revista Karel Rogierstraat 47, 2000 Antwerp 11. Caffènation Mechelsesteenweg 16, 2000 Antwerp 12. De Muze Melkmarkt 15, 2000 Antwerp 13. De Vagant Reyndersstraat 25, 2000 Antwerp 14. De Kleine Hedonist Sint-Jacobsmarkt 34, 2000 Antwerp 15. Normo Coffee Minderbroedersrui 30, 2000 Antwerp 16. Vitrin Marnixplaats 12, 2000 Antwerp 17. Lombardia Lombardenvest 78, 2000 Antwerp 18. Zeppelin Damplein 13, 2060 Antwerp

Contemporary Art Not only is Antwerp the city where contemporary art is being created , the city also hosts a lot of contemporary collections. Upcoming summer this art scene will be bubbling with life in Antwerp. The city invites big international names and young talent, both in museums and in a large number of surprising places. Artists like Jan Fabre, photographer Santu Mofokeng, Ai Weiwei and the always interesting exhibitions in the M HKA and FotoMuseum are just a few reasons to seek out the cream of the crop of contemporary art in Antwerp.

At the counter of the Antwerp tourism office and at cultural venues in the city, you’ll find a handy leaflet about a summer packed with contemporary art in Antwerp. Besides some important exhibitions, we will tell you how to find some hidden contemporary art in the city. You can find more info on www.visitantwerpen.be

Middelheim At the end of May, the renovated Antwerp Middelheim Museum held its official opening. The Middelheim, which exhibits over 400 works of art, is the largest outdoor museum in Antwerp. You can spend hours in the large park and enjoy the sculptural art around the place.

Until the 23rd of September, for the first time in Antwerp, in the park shed of Park Spoor Noord, you can see the world famous Pietas by Jan Fabre. These 5 marble sculptures, which recently aroused controversy at the Venice Biennale, are not classic pietas, but unique interpretations by this Antwerp artist. Definitely worth seeing.

You can admire a selection of more than 200 photos reflecting 30 years’ work by Santu Mofokeng, until the 29th of July at the Extra City art hall. Besides the photos

by Mofokeng, one of the most influential South African photographers, you are able to see letters and background material, giving you greater insight into the work of this photographer.

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Middelheim Museum Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerp Open Jun/Jul: 10:00-21:00, Aug.:10:0020:00, Sept.: 10:00-19:00 Jan Fabre’s Pietas Damplein 31-37, 2060 Antwerp Open Tue-Sun: 10:00-18:00 Extra City Tulpstraat 79, 2060 Antwerp Wed-Sun: 14:00-19:00. Thurs: 14:00-20:00

Hidden contemporary art Antwerp attracts contemporary art, which you can tell from the many places where art is strikingly or subtly present. Not only in major museums and galleries, but also in small galleries, cafes, shops and in Antwerp’s streets, contemporary art sets the mood.

Bar Nadar is a shining example of a place where contemporary art takes pride of place, but is not a museum or gallery. This bar has an exhibition area, mainly hosting photographic exhibitions,

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but other art is also presented. The works are often on sale at affordable prices. Concepts where art and café merge can be found in many other places in Antwerp, such as Bar Leon in Borgerhout.

At Bar Leon, every first Friday of the month IwonderU (see page 6) organises ‘B A S T A A R D’ where an illustrator is inspired to draw a story by a musician playing live. Nobody knows in advance where this improvisation will lead to. All you know beforehand is that you will be surprised.

Sketch Thursday In Bar Samedi, a mysterious restaurant in the Vrièrestraat where Voodoo meets Frankenstein, on every last Thursday of the month during the ‘Sketch’ event, illustrators and cartoonists take up the challenge of sketching live to the sounds and beats of local DJs. The creations of these live performances are subsequently sold to the attendees. The perfect opportunity to snap up some cool work by local

talent created in a special setting at affordable prices.

Judelovesyou, a small concept store, offers both local and foreign artists an original location to temporarily exhibit work. If you wander around the shop filled with home-made jewellery and Japanese curiosities, you will find the charming exhibition space out back. The Roy Lichtenstein-inspired pop art by artist DRTY HANZ (UK) decorates the walls of this area with black polka dotted murals during summer.

Among the small galleries, Bries Space is certainly one that is worth visiting. In this independent ‘creative living room’, artists exhibit their latest creations. There is a new exhibition each month, that you can visit at will during the opening weekend, thereafter by arrangement.

With a well-filled summer program with

exhibitions by Porto-based Rui Vitorino dos Santos (6/07-19/08), the Antwerp graphic collective Studio Fluit (24/08-7/10) and Berlin illustrator Atak (12/10 - 11/11), Bries Space will definitely be playing the contemporary art card.

At Zuid neighbourhood, in the Verlatstraat, you find the Tim Van Laere Gallery, a popular gallery with quirky collections. Self-made man Tim Van Laere opened this gallery 15 years ago at the age of 27. Due to his strong choices and open minded attitude, this gallery got an international reputation.

Base Alpha Gallery, one of Antwerp’s newest galleries, is run by Bart Vanderbiesen. Artists who exhibit here portray the world as they see it.

Bart did not choose the preppy Zuid, but decided to open his gallery in Borgerhout, deliberately opting for

the less commercial art circuit.

Bars, shops and little galleries, contemporary art is omnipresent in Antwerp. Don’t let our list of favourites stop you exploring our city of art on yourself!

Bar Nadar Ernest Van Dijckkaai 19-20, 2000 Antwerp Bar Leon Reuzenstraat 23, 2000 Antwerp Bar Samedi Vrièrestraat 57-59, 2000 Antwerp JudeLovesYou Steenhouwersvest 13, 2000 Antwerp The Bries Space Lange Scholiersstraat 10, 2000 Antwerp Tim Van Laere Gallery Verlatstraat 23-25, 2000 Antwerp Base Alpha Gallery Kattenberg 12, 2140 Borgerhout

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Antwerp by bike What better way to discover the creative vibe of Antwerp than by bicycle? Take your backpack, jump on your Velo or rented bike, and enjoy this urban cycling adventure.

Along the way we pass several shops where you can buy a tasty picnic.

How do I rent a city bike?

• Register on www.velo-antwerpen.be for a day or a week pass with your credit card. Keep your password and username with you, you’ll need them to hire a bike from the Velo docking stations.

• You can also register offline at the Velo customer service in the Central Station (next to the Spar supermarket).

How much does it cost?

Day pass: €3 Week pass: €7 With this card you can take a Velo and use it for half an hour. If you use the Velo longer than 30 minutes, you will gradually pay extra, so switch bikes on time. And know that you have to wait 5 minutes before you can take a new bike.

Useful apps to tell you where to find Velo docking stations and available bicycles: VilloHelper

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(Android), Mijn Velo (Android) & VeloPhone (iPhone).

Caution: • You need a credit card to buy a Velo Pass!

• On registration, a deposit of €150 is pre authorised on your account. If you return your bike to a Velo station, this amount is released.

• Be aware that you can’t leave your Velo on the street to go shopping!

• Watch out if you put your backpack on the luggage rack. Take them off the bike before putting them back in the station, or your backpack will be stuck.

• Pay attention to traffic signs. In one-way streets you have to step of your bike.

Normal bike rental You can also rent a bike from ‘Freewieler’ at Steenplein (near the public toilets), for a daily rate of €15 (€12 for students).

fietstocht

Off we go: While Brabo is waving at us from Grote Markt 1 , we start our urban cycle tour.

Just around the corner we find a Velo docking station where we pick up one of the city’s rental bikes.

Along Kaasrui and Lange Koepoortstraat, we ride to IMS 2 , the International Magazine Store on Melkmarkt. Here you can find reading material for a relaxing break later on. Via Groenplaats, we turn right into Reyndersstraat where the window display of Momade Cupcakes 3 grabs our attention. There is no way to resist Mohammed’s colourful freshly baked cupcakes. The perfect dessert for this afternoon!

Back on our bikes, right opposite Momade Cupcakes we ride into Leeuwenstraat and in next to no time we are at Vrijdagmarkt 4 . Every Friday morning, old furniture and household effects are auctioned here. (see page 22-23) Nostalgia and hip are just a stone’s throw from each other here. Head down Kammenstraat 5 and from there to

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Mechelseplein 6 with its many fine pavement cafes. Here we park our Velo in the rack, and continue our journey by foot.

Passing the large brown door of Elzenveld 7 , a former hospital, we exchange the bustle of Mechelseplein for tranquillity. A little further on the left, we find Antwerp’s Botanical garden 8 , once the herb garden of the adjacent Elizabeth Hospital (open Mon-Sat: 08.00-18.00). It was unreasonable to expect to carry around a delicious cup cake without eating it. Alas, no more dessert for this afternoon.

We walk from Leopoldstraat to Arenbergstraat and arrive at Theaterplein 9 where you will see the city’s large theatres. The half-covered square is the hangout for skaters and boarders. Definitely worth spending a bit of time. On Saturday, an exotic market takes place here, where you can stock up for your picnic. We walk past Lunchbox 10 , a healthy food cafe, to the Velo docking station, to continue our bike tour.

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Zurenborg: A big road through Antwerp, Frankrijklei, separates Theaterplein from Antwerp’s Municipal park 11 . It is well worth taking a look. As soon as the sun pops out, athletes and sunbathers take over the park from the walkers.

Along the way you undoubtedly see young families with their carrier bicycles, the symbol of Zurenborg’s district, where the ‘champagne socialists’, the young, wellheeled left-wing families live. Come back here at night, to see the square under the artificial starry sky and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

We ride through the park, and cross Quinten Matsijslei to the Lange Kievitstraat, which brings us to Antwerp’s Jewish quarter 12 . We get off at the ‘Heimische bakkerij’, a Jewish bakery where they gladly let us taste their wares.

Delicious and perfect for our picnic!

We continue our journey via Draakstraat to Tramplein 14 . On the corner of Cogels Osylei, you will immediately see two of our hamburger favourites, burger restaurant Burgerij 15 & Wattman 16 .

Meanwhile it is time to switch bikes!

From here, in Lange Kievitstraat, you can take a stroll through Park Spoor Noord and Borgerhout. You will find the directions on page 21.

If you prefer the short route, ride down Lange Kievitstraat under the railway line and turn right into Van Immerseelstraat.

Turn left at Somerstraat and continue along Bleekhofstraat. Turn right into Montensstraat, and via Nottebohmstraat, we get at Dageraadplaats 13 .

If you can resist the temptation of a tasty burger, then continue cycling up Cogels Osylei 17 . Be careful! Cobblestones and tramlines make this a dangerous part of the cycle route. We push the bikes here, which actually gives us more time to enjoy this turn-of-the century architecture.

Zuid: From Cogels Osylei, we ride along the Guldenvliesstraat to Boomgaardstraat.

This long winding road leads us directly to Koning Albert park 18 , where there is

always something going on. At the end of Boomgaardstraat at Mechelsesteenweg, you cycle past the De Koninck brewery 19 where they brew the ‘Bolleke’, THE Antwerp beer par excellence. Beer lovers take a moment to get off their bike here. From here we cycle to Zuid, the most trendy and artistic neighbourhood of Antwerp. Please refer to the detailed map.

If you ride down Bouwmeesterstraat, you’ll see the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

The KMSKA 20 is the landmark of this neighbourhood. In addition to numerous galleries, you’ll find plenty of trendy bars and restaurants in this area. The steps of this museum are known as THE hangout for young, hip people. Return your bike to the Velo docking station next to the museum, take a seat on the steps and enjoy the Antwerp city life happening in front of you.

Continuing our tour we go to Gedempte Zuiderdokken, a large open square which is basically a car park. Since we are starving again, we take a little break at Fruxino 21 , a trendy fruit and vegetable shop where you can buy smoothies and

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sandwiches. We compose our own salad: a little extra for the picnic that we bought earlier this day.

After crossing the vast square, we pass M HKA 22 , the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, feeling a cool breeze of the River Scheldt. We turn right and ride along the Scheldt to Sint-Jansvliet 23 , where you can shoot a basketball with some of the locals.

If you are still going strong, you can insert a 7.5 km loop at this point, to take in the port area, which is a great place for a picnic. The directions can be found on page 21.

Before continuing our journey, we briefly visit De Krak 24 in Hoogstraat where you can find the weirdest things to buy for next to nothing. For three euro, you can buy a bedsheet, a frisbee and a football to make your picnic complete.

Then we ride back to Sint-Jansvliet, to put our bikes back in the Velo docking station, and walk through the Voetgangerstunnel (Pedestrian Tunnel) 25 under the river to Linkeroever 26 . This walk under the

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River Scheldt is a great experience, not to mention the amazing view on the city from the other side of the Scheldt. If you didn’t take a lunchbreak during one of the tour loops, this should definitely be your picnic spot!

Loop 1 Park Spoor Noord: We promise, you will certainly not regret making this loop! In Lange Kievitstraat, we immediately turn to the left in Lange Herentalsestraat. We cross Frankrijklei and ride towards Ossenmarkt 27 , the beating heart of the student neighbourhood in Antwerp. On this square you find students everywhere: on benches, at pavement cafes, in pubs and sitting on the ground!

We pass through Sint- Jansplein, another basketball court. At least, when there is no event or market going on (market every Wednesday and Friday). Park Spoor Noord 28 is our next stop. In this large park, people play sports, sunbathe, eat, drink, socialize, ... In short, a real hotspot in Antwerp.

It is certainly worth cycling to Damplein.

We play our last basketball game of the tour and enjoy a homemade ice stick at Zeppelin 29 or meatballs with cherries, a typical Belgian dish at Caravan 30 . If you feel like coming back to hang out in the park tomorrow, you can reserve a picnic basket at Caravan.

Via Halenstraat and Pothoekstraat, we get into the melting pot of Antwerp: Borgerhout. If you like an eclectic mix of cultures, smells and colours, then this is definitely the place to be for you!

We soon arrive at Krugerplein 31 , which was recently renovated and now attracts young families. Here we find Bar Leon 32 , a very cosy bar that serves delicious coffee and selfmade lemonades. They also organize loads of activities and are always up to date with the nightlife agenda. Of course you should also check the agenda on the This Is Antwerp app.

Via Cronjéstraat we ride through Kattenberg, where ABHostel 33 and the Plaza Real 34 bar liven the place up, and eventually arrive at Laar. If you’re lucky,

the terrace of the brand new hotspot Staminee ‘t Laar 35 in the shadow of the imposing church building will be open.

Lammekensstraat and Kerkstraat lead us across Borgerhout. Before we return to Lange Kievitstraat, we ride through Giraffenplein 36 . You are bound to understand why it’s called like this once you see the long necks of the giraffes towering above the wall of Antwerp Zoo. Further down Ploegstraat, you may hear more animal noises coming from behind the wall!

Loop 2 Port area: This additional route takes you to the north of Antwerp. You will be amazed by the beautiful nature of this site of the city!

Before you begin this loop, it’s advisable to change bikes again at the pedestrian tunnel. It will take you a while to walk through.

Along the Scheldt, on the quayside, we ride past the Vlot 37 ; it’s literally a wooden raft floating on the water, where young people enjoy the Scheldt breeze on warm days. On the left, we have Het

Steen 38 , the medieval fortress on the banks of the Scheldt.

After 5 minutes of cycling, we see the imposing MAS 39 (Museum on the Scheldt) on the right. We put our Velo back in the Velo docking station outside the MAS, and are free to enjoy the magnificent panorama from the roof of the museum.

Heading back towards the Scheldt, we continue our route further north. From the slightly busier Rijnkaai, we ride to the lock Kattendijksluis 40 . Via Sloepenstraat, we arrive at the charming Royerssluis 41 With a little luck you may see a seagoing vessel entering the lock. Already the pace is clearly slower than in the city centre!

Once you have crossed the lock, you turn left into Noordkasteel 42 and you can enjoy unspoilt nature and spectacular views of the city and its river. This really is the perfect place for your picnic. Careful: don’t ride too far. Make sure you turn back before the T-fork. Turn back to the Royerssluis and follow the same route back to Sint-Jansvliet.

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On the market Occasional markets

business. You can also enjoy live music or a drink in the Bar Of Tomorrow.

Lambermontmartre/Musée:

Leopold De Waelplaats 29/07, 26/08 & 30/09 - 12.00 to 17.00 Lambermontmartre/Musée really looks like a little bit of Paris at the foot of the KMSKA, Antwerp’s Fine Arts Museum.

Painters, photographers, graphic artists and many other artists sell their work here. The atmosphere is great: there is a bar, live music, many terraces where you can watch people and art, in short: worth visiting on a delightful summer day!

Market of Tomorrow:

Kloosterstraat 08/07, 12/08 & 09/09 - 12.00 to 18.00 Several times a year, the square in Kloosterstraat is the backdrop for a market brimming with fun and original gadgets.

Here you will find jewellery, clothing, interior and graphic design created by designers who are just starting up a small

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Flea market at Dageraadplaats:

Dageraadplaats 15/07 & 02/09 - 09.00 to 18.00 Dageraadplaats is one of the nicest squares in Antwerp, and when the annual flea markets take place there, it’s totally awesome! The terraces around the square are completely filled with people and the square itself is occupied by stalls selling clothing, furniture, decoration, etc..

De BePARKte Oplage:

Park Spoor Noord (in the shelter) 26/08, 23/09 & 16/12 - 12.00 to 18.00 This market is also a refuge for creative types! Here you will only find limited editions. Everything you find here is homemade. If you are looking for an original accessory, garment or decorative work of art, then you’ve come to the right place!

Boekenplein/Book Square

De Coninckplein 15/07, 19/08, 16/09 & 21/10 - 10.00 to 16.00 This market is completely dedicated to literature. Books and comic strips are sold here at bargain prices! There are also booths selling food and drinks and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Have you found the perfect book? Dive immediately into it at the reading café Kubus, which exceptionally stays open until 17.00.

Permanent markets Exotic market

Oude Vaartplaats (and around) Every Saturday - 08.00 to 16.00 This market is a real feast! Here you can buy food and specialities from all overthe world. Also local products are being sold here.

Bioplein

Falconplein Every Sunday - 08.00 to 16.00 Need some vitamins? Here you find fresh, organic and biological products.

Bird Market

Oude Vaartplaats (and around) Every Sunday - 08.00 to 14.00 (13.00 during winter) This is the most popular market in Antwerp. It’s a mixed market where you can find all sorts of things: food, flowers, hamsters and rabbits, fabrics, ‌ Friday Market

Every Friday - 09.00 to 13.00 If you want to experience a spectacular Antwerp Market, you should definitely visit the Friday Market. Here, old furniture and new bankrupt stock is auctioned off.

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Instantwerpen www.instantwerpen.be A diverse online collection of instagram photos - made in Antwerp - both for born-­and -­bred Antwerp citizens, incomers and visitors landscapes, still-­lifes and portraits - touching, funny, poetic, romantic, artistic, idyllic, aesthetic, serious or they may be a bit idiosyncratic - hash tag #instantwerpen - This is Instantwerpen.be Creator and driving force behind instantwerpen.be is 26 year-­old Jimmy Cappaert, who resides, works and lives life to the fullest in Antwerp. The city is his home, his pride and his passion and THE reason for starting up instantwerpen.be a while ago. New pictures of the city appear

on the site daily. Initially, they only came from Jimmy and some of his friends but now they are also uploaded by anyone who likes the idea of having their pictures of Antwerp on the site.

“Antwerp is so multi-­faceted. Due to its many diverse neighbourhoods, everyone finds a place where you feel at home.” says Jimmy. Moreover, there are so many great restaurants and bars that even locals have their hands full discovering everything. Instantwerpen keeps its finger on the pulse of the city and often reveals hidden gems.

Mark your Instagram photos with #instantwerpen and see them appear on instantwerpen.be.

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Stores with stories Fashion is still one of Antwerp’s greatest assets. There is definitely no shortage of large chain stores in the famous shopping streets. We went out looking for a few smaller shops that are at least equally worth it.

Make sure you visit one of these unique stores.

Young and ambitious We begin our journey in Steenhouwersvest. In this small cobbled street you find an equally small store The Public Image . The ‘larger than life’ and definitely Antwerp-born lady inside greets us with a broad smile. Nele Moens, who owns this trendy shop with her boyfriend Jeroen, is one of the youngest female entrepreneurs in this city. Nele’s eyes shine with pride when we start talking about her shop, which is her own story. Antwerp’s talented graphic designers and illustrators are scrutinised

by Nele, and the designs she chooses are printed on T-shirts by Jeroen. These are sold alongside other collections in

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The Public Image. At the beginning of this summer The Public Image is moving. “We are so excited about our new store. There really is a wow-factor”, says Nele as she talks about The Public Image’s big move.

“With all our new shirts and new collections coming in, there is just not enough space here. Together with the guests of VRbeeld, who will also be exhibiting their work there, we will be making it into something fantastic”

Taken out of the bar “My God, look at those Nikes. And those!

We have to go in”, we hear two girls call

out almost ecstatically when we see the window at Vier . Vier is a concept store exclusively for men, but the fact that even women are lured inside by the window display which is very masculine, fixerati bike included, proves the appeal of the collection they have.

“My God, look at those Nikes.

And those! We have to go in” The idea for Vier came up over a glass of beer. Giancarlo and Bob then brought their concept to the Kammenstraat. The belief that Antwerp men typically mix all kinds of styles, resulting in the diverse range at this small concept store: street, urban, casual and chic. “Even men who are imbued with urban culture and totally into streetwear, still need a well-cut jacket”. Famous and lesser-known brands hang alongside vintage items here, and due the small space, the collections change completely with the season. Don’t forget to visit the basement, and ask for the cool ‘Vier’-branded beanies!

On trend, out of experience Another store that is entitled to be proud of its own branded clothing, in this case button-down shirts, is skateshop Lockwood on Ijzerenwaag.

The store takes its name from one of the world’s most influential skate spots, Lockwood Schoolyard. Lockwood, like the owner Sven Aerts, is kind of a legend in Antwerp. Sven is one of the oldest skaters in Antwerp. In the mid’90s he had the ambition to become a professional skateboarder and used his years of experience on the deck to offer the best products and brands in his shop.

Besides decks with cool prints and a mass of skate clothing, Lockwood is also home to a sneakerwall with a number of exclusive items. Avenue , Lockwood’s little sister, is an offshoot of the skate.

You could describe the store as the perfect combination of skate and street but chic.

And you don’t have to walk far either, Avenue is the quirky girl next door.

Yet more underground sneaker culture can be found on Kipdorpvest. Here runs Mohamed Azhir or just plain “Mo”

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his own urban street fashion store: Lux Streetfashion. Mo’ knows the underground scene in Antwerp better than most. As a former professional basketball player for the Antwerp Giants, he can also offer the ideal advice to anyone who wants to buy (basketball) sneakers. He keeps you informed about all his exclusive items through his facebook page . His wall with caps in the store is impressive, an opinion shared by rapper Fat Joe, who paid Mo a visit.

ago the owner had to file for bankruptcy, but she soon started on a comeback. So nobody needs telling that this Dutch-born Antwerp lady is a tough cookie. In her boutique, she mixes colourful, bold and daring stuff in all kinds of price categories.

The collections are less street, but more edgy chic. Monique innovates in her own way: you can hire her shops for a VIP evening, where you can enjoy the store, have style advice and drink cava with a group of girlfriends.

The comeback kid

Perfectly designed stories

Monique Stam is a well known shop Antwerp’s Kammenstraat. Three years

Another shop where young designers tell their story is 100gr design , on the ground floor of Design Center De Winkelhaak.

Since 2007 100gr design has lowered the threshold for both vintage and modern design that comes straight from the designers. Here they don’t have permanent collections! Nice detail: if you are short of ideas for a gift, you can just e-mail your budget, and the characteristics of the fortunate recipient to info@winkelhaak.be, they will send you a great proposal based on their range! Just next to this shop is a co-working space ‘bar d’office’, ideal for starting work in this creative environment.

Across the street, you will find Atelier Solarshop , a creative platform for designers, artists and other creatives. This former solar panel shop is now the setting for a variety of pop-up shops or galleries.

Their blog (www.ateliersolarshop.blogspot. com) makes sure you keep track of any pop-up stores that are on the way, and that have been checked out. There was recently a shop with vintage baby items and an 8-day-long vintage furniture store.

The Public Image Wijngaardstraat 17, 2000 Antwerpen Vier Kammenstraat 66, 2000 Antwerpen Lockwood Ijzerenwaag 3-5, 2000 Antwerpen Avenue IJzerenwaag 1, 2000 Antwerpen Lux Streetfashion Kipdorpvest 36, 2000 Antwerpen Monique Stam Kammenstraat 54, 2000 Antwerpen 100gr Design Lange Winkelhaakstraat 26 2060 Antwerpen Atelier Solarshop Dambruggestraat 48, 2060 Antwerpen

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Urban Sportspots

In the summertime, everyone is just itching to get some exercise. So why not get your trip to Antwerp off to a sporting start? We take you to real urban sport spots where the locals enjoy themselves and keep fit at the same time.

Urban sports Urban culture & sports hall

Minckelersstraat, 2018 Antwerp The summer of 2012 will be dedicated to urban sports. ‘De Zomer van Antwerpen/ Summer in Antwerp’ and ‘Let’s go Urban’

by Sihame el Kaouakibi (see page 5) are teaming up. In a pimped shed behind the old Antwerp-East railway station, they will be launching their ‘urban culture & sports hall’ project on 1 July.

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Young urbanites are invited to do something sporty there 7 days a week.

Whether you want to try freerunning or freestyle basketball or soccer, ‘urban’ culture and sport blend seamlessly into each other here.

No worries if you are not very sporty, spectators are welcome too in the old station shed!

Shootin’ a hoop Think ‘street sport’, and basketball immediately pops up in your mind.

Antwerp also has numerous basketball courts where locals hang out. Stop at one of the courts and have a game.

Probably the most famous basketball court in Antwerp is the one at the Sint-Jansvliet. This court is surrounded by cafés and little restaurants and is located just outside the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel. This lively square in the historic heart of the city and near the River Scheldt, is the ideal base for a brief sports interlude during your trip.

Just outside Antwerp’s Permeke Library at De Coninckplein we find another basketball court. This is a lively, bustling place, and while you are shooting baskets, the tram hurries past.

Just a short distance away from Park Spoor Noord lies the Damplein with a basketball court in the middle. This square, which has traffic restrictions for cars, is the ideal

place to get some exercise and then chill at one of the terrace cafés.

The most unique and surprising basketball court is in the Willibrordusplein in the multicultural Borgerhout district. In the shadow of the imposing Sint-Willibrordus Church, we stumble across a fine square, where the court is a large mosaic.

What else?!

Joggers will also feel at home in Antwerp.

The Scheldekaai gives you a very stimulating place to jog at sunset, to say the least.

Another prime sporting location is the Park Spoor Noord where joggers, table tennis players, volleyball players, skaters, footballers and Frisbee players can spend hours.

On the Frans Halsplein, groups of young people often play football on the SintJacobsmarkt. Ask if you can kick around with them.

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When there is hot sun beating down on Antwerp, and ice creams and ice-cold drinks can’t cool you down, there is still one solution: a nice cool dip. We suggest four great places to swim in and around Antwerp. They certainly will keep you cool.

Fresh - Swimming pool in the River Scheldt Boat in the Scheldt

2000 Antwerp Entrance: €4 For the first time ever, you will get the chance in Antwerp to swim in the Scheldt ... or almost! In August, a floating pool moors alongside the Island. On the Oostkaai of the Kattendijkdok, starting in August you can take a dip in this environmentally-friendly river pool. It’s worth bearing this in mind, because innumerable other events will be taking place here.

Retro - Swimming pool in Veldstraat Sportoase Veldstraat

Veldstraat 83, 2060 Antwerp Entrance: €3 This indoor pool, built in 1933 entirely in Art Déco style, is a unique architectural masterpiece. The pool is a listed building, with beautiful glasswork. If swimming is not your thing, despite the fantastic

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surrounding, then you may be persuaded to visit the bathhouse or hammam in the same complex. Even when the weather is not that great, this is definitely recommended!

Hippie - Swimming Lake Boekenberg Zwemvijver Boekenberg

Van Baurscheitlaan, 2100 Antwerp (Deurne) Entrance: free This ecological swimming lake just outside Antwerp in Deurne has been attracting large numbers of swimmers every summer since 2007. No chlorine or other chemicals here: over 22,000 plants keep the water clean in a natural way. A wonderful alternative for those who want to take a relaxed swim surrounded by nature. You will find both a large and a small pool, and of course a large lawn where you can relax, far away from the bustle of the city.

Oldskool - Outdoor swimming pool “De Molen” Openluchtzwembad De Molen

Wandeldijk 40, 2050 Antwerp (Linkeroever) Entrance: €2 On the Linkeroever, next to the SintAnneke beach, you will find the ‘De Molen’ swimming pool. From May to September you can enjoy a splash in the 50-meter pool. The popular atmosphere and a hint of nostalgia are never far away, not even on the green sunbathing lawns around the swimming pool overlooking the Scheldt. On hot summer days, it can be very busy here.

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Sleep in style

About cool boutique hotels, comfy youth hostels and hospitable locals.

Pulcinella formerly known as Youth Hostel Antwerp The famous Belgian architect Vincent van Duysen built a super-cool youth hostel in the heart of the Antwerp fashion district.

It combines openness with a sense of security in a modern design. Pulcinella has an interior that few design hotels can match. It is still very new - the hostel only opened its doors in May 2011. The prices – including sheets and breakfast – are between € 19.50 and € 26.50. Surprisingly low for such a peach of design. The rooms for two, four or six each have their own bathroom.

Bogaardeplein 1, 2000 Antwerp +32 (0)3 234 03 14 www.vjh.be

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ABHostel backpackers for backpackers Tucked away behind the walls of a 120 year-old chocolate factory is Antwerp Backpackers Hostel, a small-scale initiative

by Bridget. The operator - herself a born traveller - aims to enable her guests to sample a homely, hearty atmosphere.

Starting at 19 euro, you have a bed, and can make use of free Internet, DVDs and lockers. The hostel has an extensive lounge and a completely fitted kitchen.

ABHostel is ideal for night-owls, as you can eat breakfast at any time of day. The hostel is in Borgerhout, one of the most colourful districts of Antwerp.

Kattenberg 110, 2140 Antwerp +32 (0) 473 57 01 66 www.abhostel.com

Scoutel international atmosphere Only a few minutes walking distance from Antwerp central station, you will find the Scoutel, the official youth stay of the Scouts and Guides Association of Flanders.

The colorful facade of Scoutel is the work of the artist Richard Woods and you will recognize it from a far distance.

Besides the typical dorms, Scoutel offers backpackers single rooms, each with their own bathroom and wifi included.

Prices - including sheets and breakfast are between 21,50 euro (for a bed in one of the dorms) and 31,30 euro (for a single room) per night. This also includes the one of a kind international atmosphere with scouts from all over the world.

Stoomstraat 3 -7, 2018 Antwerp +32 (0)3 226 46 06 www.scoutel.be

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FREE APP

THIS IS ANTWERP:

For your SmartphonE

Antwerp is all about trends. What’s hot today, may be gone tomorrow. Sure you wouldn’t want to miss the numerous popup bars and shops. That’s why we made the THIS IS ANTWERP app for iPhone and Android, which keeps you updated about what is hot and happening. Totally local and totally free. ...............................................................................................

hotspots Eat, drink, shop, party, relax and act like a local. Wherever you are in Antwerp, we can show you all the hidden secrets in your neighbourhood or broader area, offline. Complete and up-to-date information in the palm of your hand: opening hours, tram stops, telephone numbers, … Download it or you’ll miss the hottest parts of Antwerp!

agenda What is happening right here, right now? The agenda keeps you informed about what is going on today, tomorrow or next week.

From parties to expositions, from live music to events, …

Offline?

The app will help you find free wifi spots. You only need an Internet connection to download updates, get directions or watch videos.

All the rest is as offline as can be.

locals Meet the Antwerp locals who are sharing all their secrets with you.

community Read and make suggestions, get a date or say hello to your fellow visitors and the locals. A Foursquare plug-in tells you where to find the trending places.