Joy Anna Thielemans
@joythielemans22, Actress & Columnist, Antwerp - Belgium
Who better to introduce you to this lesser-known pearl on the river Schelde than the Belgian actress, Joy Anna Thielemans? You might remember her for her role as Jana in the hit Flemish soap opera, “Thuis”. Born and bred in Antwerp, her insider tips will soon make you feel just at home as she does in this multifaceted port town with an unmistakably international flavor! Just (en)Joy!
Shop the Antwerp look: Shoulder bag / Luggage
Hotel: Sleeping Around
A compact, mobile, yet luxurious hotel that pops-up at unique locations around the city? Now that is my idea of “Sleeping Around”! The like-named pop-up hotel happened to occupy the city’s Left Bank (Linkeroever) for my stay, which couldn’t have been better scripted! A stone’s throw from the city just across the River Schelde and yet somehow worlds apart. The perfect spot to relax and recharge!
Opening Hours
- Winter closed
Sleeping Around Playlist
(click track for video)
- Oscar And The Wolf – Princes $i++;?>
- Gabriel Rios – Gold $i++;?>
- Trixie Whitley – Never Enough $i++;?>
- Stromae – Tous Les Mêmes $i++;?>
Breakfast: Tinsel
If I could, I would not hesitate to move in to this hip and healthy eatery on Antwerp’s south side (‘t Zuid). Tinsel offers fresh and wholesome food, friendly staff and a cute interior: i.e. everything I need to be happy. The place’s owner and operator, Tine, puts her heart and soul into this place every day, baking fresh bread, cakes and other delights. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and be sure to try the Flower Fizz! Added bonus: free wifi!
Opening Hours
- Monday 8.30am–4.00pm
- Wednesday–Thursday 8.30am–6.00pm
- Friday 8.30am–7.00pm
- Saturday–Sunday 9.00am–7.00pm
Boutique: Baby Beluga
I just can’t resist this heavenly and luxurious boudoir-like store, filled with all manner of elegance by brands such as See by Chloé, Ba&sh, Paul & Joe Sister, Laurence Doligé and others. Besides clothing, you’ll also discover handcrafted jewelry, bags and accessories. Oh, and shoes! what would heaven be without shoes?
Opening Hours
- Monday–Saturday 10.30am–6.00pm
Shopping
Nationalestraat is the unofficial address of high fashion in Antwerp. And right alongside the Fashion Museum, there is an oasis of peace and tranquility to be found in bookstore, Copyright. There are thousands of mainly art books, I easily get lost here for hours. Being so close to the top of Belgian fashion, Copyright also carries the Eastpak fashion collabs like Kris Van Assche and Jean Paul Lespagnard.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday–Saturday 11.00am–6.30pm
- Sunday 2.00pm–6.00pm
Welcome to the temple of Scandinavian design! The Danish brand, HAY, really pulled out all the stops for this concept store near Antwerp’s Kammenstraat. You’ll find everything the brand has to offer in this converted loft: from furniture to textiles to accessories. I’ll take one of each, please!
Opening Hours
- Monday–Saturday 11.00am–6.00pm
Outdoor: A.S. Adventure
Planning an adventure anytime soon? AS Adventure has a nice selection of Eastpak bags on the Meir, Antwerp’s high street. This is definitely the place to be for all would-be globetrotters, nature lovers and active leisure hedonists.
Opening Hours
- Monday–Thursday 10.00am–6.00pm
- Friday–Saturday 10.00am–6.30pm
Coffee: Caffenation
I need my daily dose of coffee and nothing is better than the "soort koffie” brewed with passion by the lovely crew at Caffenation. In summer, they have a fabulous terrace, but inside is just as cozy as well. Grab a coffee, open a book, get comfortable and greet the day with a smile.
Opening Hours
- Monday–Friday 8.30am–7.00pm
- Saturday 9.00am–7.00pm
- Sunday 11.00am–6.00pm
Museum: MUHKA
Antwerp is a city of artists. The Museum of Modern Art has a varied offer of international exhibitions. One of the best reasons to visit the museum is for its café and, more precisely, its terrace. MUHKAFE boasts some of the best views in the city. And when you’re done admiring Antwerp’s city skyline, you marvel at the work of Keith Haring, who left his mark here in 1987 in the form of an impressive mural.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday 11.00am–6.00pm
- Thursday 11.00am–9.00pm
Restaurant: Hungry Henrietta
In the bustling streets of De Wilde Zee and Lombardenvest, you will find the restaurant Hungry Henrietta. This strategically located eatery is the ideal spot for lunch for those looking to take a load off after a busy morning shopping. Enjoy impeccable service and quality food with a French twist in the stylish interior or on the sunny terrace.
Opening Hours
- Monday–Friday 12.00pm–2.00pm
- Monday–Friday 6.00pm–9.00pm
Summerbars
Picture this: a boat on the river Schelde with a swimming pool on it. No it’s not a dream, it is actually real. This 120-meter ship docked at 't Eilandje has been transformed into an open air swimming pool with all the facilities. Access is limited, so you need to make a reservation if you want to swim. But the experience is totally worth it. You feel like you are swimming in the dock itself, while ships pass you by against the beautiful backdrop of Antwerp’s city skyline.
Opening Hours
- Winter closed
Located in what used to be an industrial railway yard, Park Spoor Noord is now a green haven in the north of Antwerp and a perfect example of successful urban development. You can find people lounging here for hours at the water fountains. The Cargo summer bar offers food and drinks, grab your flip-flops and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Opening Hours
- Monday–Sunday 10.00am–12.00am
- Winter closed
Bar: Korsakov
I admit it, I’m not much into clubbing. Rather give me a hip and happening café like Korsakov, for instance. Whether it’s for a quick or lingering coffee break during the day, a glass of organic wine in the evening or Belgian beers at night, this bar in the city centre has something for everyone. There are free live concerts on most Wednesdays and Sundays. The second floor is worth checking out with its vintage furniture and writing on the walls. It kinda feels like Berlin, such an inspiring place!
Opening Hours
- Monday–Wednesday 11.00am–3.00am
- Thursday–Saturday 11.00am–4.00am
- Sunday 12.00am–2.00am
Korsakov Playlist
Featured
Playlist
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Full photo gallery
Photography by Jens Mollenvanger