The legacy of the Antwerp Six looms large in the Belgian port city of the same name, drawing fashion obsessives from all over to explore the cobblestoned streets that the avant-garde collective of Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Van Saene, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee once called home in the 1980s. And nearly four decades after the group’s debut, a new crop of influential designers is putting Antwerp back at the center of the fashion map, making it a must-visit for those eager to immerse themselves in the same artistic milieu. Pieter Mulier, Alaïa’s creative director, and Raf Simons, Prada’s co-creative director both consider Antwerp their home base. Matthieu Blazy, Chanel’s recently appointed artistic director, has also spent considerable time in Antwerp. But beyond the promise of a chance encounter with one of the industry’s leading names, the city is also home to up-and-coming labels—La Collection, Bernadette, and Julie Kegels—that are currently captivating the fashion crowd.
Located just 45 minutes by train from Brussels, the country’s second-largest city has always been the perfect place for a day trip, luring travelers in for its quaint yet cultivated charm. Food and fashion go hand in hand here, with sweet and savory treats tempting you on every cobblestoned corner. And while Antwerp’s diamond district remains the largest in the world, the city’s beating heart is its mix of eclectic fashion, rich art history, and vibrant food scene where elegant boutiques, bustling cafés, and natural wine bars are set against a backdrop of Gothic, Brutalist, and postmodern architecture.
Here, find Vogue’s guide to where to eat, shop, and visit in the Belgian fashion capital.
Where to Eat
Beer, chocolates, and fries might be the country’s gastronomic claim to fame, but Antwerp’s pastries and breads arguably rival some of the best in France. If it’s cappuccinos and croissants you’re after, Caffènation, a specialty coffee roaster is a local favorite, with three locations in the city. The walk to Caffènation Blue, just on the outskirts of the center, is the most expansive, with relaxed in- and outdoor seating. Or, you can satisfy your morning sugar cravings at Leo’s, where flaky croissants and sugar-dusted Bundt cakes are the highlight. For a savory bite, order “worstenbroodje,” a warm sausage wrapped in puff pastry.
If you have time for a sit-down brunch, head to Tinsel to plot the day’s itinerary over blueberry banana pancakes and croque sandwiches. For something more casual, swing by Funk, a trendy hangout spot serving a rotating menu of pastries—from saffron buns to pistachio cruffins—alongside daily soups and Scandi-inspired smoked fish sandwiches. Right next door is Cannelé, an artisanal café dedicated to the small French pastry—you can’t go wrong with the original vanilla and rum, but there are also riffs on traditional Belgian flavors, like speculoos or wintery plum. For a late lunch or early dinner, be sure to check out Wolf, a lively food court with over 10 restaurants set in the Felix Pakhuis, a converted 19th-century red brick warehouse. Osaka draws a faithful crowd for its impressive natural wine selection, as does Smudged, where shareable plates are enjoyed over live tunes—there’s a vinyl DJ booth and a monthly set list—for those spending the night.
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Beer flows freely and cheaply in Antwerp, the city’s drink of choice—best accompanied by a mountain of french fries and mayonnaise. There’s surely no better place to indulge in this bon vivant combo than at Frites Atelier, an always-packed eatery conceived by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, where crispy fries are loaded with unconventional toppings and house-made sauces (think fresh mussels with curry mayo, which reimagines Antwerp’s beloved mussels-and-fries dish).
Where to Shop
Antwerp is a small and densely packed city, and much of its charm can be discovered on foot, meandering through its cobblestoned streets while admiring the narrow row houses with ornate facades. An array of well-appointed boutiques are also dotted around the city center. A longtime personal favorite is Graanmarkt 13, a curated concept store with an adjoining restaurant. Find a curation of emerging labels in fashion and home here, like Auralee, Bernadette, Charlotte Chesnais, and Tekla. Make your way over to the Lombardenvest for established high-end fashion at Louis, or pop into Enso, a thoughtfully curated space for upcycled vintage and second-hand designer.
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Housed inside Het Modepaleis, a landmark building from 1881, is Dries Van Noten’s flagship store. A block away you’ll find La Collection, where Florence Cools’s timeless minimalist staples come to life in her art-filled boutique. Continue on to Volkstraat for The Menu to shop of-the-moment names like &Daughter, Gimaguas, Birrot, and Lie Studio. The legendary Ann Demeulemeester’s store can be found in Het Zuid, across from the recently reopened Royal Museum of Arts, where both clothing and bits from her homeware collection with Serax are stocked. Meanwhile, beauty lovers can find something to take home from Necessities, a niche perfumery with candles and fragrances by Buly 1803, Dr. Vranjes, and Trudon lining its shelves.
What to Do
A seamless train ride from Brussels Airport brings you directly to Antwerp’s Centraal Station, which was first built in the late 19th century and is considered one of Europe’s finest with its majestic halls and grand dome—the imposing design showcases a mix of influences, from ancient Roman architecture to Art Nouveau elements. Historic museums and galleries scattered throughout the city offer the opportunity to explore more intimate spaces, like the Rubenshuis (the 16th-century home and workshop of painter Peter Paul Rubens), the Royal Museum of Arts (which reopened in 2022 after an 11-year renovation), and the M HKA, Antwerp’s museum for contemporary art. Venture further towards the Old Town to find MoMu, the renowned fashion museum, or the MAS, overlooking the river Scheldt.
Sundays are primed for antiquing, with various flea markets setting up shop across the city. One of the oldest, but most popular ones occurs on Sint-Jansvliet, where dozens of sellers take over an old basketball court to showcase their wares for the day. Many collectors and interior designers also flock to Kloosterstraat to unearth design gems for their homes or creative projects, as it’s when dealers open their doors for an afternoon of window shopping. For home goods and art, St. Vincents has an inspiring curation of contemporary objects and furniture. Otherwise, if space is limited in your carry-on, find a selection of rare fashion and art books at Erik Tonen, or gallery Rossaert. You’ll want to end the day at Luddites, an English bookstore-meets-wine bar with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
