Follow Katie in Antwerp
Antwerp has a lot going for it. Diamonds, mussels, grandmas… what more could you ask for?
Watch us battle it out in Antwerp and follow my plan below! Need more convincing? Watch our episode in Antwerp to see exactly how it played out:
Stop 1: Mampoko
Continental breakfast for two at Mampoko Restaurant.
Where: Amerikalei 8, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: A traditional Belgian restaurant open from breakfast through to late night.
Why: We went there for the continental breakfast for two (actually called the Mampoko Royale) on my planned day, and then returned for breakfast with friends two days later. If that isn’t a great reflection of food and service, I don’t know what is.
Stop 2: DIVA Diamond Museum
Diamonds through a microscope, one of many interactive displays at DIVA Diamond Museum.
Where: Suikerrui 17/19, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: An exciting, interactive museum in the heart of Antwerp. It merged the collections of the former Antwerp Diamond Museum and Sterckshof silver museum in a single institution.
Why: Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, with 84% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds passing through. At the end of the museum, you can play a short game that places YOU on the cover of the highly-respected and very real Fashion Diva magazine! If you like learning and love things that shine, it’s a must-do.
Stop 3: De Bomma Restaurant
A truly Belgian feast at De Bomma Restaurant.
Where: Willem Ogierplaats 3, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: Riverside restaurant serving traditional Flemish dishes with an outstanding beer cellar.
Why: Mussels, rabbit stew, and ancient beer styles will be served up by some of Antwerp’s friendliest staff, all while looking at a little old castle.
Stop 3: Het Steen
A medieval fortress with a large and slightly terrifying statue of Lange Whopper at the entrance.
Where: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: A medieval fortress in the old city centre of Antwerp, Belgium. It is completely free to walk around and houses local art exhibitions as well as the tourism centre. Try not to be put off by Lange Whopper, Antwerp’s very own giant peeping Tom.
Why: You love castles and free things. The viewing tower has some awesome views of the city, too.
Stop 4: MAS Museum Rooftop
MAS from the outside - we’re heading to the free lookout on the roof!
Where: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: Antwerp’s largest museum, MAS (Museum aan de Stroom/Museum by the Stream) is a collaborative gallery showcasing work from around the globe. But I’m no art buff. I’m a free-things buff. And for free, you can ride escalators 10 stories to the completely free, panoramic-view rooftop. Not bad!
Why: I always like to see the cities I visit from up high, to get a different perspective and see how it all comes together.
Stop 5: Mission Masala
Chicken, cauliflower & rice dishes at Mission Masala.
Where: Troonplaats, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
What: Desi Indian food with three locations around Belgium.
Why: Starting out as a food truck, Mission Masala has not lost the social comfort-food vibes that made it so successful. Each dish is deep with flavour and brought to you by smiley staff who can’t wait to give recommendations. The cocktails are also very, very good.
Planning did not quite take first prize in Antwerp but it still proved to be an excellent way to enjoy the city! To see how much fun you can have without planning a second of your day, check out Benny’s rogue agenda here.
