Antwerp plant-based gastronomic

Day 1 – Arrival

Welcome to Antwerp. Your accommodation for the coming days is located in the historical center of this gorgeous city. Sapphire House Antwerp welcomes you to a landmark boutique hotel that breathes the Golden Age of Antwerp with its unique architectural character and history. In your room, you will find two sapphire gemstones that can be traded for a surprise at the hotel’s bar, just like the merchants traded goods in the adjacent Stock Exchange in the 16th century. Dinner awaits you in the most iconic section of the hotel, at the gastronomic restaurant WILDn. Enjoy plant-based creations paired with selected wines or non-alcoholic infusions. A one-of-a-kind fine dining experience.
Overnight at Sapphire House Antwerp.

Day 2 – Belgian design and fashion

Get a good start to your day with a fulfilling breakfast in the hotel. Those who have an eye for detail will notice that the hotel has a link with fashion. The staff is dressed in the renowned and local Essentiel Antwerp brand, and you can spot a mini-exposition of Belgian designer Dries Van Noten in the old staircase room. So, you’re in the right spot to start the day by visiting the MoMu fashion museum. It houses the most extensive collection of Belgian contemporary fashion in the world. For a quick lunch, go to Frites Atelier. When in Belgium, nothing beats a delicious serving of fries topped with a matching sauce. Now, what about some (window) shopping? The Kloosterstraat is not only known for the antique and vintage goods. You will find plenty of charming boutiques selling art, books, and music. Afterwards, book a table at Izumi and enjoy the best Japanese food in the city. Then, head back to the hotel via the Kaaien, and enjoy a stunning view over The Scheldt river.

PS: if you’re staying during the weekends and you would like to taste the real Antwerp, then head to Theaterplein. On Saturdays you will find the Exotic Market with local and southern specialities. Enjoy some sparkling wine and shrimp croquettes together with your friends and locals. On Sundays, at the famous Bird Market you can pick up antiques, flowers and clothes, among other things.
Overnight at Sapphire House Antwerp.

Day 3 – Seafood and maritime history

After a leisurely breakfast, your third day in Antwerp begins. First, enjoy a nice walk to the MAS museum. In MAS, visitors can look at the city from the museum’s roof (without an entrance fee). The 62-meter-high building offers a stunning panoramic view of the city center, the Eilandje district, and the port of Antwerp. Next, look towards the Scheldt river, and you will see the restaurant Vis van A. Head there to enjoy a market lunch with the finest seafood, straight from the North Sea. If you walk further north, you can visit the Red Star Line, a must-visit museum that shares the story of 2 million passengers that departed in Antwerp by steamship, looking for a better life in America. Nearby is the independent Antwerp brewery, Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie. This independent brewery of Antwerp is owned and managed by beer lovers and is home to the legendary Seefbier. Finally, head further north to The Port House, one of Antwerp’s architectural jewels, mostly known for the
superstructure in the shape of a Diamond, a monumental design of the British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.
Walk or take a city bike back to the hotel. Then, take some time to rest and refresh for a gastronomic evening in Le Pristine, a modern take on Italian cuisine.

Overnight at Sapphire House Antwerp.

Day 4 – The secrets of underground Antwerp

Have you ever walked under a city? Get prepared with a good breakfast because today you will. Below the city of Antwerp, its secrets flow. The sewers, known as De Ruien, are a shadow of the rich history above ground. Sewers, streams, and fortifications have crisscrossed Antwerp since the Middle Ages. You can now rediscover this hidden patrimony by walking through it, a unique experience. The route will guide you to the red light district (yes, it is safe), where you can make a stop at
one of the best pita eateries in town, Pita Falcon. Alternatively, make a detour to Little Bùn, where you can enjoy Vietnamese street food at its best. Pick up some pastry at Willem Verlooy and spend the afternoon catching the last rays of sunshine with a drink or two at Kapitein Zeppos Café on Mechelse Plein. Wander back to the hotel, through ‘De Wilde Zee’ for some last-minute shopping in the fashion district. A tour guide is waiting to show you the highlight of the week, which is right next to the hotel: Handelsbeurs, the world’s first stock exchange dating back to 1531. It was closed for over 20 years and reopened after a challenging renovation in 2019. Therefore, even many locals did not know this majestic landmark existed. As it was built in the 16th century, it resembles the Golden Age of Antwerp, as the hotel does, since the two buildings are connected. Afterwards, enjoy an aperitive in the beautiful bar of the neighboring restaurant Fiera, followed by an Asian-inspired dinner at
Satay. Celebrate the final night with a digestif at the hotel’s bar.
Overnight at Sapphire House Antwerp.

Day 5 – Before saying goodbye

Before saying our final goodbye, there is still one last stop to make. Take your camera and enjoy the stately mansions, cosy squares and stunning architecture in the beautiful Zurenborg area. Especially the Cogels Osylei, is a must-see. The square ‘Dageraadplaats’ is the neighbourhood’s beating heart, here, you can enjoy your last lunch at one of the hip eateries, among which: Humm, Walvis or Aan het strand van Oostende.
We hope to welcome you soon again as there are still many restaurants, activities and museums left to explore. For more inspiration: take a look at the Instagram guides of Sapphire House Antwerp: https://www.instagram.com/sapphirehouseantwerp/guides/