It is hard to describe Antwerp, Belgium, apart from being extremely unpredictable and a charming bundle of contradictions, the city is cool, confident and unapologetically ostentatious. Antwerp’s timeless city center, the numerous antique shops nestled away inside pebbled by-lanes and its striking architecture sit resolutely besides its expensive chocolate shops, its high-end restaurants and bars and exclusive designer boutiques. There are very few cities in Europe that match the hip vibe of Antwerp.

While visiting Antwerp I had the opportunity to review a few restaurants and hotels like Hotel Firean and one of the best places in town for a super luncheon, the Grand Café Horta. For witnessing the city’s extraordinary wine scene firsthand, check out my review of the Patine Wijnbistro.

It is hard to describe Antwerp, Belgium, apart from being extremely unpredictable and a charming bundle of contradictions, the city is cool, confident and unapologetically ostentatious. Antwerp’s timeless city center, the numerous antique shops nestled away inside pebbled by-lanes and its striking architecture sit resolutely besides its expensive chocolate shops, its high-end restaurants and bars and exclusive designer boutiques. There are very few cities in Europe that match the hip vibe of Antwerp.

While visiting Antwerp I had the opportunity to review a few restaurants and hotels like Hotel Firean and one of the best places in town for a super luncheon, the Grand Café Horta. For witnessing the city’s extraordinary wine scene firsthand, check out my review of the Patine Wijnbistro.