“Antwerp is a small city with so many big stories,” says Charlotte de Geyter, co-owner of Bernadette, an Antwerp-based fashion label she founded with her mother, Bernadette.

“There’s a deep sense of history here, and you feel it most while slowly wandering through the old streets on a quiet weekend, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings,” Charlotte adds. Aside from the architecture, Antwerp is a hub of creativity. “The city has always been home to incredible fashion designers and artists, and I think that creative spirit still defines Antwerp today.”

Antwerp indeed seems to be one of the destinations of the summer, with travelers visiting the Belgian city to take in the sights and to see “The Antwerp Six” exhibition showing at The MoMu Fashion Museum through January 2027. Both mother and daughter grew up on the outskirts of Antwerp, and Bernadette says she was always drawn to the city. “Antwerp is the place you’ll always want to go back to,” she says.

Charlotte and Bernadette often walk or bike around the city, admiring it. “One thing that really embodies the Antwerp spirit to me is the city’s quiet confidence,” Charlotte says.

When it comes to the city, this duo are experts. Below, read Charlotte and Bernadette’s recommendations for where to eat, shop, stay, and sightsee in Antwerp.

Where to Eat

Bar Misera

A place where I’ve only experienced fun evenings. The restaurant is run by a couple and focuses on exceptionally fresh produce in an intimate setting with often French chansons in the background.—Bernadette

Don’t leave without ordering the Dame Blanche, I still think about it for its perfect balance of sweet and savory. A fun sidenote: every meal begins with a large bowl of pickles served with an antique silver tong.—Charlotte

Quite Frankly

The place to go for a relaxed weekend lunch. Everything is made with very fresh ingredients and served until the day’s stock runs out.—Charlotte

Le John

My personal go-to for a low-key dinner. Quiet, simple, and consistently good food, the kind of place you keep returning to.—Charlotte

Ciro’s

An authentic Belgian experience. Order the shrimp cocktail. It’s one of those rare restaurants that has stayed true to itself over the years while maintaining a very high standard.—Bernadette

Tango

A newer, trendier restaurant by two young entrepreneurs, with special design by Noëmi Orgaer. Expect a more fashion-forward crowd here.—Charlotte

Sir Anthony Van Dijck

Decorated by Axel Vervoordt, this Antwerp institution has a timeless atmosphere and remains one of the city’s classic dining rooms.—Bernadette

Where to Stay

Hotel August

Located in a quieter, greener part of Antwerp, Hotel August was designed by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen inside a former Augustinian convent. Have a casual lunch at Bar Vert nearby and sit among the locals. Antwerp is a small city, so although it feels slightly removed from the bustle, you’re only 15 minutes away from the city center.—Charlotte

Hotel Julien

Located in Antwerp’s old town in the city center, with a rooftop overlooking the cathedral. Antwerp is a very historic city, so it’s worth spending a day wandering through its streets, admiring the old architecture, and stepping into the many independent boutiques and antique shops.—Bernadette

Hotel Pilar

Located in the South district of Antwerp, an area known for its lively bars and restaurants. Close to the Scheldt, it’s the perfect area to pick up a gelato from Gelato Factory and watch the sunset by the river.—Charlotte

Where to Shop

Renaissance

A boutique known for championing emerging designers and young brands, all curated with a distinct point of view. Expect a strong focus on high fashion and directional pieces. —Charlotte

Dries Van Noten

No trip to Antwerp feels complete without visiting this iconic store. Decorated by Gert Voorjans, the interiors feel both theatrical and deeply personal, true to the spirit of the brand while still feeling warm and home-like.—Bernadette

Louis

The destination in Antwerp for established luxury designers and international fashion houses.—Charlotte

Rosier41

A long-standing vintage designer store where you’ll discover an exceptional selection of second-hand Belgian fashion. Antwerp has a deeply rooted fashion culture, and the store reflects that, full of unique archival pieces and rare finds.—Charlotte

What to See

The MoMu Fashion Museum

Antwerp is one of Europe’s fashion capitals and takes great pride in its designers. MoMu celebrates this legacy through carefully curated exhibitions dedicated to fashion and contemporary design. Located just above the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where many renowned Belgian designers studied. One of our dresses is in the permanent collection. —Bernadette

Middelheim Museum

An open-air sculpture museum set within a vast green park on the outskirts of the city. The perfect place to spend a slow afternoon surrounded by art and nature.—Bernadette

KMSKA

Antwerp has a rich painterly history, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts brings it all together, from the Flemish Masters to contemporary works. —Bernadette

Tim Van Laere Gallery

The gallery my partner, Ben Sledsens, works with. They truly put the artists first and host new exhibitions almost every month.—Charlotte

Cour Space

A young, more conceptual gallery showcasing emerging artists and contemporary practices. The space feels intimate and understated, with carefully curated exhibitions that attract Antwerp’s creative crowd.—Charlotte

Uppercut Gallery

Founded by Scott Lipps, whose strong eye for design is reflected throughout the space, which is set inside a beautifully restored Antwerp apartment. —Charlotte

Cogels-Osylei

One of Antwerp’s most beautiful streets, lined with eclectic 19th-century mansions that range from Art Nouveau to Neo-Gothic architecture. Walking here almost feels cinematic.—Charlotte

Rubenstuin

Hidden behind the Rubenshuis, the former studio of baroque painter Rubens, the Rubenstuin is a beautiful garden redesigned with a modern Flemish sensibility. A quiet escape in the heart of Antwerp, it feels like you’re sitting amongst a piece of history.