reserveer uw abonnement makkelijk via www.desingel.be
2013/2014 www.desingel.be Desguinlei 25 B-2018 Antwerpen
Colophon
p.4
ART | Inspiring Antwerp: Inge Rylant
p.5-9
Antwerp graphic designer Inge Rylant created the cover for this magazine and talks about how the city inspires her
+32 (0)3 248 28 28
MUSIC | Band Camp AVONTUUR
Meet Gentlemen Unexpected & The Hickey Underworld
p.10-12
FASHION | Happy Birthday Dear Academie
p.13-15
FASHION | Street Style
p.16-17
LIFE | An Ode To Midnight Snacking
p.18-19
ART | Walk Your Way Through Art
p.20-24
Ex-students of the Fashion Department: Where are they now?
REFLECTIE CANON
Find out where to snack at 2am
MULTIPLE
Discover Antwerp’s graffiti spots
SOCIAL | Antwerp After Dark
p.25-27
Look no further if you love the underground party scene
LIFE | Summertime
p.28-33
Hang out, relax, have a drink, …
SOCIAL | Tips Tips Tips Places to sleep, where to rent a bike and find free wifi hotspots deSingel is een kunstinstelling van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap en geniet de steun van hoofdsponsor
mediasponsors
p.34-35
colophon
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5
A
Antwerp, but don’t worry, she
looking for a place
we have changed
planned plenty of
to sleep after go-
the whole This Is
coffee breaks. The
ing out? Check
Antwerp look, with
academy’s Fash-
“Tips Tips Tips”
s you might
in Antwerp. Still
have noticed,
the help of Afreux.
ion Department is
for info on where
We’re going back
also celebrating its
to sleep. Not quite
to our roots and
50th birthday this
ready to go to bed
asked locals to ac-
year so what better
yet? You might
tively participate in
time to introduce
want to keep our
the making of this
a couple of gradu-
list of midnight
magazine. This is
ates? These young
snack bars on you
also the first time
designers are work-
at all times cause
we asked a local
ing hard at making
it could come in
Antwerp artist
a name for them-
handy!
(Inge Rylant) to
selves in fashion. usic is also a
T
big part of
his is Antwerp
design the cover Therefore we
M
travellers who
would like to thank
life here and there
want the discover
all the locals for
are a lot of dif-
the city from a
their input and
ferent genres out
local point of view.
dedication.
there but with our
The magazine,
for the magazine.
is a guide for
pop-up culture it’s
the website, the
his year
callendar, our app
Antwerp is cel-
T
not always that easy to find out
and our Facebook
ebrating the 350th
where to go. For
page are full of tips
anniversary of the
those who’ve heard
from locals about
Royal Academy of
of psytrance and
what to do and
Fine Arts Antwerp.
frenchcore, Cleo
where to go. Ex-
We thought this
wrote a piece on
perience the city
was the perfect
this kind of music
and let us know
time to zoom
and where to find
what you think!
in on art in our
it while Melissa
city. Laura takes
talked with 2 bands
you on a graffiti
about what it is
filled tour around
like as musicians
Colophon This magazine is a publication of the city of Antwerp and Antwerp Tourism & Conventions. It was edited with great care. Antwerp Tourism & Conventions 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 & Conventions. None of the addresses mentioned in this magazine paid for mentioning it in any way. Publisher Antwerp Tourism & Conventions – Annik Bogaert Grote Markt 15, BE2000 Antwerp Editors in chief Antwerp Tourism & Conventions Design & Illustration Afreux Inge Rylant Photography Jan Crab Laura Schillemans David Vinkenroye Antwerp Tourism & Conventions Copywrite Antwerp Tourism & Conventions Laura Schillemans Lara Richir Liesbeth Vermaercke Melissa Janssen Cleo Klapholz Special thanks to: Tine Van den Poel Helen Van den Poel Jasper Declercq Lucia Adamickova Tim Ghysels Erik De Beukelaer Joke Hoeven Karima Ben Ammar Joris Casaer Wim Vandamme Caia Croes Tim Lubberdink Robin Hectors Eva De Fré Print Artoos Depotnumber D/2013/0306/147
check out www.thisisantwerp.be and follow us on facebook.com/thisisantwerp or twitter.com/_thisisantwerp_
ART
Inspiring Antwerp: graphic designer Inge Rylant By Liesbeth Vermaercke
“To me Antwerp is coffee, bikes and Jewish people.” Born and raised in Antwerp, graphic designer Inge Rylant (26) really enjoyed making the cover for this magazine. “My inspiration for the cover is of course Antwerp, especially my own experiences and life in the city. I tried to mix the typical tourist image of Antwerp with the contemporary Antwerp I know. The most obvious objects on the cover are beer, diamonds and the river Scheldt but to me coffee, bikes and Jewish people are as typical for Antwerp. The neighbourhood I live in is home to a big community of Orthodox Hasidic Jews. They tend to stand out because of their traditional clothing (black and white) and the typical male side curls… hence the curls on the cover. Another frequent sight in Antwerp are the fixed gear bikes or fixies (a single-speed bicycle). I don’t own one myself, but I do bike a lot through town. I didn’t even use a car to move from one apartment to the other, I just used my bike instead. Really, I just strapped everything on it: tables, cabinets, chairs, … (giggles)”
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What do you love about your job?
“The variation! Each day brings something new. It might sound cliché, but my job doesn’t feel like working to me… Because I am self-employed, I can work whenever and wherever. Working at home is a big plus. I’m really not up for working as an in-house graphic designer for a big agency.” How did you become a graphic designer?
Has your style changed over the years?
“I don’t think I really knew what a “I used to only make hand-drawn graphic designer was as a kid but I did sketches but right now I make everygo to art classes from the age of four. thing in Illustrator. And since I started Later on I went to art school and even- silkscreen printing, I abstract more; tually finished my master illustration my drawings are cleaner and sharper. at St. Lucas University College of Art When I start illustrating, I do a lot of and Design Antwerp about 4 years ago. research on the subject to try and capEven before I graduated, I started work- ture the essence of it. Another project ing for Anne Kurris, a well-known kid’s I tried, was having my own silkscreen fashion designer from Antwerp. To this printing studio, but that wasn’t an overday I still design prints and fabrics for whelming success. I tried using an old her label. tanning bed instead “A fter graduation , I decided After graduation, I deof an expensive light to do everything I could to cided to do everything box, but all I got was solely work as an illustraI could to solely work lots of smoke, even tor or graphic designer” as an illustrator or after I’d pulled the graphic designer. plug…” There are too many examples of people who studied illustration, then started Who or what inspires you? working in a bar or a restaurant to earn “My heroes are illustrators Charley Harpmoney and never picked up their craft er and Dick Bruna. Dick Bruna is famous again. Of course, I too experience that for ‘Miffy’ (Nijntje in Dutch), a small rabearning enough money with illustration bit drawn with heavy graphic lines, simple isn’t easy. At some point you have to start shapes and primary colours but I am even taking on some commercial stuff as well, more fond of the graphic work he did because you have to pay the rent, right?” for the covers of the book series ‘Zwarte
Inge made this poster for Villanella’s Kunstbende (an art/literature/music competition for teenagers), on which you can see her trademark style and fluo colours which she loves to use.
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Beertjes’. I also admire how Dutch design- Quick questions: er Karel Martens uses colour and typog- Where do you … raphy and of course I’m always inspired by cities, books, posters, fashion, photog- …go for lunch? raphy and travel. For example, I really like “Stanny. I like to come here at noon the typical tiles, the painted facades and for a sandwich. It’s more relaxed than the typography they use in Portugal.” in the evening.” (Stanleystraat 1, 2018 Antwerp) How do you feel about Antwerp?
…go for dinner?
“I love that everything is within biking “Café Zürich. Good food, good prices distance and that there is always some- and a great atmosphere.” (Verlatstraat 2, thing to do: parties, flea markets, events 2000 Antwerp) and exhibitions. Antwerp is pretty small, without having a claustrophobic village …Drink your coffee? feeling, but it’s nice to know that you “In de Roscam, where they serve norcan go out to a bar and you can be sure mal coffee for a normal price. I don’t to bump into somelike trendy coffee “I love that everything is within one you know. You bars with fancy cofwon’t find this vibe biking distance and that there fees with milk, honey, is always something to do” in other cities like cinnamon or whatever Leuven or Ghent which are real student they put in there. I drink my coffee black.” cities. Antwerp has the perfect mix: stu- (Vrijdagmarkt 12, 2000 Antwerp) dents, families, old people and just a lot of people from different cultures.” …shop? “COS for clothes and Atelier Solarshop for awesome and beautiful things” (COS, What kind of assignments do Hopland 31 and Korte Gasthuisstraat you like? “I really loved this one. I do a lot of 16-18, 2000 Antwerp. Atelier Solarshop, graphic work which I like, but making Dambruggestraat 48, 2060 Antwerp) illustrations, like this cover, is still my favourite part of the job. Another cool …drink a beer? one was making illustrations for a New “In the bar Witzli Poetzli near the CaYork organization that encourages kids thedral. It’s very cozy.” (Blauwmoezelto eat healthier. I love drawing food! I straat 8, 2000 Antwerp) hope I can keep illustrating and designing the next few years and I’m looking forward to many fun assignments and collaborations!”
…relax?
ART
Tips for Tourists
“At the stairs of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. (Leopold De Waelplaats, “The botanical garden is a beautiful peace2000 Antwerp) ful oasis in the middle of the busy city center. (Leopoldstraat 24, 2000 Antwerp). …Go out? Also peaceful and fun to do with friends “Recently, DE Studio started throwing is having a picnic or barbecue on the very fun parties. But there’s some kind of quays of the Scheldt (Steenplein, 2000 a pop-up culture for parties in Antwerp, Antwerp). The Fashion Museum (MoMu) so the locations are constantly changing.” always has interesting expositions. Be(DE Studio, Maarschalk Gerardstraat 4, low the museum you’ll find a unique 2000 Antwerp) bookshop called COPYRIGHT. (Nationalestraat 28, 2000 Antwerp). And last but not least: the Dageraadplaats is an awesome square, a bit outside of the city center, with lots of bars and restaurants and big trees. And at night, you can see stellar lights lightening up the square.”
Inge Rylant is an illustrator for Villanella/DE Studio and Flemish magazines including DS Magazine, DM Magazine, Knack Weekend. As a graphic designer she also lay-outs books and magazine, creates identities and designs prints for clothing. Her book ‘ I Love Costa Brava’ will be exposed in the show Jerwoord Visual Artes (15 May- 23 June) in London. You’re invited to Play Time: flocking fashion and shaping silkscreen. A playful collaboration between fashion designer Mattia Van Severen and illustrator Inge Rylant. Thursday, June 20th, 6-10 pm at Rijnkaai 22, 2000 Antwerp. Menswear collection by Mattia Van Severen + book by Inge Rylant
www.ingerylant.be
music
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BAND CAMP
Music
By Melissa Janssen
Gentlemen Unexpected is a young two-piece hard/blues rock band from Antwerp. Robin Goethals (guitar & vocals) and Bram Van Landuyt (drums) have been best friends since kindergarten and started the band after seeing their heroes Triggerfinger (now famous thanks to their “I Follow Rivers” cover) perform live. Robin gave us some insight into being in a young band in Antwerp… How’s life in Antwerp for a young musician like yourself?
It’s fun! There are so many ways to put yourself out there. Antwerp has a lot of venues and there are a lot of festivals where we get the opportunity to play, like TRIX where we rehears and which happens to be the biggest venue in town. Another great thing about this city is the welcoming crowd, there’s definitely no better place to play music.
What has been your best experience in this city?
A few weeks ago we played at “Out Of The Basement”, a concept by TRIX which gives young bands a platform. We were treated like VIPs; a nice backstage, food and drinks, great PA and lightshow... We kind of felt like rock stars that day. We also chilled for a while and got to hang out with Triggerfinger and Netsky, so that was pretty awesome. I wouldn’t complain about a life like that (laughs). Thanks to this show, we were also able to perform at Scheld’apen and that’s exactly what I love about Antwerp: all venues and music fans are connected in some way so word about your band gets around pretty fast. do you feel other cities in belgium are different?
We haven’t performed that much in other cities. All I can say is that there’s a great community feel here in Antwerp. Everyone’s welcoming and if you’re any good, people will come to see you at other places.
Unlike Gentlemen Unexpected, the Hickey Underworld has been around for a pretty long time. Younes Faltakh (singer, guitar) & Jonas Govaerts (guitar) have been playing together for almost 20 years. In 2006 the band won Humo’s Rock Rally and have since released 2 full albums. You might know them from their single ‘Future Words’, ‘Blonde Fire’ or ‘The Frog’. We talked to Younes (33) about his life as a musician in Antwerp. You’ve lived in Antwerp your whole life. What’s it like for a professional musician in this city?
Antwerp’s pretty small and there’s not really a live circuit, so you tend to see the whole of Flanders as your hometown. But I’ve been in bands since I was thirteen and getting gigs in Antwerp is not easy. Either way, when you’re starting out, the most fun shows are those you put on yourself or those at a friend’s party or something. So a strong DIY ethic is highly recommended!
Would you (the band) ever consider moving ?
Yeah, we’ve discussed it jokingly. But we’re writing our third album right now, and we have our set up here, so we’re not in a headspace of planning out logistical strategies or anything. What’s the most memorable gig you played in Antwerp?
On December 21st of last year we did an ‘end of the world’ themed gig at TRIX. We had a lot of guest musicians and friends playing covers and their own stuff. That ran pretty smoothly, almost zero casualties… When you go out, you usually hang out at the bars around the Mechelseplein. Are there any other bars or restaurants you would recommend?
After I go to the movies I might have a drink at kassa4, cause it’s close by. Besides that, I’m really starting to enjoy the perks of getting drunk at home by myself. Restaurant wise, I like Indian food, I think Yeti House, Taj Mahal
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and Saffraan are pretty good! If you’re a vegetarian, check out Aahaar. Tell us a personal anecdote
Last year I played a fund raiser with a cover band for national radio station Studio Brussel, we had a fun night. A few weeks later I got called up by police for questioning. At the police station I was shown pictures of security footage from that night and was asked if I knew the person in the pictures. Even though I did not know the suspect, I would never rat out a homey, that’s street code. I asked what this was about, but they could not lawfully disclose it. I heard other people from other bands got called in for questioning too. Police then asked me to come in a second time, it was then revealed to me that it concerned a theft. The theft of a frying pan. Not kidding. The case is still under investigation, Antwerp’s finest are working on it. Funny thing is, we took a very large painting of a horse in a field off the backstage wall that night, strapped it to the roof of our car and took it home, never heard anything about that.
13 Robin’s Antwerp hotspots • TRIX: Noordersingel 28-30, 2140 Borgerhout. Without a doubt the best music venue of the city. • The Kids: Grote Markt 50, 2000 Antwerp. This is a rhythm & blues café in the city center • Bar Déco: Torfbrug 2, 2000 Antwerp. They have lots of beers! • Vibes: Grote Pieterpotstraat 14, 2000 Antwerp. A bar where I enjoyed some free funk, soul and jazz shows. It hasa small basement where everyone dances like there’s no tomorrow. • Buster: Kaasrui 1, 2000 Antwerp. People consider Buster as a cultural platform where lots of events take place. • Scheld’apen: ‘d Herbouvillekaai 36, 2020 Antwerp. A small venue (former railway personnel canteen) next to the river Scheldt, where you can see a show or go to a party.
Younes’ Antwerp Hotspots • Kassa4: Ossenmarkt 21, 2000 Antwerp. A bar where a lot of students hang out but you’ll also find a lot of musicians here. • Yeti House: Van Arteveldestraat 45, 2060 Antwerp. An Indian and Nepalese restaurant, close to Central Station. • Taj Mahal: Statiestraat 15, 2018 Antwerp. An Indian restaurant near UGC, the biggest cinema in the city. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala ! • Strings & Things: Bresstraat 12, 2000 Antwerp. One of my favorite music shops in Antwerp. They also have a bass shop down the street. • MilesTones: Turnhoutsebaan 329, 2140 Borgerhout. If you’re going to TRIX, pass by this music shop. They have a wide variety of guitars!
Happy Birthday Dear Academie By Laura Schillemans
Let’s get into clichés and ask: “What is Antwerp famous for?”. You are thinking about diamonds? Well, you’re not wrong but we were thinking of something that shines equally bright: fashion! The last 50 years the world renowned Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp has been responsible for shaping and mentoring the top of the crop in fashion. Reason enough to give them kudos and some extra minutes of fame. Let’s bow in awe and zoom in on the fashion passports of a few ex-students.
fashion
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Meet Niels Peeraer | Graduated in 2011.
Meet Lenny Leleu | Graduated in 2007.
Meet Jan-Jan Van Essche | Graduated in 2003.
Born in Antwerp but moved to Paris after his graduation.
Lenny moved to Antwerp from Germany to study fashion design and is now producing her own label in Belgium.
He’s a true Antwerpian, sticking to his roots!
fashion
Meet Matthias Weber, Niklaus Hodel and Florian Feder | Graduated in 2011, 2012 & 2012.
They are the three (German-Swiss) founding fathers of WeberHodelFeder who met while studying in Antwerp. Gets you addicted to:
Makes you running barefooted to the
leather accessories
store for: men’s footwear
Partners in crime: vegetable tanned
Serves up a fresh side of: the “casual
leather and brass fittings
chic” style
Signature items: bows and studs
Their touch of magic: blending sports-
Mantra: bringing innocent happiness to
wear details with dress shoes and dip-
everyday life
Makes you think differently about:
To worship at: RA – Kleine Markt 7-9,
swimwear
Opens a whole new world of: menswear
banana colour)
2000 Antwerp
Indispensable items: geometrical forms
Gives a new dimension to: mix and
Mantra: walk away from the ordinary &
facebook: Niels Peeraer
and transparent parts that tease your
match - discover wardrobes to be worn
standard offerings of large-scale houses
www.nielspeeraer.com
imagination
throughout the year by layering up and
To discover at: Coccodrillo – Schutter-
Mantra: channeling the past
down, adapting to the seasons as they
shofstraat 9, 2000 Antwerp
without imitating it
pass by
facebook: WeberHodelFeder
Most recent collection: dipped and
Key elements: natural loose forms &
www.weberhodelfeder.com
died in a sea of flowers
colours and refined patterns
To be found at: Pretty Woman –
Mantra: yukkuri (Japanese for “taking it
Hopland 57, 2000 Antwerp
easy”)
facebook: Lenny Leleu
To discover at: Atelier Solarshop -
lennyleleu.tumblr.com
Dambruggestraat 48, 2060 Antwerp
ping it in fresh colours (think brogues in
www.janjanvanessche.com
fashion Name: Petra Dudea (Germany) Age: 20 Occupation: Student at the Fashion Academy Favourite store: COS (Hopland 31, 2000 Antwerp and Korte Gasthuisstraat 16-18, 2000 Antwerp) Outfit: Coat – COS Jacket – own design Bag – own design Shoes – Topshop
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17 Name: Yunjin Cho (South Korea) Age: 22 Occupation: Student at the Fashion Academy Favourite store: Labels Inc. (Aalmoezenierstraat 4, 2000 Antwerp) Outfit: Coat – Martin Margiela Other clothes bought in South Korea
STREET STYLE
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An Ode To Midnight Snacking By Cleo Klapholz & Liesbeth Vermaercke
There are so many times, when you’re on your way home from the party, you’d love to eat something before going to bed. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find a place where you can snack at 2am. But fear no more! We made a list of a few hotspots so next time you go out, you know where to go afterwards. Enjoy your burger at the Groenplaats at 3am, never go hungry again and cure your hangover before it begins…
life
WHERE
WHAT
WHEN
WHY NOT TRY
McDonald’s Groenplaats 17, 2000 Antwerp
Burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, milkshake,… Veggie options
Mon-Wed: 9am-10pm Thu–Sat: 9am-5am Sun: 9am-10pm
A Big Mac menu: burger, fries and a _ €6) soda (+
Quick De Keyserlei 22, 2018 Antwerp
Burgers, fries, chicken dips, milkshake,… Veggie options
Mon-Sun: 10am-midnight
A Giant menu: burger, fries and a _ €6) soda (+
Finjan Graaf Van Hoornestraat 1, 2000 Antwerp
Kebab, pita, falafel, Middle Eastern food,… Veggie options
Mon-Thu: Pita falafel hummus 11am-4am with extra feta and _ €10) Fri-Sat: 11am-5am fries (+ Sun: 11am-4am
Frituur De Jean Ossenmarkt 29, 2000 Antwerp
Fries, burgers, fried snacks (very typical for Belgium!) Veggie options
Most nights. Hours are unknown
Bicky burger or fries with mayo and a _ €5) “curryworst” (+
Sandwiches. It really is a Open 24/7 Café De Rui Oude Vaartplaats bar so don’t expect too 60, 2000 Antwerp much food. On Saturday and Sunday you can go to the market (from 6am)
Croque monsieur: a ham and cheese toasted sandwich _ €4) (+
Taverne De Balie Justitiestraat 67, 2018 Antwerp
Anything really; steak, Open 24/7 spaghetti, vol-au-vent, … Veggie options
_€ Try the steak (+ 10), just because you can
Muradim Gijzelaarstraat 4, 2000 Antwerp
Pita, dürüm, kebab, falafel,…. Veggie options
Burgers, fries, paChipz Waalse Kaai, 2000 nini, salad, sandwiches, pasta,… Antwerp Veggie options
Closed on MonTurkey dürüm with day pineapple and garlic _ €6) Tue–Thu: sauce (+ 6:30pm-2am Fri-Sat: 6:30pm-5am Sun: 6:30pm-1am Sun-Tue: 5pm-11pm Wed: 5pm-2am Thu-Sat: 5pm-5am
Beef stew and fries, a true Belgian clas_ €4) sic (+
De Laet - Astrid Astridplein 38, 2018 Antwerp
Chicken wings, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, pita, dessert, … Veggie options
Sun –Fri: 9am-1am Sat: 9am-2am
Full English breakfast for €10
Sinbad Kerkstraat 30, 2060 Antwerp
Moroccan food, burgers, tajine, kefta, couscous harira,… Veggie Options Halal
Mon-Thu: 12pm-1am Fri-Sat: 12pm-2am Sun: 1pm-1am
Harira for €2,5
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Art used to be a high society thing. Times have definitely changed and there is no form of art more social than street art. You can’t own the pieces: they are created in public space for everybody to see, enjoy and love. They are a remembrance of the certainty you should live in the here and now: before you know it, the drawings fade or get covered with tags. But it’s all part of the magic…
walk your way through art By Laura Schillemans
Antwerp has a vivid street art scene for you to explore. Let’s start off with a short list of must-sees. Often the most beautiful pieces are overlooked because we’re all too busy going somewhere so try to look around the corner every now and again and who knows what gems you might discover!
Art
(1) Park Spoor Noord When you arrive at Park Spoor Noord (by Velo for example), after you’ve enjoyed a delicious breakfast, walk into the direction of the big towers at the end of the park. You’ll find rows and rows of bridge pillars covered with graffiti. It’s like a big cake: you think the topping is sweet but wait until you get to the other layers!
AND OFF WE GO… We’ll take you on a walk (takes about one hour), starting at Park Spoor Noord
Catch a glimpse of the skating ramp while
where you can start the day off with
you walk by, heading into the direction
breakfast (try Caravan or Zum!). You can
of ’t Eilandje. It’s a 15 min walk straight
print out the full walk by visiting http://
towards and across the Londenbrug. If
bit.ly/streetartwalkantwerp. Of course
you need an orientation point: try to get
you’re free to switch it up and visit the
close to the MAS (the big red building).
spots randomly and for those who want
If you have some spare time, go up to the
to make a day out of it; we’ve added a
roof to see the magnificent views.
few hotspots along the way.
Hotspot n°1 After you’ve crossed the bridge, get yourself a really nice cup of coffee at Broer Bretel (Nassaustraat 7).
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(2) Sint-Aldegondiskaai
23 a bright artwork that covers the entire
(4) Oever
(6) Kopstraatje
Art
side of a house. When you exit the MAS, continue your
And we’re off again for a 15 min walk
Gaze upon yet another mural and let your
Hopefully you still have some room left
path down south, turn right and spot
towards the historic city center. Walk
imagination take flight. You can make up
on your camera to take shots of this alley
a big mural covering up lost space be-
through the Houtenbrug, then go right
your own stories with all the characters.
where numerous artists showed off their
tween two pubs on your left.
(Klapdorp). Keep on walking and you’ll
To continue your walk, pass by the mural
skills. It’s definitely worth to get lost in
Head back to where you came from (to-
see the Cathedral appearing in the
and take the first small street on the left
the details!
wards the MAS) and take the second
distance. Cross the Minderbroedersrui
(Munstraat).
Walk all the way through the street and
street to the right. You should cross
and take the second street on the right
the busy Oude Leeuwenrui which heads
(Zirkstraat), followed by the first street
straight to a little square called Falcon-
on your left (Hofstraat). Now it’s “altijd
plein.
rechtendeur” like they say in Antwerp:
A few steps later you’ll discover a nice
near: take the second street on your left
always straight ahead! You’ll cross the
green square (Munthof) where almost all
(Oudaan).
Grote Markt (photo opportunity!) and
the walls are covered in art as well!
walk straight into the Hoogstraat (shops
Get to the next location by going back
are open on Sundays!). Keep on going
to the Muntstraat and going right, fol-
until you reach the two squares at the
lowing the Augustijnenstraat. When you
Sit down at Kavka’s courtyard and enjoy
end of the street.
reach the Nationalestraat, turn left and
the last mural of this walk. The text isn’t
take the second street on the right (the
fully readable anymore which reminds us
street is part of a small square), then im-
of the expiration date of street art but
mediately go left again.
luckily we have photographs to remem-
Hotspot n°2 Viktor (Falconplein 45), an espresso bar and concept gallery showcasing talented creatives is located on this square. Keep on following the street down as it bends to the right and turns into the Huikstraat. Then take the first street on your left.
(3) Houtenbrug Although we went away from the water you’ll still be able to spot whales! Take a peek around the corner and behold
Hotspot n°3 La Chascona (Oever 18) is located on the last square. It’s a small coffee house with a twist. They serve a delicious coffee and cake with the twist being that you can buy everything you see!
take a left to the Kammenstraat (beware:
(5) Munthof
your pace might slow down when you see all the shops lining up). The end is
(7) Kavka, Oudaan
ber it in its full glory: “the future can only be understood backwards”.
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ANTWERP AFTER DARK by Cleo Klapholz
NIGHTLIFE When you stroll along the river Scheldt, heading South, at some point you arrive at a pretty isolated place. There are no houses, only a deserted cobble stone road in front of you, the river on your right where you might see a ship passing by,… Keep on walking. A weird square building with no windows pops up on your left. You’re not really sure you are following the right direction although something tells you that you’re almost there. A distant beat becomes louder. You see other young people, walking towards a parking lot. You finally arrive at probably the best club in Antwerp: Petrol.
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PETROL
CREWs
WHERE TO GO
Petrol is one of those places where people with a slightly different taste in music will find what they are looking for. It’s located next to Scheld’apen, another local hangout, but the rest of the area is pretty deserted. It’s big enough to host parties where 1500 people can dance till sunrise. There’s no public transportation going directly to Petrol however it’s only a 20 minute walk from the city center. Petrol is home to a lot of different styles including drum&bass, breakcore, dubstep, hardtek, frenchcore, psytrance, and so on… Lovers of these underground genres know that it’s not always easy to find clubs that match their taste in music. But in Antwerp every junglist, neo hippie or core jumper can find his or her favourite DJ performing every now and then.
A few years ago every alternative youngster in Antwerp had to hop on the train to Brussels or Ghent to find a good party but these youngsters grew up and got tired of travelling halfway through the country for a night of mayhem. Luckily, they decided to start their own crews and began organizing the best parties in town. Banging, Abused, Rolling, Furthur, Teknofarm, N2O productions, Cityflow... these are all active crews in Antwerp and each and every one of them is specialized in a particular scene. If you’re into one of the genres listed above, you should definitely follow them on Facebook.
Sometimes parties are hosted at isolated places like Petrol, but there are some that can be found in the center of the city. At Kavka, for example, right in the heart of Antwerp, next to the police station/tower and very close to the main shopping area. When you walk through the school-like entrance doors, a hallway covered with graffiti welcomes you. At the end of this hall, you find a dance floor where you can party like there’s no tomorrow. This place is quite small though, so if you decide to party here, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance. On the other side of town lies Zappa, a bit out of the center and rather secluded but on the positive that means the beats can pound through the sound system all night long without having to worry about angry neighbours complaining. The club is also accessible by public transportation so that makes it even better. If you prefer a more psychedelic kind of electro music like psytrance, it’s a bit harder but every now and then some huge parties can be found in Antwerp (the scene has moved more to the South, to the area around Brussels). Have you ever heard of our soccer team ‘Den Antwerp’ ? These guys have a huge stadium in Deurne, part of the suburbs of Antwerp. The stadium has a cafeteria with some gigantic rooms that are perfect to host a party. It’s not really a club,
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but it’s a pretty cool location to party, and only a 20 minute tram ride away. I kept my favourite spot for last. It’s called Magiq and it’s actually a moving club. This club is known in Antwerp as the mirror palace (Spiegeltent in Dutch). It’s an enormous tent with lots of mirrors inside, incredibly beautiful and it changes location 5 times a year. Magiq hosts all kinds of parties, so anyone can find the opportunity to pass by. So you see, Antwerp has a lot to offer. Even for people like me, people that have to dig a bit deeper to find a perfect party spot. Antwerp has it all, sometimes well hidden, but it makes it all worthwhile when you find it.
Petrol: D’Herbouvillekaai 25,2020 Antwerp www.petrolclub.be — facebook: Petrol Kavka: Oudaan 14, 2000 Antwerp www.kavka.be — facebook: Kavka Jc Zappa: August Leyweg 6, 2020 Antwerp www.zappaworld.be — facebook: Jcc Zappa Magiq: Noordkasteel Oost, 2030 Antwerp (during the summer) www.magiq.be — facebook: Magiq Spiegeltent
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SUMMERTIME Most of the time, during the summer, you just want to lay in the grass, relax or sit in the sun with a drink in your hand. Antwerp has it all: parks, bars and even a beach‌ Here’s a quick guide to some of the best places to soak up the sun and have a good time.
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PARKS Parks provide plenty of room if you’re looking for some quiet time or just want to take a breather from city life. Stadspark (1) is an excellent spot for an impromptu picnic after a visit to the market. It has a lot of open spaces, a skate bowl and a beautiful pond. Park Spoor Noord (2) is a different story; It looks a bit like a giant field but there are plenty of things to do. You can have a barbeque (just bring your own food) or have a cocktail at Cargo Zomerbar. Middelheimpark (3) & Nachtegalenpark (4) are both a bit out of the city centre but definitely worth the visit. On offer are an open air sculpture museum, a playground, gardens and even deer!
QUIET PLACES
Looking for a more quiet spot? Head for one of the numerous squares and hidden spots in the city. The botanical garden (5), a green oasis right in the middle of the city, is a nice example. If you like to sit by water, the pontoon (6), a platform placed on the river Scheldt, next to ‘t Steen is a great place. A lot of people hang out here at night. During the summer months you can also go to the Sunset (7), which is a concept by Zomer van Antwerpen. They installed a tribune so you can sit and watch the sunset while you barbeque! Just keep on following the water and head to Noordkasteel (8). It’s a beautiful hid-
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ROOFTOPS den spot; excellent for walking and just working on your tan and if you stay late enough, you can always go next door to Magiq Spiegeltent (9) for a concert. Looking for something different? Go to the other side of the river (just take the voetgangerstunnel (10) ) ,visit Sint Anneke Plage (11) and enjoy the fantastic views of the city skyline. HAVE A DRINK During the summer there are lot of summer pop-up bars. They all have a different vibe. One really cool place is De Zomerbar (12). Not only does it have a very relaxed atmosphere, it has an outside library, sun chairs, a bar, two restaurants, a few tree houses, … Swing
by next door neighbour Strantwerpen (13), if you’re looking for a beach and a bit more exclusivity. Not quite sure where you want to go but you know you want to go drinking? Go to Mechelseplein (14) or Ossenmarkt (15). These squares, both in the heart of the city are always packed, summer through winter. Looking for a party during the summer (July-August)? De Zomerfabriek (16) is always open and free of charge!
There is just something about being on a rooftop: sometimes the view is magnificent and sometimes you can’t see anything but it feels like you are somewhere else. M HKA (17) has the perfect secluded rooftop terrace if you want to have a drink and a bite to eat. Looking for breathtaking views? MAS (18) has a big rooftop which you can reach every day till 11pm. Another well kept secret is the Italian restaurant on the Keyserlei: Gran Duca (19). It’s a bit more expensive than the average Italian restaurant, but you get your money’s worth! If you just want to grab a cocktail after dinner, SkyBar Antwerp (20) located on the top floor of a hotel, is worth a visit.
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SWIMMING
BREAKFAST
Even though the weather in Antwerp isn’t always the best, there are times when you just wish you could go swimming. And luckily, we do have a few places where you can take a dip outside. The BadBoot (21), a giant boat floating on the water, is probably the most well know swimming pool, located at the docks. If you want to be sure you’ll get in, make a reservation online. We also have an ecological swimming pond at Boekenberg Park (22) where you can take a dip for free but it will only last for 15min. If you’re at the other side of the river, you could always hop into De Molen (23), which is another big open air swimming pool.
Imagine, you went out late last night and the best remedy for that nasty hangover is a big breakfast. Lucky you, because Antwerp has some great places to go to. On ‘t Eilandje you’ll find Felixpakhuis (24) which used to be a warehouse in the 1860, but they’ve turned it into the city archives and a restaurant. It’s located next to the MAS, so even the view is beautiful. Their brunch à volonté on Sunday is one to try. Salads, pastries and all the breakfast specials you can dream of! Plein Midi (25) is a small yet cozy eatery, located on the Sint-Paulusplaats, where they serve all kinds of different breakfasts (Swedish, Spanish, English,...). Tartine (26) is located a bit further down the street. It’s a small breakfast and lunch bar where the menu is filled with delicious sandwiches and a few weeks ago a new cake house opened at Nieuw Zuid called Baked (27). When you walk in, you will be overwhelmed with choice! The owner Karolien, sells sugar bombs (think brownies with peanut butter) as well as hearty cakes with feta and bacon. The pieces are huge and the prices are tiny! The most you’ll pay for a piece is €3,90. If you’re looking for more things to do (like take a bike ride) of where to shop vintage, drink a coffee,… Check out our website (www.thisisantwerp.be) where you can download these maps or download our free app!
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TIPS TIPS TIPS ANTWERP PHRASES What to say
“MERCI” - mer cee – “Thank you” “ZWANST NA NI” – zwanst na ne – “stop joking around” “IK KöS M’N SCHUP AF” – eek cos men schoop af – “I’m quitting” “DIE VAN ONGS” – de van ongs – “my man/woman” “IK GON M’N PETATJES AFGIETEN” -eek gon men pehtad-yes afgeeten – “I’m going to take a leak” “OEPT GEMAK, É ”- oopt gheh-mak, a – “take it easy” “SCHOON MARCHANDIES” -skaan mar-chan-des – “looking good” “AMAI MENNE FRAK” -amai, men naa frak –“ holy moly” “MAK IS PASSEREN” - mac is pass eran – “Can I get through” “EEN DAANSKE PLACEREN” – an daanske pla-ceren – “going dancing”
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WHERE TO SLEEP FREE WIFI
HOW TO RENT A BIKE VELO Biking is always a nice way to explore a city. You can rent a red bike (you see them all over town) with your creditcard in 3 different ways. 1) Go online to www.velo-antwerpen.be and buy a day or week pass. 2) You can call the information desk (+32 (0)3/206 50 30) or 3) You can visit the info desk at Kievitplein 7, 2000 Antwerp (closed on the weekends). SPINLISTER You can try Spinlister (www.spinlister.com) and see if there are any available bikes for rent. This site allows people to rent bikes from locals.
We have 4 Youth Hostels in Antwerp
It’s always handy to know where you can get free wifi
ABHostel – Kattenberg 110, 2140 Borgerhout +32 (0) 473 57 01 66, www.abhostel.com
Café/Bar Vitrin – Marnixplaats 14 De Muze – Melkmarkt 15 Chatleroi – Graaf van Hoornestraat 2 Bar Leon – Reuzenstraat 23 Korsakov – Sint Jorispoort 1 Vagant - Reyndersstraat 25 Fixerati - Lange Koepoortstraat 13 Homey - Sint Paulusplaats 24 Baah Bar - Sint Jorispoort 2 De Kroon - Kerkstraat 91
Pulcinella – Bogaardeplein 1, 2000 Antwerp, +32 (0)3 234 03 14, www.vjb.be Scoutel – Stoomstraat 3-7, 2018 Antwerp +32 (0)3 226 46 06, www.scoutel.be Boomerang – Lange Leemstraat 95, 2018 Antwerp +32 (0)3 238 47 82, www.boomeranghostel.be During July & August you can also stay at Zero Star Pension (Nulsterrenpension) at De Zomerfabriek for €18pp/per night (breakfast incl.) Minckelerstraat, 2018 Antwerp, www.zva.be
Coffeebar Palanca – Sint-Jacobsmarkt 59 Coffeelabs – Lange Klarenstraat 19 Caffènation – Mechelsesteenweg 16 Broer Bretel – Nassaustraat 7 Viggo’s Coffeebar – De Coninckplein 21 Normo Coffee - Minderbroedersrui 30 Kolonel Koffie - Grote Pieter Potstraat 38 Viktor - Falconplein 45 Coffee & Vinyl - Volkstraat 45 Revista - Karel Rogierstraat 47 Eating out Perruche – Oude Vaartplaats 60 Café Camino – Vrijdagmarkt 5 Café Stanny – Stanleystraat 1 Plein Midi – Sint Paulusplaats 23 Barnini – Oude Vaartplaats 10 Caravan - Damplein 17 Felixpakhuis - Godefriduskaai 30 Café Storm - Hanzestedenplaats 5 Krokbar Fabiola - Sint Antoniusstraat 4 ViaVia - Wolstraat 43
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 pop-up 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.
Free app!
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. 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! CALENDAR
What is happening right here, right now? The calendar keeps you informed about what is going on today, tomorrow or next week. From parties to expositions, from live music to events,… 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 Offline?
The app will help you find free wifi spots. You only need an internet connection to download updates, get directions or watch videos. The rest is as offline as can be!