Although a less popular destination than Brussels, Antwerp is a Belgian city that overflows with (very) cool spots. In fact, it’s where photographer Luca Campri immortalised our American Vintage autumn/winter 2023-2024 collection. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of good reasons to spend a weekend there.
Cover photo: Frans Ruiter
#1: For the culture
Looking for a museum? The choice is endless! The good news is that there’s something for everyone. Start at FOMU, the photography museum. Then, explore Flemish art at the Museum aan de Stroom, whose building alone is worth the visit (it was designed by the Rotterdam-based Neutelings Riedijk Architects firm). Next, cross the Nassaubrug to visit Zaha Hadidplein, an architectural treasure designed by Zaha Hadid. If you still have some time left, stop in at MoMu, the fashion museum of the Antwerp Province: the exhibitions showcase Belgian designers all year long.
Photos: @alexane.pelissou
FOMU-Fotomuseum Antwerpen – Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerpen
Zaha Hadidplein – Mexicostraat 37, 2030 Antwerpen
Musée de la Mode de la Province d’Anvers (MoMu) – Nationalestraat 28, 2000 Antwerpen
Museum aan de Stroom – Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen
#2: For the gastronomy
To all of you who think that Belgian food consists of chips, chips and more chips, think again. Of course, you can eat crispy potatoes all over the place (and at any time of day), but they aren’t the only delicious specialities to nibble on during your stay. At Domestic, sample a crèmekoek (a cream-filled croissant) for two, which will keep your energy up until lunchtime. Around noon, head to Fiskebar for ultra-fresh seafood platters. In the evening, after a quick cocktail at Botanic Sanctuary, sit down for a light dinner at Osaka. This Japanese-influenced restaurant offers a small choice of dishes à la carte, to wash down with a bottle of natural wine.
Photos: Osaka ; @osakaantwerp
Domenic – Steenbokstraat 37, 2018 Antwerpen
Fiskebar – Marnixplaats 12, 2000 Antwerpen
Botanic Sanctuary – Leopoldstraat 26, 2000 Antwerpen
Osaka – Bollandusstraat 17, 2000 Antwerpen
#3: For the stores
For your fashion shopping, make a beeline to one of the two American Vintage stores in the city. You can fill up your suitcase with wool cardigans, white tees and super bleach denim. For books, check out CronopiO, an independent bookshop that doubles as a café during the day, or Copyright, specialised in art and architecture books. Finally, don’t forget to stop at Fest to stock up on colourful decorations.
Photo: Bookstore ; @copyrightbookshop
American Vintage – Nationalestraat 11/13/De Letterkamer, 2000 Antwerpen
American Vintage Femme – Schuttershofstraat 18, 2000 Antwerpen
CronopiO – Kasteelpleinstraat 21, 2000 Antwerpen
Copyright – Nationalestraat 28/A, 2000 Antwerpen
Fest – Steenhouwersvest 16, 2000 Antwerpen
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.