Oh, I love Loa! As a street food enthusiast, I can’t help but like the way Loa combines cuisine from around the world in one menu. With a specific purpose: to add a contemporary twist to different kinds of street food, with an emphasis on great flavours, creativity and presentation. They serve Korean fried Chicken, Vietnamese noodle salads and Moroccan pancakes, as well as their iconic Loa Burger.

Hoogstraat 77, 2000 Antwerp

My go-to coffee bar is Rush Rush. Nanigui and Simon recently opened this nice coffee bar in the Zurenborg neighbourhood. Here they combine and share their know-how, skills and passion for coffee and good food. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee to kick-start your day, a sweet treat, or a more refined lunch, they have it all! My faves are a simple Flat White or a flavoursome Batch Brew, the canelé and the jerk chicken sandwich.

Lange Altaarstraat 29, 2018 Antwerp

One shop I always look for when I visit a new city is Carhartt WIP. Good news: they recently opened one in Antwerp! I love the rugged look and feel of workwear, which this brand succeeds in capturing so well! They have all kinds of must-haves, for everyone’s taste! Their collabs with brands like Converse, Sun Buddies, L’Art de l’Automobile and the ever-changing window displays trigger me to rediscover the shop every time I walk past. 

They also serve good coffee on the first floor.

Kammenstraat 70, 2000 Antwerp

Okay, I’ll be honest, I am a huge fan of Fragille. You won’t find the jewellery that Fragille sells anywhere else. Designer and founder Gille makes each piece herself, pouring all her love into it. She combines silver and gold jewellery in the most organic shapes with the most colourful precious stones. But my all-time favourites are the jewels that turn into wearable characters. She sells a series of Smiley necklaces and mascot rings, which all portray different characters. Currently you can visit Fragille’s showroom and workshop on appointment and find your favourite piece, which can be fully customised for you.

Vestingstraat 59, 2018 Antwerp (book an appointment)

Antwerp wouldn’t be Antwerp without local brands! Which is why you should really visit Arte. Besides their own Arte brand, this shop also sells creations from young, talented designers and the fresh energy of the young business owners is palpable in everything they do. The inspiring selection mixes solid everyday essentials with a number of eye-catching statement pieces. The interior by designer Orson Oxo Van Beek is equally eye-catching.

Kammenstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp

Atelier Solarshop owes its name to its previous owner, a shop that sold solar panels. These days, you can find a carefully curated collection of contemporary items and timeless antiques here. Pietro Celestina and Jan-Jan Van Essche, both graduates of Antwerp’s Fashion Academy, spend all their time and passion on creating the perfect destination for treasure hunters who are in search of that one perfect item to add to their collection.

Dambruggestraat 48, 2060 Antwerp

The founders of iconic café Korsakov opened a new bar in lively Mechelseplein this summer. The place to be on a balmy summer evening, with a spacious terrace and a great selection of drinks, as well as a menu that changes constantly - curated by chef Thorwald Stevens with delicious pasta dishes and fizzas (pizza on a flatbread base). You can almost always find me here. Besides serving the perfect Basil Smash Cocktail and a Hot Chick Fizza, they also organise all kinds of events that shine the spotlight on music, art and young talent!

Maarschalk Gerardstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp

My parents introduced me to Eat Dust, which sells timeless streetwear with an outerwear look and feel. To celebrate their ten-year anniversary, they opened a shop in Volksstraat, where you can also find the amazing eyewear of KOMONO. They have a great selection of denim and army-inspired clothes, with a surprising twist. They are also inspired by Western styles, skateboarding and motorcycling and value quality, human dignity and originality. “Designed in Antwerp and made in Europe”! Thirsty while shopping? ‘GoWild’ in their in-house vegan Italian coffee bar.

Volkstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp

VIER recently relocated to larger premises in Theodoor van Rijswijckplaats. They created more space for local and iconic brands, such as Raf Simons and Dries van Noten, as well as new brands from LA. Streetwear and high fashion, which have gradually blended in with each other over time. The interior and the window display are a must-see: with animal prints, palm trees, neon lights, fun lanterns and, last but not least, their surprising fitting rooms. Everything you desire! You can also buy local DJ Faisal’s vintage collection and wine here.

Theodoor van Rijswijckplaats 4, 2000 Antwerp

Best of both worlds: go to Lockwood Avenue for the best of skateboarding and sneakers. The shop’s name is a reference to Lockwood Elementary in LA, one of the most iconic skate spots in the world. A few years later, the owners opened Avenue. This is usually the first place I go for a nice pair of sneakers, some graphic T shirts or some funky accessories. They strike the right balance between more daring options and bold basics. Something for everyone! Avenue sells a nice selection of skate and hardware brands from around the world in addition to a (lovingly curated) selection of exclusive and less exclusive sneakers. Don’t be surprised if you spot a cluster of sneaker lovers at the entrance. This does tend to be the case for exclusive sneaker releases!

IJzerenwaag 3, 2000 Antwerp