ANTWERP'S HIDDEN GEMS

Krugerplein – Stien

Krugerplein is the cosiest spot to relax after a full day of classes. This green square is located in the heart of the Borgerhout neighbourhood and is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and your typical student bubble. Playing children and chatting locals create a homely and inviting atmosphere.

What makes Krugerplein the best spot in Antwerp are the many possibilities it offers, so you can plan out your day exactly as you want. Craving something sweet? Then you can go for ice cream at Borgo Gelato. Be warned, though: the flavours are so surprising that you will be torn between multiple options. Do you prefer something salty instead? Then Frituur Tina (lauded in 2023 as the best frituur in Antwerp!) is the place to be for fries and a broad selection of vegetarian and vegan fried snacks. You can then eat all this delicious food on the cosiest terrace in Antwerp at Bar Leon. If you’re a student on a budget, you can also opt for enjoying a homemade lunch on the grass or on one of the picnic tables

Come have a look, and before you know it, Krugerplein will also be your favourite spot in town!
 

Fritkot Max – Laurens

If you think about things typical to Belgian culture, it won’t take long before someone mentions the famous Belgian frietkot or frituur: a snack bar where they sell fries and a wide array of burgers and fried snacks. When selecting my favourite spot in Antwerp, I put aside the well-known tourist destinations like Het Steen, the MAS or the Cathedral of Our Lady. Instead, I chose a place that puts a smile on my face every time I think about it.

My favourite spot is Fritkot Max. This eye-catching green building seems frozen in time. This in fact holds some truth: the exterior is still very similar to how it looked in 1842. When you go inside, you’ll see that the interior is a homage to the original location of the snack bar. Originally, the frituur was located on Burchtplein, which no longer exists, but today you can find it on the centrally located Groenplaats.

The fries are served in the classic pointed bag or puntzak and taste delicious. Every time I enter the snack bar, I feel like a child again. The display case full of snacks, the smell of fresh fries and the cup of sauce that you get to fill yourself: it makes me happy over and over again.

What’s more, there is a fry museum on the first floor – probably the only museum that you can enter holding a bag of fries.

Eating tasty fries and discovering some culture: what more could people living in Belgium want?
 

Middelheim Museum – Lena

In Wilrijk, close to Middelheim park, there is a piece of art on the shore of a small stream. The object is crooked like a banana and has both blue and white pieces. The students with classes on the green campuses are probably familiar with this work of art, but I doubt that the others will think about a boat based on this description.

This piece of art, made by Erwin Wurm, is known by two names. The most common one is ‘the limp boat’, but the official title is Misconceivable. If you ask me, both names are equally fitting. The first one gives a perfect description of the art piece, as it is indeed not much more than a bent boat; the second one dives into the absurd and inconceivable character of the sculpture. 

Middelheim park is full of these kinds of surprises. Some artworks and sculptures are more humorous than others, but all of them are original and because of the temporary exhibits, there is always something new to discover. The park might not be a student hotspot, but it’s a real gem in Wilrijk. A (free!) visit is absolutely worth it to admire the different artworks, to enjoy nature and to relax in the late summer sun after the first hectic weeks of the academic year.
 

Café De Muze – Pauline

As a brand-new student in Antwerp, you will naturally be wondering about the best place to have a drink with friends after a long day of classes. For me, that wasn’t a difficult question. In my first week here – by now already two years ago – I immediately knew where to go: De Muze.

On my twelfth birthday, my dad took me to this historic jazz bar located on Melkmarkt to see my older brother perform. If I was technically allowed to be in there was another question, but it was an unforgettable night. The three stories of the building are buzzing with music and life: downstairs everyone’s close together, with the murmur of voices and clinking glasses; upstairs it’s a little quieter, where you can really absorb the music.

Eight years later, I’m standing there with friends as a student myself: sometimes with a glass of wine and a nice conversation, sometimes just listening to the music.

De Muze feels like a small piece of a metropolis. It brings everyone together: young and old, locals and visitors. You’re not really a student in Antwerp if you’ve never been here: it’s part of the city. The bartenders are always friendly and during performances you pay a little extra – true to the original idea of giving artists a stage. The name itself says it all: De Muze – the muse – exists to inspire.
 

De Zwaan - Ainize

As an international student, you’ll want to share all the best experiences and places in Antwerp with your friends and family back home. While you’re taking photos of Groenplaats and Grote Markt, I recommend you don't miss Hendrik Conscienceplein. You can proudly show off the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and Saint Charles Borromeo Church, both impressive and culturally enriching. However, what makes the square truly unforgettable for students is café De Zwaan on the corner. De Zwaan is a student café where you can enjoy a drink with friends and easily strike up a conversation with the people around you, which is perfect for meeting new people and immersing yourself in Antwerp's student culture. And the best part? The student discount makes it totally worth it. On top of that, it's only a five-minute walk from the Stadscampus, which is ideal for grabbing a pint after a long day of classes or during a break between lectures (but maybe don’t mention that little detail at home).