From designer shops to Michelin stars: Antwerp experiences for the connoisseur

Introducing Visit Antwerp - our destination partner for Connections Luxury Europe 2025.

Are you looking for a city trip filled with luxury, charm and fine dining? Look no further than Antwerp. Let this captivating city sweep you off your feet with its timeless moments crafted just for connoisseurs.

Savour Fine Dining

Antwerp has one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. So you know where to go if you want to enjoy top-notch gastronomy and great service. Head to 't Groen Kwartier and book a table at The Jane**, for example. The starred restaurant is housed in the beautiful chapel of a former military hospital. On the top floor of the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, you will find restaurant Zilte***. Both the unique dishes and the magnificent view of city, river and harbour will have your jaw dropping. In the city centre, you can experience an exclusive culinary journey in the intimate setting of Hertog Jan**.

A Fusion of Cultures and Flavours

Be surprised by the diverse culinary styles found in Antwerp. If you're after some excellent French cuisine, then Dôme* or Nathan* are highly recommended. Prefer something traditional? Pay a visit to Bistrot Du Nord* or The Butcher's Son*. For Asian cuisine of the highest calibre, DIM Dining* is the place to be, while at Le Pristine* you'll be served the finest Italian dishes with a Zeeland twist. Restaurants such as Het Gebaar*, Nebo* or Kommilfoo* combine cuisines in a contemporary, creative way. 

Quirky Fashion

Antwerp is a must-visit for every self-respecting fashionista. This city surely deserves a place on your list alongside Paris, Milan or New York. Besides one of the world's leading fashion academies, you will also find flagship stores from top designers such as Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Christian Wijnants and Jan-Jan Van Essche. Curious about the extraordinary story of Antwerp and Belgian fashion? Visit the MoMu | Fashion Museum in the heart of the fashion district or take a MoMu Fashion Walk. 

Set aside enough time to explore the luxurious shopping offerings, as there is a great deal to see. Admire the creations by the graduates of the renowned fashion academy. Or shop all day in the most beautiful historic buildings – your Instagram followers will thank you. 

Fine Arts

Art is also part of a luxury experience. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) in Het Zuid is an absolute must-see. In the beautifully renovated building, you can admire a fantastic collection with works by the greatest masters spanning seven centuries of art. Behold masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, Magritte and many more.

You will also find four masterpieces by Rubens in the treasure chamber of the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady. Or visit the Rubens Experience, the library, and the lushly redesigned garden of The Rubenshuis (the historic artist residence is temporarily closed for restoration).

Unique heritage can be found at Museum Plantin-Moretus, once the first museum to make the UNESCO World Heritage List. Admire the world's oldest printing presses, a magnificent art collection and a wonderful courtyard garden. 

Timeless Diamonds and Jewels

Did you know that Antwerp has been the world's leading diamond-trading centre since the fifteenth century? Discover the fascinating story at DIVA | Antwerp Home of Diamonds.

Antwerp is the perfect city to buy the jewel of your dreams, as craftsmanship and artistry take centre stage here. Shop at a jeweller that bears the Antwerp's Most Brilliant quality label, which provides a guarantee that the jeweller is outstanding in their sustainability, safety, transparency and more.

Want to admire that special craftsmanship behind the scenes? On a private tour at jeweller Baunat, in the heart of the diamond district, you will see jewel setters and goldsmiths at work live (by appointment). Or visit Rembrandt Jordan in the historic centre and admire the studio and art gallery Wijngaard16. At Elliot & Ostrich, you will get plenty of time during a private appointment to pick out or even co-create a special piece of jewellery. 

Hub of Innovation: Contemporary Art in Antwerp

Contemporary art and luxury meet in Antwerp's more than 60 art galleries. One icon is De Zwarte Panter, housed in the chapel of the former Sint-Julianusgasthuis (St Julian's Hospice), built in 1330. Other well-known galleries include Gallery Sofie Van de Velde and Tim van Laere Gallery. Be sure to speak to the gallery owners if you want more information about a work or an artist. Meetings or private tours are often possible. 

Thanks to ART by STEP's routes, you can discover the city's rich gallery offerings while walking. Choose an individual tour, join a guided walk or go for a private tour. The latter is also possible at Private Art Tours. 

Renowned museums such as the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, M HKA and the FOMU are not to be missed. During a walk at the green open-air Middelheim Museum, you can admire some tantalising images by numerous artists. At Museum De Reede, discover some graphic works by masters such as Francisco Goya, Edvard Munch and Félicien Rops.

Antwerp also boasts a surprising private collection: HeadquARTers. You will discover textile art and Belgian and international contemporary art there. The Cobra Depot displays work from the art movement of the same name. How about a private guided tour? 

Luxurious Stays

Enjoying luxury and beauty does not stop when night falls. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax at an exceptional hotel. The brand-new 5* superior Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (Leading Hotel of the World) is built on the foundations of a 15th-century monastery. With 108 rooms and suites, five gourmet restaurants and a spa, the hotel offers everything for an immersive experience. 

Or go for Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection by Marriott, attached to the beautifully renovated historic Handelsbeurs. Design hotel August is in a former Augustinian monastery and Hotel Franq by Relais & Châteaux is located in a former bank building. 

In the boutique hotel Flora, leading interior designer Gert Voorjans has transformed the 7 suites of this former 15th-century merchant's house into true gems. Would you choose a room overlooking the cosy city garden? Then everything will be peaceful.

There are also a great many options in terms of wellness in the city.

You can tell: Antwerp is the destination for those looking for luxury, culture and unforgettable experiences. From fine dining to quirky fashion, dazzling diamonds and top art, the City on the Scheldt offers a truly unforgettable experience. Come to Antwerp and find out for yourself! 

Connections Luxury Europe will once again return to Catalunya from 6-9 April 2025 for leading travel companies who are seeking to attract luxury travellers from Europe.

We will also welcome luxury travel designers from Europe - and a small contingent internationally - who wish to expand their product portfolios to offer their HNW clients the chance to discover new, exciting destinations beyond their borders.