6 x Omarcity's favourites in Antwerp

An iconic spot in Antwerp's Slachthuiswijk (the former epicenter of the city's slaughterhouse industry). This former brown pub where many stories have been told was given a second lease on life by Davy Schellemans, the chef of restaurant Veranda. The interior was completely revamped, but still exudes the vibe of the olden days: neon lights, dark wood, the original bar, the authentic tiles,... The food is unpretentious, local and seasonal. Think homemade pasta, brioche with langoustine, sopressini with nduja, natural wines and craft beers. The top floor now houses Studio Conda, a luxury rental studio with a rooftop garden. 

Eat, discover art and music, dance, drink, sleep,...repeat. An underground place in Antwerp's Borgerhout district where there is always something happening. Part community kitchen, part urban garden, part guesthouse, part music studio, part night club: in this old factory building, the covered alley next to it and the adjacent cosy brown pub you can experience the real Antwerp nightlife and creativity. 

Located in the former military hospital, Pakt is now a breeding ground for urban growth that includes a rooftop farm (with sauna and outdoor kitchen pizza oven), some excellent bars and restaurants, a gym, and fancy wellness hotel August. It's a lovely place to hang, stroll around, work, meet up and discover some of the best spots Antwerp has to offer.

Minigolf Beatrijs has always been a traditional, local brasserie and mini-golf course. A few years ago, a couple of cultural and social organisations from Antwerp (including well-known names like Time Circus and Stormkop) joined forces to completely transform this place. Now, it’s a green oasis on Antwerp's Left Bank, open to all. It offers a stunning view of the heart of Antwerp. You can play miniature golf surrounded by artworks (each hole was designed by a different artist), enjoy food and drinks, and most importantly, have lots of fun. Every Friday there is live music at 7 pm.

An abandoned shipyard at the Antwerp Dry Docks was taken over by young and not-so-young adventurers. They created a free state focussed on art education, a place for art, music, workshops, and sharing food and drinks. This place is hard to put into words – you have to feel it and experience it with all your senses.

Samenloop is a project disguised as a restaurant. This remarkable gastronomic-level restaurant is run by asylum seekers, refugees, newcomers, and students who combine training and work, under the expert guidance of professional chefs (including Chef Seppe Nobels of Graanmarkt 13 fame). People forced to flee their country or region leave everything behind, bringing with them only their dreams and memories. Their culinary memories – flavours, scents, spices, family recipes, and traditions – form the foundation of Samenloop’s kitchen. Sharing a meal, sitting at the table together, connects people. They work with guest chef-curators, who change frequently. And once again, the location is unique and full of history – the former Maagdenhuis.