01 huis vAn dE studEnt - Antwerpen Studentenstad
01 huis vAn dE studEnt - Antwerpen Studentenstad
01 huis vAn dE studEnt - Antwerpen Studentenstad
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STUDENT<br />
guide<br />
2<strong>01</strong>2-2<strong>01</strong>3<br />
EATING<br />
DrINkING<br />
CITY ArEAS<br />
SHOPPING<br />
LEISUrE<br />
CULTUrE<br />
YEArLY EVENTS
04.<br />
-Although this English Edition is vEry much bAsEd<br />
on thE dutch Edition, wE took spEciAl cArE to<br />
complEmEnt thE yEllow pAgEs with indispEnsiblE<br />
informAtion for forEign stu<strong>dE</strong>nts. nExt to All sorts<br />
of prActicAl And dAy-to-dAy informAtion, wE Also AimEd<br />
At providing you with up-to-dAtE informAtion on<br />
plAcEs you should <strong>dE</strong>finitEly visit. without popping<br />
in to somE of thE pubs, EAtEriEs, clubs or culturAl<br />
cEntrEs mEntionEd in this gui<strong>dE</strong>, your stAy in AntwErp<br />
simply wouldn’t bE complEtE. thE lAttEr is A mAttEr<br />
of opinion of coursE, but thE justificAtion for this<br />
gui<strong>dE</strong>, nExt to its intEn<strong>dE</strong>d AudiEncE, is vEry much its<br />
EditoriAl stAff. composEd of AntwErp stu<strong>dE</strong>nts, thE<br />
stAff took pAins to comE up with A bAlAncEd sElEction<br />
of highlights: from thE most wEll-known club in<br />
AntwErp to thE hid<strong>dE</strong>n gEms in quiEt, cobblEd strEEts<br />
thEy turnEd AntwErp upsi<strong>dE</strong> down. thE goAl: to comE up<br />
with A gui<strong>dE</strong> thAt will plEAsE thE most criticAl nAtivE<br />
‘sinjoor’ As wEll As thE nEwly-ArrivEd forEign stu<strong>dE</strong>nt.<br />
wElcomE to AntwErp, city for stu<strong>dE</strong>nts.
colophon<br />
Copyright <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong><br />
First printed: june 2<strong>01</strong>2<br />
Creative and art direction: De Poedelfabriek<br />
Editorial staff: Anouk Peeters / Charlotte Jaros / Leen Van den Broeke / Roel Diender /<br />
Anaïs Torfs / Marie-Paule Fritschy / Tine Muys / Hanne Bosmans / Floris Geerts / Mien Gheysen<br />
/ Ben Hermans / Hans Machiels / Mathias Mallentjer /Jorgen Muylaert / Robin Ollivier<br />
Lay-out and design: www.depoedelfabriek.com<br />
Print: Drukkerij Steylaerts<br />
ISBN 978908140090<br />
disclAimEr<br />
None of the addresses mentioned in this guide paid for their mentioning in any way, neither<br />
for the text, nor for the photos. Although we took the greatest care in preparing this guide,<br />
<strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> can in no way be held responsible for the accuracy and completeness<br />
of its contents and disclaims all liability arising from its use. Should you find any faulty information,<br />
please submit your corrections to info@antwerpenstudentenstad.be.<br />
Feedback and additions are greatly appreciated.<br />
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or<br />
transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,mechanical, recording or otherwise without<br />
the written permission of the publisher.<br />
Make sure to check…<br />
Obviously, this booklet is a real must-have, but in a cosmopolitan city like<br />
Antwerp, a lot changes every day. This is why you can find out about the<br />
latest hot stuff on our website and facebook.<br />
www.AntwErpEnstu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd.bE<br />
www.fAcEbook.com/AntwErpEnstu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd<br />
Once you’re on our site, it only takes a moment to subscribe to our newsletter<br />
and be the first to find out what events you really can’t miss.<br />
Make sure you also download this guide’s digital brother: the Student Guide<br />
Antwerp app. This will give you even more addresses, handy maps and directions<br />
and a shaker that selects the greatest addresses at random in case you can’t<br />
think of anything right away. Just shake your smartphone to discover your<br />
next destination.
<strong>01</strong>. City Areas<br />
02. Parks and Squares<br />
03. Eating<br />
3.1 Student reStaurantS<br />
3.2 Sweet<br />
3.3 BreakfaSt & SandwicheS<br />
3.4 when in a hurry…<br />
3.5 when you’ve got time to relax…<br />
3.6 when you’ve got Something<br />
to celeBrate...<br />
3.7 at the end of the month…<br />
04. Drinking<br />
4.1 caféS<br />
4.2 cocktail BarS<br />
4.3 coffee houSeS<br />
4.4 JuiceS & SmoothieS<br />
05. Shopping for food & essentials<br />
5.1 marketS<br />
5.2 SupermarketS and minimarketS<br />
4<br />
8<br />
16<br />
18<br />
20<br />
20<br />
23<br />
25<br />
28<br />
29<br />
30<br />
32<br />
38<br />
40<br />
42<br />
44<br />
46<br />
48<br />
06. Leisure<br />
6.1 Shopping<br />
6.2 SportS<br />
6.3 party time<br />
6.4 wifi-SpotS<br />
07. Culture<br />
7.1 muSeumS<br />
7.2 culture centreS<br />
7.3 the Stage<br />
7.4 galerieS<br />
7.5 other<br />
08. Yearly events<br />
09. Editors’ favourites<br />
The Yellow Pages<br />
Living as a student in the city<br />
52<br />
54<br />
62<br />
66<br />
72<br />
74<br />
76<br />
79<br />
80<br />
83<br />
85<br />
86<br />
92<br />
96<br />
118
<strong>01</strong>.<br />
-from thE sEEdy schippErskwArtiEr (sAilor’s quArtEr)<br />
to thE ArchitEcturAl mArvEl of cogEls-osylEi, from<br />
thE mEdiEvAl stEEn (stonE cAstlE) to cosmopolitAn<br />
borgErhout. AntwErp hAs somEthing for EvEryonE.<br />
hop on your bikE, grAb your trAm tickEt or just strAp<br />
on your boots And you’ll sEE thAt A stAy of EvEn four<br />
AcA<strong>dE</strong>mic yEArs won’t sufficE to gEt to know thE<br />
diffErEnt ArEAs of AntwErp. homElinEss And bombAst<br />
in bErchEm, souks And Art in borgErhout, lush grEEn<br />
on linkEroEvEr or thE rEnovAting of ‘t EilAndjE And<br />
hEt niEuwE Zuid. EvEn thE nEw york timEs AgrEEs:<br />
AntwErp is EuropE’s plAcE to bE. though morE common<br />
in lAtin countriEs, thE sociAl lifE of thE AvErAgE<br />
AntwErpiAn doEsn’t inclu<strong>dE</strong> mEEting EAch othEr on<br />
thE strEEts. drinking, tAlking loudly And lAughing in<br />
thE public domAin ArE gEnErAlly consi<strong>dE</strong>rEd strAngE<br />
And EvEn Annoying, EspEciAlly At night.<br />
/5
6/<br />
Centrum<br />
North of ‘t Zuid, west of Central Station, on the right bank of the<br />
Scheldt River, with Groenplaats as its beating heart. Home to<br />
the main tourist attractions in Antwerp (such as the Cathedral,<br />
het Steen, City Hall and the Brabo-statue), as well as the starting<br />
point of Antwerp’s main shopping streets.<br />
The original student area comprises Ossenmarkt and Stadswaag,<br />
between Paardenmarkt and Lange Nieuwstraat.<br />
Sint-Andries<br />
The southern end of this area is bound by Kloosterstraat’s upscale<br />
antique boutiques and the ever more hip Nationalestraat<br />
in the north. In between are a basketball court and Muntplein,<br />
the graffiti haven of Antwerp.<br />
Het eilandje<br />
Quickly becoming the niftiest area in northern Antwerp, Het<br />
Eilandje is hemmed in by the river Scheldt and the docklands.<br />
It boasts warehouses and blocks that are slowly being turned<br />
into nice lofts and trendy bars. The spiral-shaped building<br />
that dominates the area is the new Museum aan de Stroom<br />
(Riverside Museum) or MAS. The ‘vertical’ boulevard is the only<br />
place in Antwerp where you can enjoy a phenomenal view of<br />
the city for free!<br />
Het Zuid<br />
The area around the Museum van Schone Kunsten (Museum of Fine Arts).<br />
Over the course of a few years, this part of the city has evolved from a<br />
slightly impoverished to a hip and trendy neighbourhood. These days however,<br />
it is downright expensive. You may occasionally bump into the odd<br />
actor or musician, but owners of expensive cars and ditto clothing tend to<br />
dominate the scene. There are still some cosy and eccentric hangouts to be<br />
found, but don’t be surprised if your drink turns out to be twice as expensive<br />
as in other places.<br />
During most of the year, the Gedempte Zuiderdokken act as a<br />
huge car park, except for the six sunny weeks that Sinksenfoor<br />
(Whitsun Fair) pitches its tents on the cobblestones. Waalsekaai<br />
offers night time entertainment the whole year round and is the<br />
yearly venue of StuDay, the official kickoff of the academic year.<br />
Het nieuwe Zuid<br />
Between Brederodestraat (Little Istanbul) and the new palace<br />
of justice, with Bolivarplaats as its centre. New eateries are popping<br />
up one after the other on that square. People who work in the area<br />
like to loosen their tie there. Troonplaats is close by, and a good<br />
option for the budget-conscious. Brederodestraat is home to some<br />
very budget-friendly local shops, owned by the descendants of Turkish<br />
and other immigrants.
Borgerhout<br />
From Plantin-Moretuslei to Turnhoutsebaan, between Central Station and<br />
the Singel, lies the most colourful area of Antwerp. African, Indian, Turkish,<br />
Chinese and Moroccan grocery stores, restaurants and tearooms dominate<br />
the view. The stories that circulate about it rarely do justice to this<br />
neighbourhood and there’s simply no better place for healthy and cheap<br />
shopping. Rental prices are low and increasingly more students, young<br />
professionals and artists find their way to the narrow streets.<br />
linkeroever<br />
Situated on the left bank of the river Scheldt, and accessible via the<br />
bicycle tunnel at ‘t Zuid or the pedestrian tunnel on Sint-Jansvliet.<br />
A residential area foremost, but also the nearest place for city-dwellers<br />
to find a patch of green or do some walking and biking. In the summer<br />
you can get a tan on Sint-Anna Beach, or have a blowout in one of the<br />
many restaurants that serve fish or mussels.<br />
Zurenborg<br />
On the border of Borgerhout and Berchem lies Zurenborg, perhaps the<br />
cosiest area of Antwerp. Mainly known for the open-air Art Nouveau museum<br />
that is Cogels-Osylei. The street is home to the better-heeled, among<br />
which many politicians and writers. Most people go there to hang out on<br />
Dageraadplaats, where children can play quietly and where there is room<br />
for everyone on one of the many terraces. You can’t turn your back or a<br />
new café or restaurant pops up on Draakplaats, a bit farther towards the<br />
railway tracks.<br />
Het noord<br />
The most northern area of the city used to be known as a neighbourhood<br />
that was best avoided, but now it’s one of the city’s most<br />
colourful and youngest neighbourhoods, where there’s always<br />
something going on. The construction of the Permeke Public<br />
Library at the De Coninckplein, the hugely popular Park Spoor<br />
Noord and the many local initiatives, such as Het Noord Ontspoort,<br />
Toer de Nord and Ockxfest at the Sint-Jansplein make this<br />
neighbourhood unique in Antwerp.<br />
/7
02.<br />
Parks and<br />
-thErE ArE lots of public spAcEs in AntwErp.<br />
consi<strong>dE</strong>ring its stAtus As A mEtropolis, thErE<br />
ArE mAny grEEns And plAcEs to rElAx lEft to<br />
discovEr. nEwly lAid out or cEnturiEs old,<br />
with si<strong>dE</strong>show EntErtAinmEnt or A hAvEn of<br />
pEAcE And quiEt, thErE’s Enough to go Around<br />
for EvEryonE. pArk spoor noord is AntwErp’s<br />
showpiEcE, but hArmoniEpArk And stAdspArk<br />
ArE ExcEllEnt spots for picnicking or tossing<br />
thE odd frisbEE.<br />
/9
10/<br />
StadSpark / plan | D5-E5<br />
Antwerp’s oldest park is a good spot for jogging or cycling, but also<br />
for relaxing at the pond or feeding the ducklings. Children can fool<br />
about on the playground’s contraptions while daredevils risk their<br />
neck in the skate park. The Jewish residents like stretching their<br />
legs here too.<br />
Koning Albertpark / plan | D7<br />
If you live outside the city centre, Koning Albertpark is a good option for a<br />
game of football or a bit of guitar playing. This tiny park sits on the crossing<br />
of Belgiëlei and Mechelsesteenweg. Antwerp’s brewery De Koninck is a<br />
stone’s throw away. People say that there’s a direct pipeline between the<br />
brewery and café ‘De Hand’.<br />
park Spoor noord / plan | E3-F3<br />
This brand new park sits comfortably in the area het Noord.<br />
Worn down railway buildings made place for lush green fields and<br />
long walking paths. A skatepark, pond and a café with terrace are<br />
included in the package deal. The park is becoming an increasingly<br />
popular hangout with the young and hip. Laying out the park has<br />
been the first step in upgrading the neighbourhood. With new college<br />
buildings and sports facilities being built in the area, the park<br />
and its surroundings are worthwhile keeping an eye on.<br />
Harmoniepark / plan | D7<br />
This intimate and charming little park is somewhat lost between Mechelsesteenweg’s<br />
traffic and apartment buildings. Nevertheless, it is an excellent<br />
and peaceful spot to escape from the humdrum of student life.<br />
krugerplein / plan | G5<br />
Square near Turnhoutsebaan, between Bothastraat and Cronjéstraat.<br />
At times an open-air event or tai-chi lesson takes place here. Smack<br />
in the middle of Borgerhout, there’s no shortage of couleur locale<br />
on this square. Worth a detour if you’re in the area.<br />
Hof van Leysen / plan | C7<br />
Provincial park in Markgravelei, between the ring road and some main<br />
arteries in het Nieuwe Zuid. Considering its location, the park is surprisingly<br />
peaceful and quiet. Very popular with residents, who organize neighbourhood<br />
barbecues and children’s parties here, most of Antwerp remains<br />
utterly oblivious of this little gem. The park has two faces: lush green fields<br />
and an eccentric playground in front, and the European equivalent of a<br />
rainforest out back.<br />
Het BegijnHof / plan | D4<br />
This often forgotten patch of green lies not far from the student<br />
area: in 39 Rodestraat. Enjoy 16th century houses, cobbled streets,<br />
a park, a pond and an orchard. Most of all: the sacred peace and<br />
quiet of the nonnekes (beguines).
Leopold De Waelplaats / plan | C6<br />
See-and-be-seen, that’s pretty much what this square is about.<br />
The neo-classical edifice that is the Museum of Fine Arts dominates this<br />
epicentre of ‘t Zuid. There are a few designer’s flagship stores here, but the<br />
main draw is constituted by a smattering of diners and bars. Salads and<br />
wraps, pizza and lots of cocktails on offer. If you can afford the parking<br />
ticket, don’t forget to park your expensive car well in view of the terraces,<br />
as most champagne-sippers do around here. In summer, lawn bowling and<br />
relaxing on the museum stairs and benches are popular activities.<br />
groenplaatS / plan | C4<br />
Smack in the middle of the city centre, lined with cafés and restaurants.<br />
A solemn Rubens statue observes the people while the Cathedral<br />
towers over the square. Rich people used to be buried in the<br />
Cathedral, while the poor were laid to rest on the ‘green cemetery’.<br />
Hence the name Groenplaats (Groen = green, plaats = square).<br />
When burying the dead was no longer allowed inside the city walls,<br />
the cemetery in turn got covered in a slap of concrete and lo and<br />
behold: Groenplaats was born. Different events, markets or spectacles<br />
take place here in different seasons.<br />
Grote Markt / plan | C4<br />
As in so many Flemish historical cities, the old town radiates out from the<br />
Grote Markt (Great Market). This particular specimen is commanded by<br />
Town Hall, flanked by cafés and restaurants, and with the statue of Brabo<br />
throwing a giant’s hand in the river. Coaches drive to and from and busloads<br />
of tourists love wandering about. Antwerp people never come here, unless<br />
there’s a demonstration, a wedding or free booze.<br />
HandSCHoenmarkt / plan | C4<br />
In between the Groenplaats and Grote Markt are the Cathedral<br />
and its Handschoenmarkt (Glove Market). Souvenir shops alternate<br />
with cafés, restaurants and hotels, but if you exit Antwerp’s Cathedral,<br />
the less crowded cafés – where (would-be) artists meet - are<br />
on the right.<br />
Sint-Jansplein /plan | E4<br />
Antwerp’s Portuguese community pitched its tents years ago around this<br />
square. Today, countless bars and the host of supporters when the Portuguese<br />
national football team play, testify to that heritage. On Wednesdays and<br />
Fridays, market vendors with their stalls filled with exotic food and drinks<br />
take over.<br />
/11
12/<br />
QuayS of tHe river SCHeldt /<br />
plan | A6-B5-B6-C3-C4-C5<br />
This is where the locals meet on sunny days. As long as the<br />
weather’s dry, there’s always someone barbecuing, picnicking,<br />
strolling, daydreaming, relaxing and drinking or dancing. Every<br />
year, the Zomer van <strong>Antwerpen</strong>-event (Summer of Antwerp)<br />
stages films and other spectacles in the car park-hangars. In<br />
summer there’s also a luxurious sandy beach, ideal for those<br />
who want to see-and-be-seen. The cocktails here tend to be<br />
stirred with a bit more precision than elsewhere.<br />
Ossenmarkt, Stadswaag<br />
and Academieplein/ plan | D4<br />
These little squares are essentially the beating heart of the student area.<br />
Only a stone’s throw away from each other, the squares are lined with<br />
student bars and hangouts. No wonder that they’re popular places for<br />
students to party or discuss their love life over a pint of bitter. Keep in mind<br />
that people live here too. Use your common sense, keep your decibels in<br />
check and remember that the residents like to sleep at night.<br />
kerkplein BorgerHout / plan | F4-F5<br />
Youths shooting hoops constitute the main draw here, but eateries<br />
for people in their twenties and thirties are on the increase.<br />
The prettiest church of Borgerhout dominates the square. From<br />
time to time, there’s a festival too.<br />
Dageraadplaats / plan | F6<br />
Zurenborg’s central square was redeveloped in 2007. As long as<br />
it doesn’t pour, the terraces get stuffed. The prime draws are the<br />
countless eateries catering for foodies. From fast food to haute<br />
cuisine – you name it, and Dageraadplaats has it. At night,<br />
thousands of LED-lights light up the place. So if you trudge off<br />
from a night of drinking and seem to see lights dancing over your<br />
head, there’s not necessarily a reason to panic.<br />
Hendrik Conscienceplein / plan | D4<br />
Concealed behind some old buildings is one of the quietest squares in<br />
Antwerp. The Carolus Borromeus church, a library that no-one visits and a<br />
fountain that never works form the background for a scene where art students<br />
do their drawings and the rest just has a drink on one of the terraces.<br />
Adjacent Wolstraat sees many students enjoying a beer after course hours.<br />
falConplein / plan | D4<br />
The centre of Schipperskwartier (Sailor’s Quarter - the red light<br />
district) was renovated in 2008. Shady shopkeepers that used to<br />
run dodgy shops and dodge taxes were ushered out and today<br />
the square is becoming a popular spot for eating and drinking.<br />
Mechelseplein / plan | D5<br />
Between Kammenstraat and Theaterplein is another square:<br />
Mechelseplein. The square draws older locals, students and professional<br />
night-revellers alike.
ivierenHof<br />
Definitely Antwerp’s biggest garden, the size of 130 football<br />
pitches. Various bodies of water, tall trees and lush lawns provide<br />
the perfect backdrop for every form of leisure activity. Tram<br />
10, bus 33 or bus 41 have stops nearby. In summer, theatre and<br />
music draw throngs of people to the park’s open-air theatre:<br />
Openluchttheater. For the programme and practicalities visit:<br />
www.openluchttheater.be<br />
Theaterplein / plan | D5<br />
In front of the renovated municipal theatre, Stadsschouwburg, is Theaterplein.<br />
A square surrounded by streets that harbour mostly authentic<br />
shops. At weekends, stall holders sell their wares; on Saturdays those wares<br />
mainly consist of vegetables, fruit and sports socks, while on Sundays you<br />
can find just about anything. To the locals, this square is known as ‘de<br />
Vogeltjesmarkt’ (Birds’ Market). See chapter 5.1 for more information on<br />
markets.<br />
Stedelijke plantentuin / plan | D5<br />
Between Mechelseplein and Theaterplein is the Stedelijke<br />
plantentuin, the local arboretum. Whether you want to update<br />
your knowledge on local flora or are just looking for a romantic<br />
dating spot, Stedelijke plantentuin might just do the job.<br />
antwerp Zoo / plan | E5<br />
www.zooantwerpen.be<br />
Though the cost of maintaining wild animals in captivity is<br />
reflected by the price of the entrance ticket, the investment might<br />
very well be value for money. The English garden at the heart of the<br />
Zoo has been a pleasant leisure place for over 160 years. The homes<br />
of the animals are continuously improved, which - next to keeping<br />
animal welfare organisations satisfied - has the added benefit of<br />
allowing visitors to better enjoy the pranks of elephants or the<br />
splendour of exotic birds.<br />
Vrijdagmarkt / plan | E5<br />
As ‘vrijdag’ means Friday, and ‘markt’ means ‘market’, it may not come<br />
as a big surprise that Friday is market day on this square. Bailiffs auction<br />
confiscated goods for a song here, so be careful when you scratch your<br />
head or toss a wave to a friend. Before you know it, you’ll have bought<br />
someone’s furniture.<br />
Sint-janSvliet / plan | C5<br />
Mainly known for the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel to<br />
Linkeroever, this square is not without its charms. The pita’s here<br />
are excellent as well as the terraces when temperatures swell.<br />
For the sporting types, there’s a basketball court laid out.<br />
/13
14/<br />
Astridplein & Central Station / plan | E5<br />
The largest square of the Central Station area has recently been<br />
refurbished with trees and benches. Here you have a perfect view<br />
on the Central Station. It took nearly nine years to renovate this<br />
unique railway station with its vast dome and impressive iron and<br />
glass roof. It’s considered to be one of the finest in the world.<br />
Sint-andrieSplaatS / plan | C5<br />
This cozy square forms the heart of the Sint-Andries neighbourhood.<br />
Trees, benches, a jungle gym for the children and a few pubs set<br />
the stage for an afternoon of relaxing in the sun with your fellow<br />
students.<br />
Beeldentuin Sint-Pauluskerk /plan | C4<br />
You’re transported back in time as soon as you enter Saint Paul’s Church.<br />
Immediately to your right lies a bizarre but very impressive sculpture garden.<br />
A host of saints, culminating in the passion of Christ, are depicted in a cave.<br />
If you are looking for a quieter spot, you will find one behind the church,<br />
hidden behind the Minderbroedersrui. You can ponder in the garden or go<br />
there to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.<br />
SportS and playgroundS<br />
There’s a smattering of playgrounds and open air sports facilities<br />
in the city and surrounding districts. A complete lists falls out<br />
of the scope of this guide, but is available on the website of the<br />
city of Antwerp: www.antwerpen.be<br />
BurGerWeLZiJn / plan | F4<br />
Would you like to see where the little rascal, Willy Vandersteen, grew up?<br />
This is where the creator of what might be Europe’s most famous duo took<br />
his first steps. Time has stood still in this street and on the square at the<br />
end of it, and, for a split second, Willy’s drawings on the walls let you feel<br />
as though you’re in a Spike and Suzy album.
15
03.<br />
-from now on, you’ll know whErE to go whEn<br />
you’rE just not in A cooking mood. good<br />
food for littlE monEy is <strong>dE</strong>finitEly possiblE in<br />
AntwErp. likEwisE, if your pArEnts drop by to<br />
tAkE you out for dinnEr, you’ll know whErE<br />
to go for A trEAt. As EAting out is A fAvouritE<br />
pAstimE, AntwErp is wEll EndowEd with rEstAurAnts<br />
And dinErs for EvEry tAstE. vEgEtAriAns<br />
And bio frEAks ArE cAtErEd for too, And pEoplE<br />
with A swEEt tooth or looking for A quick<br />
snAck won’t bE disAppointEd EithEr. wE’ll provi<strong>dE</strong><br />
you with A short list of good EAtEriEs.<br />
chEck www.AntwErpEnstu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd.bE<br />
for lots And lots morE.
18/<br />
3.1 Student reStaurantS<br />
With your student card you can eat in all restaurants of any Antwerp university<br />
college or university against students’ rate.<br />
univerSiteit antwerpen<br />
(univerSity of antwerp)<br />
Campus Groenenborger<br />
Groenenborgerlaan 171<br />
2020 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Drie Eiken<br />
Building G<br />
Universiteitsplein 1<br />
2610 Wilrijk<br />
Middelheimcampus<br />
Building D<br />
Middelheimlaan 1<br />
2610 Wilrijk<br />
Stadscampus<br />
Koningstraat 8<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Karel de Grote-<br />
Hogeschool<br />
(Karel de Grote-<br />
university College)<br />
Campus Groenplaats<br />
Nationalestraat 5<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Noord 1<br />
Pothoekstraat 125<br />
2060 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Noord 2<br />
Oudesteenweg 81<br />
2060 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Markgrave<br />
Van Schoonbekestraat 143<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Zuid<br />
Brusselsestraat 45<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Don Bosco Hoboken<br />
Salesianenlaan 30<br />
2660 Hoboken<br />
Campus Sint Lucas<br />
Sint-Jozefstraat 35<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Stadswaag<br />
Predikerinnenstraat 18<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong>
leSSiuS antwerpen<br />
Campus Carolus<br />
Korte Nieuwstraat 33<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Sint-Andries<br />
Sint-Andriesstraat 2<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Sanderus<br />
Sanderusstraat 45<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Artesis Hogeschool<br />
<strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
(Artesis university<br />
College Antwerp)<br />
Resto D’Academie<br />
Mutsaardstraat 31<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Resto ’t Zuid<br />
Schildersstraat 41<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Resto Conservatorium - Foyer<br />
Desguinlei 25<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
plantijn HogeSCHool<br />
Campus Kronenburg<br />
Kronenburgstraat 47<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Boom<br />
Van Leriusstraat 227<br />
2850 Boom<br />
Campus Meistraat<br />
Meistraat 5<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Campus Lange Nieuwstraat<br />
Lange Nieuwstraat 1<strong>01</strong><br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
/19
20/<br />
3.2 Sweet<br />
lojola / plan | D5<br />
>> Hendrik Conscienceplein 14<br />
Lojola is Antwerp’s best-kept secret spot. Here, Joline Van der<br />
Stighelen created her own gingerbread paradise in the shadow of<br />
the Carolus Borromeus Church. This is where you can come for your<br />
daily caffeine shot or sugar shock: homemade cupcakes, cheesecakes,<br />
chocolate cakes, etc., all served on cute porcelain crockery<br />
that could have come right out of your grandmother’s cupboard. Be<br />
sure to take a little time out to also take in the interior …<br />
Australian Homemade<br />
>> Melkmarkt 44 / plan | D5<br />
>> De Keyserlei 52 / plan | E5<br />
Tucked away in a corner of Groenplaats, this popular ice cream shop is<br />
strictly take-away. On sunny days the long queues testify to the huge and<br />
tasty portions this little shop excels in. For some time now, you can also pop<br />
in at their second branch at De Keyserlei if you’re craving for an ice cream.<br />
QuetZal / plan | C4<br />
>> Lijnwaadmarkt 11<br />
One word suffices to describe Quetzal: chocolate. The ideal venue<br />
for dessert or stocking up calories before venturing into Antwerp’s<br />
nightlife. Chocolate milk is a staple and available in a zillion tastes<br />
and sizes. The chocolate fondue is exquisite. Fruit on a toothpick<br />
and dip away into that lovely melting chocolate.<br />
’t Bieke<br />
>> Korte Gast<strong>huis</strong>straat 8 / plan | D5<br />
You can find this small and cozy ice cream parlour in the centre of the area<br />
‘Wilde Zee’. Apart from homemade ice cream they also serve delicious<br />
pancakes and waffles.<br />
3.3 BreakfaSt & SandwiCHeS<br />
de BiologiSCH-dynamiSCHe Bakkerij<br />
>> Volkstraat 17 / plan | C6<br />
>> Mechelsesteenweg 72 / plan | D6<br />
This bakery is a must for the healthy conscious. Every loaf of bread,<br />
cake, bar of chocolate and freshly squeezed juice is made from PLAN | D5<br />
organic resources and during production the position of the planets,<br />
stars and the time of sowing and harvesting were all taken into<br />
account. Though we can’t be sure if all this hocuspocus has anything<br />
to do with it, the sugar-free buns are very mouthwatering indeed.<br />
Oliver’s / plan | D4-E4<br />
>> Korte Winkelstraat 10<br />
Take your time, because over hundred fillings can be combined with seven<br />
sorts of sandwiches. Their special is called Oliver’s. A juggernaught filled with<br />
homemade tuna salad, onions and a fine selection of spices. Strictly take-away<br />
and popular during lunch time, so you may have to queue for a few minutes.
perruCHe / plan | D5<br />
>> Oudevaartplaats 60<br />
After buying some exotic treats on the Vreemdelingenmarkt, you<br />
can take a moment to rest your legs at Perruche. This former budgie<br />
shop is located behind the corner of the Theaterplein and was until<br />
recently an undiscovered treasure. In summer, the sun is bound<br />
to be shining on the terrace of this bistro, which, as far as exotic<br />
character goes, doesn’t need to stand back for the market. Mother<br />
and daughter prepare their divine sandwiches, tapenades and fresh<br />
soup with love. Breakfast comes at as little as 12 euro. And for the<br />
ultimate sneaky pleasure: there are gossip magazines inside to read<br />
while you‘re having your coffee. Enjoy!<br />
lunCHBox / plan | D4<br />
>> Nieuwstad 8-10<br />
Lunchbox is a healthy food café with eccentric wraps, handmade<br />
hamburgers, bio bagels with an attitude and healthy fruit shakes<br />
on the menu. Probably not the cheapest option, but well worth<br />
a detour while shopping on Meir. Check out the wall of fame on<br />
which local celebrities left their autograph.<br />
Veron / plan | D4-E4<br />
>> Paardenmarkt 80<br />
Popular with students because of its opening hours: 5.30 am. Ideal for early birds<br />
or night clubbers looking for healthy grub. Bread, fillings and filled sandwiches<br />
are on offer.<br />
/21
22/<br />
Mint / plan | C5<br />
>> Theodoor Van Rijswijckplaats 2<br />
This place is owned by local celebrity and basketball player Pieter Loridon<br />
and though the menu says that Pieter comes by every day, that’s not the<br />
main reason why you really need to come and have a seat on the cosy<br />
terrace! Their various types of ‘toasts’ are so elaborate that you specifically<br />
need to look for the toast among all the tasty goodness on top and in<br />
between. The sun terrace offers you a beautiful view of the fashion museum<br />
and the quaint square in front of you. You’re also right in between Nationalestraat,<br />
Kammenstraat and Wilde Zee, so, it’s all up to you where you want<br />
to go shopping after you’ve had your coffee…<br />
poolplanet / plan | F4<br />
>> Franklin Rooseveltplaats 5<br />
If you thought that the internet café-pool table café was a weird combination,<br />
wait until you hear about Poolplanet’s special breakfast deal. On schooldays<br />
between 7 and 10 am, you can get a free bacon and omelet breakfast. Ordering a<br />
drink is not compulsory, but ever so polite.
3.4 wHen in a Hurry ...<br />
Pizza places<br />
da giovanni / plan | C4<br />
>> Jan Blomstraat 3, 5, 7 en 8<br />
Two branches of Antwerp’s biggest pizza company are just a stone’s<br />
throw away from each other. The waiters, universally clad in red<br />
and white chequered shirts, pretend to be real Italians, cooing<br />
‘ciao bella’ to every lady that passes by. Pizza’s are decent and cost<br />
between 5 and 13 euro and there’s also a wide range of pastas to<br />
choose from. Flash your students’ card to get a 20% discount on<br />
the bill.<br />
Primavera / plan | D4<br />
>> Paardenmarkt 99<br />
Be warned: the menu is in Italian. But even if you don’t command that<br />
language, you’ll most probably eat well here. This romantic pizza place<br />
borders the student area. There’s a terrace too in summertime. 6 to 12 euro<br />
for a pizza.<br />
nuova era / plan | C6<br />
>> Graaf van Hoornstraat 3<br />
At the edge of Leopold De Waelplaats, this pizza restaurant offers<br />
fine pizza’s and pasta’s. There’s a pleasant, busy atmosphere in an<br />
Art Nouveau setting and Jugendstil posters on the wall.<br />
Students get a 10% discount.<br />
Pita restaurants<br />
alexandria / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 10<br />
Popular pita place among students. No neon lights and the portions<br />
are large. A vegetarian plate sets you back about 25 euro.<br />
Mama’s Garden<br />
>> Oude Koornmarkt 41-43 / plan |C4<br />
>> Statiestraat 1 / plan | F5<br />
One of the more stylish pita places in town, with pelts and masks on the<br />
wall in stead of the typical plastic vines. Large plates come with a variety of<br />
excellent sauces. One of the best known pita places in town, Mama’s Garden<br />
is often crowded so you may need to wait for a table to free up. The place<br />
has a special deal for students throughout the academic year: shoarma or<br />
kebab with salad, chips and a drink for 4,9 euro in stead of 9,4 euro.<br />
pita Ster / plan | B6<br />
>> Gillisplaats 5<br />
The Waterpoort area (around the triumphal arch) boasts a smattering<br />
of Turkish fastfood places that are open day and night. All<br />
of them can vie for the title of best pita place in town. Turkish<br />
men fix you up with a decent pita for little money.<br />
/23
24/<br />
French fries<br />
frituur max / plan | C4<br />
>> Groenplaats 12<br />
The chips are still being served in an authentic paper cornet. The<br />
place is quite small but with a little bit of luck you’ll find a seat<br />
upstairs. If you’re hungry for more you can always visit the chip<br />
museum.<br />
Other<br />
wagamama / plan | E5<br />
>> De Keyserlei 15<br />
Conveniently located next to the entrance of the UGC Cinema,<br />
this Asian fastfood restaurant serves excellent and quite healthy<br />
dishes; lots of veggies and not too much fat. To be enjoyed at large<br />
wooden tables and benches that you share with total strangers.<br />
There’s a wide range of vegetarian dishes and the desserts<br />
are mouthwatering. Prices between 10,95 euro and 14,95 euro.<br />
Just eat<br />
www.just-eat.be<br />
Hungry but you don’t know what you’d like? Then surf to the Just Eat website.<br />
Every delivery shop in town is mentioned on it. Chinese food, pizza, pita or just<br />
a sandwich, all brought to your doorstep.<br />
Spirelli / plan | D4<br />
>> Paardenmarkt 57<br />
Though not quite a French fries stall (‘frituur’), this little venue<br />
sure looks like it. The only difference is that this establishment<br />
sells pasta in stead of fries. Pick your pasta (spirelli, eastern noodles<br />
or the pick of the week), pick a size (small, medium or large)<br />
and finally one of the ten odd sauces to pour over your pasta. You<br />
can eat in or take out. The décor is simple but pleasant, though<br />
not of the kind that makes you want to stay for hours.
3.5 When yOu’ve gOt<br />
time to relax…<br />
viavia / plan | C4-D4<br />
>> Wolstraat 43<br />
ViaVia is a traveller’s café with branches in 16 cities around the<br />
world. It’s a crossroad where travellers meet and share stories.<br />
The menu is modest in size, but the food is always excellent.<br />
There’s a soup of the day and the main courses change regularly.<br />
The café also boasts a small library with travel guides and travel<br />
stories. Tuesday is jazz night.<br />
reload / plan | D4-E4<br />
>> Korte Winkelstraat 11<br />
Cheap and cosy eatery smack in the middle of the students’ district. Take<br />
out is possible, as well as eating in in the pleasant retro-atmosphere. The<br />
ideal venue for a dinner with friends.<br />
Het laStig portret / plan | D4<br />
>> Blindenstraat 1<br />
Just round the corner of the Academy of Fine Arts is the favourite<br />
watering hole of its students. Staples are chicken in apple sauce<br />
and Mexican tortillas for very reasonable prices. The conviviality<br />
and cosy atmosphere does the rest.<br />
Dansing Chocola / plan | C4<br />
>> Kloosterstraat 159<br />
Don’t be misguided by the name. There’s not much dancing and still less<br />
chocolate going on in this café. Decent Flemish cooking and beer is what<br />
this place is about. The terrace is a must when the weather’s nice. Otherwise,<br />
there’s plenty of room inside at one of the heavy wooden tables. Pasta’s cost<br />
about 9 euro. Steak with vegetables and homemade chips costs 14 euro.<br />
de Burgerij<br />
>> Tramplein 2 / plan | F6<br />
>> Sint-Laureiskaai 8/ plan | D3<br />
The proof of the burger is in the eating. And the hamburgers<br />
served in this slow-fastfood joint are breathtakingly yummie.<br />
De Burgerij serves ten different sorts of hamburgers, prepared<br />
with fresh tuna, chicken, lamb, freshly ground beef and loads of<br />
crunchy vegetables. The nice interior hints at a refectory, but a<br />
very stylish one indeed. Take out is also possible. Healthy burgers<br />
come with a healthy price tag: about 10 euro for a burger.<br />
rode Zeven / plan | E4<br />
>> Sint-Jansplein 7<br />
A cosy brasserie at the Sint-Jansplein. There is no expensive menu,<br />
but it has a pleasant atmosphere which provides a welcome change<br />
to the square. Next to the restaurant, there’s an art gallery which,<br />
according to the owners, was established because in that way they<br />
wanted to make their contribution to reviving the neighbourhood.<br />
Artists are frequent visitors, so if you also want to culturally<br />
/25
26/<br />
justify your steak with pepper cream sauce, this is the place to go.<br />
Its international cuisine is also a good reason, though. Also offers<br />
takeaway food.<br />
Walrus / plan | B7<br />
>> Jan van Beersstraat 2<br />
Another ‘eetcafé’ (eating café) on the southern edge of ‘t Zuid. Atmospheric<br />
and budget-friendly, this eatery makes the kind of food that Belgian mums<br />
would be proud to serve. Sit on the terrace and admire the sails of the new<br />
palace of Justice or head on inside for good food. Mains are about 15 euro.<br />
Het waagStuk / plan | D4<br />
>> Stadswaag 20<br />
Smack in the middle of the student area, this restaurant mainly<br />
attracts workfolk from the nearby offices. Don’t let this put you<br />
down if you’re in for Flemish grub at good prices. Some of the<br />
specials of the day can be very budget-friendly indeed.<br />
Kompier eet<strong>huis</strong> / plan | C4<br />
>> Hoogstraat 1<br />
‘Kumpir’ is Turkish for potato and that neatly sums up what this place is<br />
about. The Turkish owners efficiently serve large stuffed potatoes with side<br />
salads. Less than 10 euro buys you a wide range of ingredients to stuff in<br />
your potato.<br />
de BroerS van julienne / plan | C6<br />
>> Kasteelpleinstraat 45-47<br />
Organic ingredients and mainly veggie meals make this restaurant<br />
a haven for the healthy conscious. The chef invents new specials<br />
every day and the menu is surprisingly cheap and,… well, surprising.<br />
13 euro buys you a veggie meal. The restaurant’s catering service<br />
comes in handy if you’re in want of loads of food, yet in no mood to<br />
cook.<br />
De Arme Duivel / plan | D5<br />
>> Armeduivelstraat 1<br />
The translation of ‘Arme Duivel’ is ‘poor devil’. That is decidedly not what<br />
you’ll feel like after tasting the homemade ‘garnaalkroketten’ (prawn<br />
croquettes). The décor of this eatery is a bit rough around the edges and the<br />
service suffers no nonsense, but you’ll make friends here before you know it.<br />
Swallow away your doubts and feast on some of the best ‘stoofvlees’<br />
(Flemish stew) this city has to offer.<br />
den BolHoed / plan | D4<br />
>> Sudermanstraat 3<br />
‘Zaal Jacob’ - now closed - used to be a popular venue for student<br />
parties, but today it still caters for the needs of students, albeit<br />
in a slightly different way. The menu is definitely student proof,<br />
the sandwiches are XL and the service is prim. What more does a<br />
hungry student need?
Amadeus / plan | C4<br />
>> Sint-Paulusplaats 20<br />
This restaurant serves steak and fish, but most locals come here for the 13,5<br />
euro special deal: pork ribs and stuffed potatoes. All you can eat! The décor<br />
and muzak is slightly outdated, which makes the blowout you’re sure to<br />
have all the more appealing.<br />
laS mañaS / plan | D3<br />
>> Ankerrui 36<br />
This Spanish truckers’ restaurant has been sitting here for 30<br />
years, but the atmosphere is still Southern European. There’s<br />
good beer on tap and a load of Spanish wines to taste from. The<br />
Spanish food is excellent, especially the prawn in garlic sauce.<br />
Yam Thai / plan | C6<br />
>> Volkstraat 76<br />
This new spot was opened by the Flemish acting couple, Nathalie Meskens<br />
and Jeroen Van Dyck. Its Asian cuisine offers the proprietors’ favourite dishes<br />
and has received enthusiastic acclaim from many a critical Antwerpian.<br />
It is therefore recommended that you book in advance. The restaurant’s<br />
traditional Thai cuisine is a welcome change for anybody who has eaten at<br />
Wok Away one time too many. It also offers takeaway food and is located at<br />
the street corner where the iconic Funky Soul Potato closed its doors…<br />
/27
28/<br />
3.6 When yOu’ve gOt<br />
SometHing to CeleBrate…<br />
au vieux port / plan | D3<br />
>> Napelsstraat 130<br />
It’s an absolute must for anybody who craves a little of the atmosphere<br />
of Paris after visiting MAS. It is a gem near the docks and the multitude<br />
of cosy pubs. The interior was imported from Paris, with the result<br />
that the authentic feeling is full circle. When you enter the restaurant,<br />
you practically stumble over the cart with cheeses on display and<br />
you are ushered to your seat by very friendly waiters. If you order<br />
fish, you must share it with your mother or date. The delicious creature<br />
will be brought to your table in its entirety and will be cut right in<br />
front of you. Tasty French cuisine at its very best!<br />
Fiskebar /plan | C6<br />
>> Marnixplaats 12-13<br />
Very few restaurants are entirely devoted to fish, but this one is and a good<br />
choice it was too. The restaurant’s oysters and tuna are hugely popular,<br />
which makes booking essential. Prices depend on the catch of the day.<br />
el Bife / plan | C4<br />
>> Hoogstraat 3<br />
You haven’t really tasted steak until you’ve had one of Bife’s Argentine<br />
grilled steaks. The restaurant might not be the cheapest pick, but the<br />
meat is simply delicious. The best cut sets you back 26 euro, fries and<br />
vegetables included.<br />
Sjalot & Schanul / plan | C4<br />
>> Oude Beurs 12<br />
Tiny but cosy restaurant near the Grote Markt with a no-nonsense décor<br />
and menu and friendly service. Most pasta’s cost about 15 euro and veggies<br />
are taken care off as well.<br />
madre tierra / plan | D4<br />
>> Minderbroedersrui 47<br />
The ladies that run this restaurant have a clear philosophy: respect<br />
for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. The meals are strictly vegetarian<br />
and consist of mainly sandwiches, pasta’s and soup. Only breakfast,<br />
lunch and take-out service. The food, though organic, seems to be less<br />
friendly to your wallet. On the other hand: there’s a weekly student’s<br />
sandwich for 2 euro.<br />
FelixPak<strong>huis</strong> /plan | D3<br />
www.felixpak<strong>huis</strong>.nu<br />
>> Godefriduskaai 30<br />
Look for this address if you fancy sizzling drinks, sharp dressers and<br />
jaw dropping architecture. Even though it opened recently, it is already<br />
a household name of het Eilandje. It’s a bit more expensive, but some of the<br />
parties are simply legendary.
3.7 at tHe end<br />
of tHe montH ...<br />
la CuiSine / plan | C4<br />
>> Sint-Pieter-en-Paulusstraat 7<br />
The cheapest restaurant in town is run by youths who had some<br />
issues and get a chance to learn the trade here. The daily special<br />
is 6 euro and is very decent most of the time. The wine comes in<br />
slightly larger volumes than elsewhere too.<br />
mama matrea / plan | D4<br />
>> Lange Nieuwstraat 13<br />
Exotic cocktail bar – ronería – creative kitchen with fresh ingredients. An old<br />
statue of the Virgin Mary above the entrance welcomes everybody who feels<br />
like having some South American soul food or a cocktail. Mama Matrea is<br />
particularly worth visiting on Wednesday evenings, when you can get a starter<br />
and a main course or a main course and dessert for only 5 euro. The food is<br />
always homemade, it is prepared with love and it varies from day to day. Highly<br />
recommended if you like to try new things!<br />
/29
04.<br />
-thE shEEr Amount of pubs, cAfés, brAssEriEs And grAnd<br />
cAfés scAttErEd Around AntwErp tEstifiEs to thAt sEcond<br />
fAvouritE nAtionAl pAstimE: drinking. bElgium is fAmous<br />
for its bEErs. try thEm, but kEEp in mind thAt public<br />
drunkEnnEss is not AccEptEd. thErE’s ‘EEn pintjE’ (lAgEr)<br />
And thEn thErE’s A host of spEciAl bEErs such As ‘EEn<br />
bollEkE koninck’ (AmbEr-colourEd, brEwEd in AntwErp),<br />
‘nEn duvEl’ (looks likE lAgEr, but most <strong>dE</strong>finitEly isn’t),<br />
trAppist (bEEr brEwEd by monks). if you’rE fEEling<br />
AdvEnturous, just point At A bEEr on thE list. bE wArnEd<br />
though, somE of thEsE brEws <strong>dE</strong>livEr An Alcohol wAllop<br />
thAt could sEnd you rEEling. thAt bEing sAid, thErE’s<br />
AlwAys somEthing for EvEryonE going on: lEArning nEw<br />
dAncing vibEs in sAlsA bArs, chEck out thE lAtEst cocktAil<br />
or AttEnd A livE gig in onE of thE mAny music cAfés.<br />
wE’ll provi<strong>dE</strong> you with thE EssEntiAls, chEck<br />
www.AntwErpEnstu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd.bE<br />
for much morE.<br />
/31
32/<br />
4.1 CaféS<br />
City centre<br />
BuSter / plan | C4<br />
www.busterpodium.be<br />
>> Kaasrui 1<br />
A pub with a busy stage. Jazz gigs, funk nights and stand-up comedy rules at this<br />
place. There’s always something on every day of the week except on Mondays.<br />
Cuba Bella / plan | C4-D4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 8<br />
Based on the dull facade of this bar you would never expect this to be<br />
Antwerp’s number one spot for dancing. If you want to shake your hips<br />
and enjoy a nice mojito you have come to the right place. The atmospheric<br />
samba ensures that there’s never a lack of ambiance. During the weekend<br />
the sensual salsa courses can bring the dance floor to the boil. Everybody is<br />
welcome as long as people are dancing and drinking.<br />
paterS vaetje / plan | C4<br />
>> Blauwmoezelstraat 1<br />
A darling among tourists and locals looking for their favourite -<br />
and rare - brew. This café has over 100 different sorts of Belgian<br />
beer on offer, resulting in an impressive beer list. There are some<br />
surprisingly strong brews on that list, so don’t forget to check<br />
out the amount of alcohol.<br />
Kid’s Rhythm & Blues Kaffee / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Markt 50<br />
Very popular and well-known among rock and blues lovers. If you’re into<br />
Mississippi Delta Blues, this is the place to be. Good place to watch football on<br />
widescreen TV’s too.<br />
De Muze / plan | C4<br />
>> Melkmarkt 15<br />
A monument of Antwerp’s nightlife and the international jazzscene. Hugely<br />
popular among locals and foreigners, so don’t be surprised to find yourself<br />
in want for a place to sit. Established musicians as well as young mavericks<br />
climb on stage here, which may result in legendary gigs. When there’s live<br />
music, drinks are a bit more expensive.<br />
tafeltje rond / plan | C4<br />
>> Gildekamersstraat 10<br />
What seems to be an ordinary pub, is in effect a meeting place<br />
for night clubbers who want one for the road. At weekends<br />
there’s a brawler at the door. Well-known DJs are known to have<br />
spinned a record here in the early hours.<br />
Plansjee / plan | D4<br />
>> Wolstraat 46<br />
Plansjee is rightfully known as one of Antwerp’s most atmospheric<br />
bars. Not because of the interior design but because the place is pure authenticity.<br />
Young and old find each other over an inexpensive glass of beer.<br />
The quality rock music in the background is added value.
Homey / plan | C4<br />
>> Sint-Paulusplaats 24<br />
The eco-friendly design invites you to relax for a while with a<br />
drink and a book. The pub is cult video store Take Out Video Depot’s<br />
brother, which is next to it. The home crowd is alternative and stays<br />
until the early hours. On top of that they serve the best homemade<br />
Indian lassi.<br />
Kassa 4 / plan | D4<br />
>> Ossenmarkt 21<br />
One of the many well-attended student bars on and round Ossenmarkt.<br />
So why choose Kassa 4? Because everything is possible there, from eating<br />
your sandwiches at lunchtime to dancing on the tables at night.<br />
marmite / plan | C4<br />
>> Torfbrug 8<br />
This dance bar is the ideal solution if you like to dance without<br />
visiting a club. Contemporary pop and nineties music go hand<br />
in hand and you can always request a song. At times it can get<br />
a bit crowded but the vodka melon, the bar’s specialty, makes<br />
up for that.<br />
Camper & Theo / plan | C5<br />
>> Nationalestraat 33<br />
This concept store engages in the blurring of borders between retail and<br />
catering. That makes the bistro the ideal place to take a break in between<br />
shopping sessions and catch your breath, without having to kick the habit<br />
of shoe shopping. It allows you to browse the range of the Camper shoe<br />
shop while you’re enjoying your coffee or tea from café Theo. Thanks to its<br />
enormous terrace, you have a good shot at finding a spot in the sun where<br />
you can also grab a small snack.<br />
Bartilia / plan | D4<br />
>> Falconrui 43<br />
This bar owes its name to the dozens of lime trees – Tilia – which<br />
used to adorn the Falconplein. Six years ago, it was the first of its<br />
kind that dared to open its doors in this former mafia hotspot with<br />
its criminal past. No need to worry, though: the square has been<br />
renovated for a while now and both young and old are more than<br />
welcome on the spacious terrace.<br />
De rots / plan | D<br />
>> Melkmarkt 11<br />
This edgy place is a metal and rock fan’s favourite. They regularly organize<br />
gigs and there is a CD and DVD store inside as well. Currently it is also the<br />
operating base of the famous Lunar parties. Once a month, obviously when<br />
the moon is full, they throw a wicked alternative party.<br />
De Vagant / plan | D4<br />
>> Reyndersstraat 25<br />
This café is all about ‘jenever’ (Belgian gin). Classics such as ‘graanjenever’<br />
(white gin) and ‘citroenjenever’ (lemon gin) and eccentrics such as ‘chocoladejenever’<br />
(chocolate gin) and ‘vanillejenever’ (vanilla gin) are among the<br />
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over 200 ‘jenevers’ served here. The house cocktail is a strong mix of white<br />
and lemon gin plus a few extras.<br />
witZli poetZli / plan | D4<br />
>> Blauwmoezelstraat 8<br />
A small pub is hidden in the shadow of the stately cathedral.<br />
Luckily, the place has not lost one bit of its charm since the<br />
takeover. The pub has a unique collection of tango music, that<br />
you can listen to while playing chess or while enjoying a sweet<br />
Lindemans kriek on draught.<br />
Around Mechelseplein<br />
The Joker / plan | D5<br />
>> Kleine Markt 16<br />
This rockabilly place thoroughly proves that stand-up comedy is getting<br />
increasingly popular in Belgium. Every Sunday and Wednesday it’s comedy<br />
time with local celebrities such as Alex Agnew and Philippe Geubels. But<br />
young talents get a chance as well. On Fridays and Saturdays they play<br />
alternative and rock. Grease up your hairdos!<br />
kapitein ZeppoS / plan | C5-D5<br />
>> Vleminckveld 78<br />
Popular eating café. The food is good and cheap and you don’t<br />
have to wait long before it arrives.<br />
Pallieter / plan | D5<br />
>> Mechelseplein 17<br />
Shelter for night clubbers, this is where the non-official after party of<br />
Antwerp takes place. Pallieter is also home to most of Antwerp’s actors.<br />
The curtains close at dawn, to prevent the crowd from seeing the sun rise,<br />
but even then you’re welcome to join the fun. Loud music and dancing are<br />
allowed.<br />
À propoS / plan | D5<br />
>> Schermersstraat 55<br />
Two years ago it burned down due to a short circuit in the record<br />
player but now it is back as a safe haven for fashionable, young<br />
people. The wine is excellent, the crowd is good-looking and the<br />
vinyl music is exquisite. An ideal place to stick around.<br />
Kulminator / plan | C5-D5<br />
>> Vleminckveld 32-34<br />
The main asset of this pub is the 600 different kinds of beer it sells. It used<br />
to be the regular venue for the ‘Objectieve Bierproevers’, an association that<br />
promotes Belgian beer culture.<br />
De Duifkens / plan | D5<br />
>> Graanmarkt 5<br />
Every now and then this small, local pub is filled with actors. They come<br />
here to brainstorm, to discuss and to celebrate but also to wipe away a few<br />
tears. Be careful with the owner because, regardless of her age, she has a<br />
lot of spirit and will take care of troublemakers.
Het Zuid<br />
Chatleroi / plan | C6<br />
>> Graaf van Hoornestraat 2<br />
A black cat keeps watch on one of the corners of the hip Zuid. It’s king in<br />
pub Chatleroi. The nice wall decorations, worn-out leather sofas and oldfashioned<br />
pub furniture contribute to the atmosphere. And because of the<br />
flexible closing time it is the perfect place for a long night out.<br />
Boogaloo / plan | B7-C7<br />
>> Jan van Beersstraat 1<br />
At the edge of Het Nieuwe Zuid, this no-nonsense pub boasts<br />
a terrace and a second fl oor – with snooker table. The crowd is<br />
mostly liberal and alternative. The bartender is always relaxed<br />
and friendly and there’s some very good special beer on tap.<br />
De nieuwe Linde / plan | B6<br />
>> Pacificatiestraat 49<br />
Conversation tends to be a bit more sophisticated in this large and lovely<br />
café. Hence, the participation of the café to the literary festival Zuiderzinnen<br />
shouldn’t come as a surprise. At times there’s live music and singing.<br />
Caffè internazionale / plan | C6<br />
>> Volkstraat 21<br />
The right place if you like an aperitif and fresh pastrami. The Italian Romanian<br />
owner likes to play funky music while he prepares you a delicious milkshake.<br />
Den Hopper / plan | C6<br />
>> Leopold De Waelplaats 2<br />
Popular jazz café and fixed venue for local celebrities and bohémiens.<br />
Live music on Sundays at 4 pm, when established artists as well as conservatory<br />
students thumb the bass here. If you’re lucky, you might see a<br />
gig on Monday and Wednesday nights too.<br />
paparaZZiBar / plan | C6<br />
>> Marnixplaats 10<br />
Its slogan ‘scandals, coffee & cocktails’ is most appropriate. This<br />
hip bar will welcome you any time, whether you want some tasty<br />
breakfast or lunch or whether you want to go out for a night on<br />
the town. One thing to keep in mind, though: there’s a camera<br />
following you. The photo booth at the back captures your craziest<br />
moments and posts them right onto the bar’s facebook page.<br />
Bad pictures can be forgiven and forgotten with a little help from<br />
the friendly English bartender, who’ll be only too glad to pour<br />
you a cocktail or a martini. What‘s more, the bar has a unique<br />
retro look and a top-notch location: easily accessible by tram for<br />
anyone who’s had a drop too many.<br />
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Het Eilandje<br />
Bar du port / plan | D5<br />
>> Napoleonkaai 53<br />
Free croissants and pastry for early birds in this bistro with a view<br />
on Antwerp’s old port. The interior is made up of vintage stuff<br />
and at noon there’s a buffet with French cheeses. The terrace is<br />
lovely when the weather’s nice.<br />
Kamping Kontiki / plan | D3<br />
>> Nassaustraat 7<br />
The front of this bar is reserved for standing, drinking and dancing.<br />
Seats, tables and chairs are in the back. Live DJs on Thursdays and cocktails<br />
for 5 euro a pop on Saturdays. On Sundays there’s film in the lounge and<br />
free cocktails. The poor fish with the biggest hangover gets a free tequila<br />
and painkiller on Monday.<br />
Het HeSSenHuiS / plan | D4<br />
>> Falconrui 59<br />
A 16th century warehouse turned into a hip and trendy café. The<br />
bartender shakes some excellent cocktails and in the summer<br />
there’s a terrace section. From 9 to 10 pm is happy hour: buy one<br />
and get another one for free. Hessen<strong>huis</strong> is not in the least known<br />
as a venue for Antwerp’s gay scene.<br />
Borgerhout and Berchem<br />
De Kroon / plan | E4-E5<br />
>> Kerkstraat 91<br />
The crowd in this famous café – the self proclaimed heart of socio-cultural<br />
life in the area - is distinctly local. There’s some strong beer on tap and<br />
there’s regularly live music or private parties.
Kilimanjaro Bar / plan | E4<br />
>> De Coninckplein 5<br />
Dance hall parties, jungle specials, jazz gigs and monthly heartbeat nights<br />
on Monday: there’s always something going on here. The pub tries to appeal<br />
to a bigger audience and succeeds at it, though the average cut is eccentric.<br />
Bar leon / plan | G5<br />
>> Reuzenstraat 23<br />
Borgerhout is becoming increasingly popular with young people,<br />
which is proven by the many nice pubs that suddenly pop up. One<br />
of them is Bar Leon. The regulars are calm and the drinks keep<br />
getting poured. On Sunday it is Josdag, starting from 3 pm with a<br />
DJ-set: a nice way to end the weekend and to start a good week.<br />
Plaza real / plan | E5-G5<br />
>> Kattenberg 31<br />
One of the few pubs in Borgerhout, Plaza Real is usually fi lled with regulars.<br />
The owner is a local celebrity, though he doesn’t look like one. The pub<br />
gets quite busy from time to time. Ideal place to suck up some Borgerhout<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Café Stanny / plan | F7<br />
>> Stanleystraat 1<br />
It doesn’t matter when you stop by, the welcome will always be warm.<br />
The bar is being run by a young Antwerp couple and they provide the<br />
necessary sparks. You can get inexpensive food with great value for money.
38/<br />
4.2 CoCktail BarS<br />
SipS / plan | B6<br />
>> Gillisplaats 8<br />
The owner and cocktail genius Manuel used to work on the QE2<br />
cruise ship before he opened this exclusive-looking bar in Antwerp.<br />
Hunderds of cocktails on the list and Manuel knows thousands<br />
of recipes by heart. A fine pick of cigars only adds to the<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Mogador / plan | B6<br />
>> Graaf van Egmontstraat 57<br />
This is a den for the bold and beautiful, so put on your glad rags before entering.<br />
Antwerp’s beau monde shares the latest gossip and the atmosphere<br />
tends to be rather stiff – or classy, you decide. The cheapest cocktail goes<br />
for 7,5 euro.
Cohiba Cafe / plan | D5<br />
>> Oudevaartplaats 35<br />
The arrival of Antwerp’s new Latin pub has not gone unnoticed. Every week<br />
they organize a party. Get carried away by the southern rhythms of the<br />
Bachata while you take a sip of your Caribbean cocktail. They serve<br />
delicious exotic cocktails, such as the Cuba Libre and the Brazilian Caipirinha.<br />
aBSintHBar / plan | C4<br />
>> Papenstraatje 1<br />
Fairies exist. They’re green and liquid and you can taste them in this bar. The<br />
amount of absinthe-cocktails you can order is limited (though the choice isn’t),<br />
but you’re still bound to end up tipsy. The atmosphere is a bit formal, but<br />
sometimes a DJ tries to initiate a party.<br />
Café Au Lait / plan | C4<br />
>> Oude Beurs 8<br />
Tucked away in a narrow street behind Grote Markt is a<br />
favourite of swinging, clubbing and multicultural Antwerp.<br />
The cocktails are a cut above the average and stirred with some<br />
precision while a live DJ spins tracks four days a week. The owners<br />
exploit a few club nights too, making this venue a good place to<br />
start your night out with.<br />
VuiLe WAS / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 16<br />
When you hear the name, translated ‘Dirty Washing’,<br />
no-one thinks about launderettes anymore. This<br />
place is a mainstay in Antwerp’s student scene<br />
and opens up every day, albeit just a little<br />
wider on Thursdays. That’s when resident DJs<br />
and 300 different kinds of cocktails get the day’s<br />
pre-drinkers in the right mood. After sharing a jug –a<br />
tub cocktail – with your friends, you can be sure that<br />
you’ll have no problem at all ordering a Sex on the Beach<br />
or a Screaming Orgasm.<br />
viBeS / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 14<br />
You can sum up Vibes as a no-nonsense cocktail bar. Here, the<br />
expression “Monday Blues” takes on an entirely different meaning:<br />
on Mondays, you can come to the bar’s basement to admire the chops<br />
of emerging talents who fly the flag for proper funk, soul and jazz. If you<br />
want to have long conversations, however, your best option is to get back<br />
upstairs, since the vibes can be a bit on the loud side from time to time.<br />
Some valuable trivia: students enjoy sizable discounts and happy hour is<br />
between 7 pm and 8 pm.<br />
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4.3 Coffee HouSeS<br />
reviSta / plan | C6<br />
>> Karel Rogierstraat 47<br />
Revista is the Spanish word for magazine and that’s no coincidence.<br />
You could spend a whole day in here with a cup of coffee while<br />
browsing through the variety of magazines. We recommend<br />
the apple pie and the coffee is also to take away.<br />
Daily roast / plan | C4<br />
>> Hoogstraat 13<br />
Prime spot for lunch and breakfast, with or without champagne. Blends and<br />
roast coffee from all over the world with a new special on the list every day.<br />
tHe Coffee CluB /plan | C4<br />
>> Melkmarkt 10<br />
Coffee house that sells fair trade products. Coffee beans ground<br />
at this establishment didn’t cost lives and the farmers in Africa<br />
and South-America have benefitted from their sale. The choice<br />
for fair trade products doesn’t in the least affect the different<br />
products on offer. Gingerbread spice latte, cinnamon snap<br />
cappuccino, anyone? There’s also a salad and pasta bar.<br />
LA CHASCOnA / plan | C5<br />
>> Oever 18<br />
This small, but oh so cosy, coffeehouse is really ‘something else’. Not only<br />
do their coffees, such as Sweet Tiger, Paris Hilton and Don Corleone, have<br />
unusual names, but they also have a surprising taste. To top it all off, grab<br />
a piece of homemade pie and enjoy it in this retro coffeehouse. Don’t feel<br />
like coffee? No problem, the freshly squeezed types of juice are worth trying<br />
just as much!<br />
moCkamore / plan | C4<br />
>> Groenplaats 30<br />
An impressive amount of coffees from al over the world, in all shapes and sizes,<br />
and in some pretty weird combinations. That neatly sums up what Mockamore<br />
is about. If you’re in to coffee with white chocolate (Harmony Coffee) or with a<br />
pinch of cinnamon (Indian Summer) and like to eat a bagel on the side, this is the<br />
place to be.<br />
Starbucks / plan | F5<br />
>> Hall Centraal Station<br />
What McDonalds means to hamburgers, Starbucks means to coffee.<br />
The coffee house mainly aims at travellers who are too early or too late for<br />
their train, but if you’re into a cup of Americano, by all means pop in.
BitterZoet / plan | C5<br />
>> Kronenburgstraat 176<br />
Excellent stop on your way to or from a shopping trip to stock<br />
up on caffeine and calories. Coffee, sandwiches and pastry are<br />
essentials in this place.<br />
Caffènation / plan | D5<br />
www.caffenation.be<br />
>> Mechelsesteenweg 16<br />
Coffee crazy for almost ten years now and recently relocated from their<br />
familiar home in Hopland to a brand new spot. Still in the middle of moving<br />
when this guide went to press. The range of coffees, the space for and the<br />
attention to their own roasting facilities are only set to increase.<br />
Café matiC / plan | C5-D5<br />
>> Vlemickveld 4<br />
If you are looking for a charming coffee bar with some nice snacks<br />
you have come to the right place. The black and white mosaic floor<br />
adds a romantic touch. You can get comfortable in the fifties furniture<br />
while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.<br />
Barnini / plan | D5<br />
>> Oudevaartplaats 10<br />
This is the place for sweet and happy coffee. The owner makes the nicest<br />
creations for her bagels and coffee: she serves them on colourful plates.<br />
It’s also nice to drink a coffee on the terrace during the Vreemdelingenmarkt<br />
on Saturday.<br />
Broer Bretel / plan | D3<br />
>> Nassaustraat 7<br />
The atmosphere is that of a living room, so it is no surprise that this place feels<br />
like a second home. The concept is very simple, two brothers wearing suspenders<br />
(in Dutch ‘bretel’, hence the name) opened an espresso bar that serves amazing<br />
coffee and a delicious breakfast.<br />
Vandoag is’t / plan | D4<br />
>> Corner of Prinsstraat 2<br />
Loungy espresso bar for students looking for a bit more style. The atmosphere<br />
is pleasant, with sofa’s and long tables and good music. Coffee, with<br />
or without sweet pastry is the core business. There’s a load of magazines to<br />
pick from, should conversation wind down.<br />
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Phil’s COffee / plan | C5<br />
>> Schoytestraat 1<br />
If you don’t like prefab, you definitely need to drop by at this place.<br />
All kinds of coffee are roasted and sealed on the spot and accompanied<br />
by a scrumptious slice of homemade bread pudding, cheesecake<br />
or some other treat that is fresh out of the oven, there and then.<br />
A glance at the menu reveals the wide variety of coffee: the Lotus<br />
with speculoos (spicy biscuit) paste, the Bounty with chocolate<br />
and coconut or the Snowball with white chocolate, vanilla and<br />
marshmallow. If you’re more of a tea person, you will also be able<br />
to find your cup of it here. Oma’s Appeltaart (Granny’s Apple Pie)<br />
of green tea, apple and almond, the Sencha Cactus with fig, papaya<br />
and pineapple, etc. Filip – Phil to the neighbours – will also still any<br />
bit of hunger with crispy beignets or croques (toasted sandwiches)<br />
at democratic prices .<br />
KOLOneL KOFFie / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 38<br />
The proprietor himself describes this coffee shop as ‘a hobby that got out of<br />
hand’. He now uses the knowledge that he gathered in Australia to brighten<br />
our day here in Belgium with a fair and fabulous cup of Joe. Unlike his<br />
colleagues and competitors in the booming coffee business, he decided to<br />
forgo ‘The Green Bag’ quality label, so that he could really do his own thing.<br />
In addition to having the right retro look, created by wooden tables, vintage<br />
sofas and granny wallpaper, this little coffee house is also blessed with a<br />
cosy first floor.<br />
4.4 juiCeS & SmootHieS<br />
ZeST JuiCe BAr / plan | D4<br />
>> Beddenstraat 2<br />
Set in the mall between Groenplaats and Meir, the staff of this juice bar<br />
squeeze fresh fruit into a healthy juice right in front of your eyes. Next to<br />
juice, you can opt for the homemade smoothie.<br />
fResh ‘n’ fRuity / plan | C5<br />
>> Corner of Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat<br />
Snack bar with toast, grilled sandwiches and a wide range of<br />
fruity juices. Hard to miss because of the flowery coulours of the<br />
frontage. The service is friendly, prim and quick.<br />
PiTTen en BOnen /plan | C5<br />
>> Lombardenvest 31<br />
The perfect pit stop while you are shopping. Someone with a sweet tooth<br />
can enjoy the freshly squeezed juices and milkshakes, they taste delicious.<br />
They also serve fresh vegetable juices for the health freaks.
43
05.<br />
Shopping for<br />
food & essentials
46/<br />
5.1 marketS<br />
Weekly markets are scattered around Antwerp. The<br />
ideal place to shop for fresh vegetables, fruit or meat<br />
as well as a pair of socks, lost memories or imported<br />
curiosities and that thingy that you forgot you were<br />
looking for in the first place.<br />
Visiting such a market is always a good idea, even if<br />
you’re not looking for anything in specific.<br />
Markets are busy, bustling places with loud-mouthed<br />
vendors prizing their wares and locals browsing the<br />
goods. Excellent places to suck up the local atmosphere.
liSt of marketS in antwerp<br />
Wednesday >> Sint-Jansplein | 8 am-1 pm (food)<br />
Thursday >> Dageraadplaats | 8 am - 1 pm (food, organic)<br />
>> Linkeroever | 8 am - 1 pm (food)<br />
Friday >> Desguinlei | 11.30 am - 4.30 pm (food)<br />
>> Sint-Jansplein | 8 am - 1 pm (food)<br />
>> Vrijdagmarkt | 9 am - 1 pm (fleamarket)<br />
Saturday >> Vreemdelingenmarkt (international market):<br />
Theaterplein | 8 am - 4 pm (food)<br />
>> Lijnwaadmarkt (Cathedral) | 9 am - 5 pm<br />
(antiques, fleamarket)<br />
Sunday >> Vogelmarkt:<br />
Theaterplein | (food, fleamarket)<br />
8 am - 1 pm Winter time<br />
8 am - 2 pm Summer time<br />
>> Sint-Jansvliet | 9 am - 5 pm (fleamarket)<br />
>> Falconplein – biomarkt | 8 am - 4 pm (organic market)<br />
Third Sunday of the month (March to November):<br />
>> De Coninckplein – book market | 10 am - 5 pm<br />
Last Sunday of the month (May to September):<br />
>> Lambermontmartre: Leopold De Waelplaats<br />
Art market ‘à la Montmartre’ | 12 am – 5 pm<br />
About six Sundays a year in Kloosterstraat<br />
(dates on www.marktvanmorgen.be)<br />
>> Markt van Morgen (Market of Tomorrow)<br />
market where budding designers show<br />
their creations: fashion, accessories,<br />
jewelry and plastic art.<br />
About every month at Antwerp Expo::<br />
>> Rommelant - Fleamarket<br />
See www.rommelant.be (only in Dutch)<br />
for info.<br />
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5.2 SupermarketS and minimarketS<br />
Budget shopping<br />
Aldi and Lidl are the champions of cheap products with ok quality,<br />
considering the low prices. You won’t find brand names or the high<br />
quality goods that mum and dad stock up on in these supermarkets and<br />
decoration and atmosphere suffers no nonsense, but that’s the price to<br />
pay for a cart full of goodies for hardly any money.<br />
ALDi<br />
www.aldi.be<br />
Terninckstraat 13, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Sint-Jansplein 8, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Lange Lozanastraat 177-179, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Sergeyselstraat 60, Borgerhout<br />
Slacht<strong>huis</strong>laan 27, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
E. De Coussemakerstraat 2, <strong>Antwerpen</strong> (Linkeroever)<br />
lidl<br />
www.lidl.be<br />
Van de Wervestraat 82, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Lange Kievitstraat 147, Borgerhout<br />
Slacht<strong>huis</strong>laan 78, <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Carel Van Manderstraat 12, <strong>Antwerpen</strong> (Linkeroever)
Exotic groceries<br />
You can find just about every staple from just about<br />
every country in Antwerp. The city’s numerous<br />
foreign population likes food from back home so<br />
they opened up their own stores. Most of these shops<br />
are cheap, sell high quality products and seem to<br />
be open day and night, even on Sunday. One of the<br />
most famous shops is Sun Wah (Van Wesenbeekstraat<br />
16-18). A large grocery store in Antwerp’s<br />
Chinatown (which is spread over just two streets).<br />
Soups, noodles, soja, clothes and cutlery at decent<br />
prices. Sun Wah has everything in store if you<br />
want to cook an exotic meal for fellow students,<br />
or try your hand at homemade sushi.<br />
Korte Zavelstraat and Handelstraat are essentially<br />
one large Moroccan market. Fresh fruit and<br />
vegetables and a wide selection of olives, nuts,<br />
cutlery and exotic spices are on offer here. Check<br />
out Euro Food (Korte Zavelstraat 12) and Bilal Fruit<br />
(Handelstraat 24). For the best roast chicken,<br />
go to Mediterane (Korte Zavelstraat 17) or Kip<br />
(Korte Zavelstraat 43). Butcher Chico’s on<br />
Turnhoutsebaan is a good place for chicken and<br />
halal meat, while Al Attari (Handelstraat 13) is<br />
the most popular butcher around.<br />
If meat is not your cup of tea, there are a lot of<br />
fish vendors in the area too. Euro Fish (Korte<br />
Zavelstraat 29) and Royal Fish (corner of Handelstraat<br />
and Lange Zavelstraat) are recommended.<br />
Another street to check out is Brederodestraat<br />
(Little Istanbul): Turkish stores with lots of<br />
quality.<br />
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Environment conscious shopping<br />
Het natuurHuiS / plan | D5<br />
www.hetnatuur<strong>huis</strong>.be<br />
>> Otto Veniusstraat 23<br />
Groceries and drinks, a home brand (BioShop), a bakery and kitchen<br />
with a wide range of fresh vegetables, dairy and meat make this store<br />
a haven for the health conscious foodie. Also sells natural food<br />
supplements, cosmetics and plant extracts. The people that run<br />
this business have taken years of training to assist their costumers,<br />
so they’re anything but quacks.<br />
TerrASAnA / plan | C6-C7<br />
www.terrasana.be<br />
>> Brederodestraat 1<strong>01</strong>/Gelijkheidstraat<br />
At Anthonissen-Terrasana you get two supermarkets for the price of one.<br />
Here you can buy both biological nuts, vegetables, dairy, etc…, and your favourite<br />
mainstream products. If you don’t have time to go to different shops<br />
then this is the place to be. Vegetarian burgers, cola, healthy muesli or<br />
chemical sweets: you can put it all next to each other onto the conveyer belt.<br />
oxfam SHopS<br />
www.oxfam.be<br />
>> Turnhoutsebaan 92 / plan | F5<br />
>> Sint-Jacobsmarkt 82 / plan | D4<br />
>> Van Campenhoutstraat 40 / plan | E7<br />
Increasingly popular in Belgium too, this initiative can’t be absent on a<br />
conscious shopping list. Oxfam products all carry the Fair Trade label. Wine,<br />
coffee, tea, juice, rice, sugar, cookies, chocolate, nuts, is all on sale at the<br />
Oxfam shop. Next to these commodities, Oxfam sells cosmetics and all sorts<br />
of trinkets. Quality is usually high and prices above average, but your<br />
purchase helps the poorer farmers of the planet along.
Copy services<br />
Even the most dedicated student misses a class sometimes and needs to copy a course of a fellow<br />
student. A list of copy services:<br />
univerSitaS<br />
www.universitas.be<br />
>> Prinsesstraat 16, 2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
QuiCKPrinTer<br />
www.quickprinter.be<br />
>> Koningstraat 13, 2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Copy Copy<br />
www.copycopy.be<br />
>> Blancefloerlaan 22, 2050 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
COPY GrOenenBOrGer<br />
www.groenenborgercopy.be<br />
>> Sneeuwbeslaan 35, 2610 Wilrijk<br />
image Building<br />
www.imagebuilding.be<br />
>> Londenstraat 28-30, 2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
AnTWerP DiGiTAL PrinT<br />
www.antwerpdigitalprint.be<br />
>> Brederodestraat 184A, 2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
koppie kopie<br />
www.koppiekopie.be<br />
>> Lange Vlierstraat 35, 2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
MiSTer COPY<br />
www.allps.be<br />
>> Mechelsesteenweg 210A, 2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
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06.<br />
-work hArd – plAy hArd. studying hArd is good, but<br />
don’t forgEt to rElAx from timE to timE. AntwErp’s<br />
EntErtAinmEnt scEnE lAcks nothing. going out for A<br />
drink is AnothEr dArling in bElgium And A good wAy<br />
to gEt to know thE locAls. thEsE visits to thE pub (‘EEn<br />
pintjE pAkkEn’ in thE AntwErp diAlEct), ArE sEldom rowdy,<br />
shouting AffAirs And you’d do wEll not to bEhAvE<br />
too fAmiliAr or ExtrAvAgAntly with pEoplE thAt hAppEn<br />
to sit nExt to you At thE bAr. EvEry wEEkEnd somE of thE<br />
biggEst intErnAtionAl stArs ArE on stAgE hErE, whilE<br />
AntwErp’s night lifE bEAts to thE coolEst vibEs, whilE<br />
its cutting EdgE fAshion industry guArAntEEs hours of<br />
shopping fun. thE most concisE list for whAt’s on in<br />
AntwErp is wEEk up, AvAilAblE At thE tourist officE And<br />
in mAny cAfés. whEthEr you’rE into music, dAncing,<br />
books, sports or concErts And cinEmA, AntwErp hAs<br />
somEthing for EvEryonE. thErE’s no<br />
ExcusE to gEt borEd.<br />
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6.1 SHopping<br />
The pedestrianised Meir is Antwerp’s prime shopping street<br />
and boasts a store of just about every major fashion brand:<br />
H&M, Vero Moda, MEN_at_WORK and Zara for example.<br />
Also international brands such as Replay, Diesel and Nokia<br />
and Base are well represented here. Kammenstraat is home<br />
to loads of denim stores, skate shops and vintage second hand<br />
stores. Nationalestraat and the streets on either side beat to<br />
the same vibe, attracting the young, hip or snobby.<br />
The flagship stores of major Antwerp and international<br />
designers sit between Groenplaats and Leopold De Waelplaats.<br />
South of Grote Markt are a mish mash of clothes stores, food<br />
stores and tourist traps and further on are the pricy antique<br />
shops of Kloosterstraat. Between Meirbrug and Mechelseplein<br />
are small cobbled streets with designers’ shops adjacent to<br />
old school bakeries. Lange Koepoortstraat boasts clothes and<br />
music shops, while electronics and Hi Fi can be found on<br />
Sint-Katelijnevest. At last, there are shopping malls near<br />
Central Station (Century Centre), Groenplaats (Grand Bazar)<br />
and the recently renovated Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir.
New<br />
forever 21 / plan | D5<br />
www.forever21.com<br />
>> Meir 42-46<br />
With its 5000 m² surface area and its three storeys, Forever 21 has<br />
every right to be called shopping heaven. This flagship store offers<br />
several collections: the ‘Heritage 1981’ basics, a men’s collection called<br />
‘21 Men’, the fashion-conscious ‘Love 21’ range and a women’s collection<br />
called ‘Forever 21 Girls’. These catwalk trends are bound to have<br />
something for everyone and are still quite affordable.<br />
MOOSe in THe CiTY / plan | C5<br />
www.moose-in-the-city.com<br />
>> Ijzerenwaag 10-12<br />
MOOSE in the CITY is a unique shop that wants to show us what Scandinavian<br />
lifestyle is all about: design and quality, and the balance that there is<br />
between man and nature and between man and the city. Here, you’ll<br />
find unique furniture, a range of hip clothing brands, accessories, design<br />
products and books. Thanks to the shop’s collaboration with the specialised<br />
NORTH and AWAY travel agency, it’s also the place to go for any information<br />
on the journey north that you’ve always dreamed about. Anybody looking<br />
for travel guides on Scandinavia or literature from this corner of the world<br />
will also soon find that they’ve come to the right place.<br />
paleiS / plan | C4<br />
www.paleis.net<br />
>> Lange Koepoortstraat 39<br />
Trendy clothes shop with mainstream brands such as Vero Moda,<br />
ONLY, Jack and Jones and Blend and Pieces. No need to dig too<br />
deep in your purse here. The atmosphere is fresh and youthful.<br />
COS / plan | D5<br />
www.cosstores.com<br />
>> Hopland 31/stadsfeestzaal<br />
COS is the expensive sibling of H&M. COS (Collection of Style) very much<br />
has its own character. Prices can be steep, but contrary to H&M, not many<br />
people wear the clothes and the quality is better. Simple, stylish and<br />
no-nonsense clothing with subtle details. There are whispers that a second<br />
Antwerp branch is coming,… fingers crossed!<br />
vegaS /plan | C5<br />
www.vegasantwerp.be<br />
>> Kammenstraat 57<br />
If you couldn’t care less about the latest clothes fashion, this<br />
store is your ticket. Collections are inspired by the sixties and<br />
seventies. Those who love a bit of kitsch will be in paradise here.<br />
urBan outfitterS / plan | D5<br />
www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk<br />
>> Meir 78/stadsfeestzaal<br />
This three-story high clothes store is a death trap for fashion vic-<br />
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tims. Trendy clothes, accessories and gadgets for friendly prices<br />
and a well stocked denim collection. The more well-heeled can go<br />
for famous designers such as Marc Jacobs and Sonia Rykiel.<br />
AMeriCAn APPAreL / plan | C5<br />
www.americanapparel.net<br />
>> Kammenstraat 14<br />
Nice store with a nice philosophy. American Apparel is known for its controversial<br />
promotion campaigns and the design, advertising and sale is done by<br />
their own staff to prevent exploitation. The shop sells clothes, socks, shirts<br />
and underwear for men, women, baby’s and dogs. No kidding.<br />
laBelS inC / plan | C5<br />
www.labelsinc.be<br />
>> Aalmoezenierstraat 4<br />
Designer outfits at reasonable prices, that’s what Labels Inc stands<br />
for. Old stocks, samples and second hand clothing from famous<br />
Belgian designers are sold here. Each month, a student from the<br />
Antwerp Fashion Institute gets to dress the shop window.<br />
CLiniC / plan | B6<br />
www.clinicantwerp.com<br />
>> De Burburestraat 5<br />
Wanne be a fashionista? Let Clinic help you. The collection is not just on<br />
the shelves, they also use old hospital benches to show clothing items by<br />
new designers like Joe Rivetto and hip brands such as My Brand. Apart from<br />
clothes Clinic also sells shoes, bags and fashion books. Do you want to be<br />
the first to know about new items? Simply ‘like’ their facebook page or ask<br />
the professional staff for advice. Once you’re at the register you don’t<br />
need to hold on to your purchases, they automatically roll to the cashier.<br />
Like a supermarket indeed.<br />
your / plan | C5<br />
www.your-antwerp.com<br />
>> Kloosterstraat 90<br />
Antwerp’s latest concept store. Nearly everything is for sale here:<br />
clothes, cars, art, bikes, the list is endless. A DJ spins some tracks<br />
while you’re shopping. Or pop in the barber’s section for a haircut.<br />
Second hand clothing<br />
t2-tHink twiCe<br />
www.thinktwice-humana.be<br />
>> Lange Klarenstraat 21 / plan | D4-D5<br />
>> Carnotstraat 110 / plan | E4-F5<br />
>> Kammenstraat 85 / plan | C5<br />
T2–Think Twice is hugely popular with three branches in Antwerp<br />
alone. Regular sales at 2 euro per piece of clothing only add to the<br />
hype. Take your time to rummage through the crates and racks full<br />
of clothing. And you may walk out of the store with a bag full of cool<br />
clothes. Tip: ‘like’ them at facebook and you’ll know exactly when<br />
their sales start.
SuSSieS / plan | C4<br />
www.sussiesvintage.nl<br />
>> Oude Koornmarkt 69<br />
Sussies is a vintage store that sells clothing and furniture from<br />
the sixties, seventies and eighties, so don’t be surprised if you<br />
turn out to be the fourth owner. Ideal shop if you’re looking for<br />
an over-the-top outfit for an eighties party.<br />
Furnishing your room<br />
De KrinGWinKeL<br />
www.dekringwinkel.be<br />
Probably the best and cheapest spot to buy essentials to furnish your room.<br />
The stuff is brought in or collected from everywhere, cleaned, patched up<br />
and may have been around longer than you. There are about ten branches in<br />
Antwerp and surroundings. Visit their website for addresses.<br />
troC<br />
www.troc.com<br />
International second hand chain store that has a couple of branches<br />
in Antwerp too. Second hand furniture, utilities and curiosities are<br />
conceded here, meaning that the owner and the branch earn money<br />
with a sale. A bit more expensive than De Kringwinkel, but the<br />
furniture is sometimes antique or of a unique design.<br />
HaSHi<br />
www.hashi.be<br />
>> Sint-Jorispoort 4<br />
Cute little store with Japanese ornamentals and decoration.<br />
Ideal for a unique touch to your den. The proprietor is fond of<br />
Japanese culture and will be glad to share her passion with you.<br />
Definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not buying.<br />
De KrAK<br />
www.dekrak.eu<br />
Prices are absurdly low in these stores.<br />
It’s hard to find anything that’s worth<br />
more than a few euro’s here. Kitchen<br />
utensils, linens and basic DIY-stuff<br />
are sold for a song here.<br />
Addresses on their website.<br />
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Music<br />
Wally’s gROOve WORld / plan | D4<br />
www.wallysgrooveworld.com<br />
>> Lange Nieuwstraat 126<br />
DJ Koenie has been at the frontline of the Belgian house scene for<br />
decades and sent out the message in local clubs as well as Asia and<br />
America. He now owns a record store with a huge collection of classic<br />
house, techno and electro, as well as latest releases. Browse<br />
through the collection online, as only the latest arrivals are stored<br />
in the shop. There’s a big sale twice a year: records at 1 or 2 euro.<br />
FAT KAT / plan | C4<br />
www.fatkat.be<br />
>> Lange Koepoortstraat 51<br />
Large selection of alternative music, guitar heroes, funk and rap. Some<br />
new and second hand vinyl, but especially unique CD’s that are hard to find<br />
elsewhere.
Coffee & vinyl / plan | C6<br />
www.coffeeandvinyl.com<br />
>> Volkstraat 45<br />
This is the result of the desire that Lars, the owner of second hand<br />
music shop Vinyl, had to open up a place that offered more than just<br />
records. He packed up his exhaustive record collection and moved<br />
to Antwerp’s Zuid district. From now on, you can have a comfortable<br />
cup of coffee here, while looking for your favourite LP. Try<br />
to get hold of a seat by the window and page through the various<br />
music magazines. What’s more, this concept store never keeps you<br />
waiting long for your Ice Kool & the Gang, an ice cold latte with<br />
chocolate, or your Jagertea made according to a Granny recipe.<br />
reCord ColleCtor / plan | C4<br />
>> Lange Koepoortstraat 70<br />
If it was released on CD or vinyl, chances are big Record Collector<br />
has it. You could also just browse the huge collection of classics.<br />
Maxi’s of dodgy eighties icons are neatly catalogued next to first<br />
issues of seventies rock bands. The two top floors house loads<br />
and loads of second hand records. Patience is required as there is<br />
no system in the way they’re stacked.<br />
PAnDOrA’SBOx/MeTALZOne / plan | C4<br />
>> Grote Pieter Potstraat 13<br />
Small store that caters exclusively for hard rock and metal fans. CD’s, DVD’s,<br />
T-shirts, buttons of legends of hard rock as well as more obscure bands<br />
abound here.<br />
CHelSea reCordS / plan | C5<br />
>> Kloosterstraat 10<br />
By far the most likeable records merchant of Antwerp has a store<br />
full of vinyl, alphabetically stacked. The big shots are stacked by<br />
artist or genre. A single record doesn’t cost much, but you’d have<br />
a tough time not to walk out of this store with a dozen of them<br />
under your arm.<br />
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Books and media<br />
’T STAD LeeST / plan | C5<br />
www.tstadleest.be<br />
>> Steenhouwersvest 16<br />
This new bookshop offers you a wide range of fiction and non-fiction. As the<br />
owners themselves say, they provide a contemporary, high quality selection.<br />
Apart from spending your time with your nose buried in a book, you can also<br />
come here to enjoy one of the frequent book presentations. The ideal shop<br />
for the bookworms among us!<br />
De GrOene WATerMAn / plan | C4-D4<br />
www.groenewaterman.be<br />
>> Wolstraat 7<br />
This recently redecorated bookshop is famous for its high quality books.<br />
No cook books of the latest starlet here, only high brow and established<br />
authors. Students get 15% discount on their reading list and cultural events,<br />
pop concerts and poetry readings sometimes take place in the cellar.<br />
international magaZine Store<br />
www.imstijdschriften.be<br />
>> Melkmarkt 17 / plan | C4<br />
>> Meir 78/stadsfeestzaal / plan | D4<br />
IMS is a chain store with a ridiculous amount of magazines for<br />
sale. Music, sports, cars, lifestyle, fashion, comics, calendars,<br />
etc. If IMS doesn’t sell what you’re looking for, you can probably<br />
order it at the counter.
mekanik / plan | D4<br />
www.mekanik-strip.be<br />
>> Sint-Jacobsmarkt 73<br />
Comic book store with all sorts of comic books and action figures,<br />
gadgets, T-shirts, masks on offer. No Tin Tin here, but all the more<br />
underground drawing talent, manga, graphic novels and porn<br />
comics. The store stages events such as ‘What’s Your Excuse’ and<br />
‘Art Trek’, a stepping stone for young talents.<br />
BOeKenMArKT De MArKieS / plan | C4<br />
www.boekmarkies.be<br />
>> Hoogstraat 62-64<br />
Something of a hidden gem, this store sells new books, DVD’s and CD’s at<br />
good prices. Lots of overstock available too. In short: a wide selection and<br />
lots of bargains. Open 7 days a week.<br />
fnaC / plan | C4<br />
www.fnac.be<br />
>> Groenplaats 31<br />
Main draw of the Grand Bazar shopping mall with tons of books,<br />
CD’s, DVD’s, games as well as electronics, computers and concert<br />
tickets for sale. Not the most intimate place to browse, but a<br />
good pick if you’re in a hurry.<br />
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6.2 SportS<br />
Antwerp students can sport cheaply, simply by buying a sport<br />
sticker at the Students’ Facilities Services of your university<br />
or university college. It costs only 18 euro and lets you participate<br />
in a lot of sporting activities and events for free and/or<br />
receive substantial discounts.<br />
For free with the sport sticker<br />
· badminton, table tennis<br />
· basketball, volleyball, (indoor) football<br />
· BBB, dance, karate, taebo, yoga and zumba<br />
· floorbal, frisbee, hockey, rugby<br />
· guided running sessions<br />
· Antwerp Students League competition (indoor)<br />
football, basketball and volleyball<br />
· initiations, such as climbing or dance<br />
· events, including Midnight Swim<br />
· international sports competitions<br />
· possibility to rent sports halls of Universiteit <strong>Antwerpen</strong>
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Discounts with the sport sticker<br />
· fitness · climbing<br />
· tai-chi · tennis<br />
All info, outlets and the complete sport offer on<br />
www.sportsticker.be<br />
On www.antwerpen.be/sport you’ll find a complete<br />
overview of what the city has to offer when it comes<br />
to sport.<br />
Swimming Pools<br />
weZenBerg Swimming pool / plan | C8<br />
www.antwerpen.be<br />
>> Desguinlei 17-19<br />
Antwerp’s only Olympic-sized swimming pool. Open to everyone<br />
as long as there isn’t a swimming contest (and pay the entrance<br />
fee). There’s a separate pool for small children, so the lines in the<br />
big pool are reserved for serious swimmers.<br />
OPen Air SWiMMinG POOL<br />
De MOLen / plan | B2-C2<br />
www.antwerpen.be<br />
>> Wandeldijk 40, <strong>Antwerpen</strong> (Linkeroever)<br />
In theory, the pool is open from May to September, in practice, the opening<br />
hours depend on what the weather looks like. There’s a small pool for children<br />
and a large one for adults. The patch of green next to the pool is ideally<br />
suited for drying up in the sun.
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SportoaSe veldStraat / plan | F4-F3<br />
www.sportoase.be/veldstraatweb<br />
>> Veldstraat 83<br />
This thoroughly renovated Art Deco swimming pool has been<br />
extended with a bath house, hammam, a dance hall and a brasserie.<br />
The bath house boasts herbal baths, a cold and hot bath, resting<br />
area and a small swimming pool. Sportoase manages this little<br />
gem.<br />
OPen Air SWiMMinG POOL<br />
BOeKenBerG<br />
www.antwerpen.be<br />
>> Van Baurscheitlaan, Deurne<br />
This swimming pond at the edge of Boekenberg park is something of a<br />
unique project. A layer of pebbles and water plants continuously purifies<br />
the water, resulting in a clean pool without chemicals. There’s a set amount<br />
of people that the installation can handle at any time, so you may have to<br />
queue for a while. Luckily, there’s enough room on the lush patch of green<br />
to lie down while you’re waiting and the entrance fee is zero!<br />
Check www.antwerpen.be for a complete list of<br />
Antwerp’s swimming pools.<br />
6.3 party time<br />
The shops are closed and you don’t feel like exercising?<br />
Then it’s time to go out! The best nights to do so are,<br />
without doubt, Thursdays and Saturdays. But make sure to<br />
check the websites because a lot of clubs open on other days<br />
as well. If you don’t want to stay up all night, then try the<br />
concert halls and the movie theatres.
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Nightlife<br />
kavka / plan | C5-D5<br />
www.kavka.be<br />
>> Oudaan 14<br />
A bustling and thriving youth centre with a nice party area. Many<br />
drum&bass parties with young talented DJs learning the ropes.<br />
The occasional MCbattles are another eye catcher. Keep your eye<br />
on that party calendar!<br />
reD AnD BLue / plan | C3<br />
www.redandblue.be<br />
>> Lange Schipperskapelstraat 11-13<br />
The gay discotheque of Antwerp but open to everyone on Thursdays.<br />
Gay women gather each second Sunday of the month, but gay men constitute<br />
the main audience, especially on Saturday when it’s men only. Buy a membership<br />
card on your first visit as this disco is technically a private club. The Red and<br />
Blue people also stage Studio 54 at Sportpaleis, the biggest disco party in<br />
the world.<br />
Café loCal / plan | B6<br />
www.cafelocal.be<br />
>> Waalsekaai 25<br />
This club appeals to a wide audience. Especially interesting for<br />
students are the Local Thursdays and Paradise Saturdays. The after<br />
work parties such as Pré-Soirée attract working people and students<br />
alike. The club used to be known for techno parties, but nowadays<br />
it beats to salsa and global grooves.<br />
Café d’anveRs / plan | C3-D4<br />
www.cafedanvers.com<br />
>> Verversrui 15<br />
One of the most popular clubs in Antwerp with free entrance on<br />
Thursdays. On Fridays you pay to enter, but the parties - such as<br />
Push It and Easy F*ck - are great. The club does acid and techno<br />
as well as electro at weekends. You’ll need to venture out in the<br />
red light district, to get there.<br />
PeTrOL / plan | A7<br />
www.petrolclub.be<br />
>> d’Herbouvillekaai 25<br />
A large renovated warehouse in ‘t Zuid. Petrol is one of the biggest alternative<br />
clubs in Belgium. Rock, reggae and hip hop concerts at weekends as well as<br />
on weekdays. On Saturdays the club does electro and minimal. Good party<br />
place for the alternative student.<br />
Stereo Six / plan | B6<br />
www.stereosix.be<br />
>> Luikstraat 6<br />
The best address for all the ladies looking for a rich man. This<br />
trendy club in ‘t Zuid is part of the Velvet Group, owners of the<br />
Velvet Cityzen and Bilbao (cocktail) bars, and is likewise stylishly<br />
decorated. Each Saturday Stereo Six offers a mix of house and soul<br />
that will get your booty shaking. The entrance fee is about 10 euro.
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Concert halls<br />
cc LuCHTBAL / plan | E1<br />
www.ccluchtbal.be<br />
>> Columbiastraat 110<br />
Luchtbal may not be the most fancy area of Antwerp, and with its shapeless<br />
apartment buildings not exactly a centre of culture, but cc (culture centre)<br />
Luchtbal works hard to remedy all that. The community centre brings the<br />
residents together on barbecues and dance afternoons, invites schools to<br />
children’s theatre shows and stages jazz and rock gigs and electro nights.<br />
trix / plan | G4-G5<br />
www.trixonline.be<br />
>> Noordersingel 28-30<br />
This music centre has everything for budding creative talent to<br />
develop. Rehearsal shacks, professional recording studios, work<br />
stations for fledgling video artists and website developers and<br />
workshops where professional musicians or graphic designers<br />
teach tips and tricks. The concert hall sees wide use, rock and<br />
hip hop next to dubstep and drum&bass parties. Adjacent Trix is Hof<br />
Ter Lo. Not the most atmospheric concert hall in Antwerp, but well<br />
equipped to host acts as Cee lo Green, The Kills or Queens of the<br />
Stone Age.
Cinemas<br />
de roma / plan | G5<br />
www.deroma.be<br />
>> Turnhoutsebaan 286<br />
One of the last grand film theatres of the old days, Roma was derelict<br />
until volunteers of Rataplan (a non-profit organization) renovated<br />
this Art Deco building of 1928. Cinema lovers, theatre, jazz and<br />
world groove fans are well provided for here.<br />
uGC CineMA / plan | E5<br />
www.ugc.be<br />
>> Van Ertbornstraat 17<br />
The only place in the city centre where Tinseltown products really shine.<br />
Everything is as it’s supposed to be: huge halls, giant screens and hot nachos<br />
and popcorn. No need to look for car parks, the theatre is readily accessible<br />
by public transport.<br />
kinepoliS antwerpen / plan | E1<br />
www.kinepolis.be<br />
>> Groenendaallaan 394<br />
Outside the city centre is Antwerp’s biggest theatre. 30 halls, red<br />
carpet and dozens of food and drink courts. Last but not least:<br />
a sound system that makes your ears pop. Premieres of Belgian<br />
films take place here too. There’s ample parking space, but bus<br />
and tram stops are nearby.<br />
You can register on their website for the Kinepolis Student Card and<br />
then a ticket will only set you back 6,90 euro (instead of over 9 euro).<br />
CArTOOn’S / plan | C4<br />
www.cartoons-cinema.be<br />
>> Kaasstraat 4-6<br />
Small and intimate film theatre that stages art house cinema and international<br />
films. Hardly any Hollywood products, unless the particular film manages to<br />
avoid all clichés. The staff are very helpful and friendly.<br />
Cinema Zuid / plan | B6<br />
www.cinemazuid.be<br />
>> Lakenstraat 14<br />
Ironically, Cinema Zuid – the Film Museum – is located in the<br />
FotoMuseum (Museum of Photography). Cinema Zuid daily plays<br />
forgotten, lost or remade gems of film history in two beautiful<br />
theatres. Museum staff offer background to the films shown and<br />
budding or innovative talent gets a shot at Cinema Zuid.<br />
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6.4 wifi-SpotS<br />
BAr D’OFFiCe / plan | E4<br />
www.bardoffice.com<br />
>> Dambruggestraat 29-31<br />
Creative entrepreneurs should visit Bar d’office. This is the place to be for<br />
co-working, which is a trendy name for self-employeds working together.<br />
That’s why they serve more than coffee and sandwiches, they can also<br />
provide you with an internet connection, printers and meeting rooms. Only<br />
members can use these facilities. You can become one for as little as 1 euro<br />
for a day. Consider the membership fee as an investment, because this<br />
co-working could result in a great business deal!<br />
Caravan / plan | E3<br />
>> Damplein 17<br />
Do you occasionally long for the time when mama filled your lunch<br />
box with goodies? Then make sure to visit CARAVAN, where you<br />
can order a lunch box for 5 euro, filled with an apple, a biscuit and<br />
sandwiches. But this time it’s not mommy who decides the filling<br />
but you. You can enjoy your lunch while surfing on the net via the<br />
WIFI connection. Once you’ve checked your mailbox you can rent<br />
a stuffed picnic basket and go to Park Spoor Noord, nearly opposite<br />
CARAVAN, with your girlfriend or mates.<br />
YeLLOW SuBMArine<br />
CreATiVe COFFeeBAr / plan | D4<br />
www.yellowsubmarine.be<br />
>> Falconplein 51<br />
Yellow Submarine Creative Coffeebar. Say it out loud for a few times and the<br />
first lines of a new song or a poem are born. The free internet allows you<br />
to discover where you heard the term ‘yellow submarine’ before. The bar<br />
closes at 6 pm but inspired people can rent a room (there’s a bed&breakfast<br />
at Yellow Submarine) and write until the early morning comes.<br />
Breakfast will be waiting for you.<br />
Cargo ZomerBar / plan | E3<br />
www.cargozomerbar.be<br />
>> Park Spoor Noord<br />
The most relaxing place to study is without a doubt Cargo Zomerbar.<br />
The bar is located in the centre of Park Spoor Noord and serves<br />
delicious pizzas, tapas, freshly prepared salads and heavenly cocktails.<br />
Wriggle yourself into a deck chair, enjoy the sun and consult<br />
Blackboard via the WIFI connection. This is also handy to enjoy<br />
the latest songs and to drown out the noise of children playing.
‘By American standards Antwerp is small. Yet you have a lot more<br />
to offer than the average American town. A restaurant, French fries<br />
stall or pita place on each corner, a gothic cathedral competing<br />
with a modern skyscraper and streets filled with Art Nouveau<br />
houses. Every night a party or something cultural going on. One<br />
downside: you guys drive like maniacs.’ Duly Noted.<br />
Dustin, 25 years, international student linguistics<br />
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07.<br />
CUltURe<br />
-from rubEns to pAnAmArEnko, AntwErp hAs AlwAys<br />
bEEn At thE culturAl forEfront. doZEns of musEums,<br />
gAlEriEs, culturE cEntrEs And thEAtErs provi<strong>dE</strong><br />
A dAZZlingly wi<strong>dE</strong> rAngE of culturAl ExpEriEncEs,<br />
whEthEr thEy ArE from thE pAst, prEsEnt or futurE.<br />
thE culturE vouchErs of AntwErpEn stu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd<br />
Allow you to ApprEciAtE high Art At wArm pricEs. 10<br />
Euro buys you An uniquE booklEt with sEvEn thEmEd<br />
vouchErs. wE hAndpickEd dAncE, music, film, clAssicAl<br />
music, librAry, musEum And thEAtrE.<br />
thE vouchErs givE you AccEss to Almost 40 pArticipAting<br />
AntwErp culturE housEs, musEums or lEt you bEcomE<br />
A mEmbEr of thE public librAry. morE informAtion,<br />
outlEts And pArticipAting culturE housEs on<br />
www.AntwErpEnstu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnstAd.bE<br />
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7.1 muSeumS<br />
koninklijk muSeum voor<br />
SCHone kunSten / plan | C6<br />
www.kmska.be<br />
>> Leopold De Waelplaats 1-9<br />
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. This neoclassical edifice is<br />
stuffed with works of dead painters, mostly of Spanish- Netherlands<br />
and Belgian descent. Excellent place to admire the works of Rubens,<br />
Van Dyck, Ensor and others.<br />
Late April 2<strong>01</strong>1 KMSKA closed its doors for a major renovation project<br />
which will last until 2<strong>01</strong>7 and will double the exhibition space.<br />
A selection of 120 masterpieces from their permanent collection<br />
can still be viewed at MAS. At Koningin Fabiolazaal (Jezusstraat<br />
28) they show their modern collection in varying exhibitions.<br />
On top of the prestigious flagships listed above, there’s also the Silver<br />
Museum, Diamond Museum, Museum Plantin-Moretus, Mayer<br />
Van den Bergh, the Cathedral and many more institutes exhibiting<br />
the past or interesting artifacts.<br />
MODeMuSeuM (MOMu)<br />
en FLAnDerS<br />
FASHiOn inSTiTuTe / plan | C5<br />
www.momu.be<br />
>> Nationalestraat 28<br />
The Antwerp Six made the city famous all over the world in terms of fashion.<br />
Every year, many fashionistas and fashion students travel to Antwerp to get a<br />
glimpse of all the beauty in store in the city’s shopping streets. But they<br />
also come to take a look at the gallery of Antwerp’s fashion museum, MoMu.<br />
The museum’s exhibitions are considered very carefully and provide a beautiful<br />
balance between established names and trendy newcomers in the world<br />
of fashion and art. If you decide to visit MoMu, be sure to check out the<br />
bookshop on the ground floor. The selection of books on architecture,<br />
photography and fashion is one of the very best to be found in the city.<br />
fotomuSeum / plan | B6<br />
www.fotomuseum.be<br />
>> Waalsekaai 47<br />
In the Museum of Photography Diesel posters share the walls with<br />
trendsetting artists such as Daguerre and Nièpce. There’s a permanent<br />
exhibition on the history of photography, from its beginnings<br />
until now. Next to that the museum stages exhibitions on certain<br />
photographers, such as Karl De Keyzer or certain themes, such as<br />
the 50th anniversary of Congo’s independence.
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m Hka / plan | B5<br />
www.muhka.be<br />
>> Leuvenstraat 32<br />
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp. Art in its most modern,<br />
weird and contemporary form. The museum boasts a vast collec-<br />
tion with much Belgian work. The pieces on display are regularly<br />
changed or presented in a different way and there are three exhi-<br />
bitions every year. Big names such as Jan Fabre work here side by<br />
side with budding artists. The roof terrace of the café (M HKAFE)<br />
is wonderful.<br />
MiDDeLHeiMMuSeuM / plan | D10-E10<br />
www.middelheimmuseum.be<br />
>> Middelheimlaan 61<br />
Here, it sometimes seems as though you’ve ended up in a fairy tale. You<br />
find yourself walking among the most beautiful of statues and the fabulous<br />
natural scenery of the Middelheim Park. The museum often features idiosyncratic<br />
exhibitions or installations by national and international artists.<br />
But the permanent collection is also a must for all art-loving students. You<br />
can spend a great time making sketches or just enjoy a pleasant walk. No<br />
need to pay an entrance fee either. The museum café, run by Peter Reel, is<br />
well worth visiting. Now and then, during the summer months, he organises<br />
a killer party there. You’ll feel just as if you’re on holiday: warmly recommended!<br />
maS / plan | D3<br />
www.mas.be<br />
>> Hanzestedenplaats 1<br />
Barely open for a year and already a household name in the city. The<br />
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a gem that inspires great pride in<br />
Antwerp’s inhabitants. The architecture of the building catches<br />
one’s eye immediately. It’s located in the middle of het Eilandje,<br />
and that’s no coincidence. This is the historic port area that gave<br />
Antwerp its major place in the world of trade, from the early Middle<br />
Ages to date. But don’t get too carried away by the height just yet,<br />
because then you’ll miss the first work of art. On the square in front<br />
of the museum is a mosaic by Luc Tuymans of 1600 m², which he<br />
named ‘Dead Skull’. The MAS changed not only the view but also<br />
the entire neighbourhood. In a very short time, het Eilandje has<br />
become one of Antwerp’s hippest neighbourhoods. So if you are<br />
visiting the MAS, you can afterwards go for a culturally acceptable<br />
beer in one of the many new bars.
7.2 Culture CentreS<br />
cc BerCHem<br />
www.ccberchem.be<br />
cc De Kern<br />
www.ccdekern.be<br />
co Sint-andrieS<br />
www.cosintandries.be<br />
cc Deurne<br />
www.ccdeurne.be<br />
cc merkSem<br />
www.ccmerksem.be<br />
cc De SCHeLDe<br />
www.ccdeschelde.be<br />
cc link<br />
www.cclink.be<br />
cc LuCHTBAL<br />
www.ccluchtbal.be<br />
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7.3 tHe Stage<br />
arenBergSCHouwBurg / plan | D5<br />
www.arenbergschouwburg.be<br />
>> Arenbergstraat 28<br />
Arenberg Theatre stages comedy events with national and inter-<br />
national icons such as Henry Rollins, Alex Agnew, and, well, Geert<br />
Hoste on stage. Pop, jazz and rock bands are regular guests and<br />
from time to time, there’s an exhibition. In the summer, Arenberg<br />
stages its events at the Open Air Theatre Rivierenhof.<br />
DeSinGeL / plan | C8<br />
www.desingel.be<br />
>> Desguinlei 25<br />
Antwerp’s temple of culture par excellence divides up its programme in<br />
roughly four sections: dance, theatre, music and architecture. Not only does<br />
this international arts campus offer culture from Belgium and abroad, but it<br />
is also home to the conservatory students. The Grand Café deSingel offers<br />
you a host of tasty treats with a surreal view of the Antwerp ring road on<br />
the side.<br />
de Zwarte komedie / plan | C4-D4<br />
www.dezwartekomedie.be<br />
>> Leguit 15-17<br />
Unruly and comical, anarchistic and eloquent. De Zwarte Komedie<br />
(Black Comedy) became notorious with the poster of their pro-<br />
duction ‘Uit Zelfbevrediging’ (In Self Gratification), a parody on<br />
an election poster of right-wing political party Vlaams Belang. De<br />
Zwarte Komedie has been the enfant terrible of Flanders’ theatre<br />
scene ever since.<br />
De rOMA / plan | G5<br />
www.deroma.be<br />
>> Turnhoutsebaan 286<br />
One of the last grand film theatres of the old days, Roma was derelict until<br />
volunteers of Rataplan (a non-profit organization) renovated this Art Deco<br />
building of 1928. Cinema lovers, theatre, jazz and world groove fans are well<br />
provided for here.<br />
rataplan /plan | G5<br />
www.rataplanvzw.be<br />
>> Wijnegemstraat 27<br />
Smack in the middle of Borgerhout, this little culture temple<br />
mainly aims at the local residents. The atmosphere is homely and<br />
not in the least provided by the many hard-working volunteers<br />
that form the core of Rataplan. The non-profit organization stages<br />
a wide range of musical productions, drama, film and workshops.<br />
Both high and low brow productions for children and adults – and<br />
in other languages than Dutch too.
MOnTY / plan | C6<br />
www.monty.be<br />
>> Montignystraat 3<br />
The best place for cutting-edge drama. The audience is young, critical and<br />
self-willed, with resident theatre companies to match. There’s also room on<br />
the schedule for concerts, video art, debates and the odd party.<br />
Bourla/toneelHuiS / plan | D5<br />
www.toneel<strong>huis</strong>.be<br />
>> Komedieplaats 18<br />
The artistic director of Antwerp’s Toneel<strong>huis</strong> is Guy Cassiers, a<br />
man who can write his share of inspiring pieces and who is unmatched<br />
when it comes to directing creative companies. It is also<br />
under his leadership that Olympique Dramatique became truly<br />
successful. If you plan on going to the Toneel<strong>huis</strong>, make sure you<br />
try to catch a piece by this permanent company. Their pieces are<br />
an amalgamation of drama, absurdity, modesty and, particularly, a<br />
lot of humour. They’re not afraid of creating havoc in the exquisite<br />
theatre either, and having people dancing, partying and drinking<br />
until the early hours.<br />
THeATer ZuiDPOOL / plan | D4<br />
www.zuidpool.be<br />
>> Lange Noordstraat 11<br />
Zuidpool produces readily accessible drama for a wide audience. Comedy<br />
and references to current affairs are trademarks.<br />
fakkelteater<br />
www.fakkelteater.be<br />
>> Hoogstraat 12 / plan | C4<br />
>> Reyndersstraat 7 / plan | C4<br />
Burlesque, monologues, popular comedy and stock plays. Fakkeltheater<br />
has five theatre halls, plenty of room to stage different<br />
aspects of the dramatic trade.<br />
KOninKLiJK BALLeT<br />
VAn VLAAnDeren /plan | D3<br />
www.koninklijkballetvanvlaanderen.be<br />
>> Kattendijkdok-Westkaai 16<br />
Royal Ballet of Flanders brings romantic, classical and cutting edge ballet,<br />
performed by the world’s most nimble dancers.<br />
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HetpaleiS / plan | D5<br />
www.hetpaleis.be<br />
>> Meistraat 2<br />
Mainly shows for children and youths, with the occasional production<br />
of Dimitri Leue or Stefan Perceval for grown-ups.<br />
eCHT AnTWAArPS TeATer / plan | D5<br />
www.echtantwaarpsteater.be<br />
>> Arenbergstraat 10<br />
Brush up your knowledge of the Antwerp dialect. Entertainment for common<br />
people in the ‘Antwaarps’ dialect.<br />
StadSSCHouwBurg / plan | D5<br />
www.stadsschouwburgantwerpen.be<br />
>> Theaterplein 1<br />
Stadsschouwburg, is the ultimate gathering place for musicals,<br />
dance spectacles, ballet and cabaret. It often has a rather commercial<br />
programme, but sometimes, it offers very intimate dance<br />
performances. Ticket prices are not what you’d call democratic, but<br />
if you’re quick, you can usually get tickets for prices ranging from<br />
15 to 20 euro.
7.4 galerieS<br />
de Zwarte panter / plan | C4<br />
www.dezwartepanter.com<br />
>> Hoogstraat 70-74<br />
Of Antwerp’s many galleries, De Zwarte Panter is the most pres-<br />
tigious – and one of the oldest, founded over 40 years ago. Home to<br />
established artists such as Fred Bervoets, but young and budding<br />
talent is more than welcome too.<br />
exTrA CiTY / plan | F3<br />
www.extracity.org<br />
>> Tulpstraat 79<br />
The decoration of this gallery was kept to a minimum because the owners<br />
prefer to spend their money on projects and artists. Extra City switches<br />
locations now and then, having already renovated an old grain silo and<br />
dockland warehouse, they’re currently located near Damplein. Up to date<br />
with contemporary art with a new exhibition every two months.<br />
annette de keySer / plan | D3-D4<br />
www.annettedekeyser.com<br />
>> Generaal Belliardstraat 19<br />
Mrs. De Keyser wields three selection criteria: authenticity,<br />
honesty and passion. Local and foreign artists – well established<br />
people such as Filip Metten – have exhibited at this tiny gallery.<br />
Booking ahead is recommended – oh, and the opening hours are a<br />
bit eccentric too.<br />
Annie GenTiLS / plan | D6<br />
www.anniegentilsgallery.com<br />
>> Peter Benoitstraat 40<br />
Among the regular artists on exhibition are Wesley Meuris, Kris Vleeschouwer,<br />
Andrew Webb and Filip Vercaet. All of them do well on international art<br />
shows, with works in public and private collections all over the globe. This<br />
gallery has a knack for spotting budding talent.<br />
Zeno x gallery / plan | C6<br />
www.zeno-x.com<br />
>> Leopold De Waelplaats 16<br />
Frank Demaegd is probably one of Antwerp’s most famous gallery<br />
owners. The carefully considered, yet daring, choices he made in<br />
the past are clearly bearing fruit. He is unmatched in his ability<br />
to attract talent. His gallery has pieces by acclaimed artists, such<br />
as Luc Tuymans, Michaël Borremans and Marlène Dumas. Most<br />
of us will have to stick to watching, because fame like this comes<br />
with a serious price tag. Watch out, though: the gallery is only open<br />
from Wednesday to Saturday and it is so inconspicuous that you<br />
would walk right past it. And you really do not want to miss this<br />
collection!<br />
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VALerie TrAAn GALLerY / plan | C4<br />
www.valerietraan.be<br />
>> Reyndersstraat 12<br />
Veerle Wenes didn’t want to start another dime-a-dozen gallery at the<br />
Zuid that would just become part of the scenery. And she succeeded. Not<br />
just because of the property’s central location, but also because of her<br />
refreshing selection. Her collection stands out because it explores the area<br />
of tension between art and design. She taps heavily into the contemporary<br />
trend of combining multiple disciplines, and it works. This has become a<br />
place where a design that brings about a breath of fresh air and original art<br />
go hand in toiling hand and it will give you tons of inspiration to redo your<br />
digs or room.<br />
Hole of tHe fox / plan | F5<br />
www.holeofthefox.tk<br />
>> Bloemstraat 24<br />
This gallery absolutely lives up to its name: you really do descend<br />
into a lair. You pass through a wide wooden gate and end up in an<br />
industrial building that is lit up by a few fluorescent lamps. There’s<br />
a special underground atmosphere about the place and the art on<br />
display was created by young, up-and-coming artists. They don’t<br />
want to be a traditional gallery that has to mind all kinds of conventions.<br />
There is a fine contrast between the purity of the art and<br />
the rawness of the building. The artistic creations here are devoid<br />
of any capitalist aftertaste, which makes it one of the best places in<br />
Antwerp to discover new talent.
7.5 otHer<br />
ZuiderperSHuiS / plan | B6<br />
www.zuiderpers<strong>huis</strong>.be<br />
>> Waalsekaai 14<br />
Very popular world culture centre. The best address for docu-<br />
mentaries about other continents or hip hop crossover. Shows<br />
tend to fill up quickly, so make sure you’re on time and book ahead.<br />
Zuiderpers<strong>huis</strong> also has an excellent restaurant and a quiet terrace<br />
in the back.<br />
defilHarmonie<br />
www.defilharmonie.be<br />
Internationally renowned, deFilharmonie (Philarmonic Orches-<br />
tra) specialises in classical and contemporary music. Their home<br />
base in Antwerp is Koningin Elisabethzaal (Koningin Astridplein<br />
26) or the chapel of Elzenveld (Lange Gast<strong>huis</strong>straat 33-39).<br />
VLAAMSe OPerA /plan | B6<br />
www.vlaamseopera.be<br />
>> Frankrijklei 3<br />
Opera with a twist; the Opera.Explorer programme of Flemish Opera stages<br />
opera shows in an audacious way. Tip: try popping up fifteen minutes<br />
before the show starts as any tickets (even the best seats) that haven’t been<br />
reclaimed are sold for 8 euro.<br />
deSignCenter de winkelHaak / plan | E4<br />
www.winkelhaak.be<br />
>> Lange Winkelhaakstraat 26<br />
Anybody who’s looking for young, innovative design owes himself<br />
or herself a visit to this design centre. They invariably present the<br />
newest trends and organise events, exhibitions, flea markets and<br />
workshops to promote both their own work and new talent. The<br />
nice thing about this concept is the fact that you can often get your<br />
hands on an original. It is important that you visit their site often,<br />
if you want to stay on top of what they’re doing.<br />
STuDiO ViLLAneLLA / plan | D5<br />
blog.villanella.be<br />
>> Maarschalk Gérardstraat 4<br />
A new platform for young artists has been born. Since August of 2<strong>01</strong>1, this<br />
has been the new artistic home base for young, creative talent. You don’t<br />
need much to be inspired. The exquisite building is an unparalleled location<br />
for this type of project. It used to be the headquarters of the old Studio<br />
Herman Teirlinck and has now been converted into the Villanella arts centre.<br />
The aim is to organise presentations and exhibitions for and by young<br />
people. If you don’t want to miss a single sensory impulse, your best option<br />
is to consult their blog and take a look at their extensive programme.<br />
AMuZ / plan | C5<br />
www.amuz.be<br />
>> Kammenstraat 81<br />
Whether it’s European, African or Asian – AMUZ brings music as it was<br />
meant to be played, traditional and classical. Set in a baroque church,<br />
there’s hardly a better setting to enjoy classical music.<br />
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08.<br />
yearly<br />
events
88/<br />
Straatlaweit<br />
www.straatlaweit.be<br />
Straatlaweit (Street Noise) groups a host of street events and<br />
festivals such as Ockxfest, Linkerwoofer and Soulfest. All of them<br />
in Antwerp, all of them guarantee pleasant atmosphere, markets,<br />
drinks and music. Visit the website for more information.<br />
LAunDrY DAY<br />
www.laundryday.be<br />
What started out as a small street party in the Kammenstraat grew to<br />
become one of the city’s wildest open air parties. Laundry Day literally<br />
burst out of its seams, but it has now finally found its home at Nieuw Zuid.<br />
Famous national and international deejays give it their all the whole day<br />
long. Tickets aren’t cheap, but if you go, you won’t regret the expense for<br />
a minute.<br />
Studay<br />
www.studay.be<br />
Every year, <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> welcomes 38 000 students<br />
with a huge opening party at Gedempte Zuiderdokken. The official<br />
kickoff of the academic year boasts live music, sport, information<br />
and culture, with parties that go like a bomb to end the day with!<br />
Make sure to mark your calendar!<br />
MArKT VAn MOrGen<br />
www.marktvanmorgen.be<br />
Markt van Morgen (Market of Tomorrow) presents and sells pert design<br />
talent in and around Kloosterstraat, on a fair with accessories, fashion,<br />
jewelry, graphic work and interior design on offer. The bar and drinks stand<br />
are a big success too.<br />
duBieuS deSign<br />
www.dubieusdesign.be<br />
Vintage and design market, collectors offer their wares for little<br />
money. Twice a year, alternately indoors and outdoors.<br />
ZOMer VAn AnTWerPen<br />
www.zomervanantwerpen.be<br />
During the summer, Zomer van <strong>Antwerpen</strong> (Summer of Antwerp) stages<br />
all kinds of events throughout the city. Open air theatre, summer beaches,<br />
circus, gigs and comedy. Book well ahead, as the events are hugely popular.<br />
wintervuur<br />
www.wintervuur.be<br />
Biannual city festival at the year’s end with theatre, circus,<br />
concerts and lots more. In the past held at Linkeroever, but now<br />
relocated at Hoboken.
BeiAArDCOnCerT<br />
www.beiaard.org<br />
Carillon concerts in the Cathedral of Our Lady. From May to September every<br />
Sunday from 3 to 4 pm. And in summer (June – August) there are concerts on<br />
Monday nights between 8 and 9 pm.<br />
SinkSenfoor (wHitSun fair)<br />
www.antwerpse-sinksenfoor.be<br />
Yearly fun fair, for five weeks after Whitsun. Sinksenfoor is Ant-<br />
werp’s largest fun fair, taking up Gedempte Zuiderdokken. Lots of<br />
bratwurst, hot dogs and contraptions to enjoy.<br />
ZuiDerZinnen<br />
www.zuiderzinnen.org<br />
Literary festival in ‘t Zuid. Poetry, novels, readings, stand-up comedy and<br />
live shows make the area swing. With every edition, the event becomes<br />
more vibrant, with ever more clubs, bars and people chipping in.<br />
BOrGerriO<br />
www.eha.be<br />
At the end of June, Turnhoutsebaan becomes an international market with<br />
food, drinks, music and art stalls.<br />
end-of-year fireworkS<br />
Half the city gathers on the quays of the river on New Year’s Eve to<br />
watch the fireworks provided by the city council.<br />
BOLLeKeSFeeST<br />
& AnTWerPen PrOeFT<br />
Bollekes Party and Antwerp Tastes take place at the end of August, from<br />
Friday to Sunday. Culinary festival on Gedempte Zuiderdokken.<br />
jaZZ middelHeim<br />
www.jazzmiddelheim.be<br />
Since its first edition 30 years ago, Wynton Marsalis, Toots Tielemans,<br />
Bill Laswell and other jazz legends took to the stage here. The young<br />
tend to ignore this event, despite the efforts of the organizers.<br />
De BOeKenBeurS<br />
www.boekenbeurs.be<br />
The annual Book Fair has been organised at Antwerp Expo for ages.<br />
Thousands of writers, wannabe-writers and readers meet at this venue. The<br />
staggering amount of books, bookshops and publishers that gather in Expo’s<br />
halls, make this one of the most important cultural events in Flanders.<br />
There’s a wide selection of international literature too and a free visit to<br />
several Antwerp museums is included in your entrance ticket.<br />
/89
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antwerp 10 mileS<br />
www.antwerp10miles.be<br />
Thousands of sports lovers train about half a month to do the<br />
10 miles on a day in April. Thousands of participants and many<br />
more supporters make for a great sports afternoon. There’s a real<br />
marathon for the tenacious and a 5 mile Antwerp Short Run for the<br />
less tenacious.<br />
ruBenSMArKT<br />
Yearly fair on the Antwerpians’ Mother’s Day, 15th of August, on and around<br />
Grote Markt. Merchants in 17th century outfits palm off their - often dusty<br />
- wares, while antiques dealers try to make money on nearby Handschoenmarkt.<br />
kerStmarkt<br />
Another classic of the end of the year is Kerstmarkt (Christmas<br />
Fair) on and around Grote Markt. Atmospheric, warm and cozy<br />
with Christmas carols and gin. If you’ve had enough of the smell<br />
of bratwurst and sweets, you can risk your neck on the ice-skating<br />
rink.<br />
BOLLeKeSLOOP<br />
www.dekoninck.be<br />
www.antwerpathletics.be<br />
If you missed the 10 miles or you simply thought it was too crowded, you can<br />
participate in the Bollekesloop, named after Antwerp’s world famous beer.<br />
You can choose between 5 km and 10 km and there’s a refreshing Bolleke<br />
waiting for you at the finish.<br />
CroSSing Border<br />
www.crossingborder.be<br />
The Crossing Border festival takes place in Antwerp every year,<br />
around the end of November. At that time, the Arenberg and Bourla<br />
theatres are the places to be for an extensive range of transboundary<br />
music and literature. A unique opportunity for music lovers to catch<br />
some international talent in action.<br />
FeLix POeTrY FeSTiVAL<br />
www.antwerpenboekenstad.be/felix<br />
A festival for all romantic souls. Poetry readings that try to enchant every<br />
heart. This two-day festival aims to bring us the best of the world of poetry<br />
and so far, they have always succeeded. Every year, national and international<br />
elite gather at the impressive FelixPak<strong>huis</strong>. No wonder we can only sing its<br />
praises.
faSHion department graduation SHow<br />
www.antwerp-fashion.be<br />
At the end of June, all eyes are on the final collections of the promising<br />
master students at Antwerp’s fashion academy. The show has<br />
gained international fame and checking it out is definitely worth a<br />
try. You might even spot some creations of the new Dries van Noten<br />
or Ann Demeulemeester.<br />
MuSeuMnACHT<br />
www.museumnacht.be<br />
You can visit almost all of Antwerp’s museums every year, between 7 pm<br />
and 1 am on museum night. The atmosphere is relaxed and a lot livelier than<br />
usual. You get a unique opportunity to experience art in an entirely new way.<br />
You can go on a nice summer night stroll to various museums and even fit in a<br />
pub crawl along the way. This night lets you combine the best of both worlds<br />
perfectly.<br />
/91
09.<br />
Editors’<br />
favoURites<br />
- whErE do you stArt in A gui<strong>dE</strong> pAckEd with hotpots? gEt inspirEd by thE<br />
pErsonAl fAvouritEs of thE Editors who crossEd thE city this yEAr to<br />
find thE nEwEst, hottEst AddrEssEs.
Leen<br />
. kolonel koffie<br />
1 This little coffee house is rather new, but slightly cosier and more<br />
personal than all other coffee shops that are currently very in and<br />
suddenly all sprouting like mushrooms.<br />
Kolonel Koffie’s greatest trump is its superior quality coffee offered<br />
at democratic prices. Service is also great!<br />
2 . PHiL’S COFFee<br />
Phil’s Coffee is brilliant at customer friendliness. It’s no sweat at all for<br />
shop owner Phil to personally run and pick the mint a few streets away from<br />
the coffee shop when you order fresh mint tea and there’s still a smile on his<br />
face when he serves it to you. That deserves the thumbs up!<br />
. ZuiderperSHuiS<br />
3 If you’re seriously into artistically tinted culture, the Zuiderpers<strong>huis</strong><br />
is the place to be. The excellent exhibitions and regular poetry<br />
slams are strongly recommended. There is often an international,<br />
loose atmosphere. That is why De Foyer offers dishes from all over<br />
the world. It is also a cosy place to chat about concerts or sit on the<br />
green patio in the summer to relive the great vibes.<br />
Roel<br />
1 . LA CHASCOnA<br />
Not only the name but also the small terrace in front of this little coffee<br />
house evoke a southern atmosphere. Nothing could be further from the truth!<br />
You enter a cosy mix of sixties and seventies style furniture, alternated with an<br />
old school bench here and there. There is coffee to suit all tastes, whatever<br />
the strength! To top the homely atmosphere off, all cakes and tarts are<br />
homemade.<br />
. promenade langS de SCHelde<br />
2 Feel like taking a breath of fresh air or working on your tan while<br />
the sun shines? The promenade along the Scheldt is the ideal place<br />
to do so! Watch the sun disappearing behind the left bank, feel the<br />
wind in your hair and stay out of the city for once. By going through<br />
the subway at the end of the promenade can go to the green side opposite,<br />
where you will have a fantastic view of Antwerp.<br />
3 . BeeLDenTuin<br />
SinT-PAuLuSKerK<br />
There is a unique sculpture garden hidden behind the thick gate of SaintPaul’s<br />
Church. This bizarre little part of Antwerp is something that you have never<br />
seen before. You can imagine being in the garden of a bewitched sculptor<br />
who is enormously fascinated by the Stations of the Cross. The church and cute<br />
Middle-Age little houses surrounding you transport you back to the past.<br />
For the art lovers among us, there are pieces by Caravaggio and Rubens to<br />
be admired inside the church.<br />
/93
94/<br />
Anaïs<br />
. Hole of tHe fox<br />
1 This is my top of the pops because of its self-willed selection<br />
and promotion of young, new talent. It exudes great atmosphere<br />
and the gallery owner is always open to having a chat and answering<br />
your questions.<br />
2 . DeSiGnCenTer<br />
De WinKeLHAAK<br />
This is just a place where you can find very many pleasant things. You can buy<br />
printed T-shirts or affordable design. They always come up with innovative<br />
ideas and also have a number of pleasant markets<br />
and events every year.<br />
. faSHion department<br />
3 graduation SHow<br />
You must see this show at least once in your life. The<br />
amount of talent in this city is unreal. Creations are<br />
innovative time and time again: they vary from the<br />
extravagant to playful plainness. The Antwerp fashion<br />
academy is listed among the international top ten and<br />
you will immediately understand why when you see<br />
this show.<br />
Anouk<br />
1 . KiDS rHYTHM<br />
& BLueS KAFFee<br />
This pub has everything that I find essential for a pub: tasty beer, a<br />
pleasant atmosphere and, above all, wonderful music. You can enjoy<br />
cosy candlelight or a super-tasty toasted sandwich while you let the<br />
blues vibes grab you. Are you a local? Then you can most certainly<br />
ask for a plaid in winter so that you can stay on the terrace to enjoy<br />
your drink. There are high-quality performances free of charge on<br />
Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Highly recommendable!<br />
. wok a way<br />
2 This the perfect place for the two of you or a few friends to have<br />
an affordable meal. You can enjoy wonderfully tasty wok dishes with<br />
rice or noodles or you can compile your own wok dish. Wok A Way has<br />
been renovated recently with the environment as its promotional<br />
element. It is a cosy place to have a meal, you are surrounded by green<br />
walls and animals made out of wood. Yet, they have succeeded in<br />
maintaining the atmosphere and you can fill your tummy at a great<br />
speed for only 10 to 15 euro. A quick bite but still pleasantly cosy!<br />
3 . SCHeLDeKAAien<br />
You don’t really feel like eating inside when the sun has such a smile on<br />
its face, do you? Or are you just looking for a place to make some music or have a<br />
chat with friends? Then the Scheldt Quays are exactly what you are looking<br />
for! I regularly come here to eat chips or have a pizza with friends, because<br />
what’s better than enjoying a beautiful sunset on the Scheldt? You do have<br />
to fight for a place on a warm summer’s day, it’s true, but then again, it’s<br />
worth it. This is different from sitting in a park, but by no means worse!
Charlotte<br />
. Having a Summer piC-niCk<br />
1 along tHe SCHeldt<br />
Homemade tapas and cakes, wine and sunsets to die for. You will<br />
fall in love instantly with Antwerp (and your date?).<br />
2 . VreeMDeLinGenMArKT<br />
(exOTiC MArKeT)<br />
On SATurDAYS<br />
First and foremost for the stall selling traditionally made goat cheese<br />
products. Don’t eat anything before you go to the market: at Morocco<br />
Nuts and nearly all fruit stalls you’ll be offered almost everything to taste<br />
free of charge. Healthy fruit salad and a piece of fresh Moroccan bread for<br />
breakfast? Check!<br />
3 . openluCHttHeater<br />
(open-air tHeatre) deurne<br />
There’s nothing greater than being given the bonus of a concert in<br />
a mini-stadium in the wood. A perfect starter or end to the festival<br />
season, but what is really special is the atmosphere in the theatre,<br />
which you can only visit for a few months a year.
96/
the yellow<br />
pages<br />
-<strong>01</strong> <strong>huis</strong> <strong>vAn</strong> <strong>dE</strong> stu<strong>dE</strong>nt (housE of thE stu<strong>dE</strong>nt) <strong>dE</strong>tAils<br />
02 AntwErps stu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnovErlEg (AntwErp stu<strong>dE</strong>nt council)<br />
03 gEtting to AntwErp<br />
04 gEtting Around<br />
05 monEy mAttErs<br />
06 A plAcE to livE And lovE. And study<br />
07 no work, no pAy, no plAy<br />
08 hEAlth And insurAncE<br />
09 kEEp in touch<br />
10 nEws And ActivitiEs for stu<strong>dE</strong>nts<br />
11 A computEr<br />
12 stu<strong>dE</strong>nts’ fAcilitiEs And sociAl sErvicEs<br />
13 list of intErnAtionAl officEs<br />
14 importAnt tElEphonE numbErs<br />
15 list of EmbAssiEs And consulAtEs<br />
16 bAnk holidAys<br />
/97
98/<br />
<strong>01</strong><br />
<strong>huis</strong> <strong>vAn</strong> <strong>dE</strong> stu<strong>dE</strong>nt (housE of thE<br />
stu<strong>dE</strong>nt) <strong>dE</strong>tAils / plan | D4<br />
Sint-Jacobsmarkt 16<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 292 31 70<br />
E info@antwerpenstudentenstad.be<br />
www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be<br />
DWELLERS<br />
Co-ordinator<br />
Veerle Desimpelaere<br />
Employees<br />
Annelies Kolacny, Tom Ollivier, Debbie Degeeter,<br />
Malu Caeyers.<br />
Since Huis van de Student opened its doors in<br />
2008, students have directed their questions<br />
about the city or student policy to our desk at<br />
Sint-Jacobsmarkt 16.<br />
The Huis van de Student is the flagship store<br />
of <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> (agency), the<br />
place where the employees of <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
<strong>Studentenstad</strong> are based and the seat of the<br />
Antwerp Student Council. Our current address<br />
at Sint-Jacobsmarkt is temporary. The building<br />
of the definitive Huis van de Student is an<br />
ongoing renovation and development project<br />
in the heart of the student district. It will be<br />
open to the students in 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
The Huis van de Student is the place to be for<br />
all your questions regarding anything that has<br />
even remotely to do with living as a student in<br />
Antwerp. Pop in and we’ll help you get started.<br />
Foreign students can also apply to the International<br />
Offices and Students’ Facilities Services of their<br />
host institutions for help and information. See<br />
chapter 12 of this section for a list of Student<br />
Facilities and Social Services and chapter 13 of<br />
this section for a list of International Offices.<br />
Opening hours:<br />
- Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm<br />
- Friday from 10 am to 3 pm<br />
- Check the website for opening hours during<br />
school holidays<br />
02<br />
AntwErps stu<strong>dE</strong>ntEnovErlEg<br />
(AntwErp stu<strong>dE</strong>nt council)<br />
Since 2003 the Antwerp students can consult<br />
the city council. They organize themselves in<br />
the Antwerps Studentenoverleg (Antwerp Student<br />
Council) or ASO and they regularly advice<br />
the city council. The Student Council consists<br />
of 18 representatives from the various higher<br />
education institutions in Antwerp. It’s also a<br />
part of <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong>. This allows<br />
both the city government and the students to<br />
combine forces and build a lively college town.<br />
Want to know more? Do you have suggestions<br />
or remarks?<br />
E info@antwerpsstudentenoverleg.be<br />
www.antwerpsstudentenoverleg.be
03<br />
gEtting to AntwErp<br />
There are quite a few options available<br />
to get to Belgium and Antwerp.<br />
PLANE<br />
The most likely place to end up if you’re<br />
flying into Belgium is Brussels International<br />
Airport at Zaventem. The airport is located<br />
some 45 kilometres south of Antwerp. There<br />
are flights from all major European cities as<br />
well as from the most important overseas<br />
metropoles. Various airlines fly into Brussels<br />
airport. If you fly Ryanair, you’ll arrive at Charleroi<br />
airport, dubbed ‘Brussels South’, some 90<br />
kilometres away from Antwerp.<br />
www.brusselsairport.be<br />
www.charleroi-airport.com<br />
From Brussels Airport, the SN Brussels Airlines<br />
Express Bus arguably is the most convenient<br />
way to get to Antwerp. The bus station is<br />
located at the ground floor of the airport terminal.<br />
Buses run every hour from 5 am to 12 pm<br />
(Brussels airport to Antwerp) and from 4 am to<br />
11 pm (Antwerp to Brussels airport). The bus<br />
reaches the centre of Antwerp (De Keyserlei -<br />
close to the Central Station) in approximately 45<br />
minutes. A single ticket costs 10 euro one way.<br />
www.airportexpress.be<br />
The Belgian Railways are another option.<br />
There is an underground station near the airport<br />
terminal. The train to Antwerp takes about one<br />
hour: you have to change at ‘Brussel-Noord’ station.<br />
A single ticket costs 8 euro one way. Train<br />
timetables are available on www.b-rail.<br />
be/main/E/. From Charleroi Airport you can<br />
get a ‘bulk’ ticket at the Ryanair desk. It sets<br />
you back 11 euro, but includes a bus ride to<br />
Charleroi-Sud train station and a train trip to<br />
any station in Belgium. There’s a direct link to<br />
Antwerp, which takes about 1,5 hour.<br />
BuS<br />
If you are looking for a cheap way to come to<br />
Antwerp from a place within Europe, you could<br />
travel with Eurolines. The Eurolines bus goes to<br />
the centre of the city - Van Stralenstraat 8,<br />
2060 Antwerp.<br />
www.eurolines.be<br />
TRAiN<br />
Antwerp is easy to reach by train. International<br />
railway lines link Brussels and Antwerp to<br />
several other major European cities. The European<br />
high-speed train project includes the Tha-<br />
lys, the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel. There are<br />
direct rail links with different cities in France,<br />
the Netherlands and Germany. Antwerp can be<br />
reached from the UK by Eurostar via Brussels, or<br />
by taking the ferry-rail link via Ostend<br />
(Ramsgate/Ostend) or Zeebrugge (Hull/Zeebrugge).<br />
Antwerp has two main stations:<br />
Central Station and Berchem station.<br />
www.b-rail.be<br />
CAR<br />
All destinations are within easy reach by car.<br />
The city of Antwerp lies at the crossroads of the<br />
E17, E19, E34 and E313 motorways. Be warned<br />
though, negotiating the city centre by car isn’t<br />
always easy, especially during rush hour. The<br />
ringroad around Antwerp is always busy, but<br />
during rush hour it gets congested easily. It can<br />
sometimes be difficult to park your car in town.<br />
And it’ll nearly always cost you money. Nearly<br />
always, since free parking is available on the<br />
covered riverside quay near Zuiderterras and<br />
on Gedempte Zuiderdokken, a square between<br />
Vlaamsekaai and Waalsekaai in ‘t Zuid area.<br />
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04<br />
gEtting Around<br />
BiKE<br />
One-way streets, overpriced or nonexisting<br />
car parks, crowded buses and nights when<br />
the tram just refuses to show up. Cycling (or<br />
walking) is by far the most popular method of<br />
transport among students. Furthermore, your<br />
two-wheeled friend is still the best option to<br />
get from A to B. Antwerp is relatively bikerfriendly.<br />
There aren’t too many cycle paths,<br />
but drivers are used to trails of bikes cruising<br />
about. Be aware of trams, which always have<br />
right of way, and their slippery tracks. If you<br />
decide to cycle in Antwerp, don’t spend your<br />
money on anything but the most expensive<br />
U-shaped lock you can find, and always,<br />
always, lock up.<br />
FiETSHAVEN<br />
Fietshaven (‘bike harbour’) pitched its tents under<br />
Central Station. For 60 euro, they provide you<br />
with a seven-gear lemon bike that you can keep<br />
for the academic year. Reserve a bike by telephone<br />
or via email and pick it up at the agreed time.<br />
Don’t forget your ID-card, student’s ticket, the<br />
rental fee and an extra 75 euro for the deposit.<br />
The deposit will be returned if you bring back<br />
the bike in good shape.<br />
T +32 (0)3 203 06 73<br />
(Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9.30 am-4 pm)<br />
E info@fietshaven.be<br />
www.fietshaven.be<br />
VELo<br />
Metropolises such as Barcelona, Milan, Stockholm,<br />
Zaragoza and Oslo already have it and since<br />
June 2<strong>01</strong>1 Antwerp is part of the club as well.<br />
Bike stations scattered between the Singel and<br />
the Scheldt where you can pick up and drop off<br />
bicycles whenever you like.<br />
The fiery red bicycles have three speeds, anti-skid<br />
pedals and thick tires, so it’s easier to avoid the<br />
tram tracks. In order to ride Velo you have to<br />
register: you can do this via the website, the<br />
phone or the customer service. Step two:<br />
choose your formula. An annual pass costs<br />
35 euro only and it provides direct access to<br />
the bikes. A day and week pass, respectively 3<br />
and 7 euro, require an access code which you<br />
receive, after registering, via a text message.<br />
The Velos are particularly meant for short rides:<br />
the first half hour is included in the price, the next<br />
30 minutes cost 0,5 euro, the following half<br />
hour costs 1 euro and every extra hour after<br />
that is 5 euro. The maximum time limit is four<br />
hours.<br />
For all information regarding the stations and<br />
an overview, consult www.velo-antwerpen.be<br />
or the customer service. It is located in Central<br />
Station’s shopping arcade.<br />
The disadvantage is that you need a credit card<br />
for day and week passes. An annual pass can<br />
be purchased at the customer service with a<br />
regular bank card.<br />
T +32 (0)3 206 50 30<br />
E info@velo-antwerpen.be<br />
www.velo-antwerpen.be<br />
See chapter 3 ‘Cycling in the city’ of the ‘Living<br />
as a student in the city’-section for more<br />
information, bike storage and avoiding bicycle<br />
theft.<br />
BuS AND TRAM<br />
Within the province and the city of Antwerp, transport<br />
is organised by the public transport company<br />
‘De Lijn’. Public transport gets you just about
everywhere in (‘stad’: city) and around (‘streek’:<br />
region) Antwerp. Tram and premetro (a tram that<br />
does part of its journey underground) stops are<br />
scattered throughout town, while most buses take<br />
you in and out of town and the suburbs. Buses usually<br />
arrive at and depart from Rooseveltplaats, Antwerp’s<br />
main bus hub. Buses and trams to various<br />
parts of the city leave from Astridplein in front of<br />
Central Station, which is close to Rooseveltplaats.<br />
There’s a night service on Fridays and Saturdays.<br />
De Lijn promotes buying tickets in advance. A ticket<br />
for one trip bought in advance at a bookstore or<br />
De Lijn-shop sets you back 1,20 euro. You can buy a<br />
ticket from the driver, but it’ll cost you 2 euro and<br />
bus drivers insist on correct change. A Dagpas (day<br />
ticket) costs 5 euro (6 on the bus). A Lijnkaart worth<br />
ten journeys is also available and costs 9 euro<br />
(which you’ll have to buy in advance at a bookstore<br />
or De Lijn-shop). A ticket takes you through the<br />
whole district of Antwerp. This means that you can<br />
travel in the city of Antwerp and its surrounding<br />
suburbs (Berchem, Berendrecht, Borgerhout,<br />
Deurne, Ekeren, Hoboken, Lillo, Merksem, Wilrijk<br />
and Zandvliet). Whenever you travel by tram or bus<br />
you have to validate your ticket by inserting<br />
it into the yellow boxes that can be found on<br />
buses and trams. After inserting the ticket into this<br />
device, you have to press button 1 for one person<br />
and for one trip. Once you have done this, your<br />
ticket will be valid for 60 minutes. Press one of the<br />
blue buttons to ring the bell when you want to get<br />
off the bus/tram. If you aren’t handicapped or not<br />
pushing a pram, you have to get on via the front<br />
door of the bus.<br />
De Lijn-shop Rooseveltplaats:<br />
T +32 (0)3 232 75 23<br />
www.delijn.be (Dutch only)<br />
TAxi<br />
Fares for taxi rides are set by the city council. It’s<br />
2,75 euro for the initial charge, 1,70 euro for each<br />
additional kilometre. There’s a 2,20 euro night<br />
surcharge between 10 pm and 6 am. Fixed taxi<br />
stops can be found at Groenplaats, Central Station,<br />
Rooseveltplaats, etc. Or you can always hail a taxi<br />
on the street by raising your hand, New York style.<br />
Another option is booking a taxi by telephone.<br />
Algemene Antwerpse Taxicentrale<br />
T +32 (0)3 216 16 16<br />
Antwerp-Tax NV<br />
T +32 (0)3 238 38 38<br />
DTM Taxi<br />
T +32 (0)3 366 66 66<br />
Star Taxi<br />
T +32 (0)3 257 57 57<br />
/1<strong>01</strong>
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05<br />
monEy mAttErs<br />
People in Antwerp, pay in euro, as does the rest of<br />
the EU. Anyone under the age of 25 can open and<br />
close a bank account free of charge. At the same<br />
time it is advisable to apply for a bank card which<br />
gives you access to the cash machines/ATMs<br />
(Automatic Teller Machines). Most bank cards also<br />
have a Proton chip that allows you to use the card<br />
as an ‘electronic purse’, which means that you can<br />
load a certain amount of ‘cash’ onto your bank<br />
card at cash machines. The device that allows to<br />
pay by Proton can be found in many shops at the<br />
checkout. Phone banking services mean that bank<br />
cards also enable you to pay for transactions by<br />
phone. Conditions and services may differ from<br />
bank to bank, so it may be worthwhile to check<br />
out a few.<br />
Living in Antwerp will cost you about 600 euro per<br />
month. The following list should give you an idea:<br />
- Rent 285 euro<br />
- Meals 190 euro<br />
- Transport/Leisure 120 euro<br />
- Course materials 25 euro<br />
The following list will give you an idea of other costs:<br />
- Small loaf of bread 1.80 euro<br />
- Coffee (250g) 2.30 euro<br />
- 1 kg sugar 1.12 euro<br />
- 1 kg rice 0.62 euro to 3.49 euro<br />
- 1 litre milk 0.80 euro<br />
- 1 kg potatoes 0.80 euro<br />
- 1 kg apples 2 euro<br />
- 3 kg oranges 2.50 euro<br />
- 1 kg bananas 2.50 euro<br />
- Small chicken 4.28 euro<br />
- Breakfast cereals 1.59 euro to 5.24 euro<br />
- Jam 1.70 euro<br />
- Portion of fries 1.50 euro<br />
- Sandwich 2.50 euro<br />
- A glass of coca cola in a café 1.80 euro<br />
- A glass of beer in a café 1.80 euro<br />
- A cup of coffee/tea in a café 2 euro<br />
- Toilet paper (4 rolls) 1.50 euro<br />
- Shower gel 2 euro<br />
- Tooth paste 2 euro<br />
- Washing powder 4 euro<br />
- Cigarettes (19) 4,80 euro<br />
These are average prices of brand name products,<br />
but the supermarket chains (Carrefour, GB, Delhaize,<br />
Colruyt, Aldi and Lidl) have their own-brand<br />
goods which cost less, particularly with regard<br />
to basic food such as bread, milk, water, rice, etc.<br />
The cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Lidl and Col-<br />
ruyt. However, at Aldi or Lidl you will not find any<br />
official bags for your rubbish (garbage). More<br />
information about getting rid of household waste<br />
(rubbish/garbage) is given in the section entitled<br />
‘Garbage disposal’. Dairy products, especially<br />
cheese, can be bought cheaply at local markets.<br />
The same goes for fruit and vegetables. Belgians<br />
are smart shoppers, so look for the stalls with the<br />
longest queues! Small grocery stores are more<br />
expensive. They are usually open between 9 am<br />
and 6 pm, sometimes even later, and are closed on<br />
Sundays (although there are exceptions). Look for<br />
‘wekelijkse rustdag’ or closing day. It is best to<br />
check opening hours as these may vary from town<br />
to town. You can find night shops all over town.<br />
These are rather expensive. Second hand goods<br />
(furniture, clothes,…) can be bought at special<br />
markets or in special shops. Note: ‘reclame’,<br />
‘aanbieding’, ‘voordeel’ indicate bargain. Whilst<br />
‘opruiming’, ‘solden’, ‘uitverkoop’ indicate sales (in<br />
January and July).
Apart from a weekly market day in almost every<br />
town and metropolitan area, where fresh vegetables,<br />
meat and fish can be bought at reasonable<br />
prices, there are other more specialised markets<br />
which are certainly worth a visit, including antique<br />
markets, flower markets, vegetable markets, meat<br />
markets, animal markets, and art markets. Check<br />
the ‘Shopping for food & essentials’-section for<br />
more information.<br />
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06<br />
A plAcE to livE And lovE.<br />
And study<br />
YouTH HoSTELS<br />
Some institutions offer the possibility for<br />
students to apply in advance with their host<br />
institution’s International Office for housing. In<br />
other cases however, students prefer to arrive<br />
in advance or during the summer months to<br />
find a room of their own choice. They can find<br />
relatively cheap accommodation in a youth<br />
hostel. In the meantime you should contact<br />
your ‘student buddy’, ‘godmother’ or ‘godfather’,<br />
or the international co-ordinator to start<br />
looking for accommodation. Youth hostels are<br />
also an option when friends visit and need<br />
somewhere to stay for a short while at little<br />
cost. If you are a youth hostel association<br />
member you can rent a room with breakfast at<br />
cheaper rates.<br />
Membership – valid for 12 months - costs<br />
9 euro for those under 26 years of age,<br />
and 15 euro for those who are older.<br />
Hostelling international – Hostel Pulcinella<br />
Bogaardeplein 1<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 234 03 14<br />
E antwerpen@vjh.be<br />
www.jeugdherbergen.be<br />
Boomerang Youth Hostel<br />
Lange Leemstraat 95<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 238 47 82<br />
E boomeranghostel@hotmail.com<br />
www.boomeranghostel.be<br />
Scoutel<br />
Stoomstraat 3-7<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 226 46 06<br />
E scoutel@hopper.be<br />
www.hopper.be/en/jeugdverblijf/scoutel<br />
Alias Youthhostel Antwerp<br />
Provinciestraat 256<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 230 05 22<br />
E info@youthhotel.be<br />
www.wix.com/aliasyouthhostel/home<br />
Antwerp Backpackers Hostel<br />
Kattenberg 110<br />
2140 Borgerhout<br />
T +32 (0)473 57 <strong>01</strong> 66<br />
E abhostel@hotmail.com<br />
abhostel.com<br />
STuDENT RooM PRACTiCALiTiES<br />
There are several areas in Antwerp where<br />
students live. The price of a room, flat or bedsit<br />
varies according to the neighbourhood and the<br />
type of accommodation. A room has a shared<br />
bathroom and kitchen, while a flat or apartment<br />
usually has their own separate bathroom<br />
and kitchen, whereas a bedsit is smaller than<br />
a flat or apartment, though it too has its own<br />
bathroom and kitchen/kitchenette. University<br />
of Antwerp has its own halls of residence.<br />
Rooms on campus are generally cheaper than<br />
privately-owned student rooms. Host institutions<br />
help students find rooms, but you’ll need<br />
to apply well in advance. The international<br />
co-ordinator of the host institution can inform<br />
you on the necessary formalities.<br />
If you want to look for a student room yourself,<br />
you should search for orange ‘te huur’ (for<br />
rent) signs in house windows, or signs saying<br />
‘studentenkamers’ (student rooms). Telephone<br />
numbers of landlords are also mentioned.
www.studentkotweb.be<br />
This is a brand new website of <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
<strong>Studentenstad</strong>, the city of Antwerp and the<br />
Antwerp institutions of higher education on<br />
which you can find everything about student<br />
housing in the city as well as a database with<br />
rooms, bedsits and/or flats.<br />
All rooms in this database meet the safety<br />
regulations or will be checked in the near<br />
future, and the landlords should be reliable.<br />
Accommodation in the city centre tends<br />
to be expensive, though prices in Antwerp<br />
are nowhere as steep as in Brussels or Louvain.<br />
Prices drop outside the ‘Leien’, Antwerp’s main<br />
boulevards, so don’t hesitate to check out<br />
some rooms farther away from campus. On top<br />
of that public transport runs smoothly and<br />
regularly, and a bicycle can be rented at<br />
(student) bottom prices.<br />
STANDARDiSED RENTAL FoRMS<br />
Host institutions have standardised rental<br />
forms (Kotweb-contract) for student accommodation.<br />
These contracts fully protect you as<br />
a student tenant and are slightly in your favour<br />
(English translation and explanation are available).<br />
Some landlords may offer you their own<br />
contract, but be smart and never sign a document<br />
that you don’t fully understand!<br />
Ask an English translation!<br />
You’ll need to take out fire insurance which<br />
costs about 25 euro to 37 euro. You can get a<br />
copy of a model agreement at your host<br />
institution.<br />
For advice on housing and insurance, contact<br />
the Social Services Offices of your host institution<br />
(see the list in the Yellow Pages of this<br />
guide).<br />
TENANTS’ uNioN<br />
An organisation that defends the interests<br />
of tenants. You can get help and specialised<br />
advice on all kinds of tenants’ issues. Membership<br />
costs 15 euro.<br />
Huurdersbond <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Langstraat 102<br />
2140 Borgerhout<br />
T +32 (0)3 272 27 42<br />
E antwerpen.huurdersbond@antwerpen.be<br />
www.huurdersbond.be<br />
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106/<br />
REFuSE/GARBAGE CoLLECTioN<br />
Rubbish/garbage is collected once or twice a<br />
week. It should be put on the pavement outside<br />
your place of accommodation in special plastic<br />
bags (for sale in supermarkets and general<br />
stores), but not before 8 pm the day before it is<br />
due to be collected. You need special green<br />
bags for vegetable, fruit and garden waste (GFT<br />
Groenten/Fruit/Tuinafval). A 50 litre green bag<br />
costs 0.40 euro. A 15 litre bag costs 0.20 euro.<br />
Other waste material, such as cans and plastic<br />
bottles, goes into special blue bags which cost<br />
0.25 euro each (60 litres). Paper should be put<br />
in a box or bound together. Collection days<br />
vary according to the neighbourhood. Nonrefundable<br />
glass bottles and jars (no deposit:<br />
‘geen statiegeld’) can be disposed of in green/<br />
white containers, the Belgian version of bottle<br />
banks, on street corners and squares.<br />
Other waste material, such as chemicals, paint,<br />
and medicine should be kept separately and<br />
disposed of at the local rubbish dump.<br />
The way you have to sort your waste can vary<br />
in the different communities. It is best to check<br />
because fines can be high!<br />
For more information about garbage collection<br />
visit www.studentkotweb.be and also have<br />
a peek at the ‘Living as a student in the city’section.<br />
07<br />
no work, no pAy, no plAy<br />
Studying is expensive and so is a busy social<br />
life. As money doesn’t grow on trees and<br />
begging is illegal, you may want to consider a<br />
student job.<br />
As of 1 January 2<strong>01</strong>2, student work legislation<br />
in Belgium was changed: students are now allowed<br />
to work for 50 days without any increase<br />
to their social contributions. All information on<br />
this subject and more can be found at<br />
www.studentatwork.be<br />
www.studentjobweb.be<br />
(Dutch and English)<br />
Before you can use this website, you’ll need<br />
to get a username and password from the<br />
Students’ Facilities Services (see chapter 12 for<br />
a list). Click on ‘on line’ and enter the jobs database.<br />
The website further provides you with<br />
useful information such as model contracts,<br />
useful addresses and much more.<br />
www.studentenjobs.be<br />
(in Dutch or French only)
This is the jobsite of Studiant, a students’<br />
association. The website distinguishes between<br />
student jobs, weekend jobs and temporary<br />
jobs. There’s also a section for internships and<br />
unpaid voluntary work. Some clubs and theatres<br />
(Petrol and Arenbergschouwburg for example)<br />
post job alerts for jobs such as mounting<br />
posters and handing out flyers. Payment<br />
usually consists of free tickets and/or some<br />
chips for drinks.<br />
Most student jobs require a sound knowledge<br />
of Dutch. However a special section mentions<br />
jobs not requiring knowledge of the Dutch language.<br />
Ask for more information at the Social<br />
Service of your host institution, mentioning<br />
that you are an exchange student. Conditions<br />
may vary. For students from outside the EU<br />
and the new member states it might be more<br />
difficult to get a job since they need a work<br />
permit card.<br />
The law specifies minimum wage rates for<br />
working students, which vary according to age:<br />
- 19-year-olds: 7,87 euro per hour<br />
- 20-year-olds: 8,41 euro per hour<br />
- 21-year-olds: 8,94 euro per hour<br />
Overtime is not always paid extra. Employers<br />
often compensate overtime with hours or<br />
days off. In case you have more questions, dial<br />
+32 (0)3 213 78 10 and you will receive a free<br />
brochure (in Dutch or French).<br />
A few tips:<br />
- Several temp agencies allow you to register<br />
as a job-seeking student.<br />
- You can also present yourself as a jobseeker<br />
at a number of places, such as clothing stores,<br />
department stores and restaurants.<br />
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08<br />
hEAlth And insurAncE<br />
DoCToRS AND STuDENT CouNSELLoRS<br />
The following people can direct you to your<br />
personal student counsellor or make an appointment<br />
with a doctor for you:<br />
uNiVERSiTEiT ANTWERPEN<br />
(uNiVERSiTY oF ANTWERP)<br />
Campus Groenenborger en Middelheim<br />
Jo Suijkerbuijk<br />
Building T, room 205<br />
T +32 (0)3 265 37 08<br />
E jo.suijkerbuijk@ua.ac.be<br />
Stadscampus<br />
Building E (Agora), room S.E. 115<br />
Corner of Grote Kauwenberg 2 – Vekestraat<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 265 48 72<br />
Campus Drie Eiken<br />
Building G, room G.002 or G.004<br />
Universiteitsplein 1<br />
2610 Wilrijk<br />
T +32 (0)3 265 20 81/82<br />
KAREL DE GRoTE-HoGESCHooL<br />
(KAREL DE GRoTE uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE)<br />
Student councellor at your campus or KdG<br />
Stuvo (see chapter 12 of this section)<br />
ARTESiS HoGESCHooL ANTWERPEN<br />
(ARTESiS uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE ANTWERP)<br />
Annemie Hermans<br />
T +32 (0)3 205 90 90<br />
E annemie.hermans@artesis.be<br />
PLANTijN HoGESCHooL<br />
Els Brusten<br />
T +32 (0)3 205 26 10<br />
E els.brusten@sovoplantijn.be<br />
LESSiuS ANTWERPEN<br />
Annelore Rogiers<br />
T +32 (0)3 241 08 06<br />
E annelore.rogiers@lessius.eu<br />
A list of all general practitioners can also be<br />
found in the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages.<br />
be) under the section ‘Doctors’. You are free<br />
to consult the doctor of your choice. During<br />
the weekend only a limited number of GP’s are<br />
on duty.
They will be listed on the answering machine<br />
of your GP and in newspapers and in free local<br />
papers. Dial 0900 10 512 to find out which GP<br />
is on duty. You can always consult the International<br />
Office (see chapter 13 of the Yellow<br />
Pages in this guide for a list) if you are unsure<br />
what to do. In the case of an emergency,<br />
dial 100 or 112 for an ambulance.<br />
STRESS RELiEF<br />
The psychologist or consultant of your institution<br />
is the first person to talk to. If necessary<br />
he or she refers you to a third party. You’re<br />
entitled to five consultations for 5 euro per<br />
consultation. Your counsellor can introduce<br />
you to group training for fear of failure, assertive<br />
training and relaxation techniques. See the<br />
Students’ Facilities Service (see chapter 12 in<br />
this section) for more information.<br />
DENTiSTS<br />
A list of dentists can be found in the ‘Dentists’<br />
section of the Golden Pages<br />
(www.goldenpages.be). Dental care in Belgium<br />
is quite expensive, as only a small percentage<br />
of the cost is refunded by the insurance for<br />
some treatments - and in some cases there is<br />
no refund at all. For urgent dental problems<br />
during the weekend or on public holidays you<br />
can call 0903 99 691 to find out which dentist<br />
is on duty.<br />
GENERAL HoSPiTALS<br />
A list of all hospitals can be found in the Golden<br />
Pages (www.goldenpages.be) under the ‘Hospitals’<br />
section. In each town area there is at least<br />
one hospital with a 24 hour emergency unit.<br />
For other specific needs, such as psychological<br />
help, legal problems, abortion, and advice<br />
about drugs and AIDS, specific help is available.<br />
You can turn to the Social Service or the International<br />
Office at your host institution.<br />
You find the list of hospitals below:<br />
Algemeen Zieken<strong>huis</strong> Middelheim<br />
Lindendreef 1<br />
2020 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 280 31 11<br />
www.zna.be<br />
universitair Zieken<strong>huis</strong> <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Wilrijkstraat 10<br />
2650 Edegem<br />
T +32 (0)3 821 30 00<br />
www.uza.be<br />
jan Palfijn<br />
L. Bremstraat 70<br />
2170 Merksem<br />
T +32 (0)3 640 21 11<br />
www.zna.be<br />
Sint-Vincentius<br />
Sint-Vincentiusstraat 20<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 285 20 00<br />
www.st-vincentius.be<br />
Eeuwfeestkliniek Monica<br />
Harmoniestraat 68<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 240 20 20<br />
www.monica.be<br />
Stuivenberg<br />
Lange Beeldekensstraat 267<br />
2060 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 217 71 11<br />
www.zna.be<br />
PHARMACiES<br />
In Belgium medication and certain health<br />
products are only for sale in pharmacies. A list<br />
of all pharmacies can be found in a separate<br />
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110/<br />
selection of the Golden Pages<br />
(www.goldenpages.be) under the section<br />
‘Pharmacists’. Pharmacies are usually closed<br />
on Saturdays and Sundays. However, a limited<br />
number of pharmacists are on duty during the<br />
weekends and at night for urgent medication,<br />
although an extra fee will be charged. A<br />
weekly list of pharmacists that are on night and<br />
weekend duty is posted at every (closed) pharmacist.<br />
Addresses of pharmacists on duty can<br />
also be found in newspapers and free local<br />
newspapers or you can dial 0900 10 500. If you<br />
buy medication, ask for generic brand products<br />
(‘generische geneesmiddelen’ in Dutch).<br />
Those are products whose patent has expired<br />
and they’re much cheaper than trade brand<br />
products.<br />
EMERGENCY NuMBERS<br />
For medical emergencies and fire services dial<br />
100. For urgent police matters dial 1<strong>01</strong>. The<br />
European emergency number, 112, can be<br />
reached from any phone (fax or mobile, even<br />
without a SIM card). If you are feeling down or<br />
depressed and want to talk about your<br />
problems, anonymous help is available 24<br />
hrs 7 days a week at 106 (Tele onthaal). The<br />
telephone number 102 is the child and youth<br />
phone which you can contact anonymously.<br />
iNSuRANCE<br />
Accidents & third party liability<br />
In most cases student registration at the host<br />
institution will include accident and third party<br />
liability insurance during educational and<br />
recreational activities in all buildings of the<br />
institution. Some institutions also insure transfers<br />
to and from the institute and excursions<br />
approved by the institution. Please inquire<br />
with the international co-ordinator if this is the<br />
case at your host institution, since this does<br />
not apply to all institutions.<br />
Medical care & insurance<br />
As medical treatment can be extremely expensive<br />
it is essential that foreign students have<br />
health insurance. They should inquire before<br />
leaving home whether their home insurance<br />
covers all medical costs for the entire period of<br />
stay in Belgium.<br />
Nationals of the EEA or from Switzerland are<br />
insured during their stay in Belgium through<br />
the medical insurance company in their home<br />
country. They should bring along a European<br />
Health Insurance Card or a provisional replace-<br />
ment certificate, which can be obtained from<br />
the home insurance company. The European<br />
Health Insurance Card (replacing the forms<br />
E128 or E111) facilitates access to health care<br />
during their study stay abroad. No supplementary<br />
fee is to be paid. It guarantees immediate<br />
reimbursement of medical bills and allows to<br />
obtain a reduction at the pharmacy.<br />
Students who have no valid health insurance<br />
coverage for Belgium can take out health insurance<br />
with a local health insurance federation<br />
in Antwerp. Another option is to arrange insurance<br />
through a private agency, either in your<br />
home country or upon arrival in Belgium.<br />
Some insurers provide broader, complementary<br />
insurance for hospital or other medical<br />
expenses, repatriation, unexpected illness or<br />
accidents which occur while you are abroad.<br />
Through the university, a very extensive<br />
insurance is offered with the Student Insurance<br />
Program (SIP) at the price of 1.28 euro a day.<br />
More information can be found at:<br />
www.studenttravelinformation.be<br />
/about-d.asp
Refunding of medical costs<br />
If you go to a doctor or receive other medical<br />
treatment during your period of study in Antwerp,<br />
you will have to pay all costs in advance.<br />
You will receive a medical receipt or proof of<br />
payment, which you can take to a local health<br />
insurance federation (‘ziekenfonds’ or ‘mutualiteit’)<br />
for refund or submission to your health<br />
insurance provider very soon after you return<br />
home. More information on health insurance<br />
within Europe can be found at:<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/index_<br />
en.htm.<br />
09<br />
kEEp in touch<br />
CALLiNG BELGiuM FRoM ABRoAD<br />
If you want to call Belgium from abroad,<br />
follow these instructions:<br />
> dial exit code<br />
(00, but <strong>01</strong>1 in the US and Canada)<br />
> dial the international prefix<br />
(for Belgium = 32)<br />
> the area codes which are used for making<br />
local calls (omitting 0):<br />
for Antwerp and Lier: (0)3<br />
for Turnhout (0)14<br />
for Mechelen (0)15<br />
> the telephone number<br />
An example: if you want to call the tourist<br />
information office of the city of Antwerp<br />
from abroad, dial 0032 3 232 <strong>01</strong> 03.<br />
CALLiNG ABRoAD FRoM BELGiuM<br />
If you want to dial a phone number abroad<br />
from Belgium dial:<br />
> 00 (international prefix)<br />
> country code<br />
> area code (omitting 0)<br />
> telephone number<br />
You can make international calls to Belgium’s<br />
neighbouring countries (France, The Netherlands,<br />
Luxemburg and Germany), Spain, Italy,<br />
North America and Canada at the interzonal<br />
rate (0.09 euro /min off-peak, 0.18 euro/min on<br />
peak hours). Calling Portugal, Greece, Switzerland,<br />
Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway is<br />
a bit more expensive (0.20 euro/min off-peak,<br />
0.25 euro/min on peak hours).<br />
DiALiNG iN BELGiuM<br />
If you want to dial a phone number in<br />
Belgium dial:<br />
> area code<br />
> telephone number<br />
Another option is calling via the internet.<br />
Certain companies, such as Skype offer free<br />
internet calls on certain conditions, as well as<br />
calls to mobile phones and land lines via the<br />
internet.<br />
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10<br />
nEws And ActivitiEs for stu<strong>dE</strong>nts<br />
www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be<br />
The definitive website for students in Antwerp.<br />
It has everything you need to know on living<br />
and studying in the city, nice addresses, free<br />
tickets and an online city guide.<br />
The website also tells you everything about the<br />
offer of <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> to students!<br />
Subscribe to <strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong>’s newsletter<br />
and keep yourself informed on the best<br />
parties, student reductions, culture, sports<br />
and much more.<br />
Also the website of your host institution<br />
may provide interesting news:<br />
universiteit <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
(university of Antwerp)<br />
www.ua.ac.be/English<br />
Artesis Hogeschool <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
(Artesis university College Antwerp)<br />
www.artesis.eu<br />
Karel de Grote-Hogeschool<br />
(Karel de Grote university College)<br />
www.kdg.be/international<br />
Lessius <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
www.lessius.eu/english/<br />
Plantijn Hogeschool<br />
international.plantijn.be/<br />
Hogere Zeevaartschool<br />
(Antwerp Maritime Academy)<br />
www.hzs.be/html_EN/nieuws_main.php<br />
instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde<br />
(institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp)<br />
www.itg.be<br />
Antwerp Management School<br />
www.antwerpmanagementschool.be/EN/<br />
ESN, ERASMuS STuDENT NETWoRK<br />
In every institution and/or faculty, student<br />
associations organise cultural, sporting, political,<br />
and other typical student activities. ESN,<br />
the Erasmus Student Network, is also active<br />
in the province. ESN is the official European<br />
organisation that tries to give structure to<br />
all local initiatives around the European<br />
exchange programme called Erasmus. ESN tries<br />
to get you settled, helping you out with whatever<br />
practical problems you may encounter.<br />
In addition, they give you information about<br />
Flemish student life and its traditions. This<br />
is done through various kinds of activities: cultural<br />
excursions, sporting activities, counselling<br />
sessions, and information meetings. Their<br />
main goal is to get students involved as much<br />
as possible with the great mixture of cultures,<br />
traditions and experiences that Erasmus stands<br />
for. Most institutions have their own ESN<br />
representative.<br />
www.esnantwerp.org<br />
RADio & TV<br />
Flanders has a public broadcasting corporation,<br />
the VRT, as well as several commercial stations<br />
such as VTM, VT4, 2BE, JIM, TMF and many<br />
others. Programmes can be found in the newspaper<br />
and weekly TV guides. There are also a<br />
number of local radio and television channels.<br />
Antwerp’s local broadcasting company is called<br />
ATV. Many foreign broadcasters are also available<br />
on cable television. Films and international<br />
programmes on Flemish television are<br />
shown in their original version with subtitles
in Dutch (with the exception of natural history<br />
programmes, which are often dubbed).<br />
LiFE STANCES & ACTiVE PLuRALiSM<br />
Being a multicultural city, Antwerp is a home<br />
to a range of different religions and beliefs. The<br />
Antwerp University Association adheres to active<br />
pluralism. This focuses on the knowledge<br />
and experience of different values and persuasions<br />
and wishes to intensify the discerning<br />
dialogue between members in a respectful<br />
atmosphere. The Pieter Gillis’ centre, housed at<br />
the city campus of the university (Hof van Liere,<br />
Prinsstraat 13, 2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong>) aims to offer<br />
a forum on communication and philosophical<br />
issues and to stimulate philosophical reflection<br />
within the activities of the university and the<br />
university colleges of the association. The<br />
Belgian constitution recognizes and finances<br />
certain religions and life stances, based on<br />
their general social, human and moral significance<br />
in Belgian society. The authorities have<br />
deliberately chosen to maintain an array of<br />
values in order to create a liveable society. At<br />
this moment there are six recognized life<br />
stances in Belgium: Catholicism, Protestantism,<br />
Anglicanism, Judaism, Islam and Orthodox.<br />
The non-confessional organizations have been<br />
constitutionally recognized since 1993 on equal<br />
footing with the recognized religions.<br />
11<br />
A computEr<br />
www.academicshop.be<br />
Students can buy a laptop here that is up to<br />
30% cheaper than in the regular shops.<br />
iCT FACiLiTiES<br />
All institutions provide free use of PCs for<br />
word processing, Internet use and access to<br />
CD-ROMs for the students of that institution.<br />
The students of the University of Antwerp have<br />
access to all ICT facilities on the different UA<br />
campuses.<br />
Some campuses offer exchange students<br />
a free e-mail account during their stay.<br />
Messages and important information about<br />
activities, jobs, information, visits, etc. from<br />
the International Offices and from ESN, the European<br />
Student Network, are sent by means of<br />
the exchange students’ mailing list. Students<br />
who would like to send a message to all<br />
exchange students can use this mailing list as<br />
well by sending their message to the International<br />
Office.<br />
Furthermore, there are lots of cyber cafés<br />
where you can surf the Internet for about 5<br />
euro per hour. You can find their addresses<br />
via www.goldenpages.be. Certain cafés, restaurants,<br />
etc. offer free access to the<br />
internet. Throughout this guide we’ve marked<br />
the spots with a WIFI connection.<br />
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12<br />
stu<strong>dE</strong>nts’ fAcilitiEs<br />
And sociAl sErvicEs<br />
For all your questions on study grants, sports,<br />
culture, psycho-social guidance, fear of failure<br />
training, subsidies,…<br />
ARTESiS HoGESCHooL ANTWERPEN<br />
(ARTESiS uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE ANTWERP)<br />
Sovoha<br />
Mutsaardstraat 29<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 205 90 90<br />
E sovoha@artesis.be<br />
www.artesis.be/sovoha<br />
KAREL DE GRoTE-HoGESCHooL<br />
(KAREL DE GRoTE uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE)<br />
KdG Stuvo<br />
Gemeentestraat 6<br />
2060 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 202 38 00<br />
E stuvo@kdg.be<br />
www.kdgstuvo.be<br />
PLANTijN HoGESCHooL<br />
Sovo Plantijn<br />
Keizerstraat 5<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 205 26 10<br />
E info@sovoplantijn.be<br />
www.sovoplantijn.be<br />
uNiVERSiTEiT ANTWERPEN<br />
(uNiVERSiTY oF ANTWERP)<br />
STiP uNiVERSiTEiT ANTWERPEN<br />
Campus Drie Eiken<br />
Building G<br />
Universiteitsplein 1<br />
2610 Wilrijk<br />
T +32 (0)3 265 80 82<br />
E stip@ua.ac.be<br />
www.ua.ac.be/SCS<br />
Stadscampus<br />
Building E (Agora)<br />
Corner of Grote Kauwenberg 2 – Vekestraat<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 265 48 72<br />
E stip@ua.ac.be<br />
www.ua.ac.be/SCS<br />
HoGERE ZEEVAARTSCHooL<br />
(ANTWERP MARiTiME ACADEMY)<br />
Sovo HZS<br />
Noordkasteel Oost 6<br />
2030 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 205 64 59<br />
E sovo@hzs.be<br />
www.hzs.be<br />
LESSiuS ANTWERPEN<br />
STiP Lessius <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Sint-Andriesstraat 2<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 241 08 06<br />
E stip.antwerpen@lessius.eu<br />
www.lessius.eu/stip<br />
iNSTiTuuT VooR TRoPiSCHE GENEESKuNDE<br />
(iNSTiTuTE oF TRoPiCAL MEDiCiNE ANTWERP)<br />
Studentendienst<br />
Nationalestraat 155<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 247 62 52 / +32 (0)3 247 64 85<br />
E studentendienst@itg.be<br />
www.itg.be
13<br />
list of intErnAtionAl officEs<br />
uNiVERSiTEiT ANTWERPEN<br />
(uNiVERSiTY oF ANTWERP)<br />
Stadscampus<br />
Gratiekapelstraat 10<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 265 49 80<br />
F +32 (0)3 265 41 42<br />
E international@ua.ac.be<br />
www.ua.ac.be/international<br />
HoGERE ZEEVAARTSCHooL<br />
(ANTWERP MARiTiME ACADEMY)<br />
Noordkasteel Oost 6<br />
2030 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 205 64 38<br />
F +32 (0)3 225 06 39<br />
E international@hzs.be<br />
www.hzs.be<br />
ARTESiS HoGESCHooL ANTWERPEN<br />
(ARTESiS uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE ANTWERP)<br />
Frank Rylant<br />
Keizerstraat 15<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 213 93 26<br />
F +32 (0)3 213 93 41<br />
E frank.rylant@artesis.be<br />
www.artesis.be<br />
KAREL DE GRoTE-HoGESCHooL<br />
(KAREL DE GRoTE uNiVERSiTY CoLLEGE)<br />
Brusselstraat 45<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 613 13 83<br />
E international@kdg.be<br />
www.kdg.be/international<br />
PLANTijN HoGESCHooL<br />
Véronique Blockhuys<br />
Lange Nieuwstraat 1<strong>01</strong><br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 220 57 37<br />
F +32 (0)3 220 55 19<br />
E veronique.blockhuys@plantijn.be<br />
www.kdg.be/international<br />
LESSiuS ANTWERPEN<br />
Wim Coudenys<br />
Jozef De Bomstraat 11<br />
2<strong>01</strong>8 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T + 32 (0) 3 275 98 60<br />
F + 32 (0) 206 04 81<br />
E wim.coudenys@lessius.eu<br />
www.lessius.eu/english<br />
iNSTiTuuT VooR TRoPiSCHE GENEESKuNDE<br />
(iNSTiTuTE oF TRoPiCAL MEDiCiNE ANTWERP)<br />
Nationalestraat 155<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 247 62 52 / +32 (0)3 247 64 85<br />
E studentendienst@itg.be<br />
www.itg.be<br />
ANTWERP MANAGEMENT SCHooL<br />
Bieke Janssens<br />
Sint-Jacobsmarkt 9-13<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 265 40 11<br />
E bieke.janssens@ams.ac.be<br />
www.antwerpmanagementschool.be<br />
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14<br />
importAnt tElEphonE numbErs<br />
100 / 112: urgent medical assistance and<br />
fire brigade<br />
1<strong>01</strong>: police, for urgent cases<br />
0800 123 12: Antwerp police, for nonurgent<br />
cases (e.g. information)<br />
106: ‘Tele-onthaal’, a helpful ear for urgent<br />
psychological needs<br />
070 245 245: Anti-poison centre<br />
1207: to find telephone numbers in Belgium<br />
(Dutch)<br />
1307: to find telephone numbers in<br />
Belgium (French)<br />
1204: to find telephone numbers in<br />
foreign countries<br />
03 217 75 95: special centre for the treatment<br />
of burns<br />
02 649 95 55: suicide prevention<br />
02 648 40 14: Help Line (English speaking)<br />
24 hours, crisis information and<br />
support centre for a wide range of problems<br />
070 344 344: Cardstop in case of loss of<br />
credit cards Eurocard/Master Card, Visa<br />
and Bancontact/Mister Cash<br />
03 221 13 33: City Hall <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
03 233 22 11: Car problems (Touring Wegenhulp)<br />
03 224 10 52: Car problems (VTB-VAB)<br />
02 533 75 75: Europe Assistance<br />
078 15 10 20: Drugsline: information about<br />
drugs, alcohol,…<br />
09 238 26 26: Holebifoon (for gay, lesbian and<br />
bisexual people)<br />
03 232 27 28: Youth Advice Centre: free help<br />
with any kind of problem (JAC)<br />
0800 173 64: Centre for Equal Opportunities<br />
and Fight against Racism<br />
03 271 16 16: Amnesty International<br />
03 2<strong>01</strong> 49 11: Lost and found objects<br />
078 35 35 35: Electrabel Electricity and Gas<br />
0800 15 802: Cancer Telephone, for help,<br />
support and questions on Cancer<br />
03 230 41 90: Child abuse centre – confidential<br />
and anonymous<br />
116 000: Child Focus, for information on<br />
missing children<br />
0800 13 14 4: ‘Teleblok’: for help, advice,<br />
support on studying<br />
03 239 14 15: Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
1700: Flemish directory enquiries<br />
0900 10 500: Chemists on duty<br />
0900 10 512: GPs on duty<br />
0903 99 691: Dentists on duty<br />
03 202 57 33: Police prevention service<br />
03 225 09 85: Housing Office Old City Centre,<br />
for help and information on living in the city<br />
03 292 31 70: Huis van de Student<br />
0800 93 511: Telephone number to report<br />
garbage dumps
15<br />
list of EmbAssiEs And consulAtEs<br />
http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/<br />
embassies_and_consulates/<br />
This website offers all addresses of foreign<br />
embassies and consulates in Belgium. It’s also<br />
a prime reference point for up-to-date information<br />
on visa and passport requirements.<br />
16<br />
bAnk holidAys<br />
- November 1st: All Saints Day (Allerheiligen)<br />
- November 2nd: All Souls Day (Allerzielen)<br />
(public offices only)<br />
- November 11th: Armistice Day<br />
(Wapenstilstand)<br />
- December 25th: Christmas Day (Kerstmis)<br />
- December 26th: Boxing Day<br />
(Tweede Kerstdag)<br />
- January 1st: New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaar)<br />
- Easter Sunday (Paaszondag)<br />
- Easter Monday (Paasmaandag)<br />
- May 1st: Labour Day (Feest van de Arbeid)<br />
- 40 days after Easter: Ascension Day<br />
(Onze Heer Hemelvaart)<br />
- 50 days after Easter:<br />
Whit Sunday (Pinksteren)<br />
- 51 days after Easter:<br />
Whit Monday (Pinkstermaandag)<br />
- July 11th: Flemish Community Day<br />
(Vlaamse Feestdag) (public offices only)<br />
- July 21st: National Day (Nationale Feestdag)<br />
- August 15th: Assumption Day<br />
(Onze Lieve Vrouw Hemelvaart)<br />
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living aS a Student<br />
in the city<br />
you hAvE pickEd AntwErp As your collEgE town. wE’rE hAppy<br />
for thAt. thE mEtropolis offErs quAlity coursEs, A host of<br />
compAniEs looking for nEw, young tAlEnts, A stAggEring<br />
culturE offEr And loAds of lEisurE ActivitiEs. living togEthEr<br />
in A city with hAlf A million inhAbitAnts in A nicE And<br />
rEspEctful wAy doEsn’t work without rulEs or AgrEEmEnts.<br />
thE following pAgEs offEr A briEf ovErviEw of do’s And<br />
don’ts, tips And tricks, rulEs And AgrEEmEnts thAt improvE<br />
or fAcilitAtE living (togEthEr) in thE city.<br />
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120/<br />
1. living in An AntwErp stu<strong>dE</strong>nt room<br />
1.1. Parties in student rooms<br />
1.2. Lock your room<br />
1.3. Prevention<br />
1.4. Garbage disposal<br />
2. stAging pArtiEs And EvEnts<br />
2.1. Events in the public domain<br />
2.2. Ragging<br />
2.3. Mounting posters<br />
3. cycling in thE city<br />
3.1. Bike storage<br />
3.2. Avoid bicycle theft<br />
4. collEgiAl or collAtErAl<br />
4.1. Vandalism<br />
4.2. Graffiti<br />
4.3. Public drunkenness<br />
4.4. Spitting, vomiting, urinating and noise hindrance<br />
5. pickpockEts
1. living in An AntwErp stu<strong>dE</strong>nt room<br />
About 7000 students yearly trade in the parental nest for a student room<br />
in the city. Chances are that you found your spot via Kotweb. It offers the<br />
largest range of student accommodation in Antwerp and is moreover the<br />
reference for top quality student accommodation and any information<br />
relating to it.<br />
The website/database is a unique collaboration between <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
<strong>Studentenstad</strong>, the Social Services of the Antwerp higher education establishments,<br />
the city of Antwerp, the Antwerp fire brigade and the police.<br />
Together we have drawn up transparent regulations, rights and obligations<br />
concerning quality (fire and burglary) safety and a proper lease. All accommodation,<br />
also that not appearing on Kotweb, is systematically checked<br />
including for living conditions and fire safety. A quality label per premise<br />
on Kotweb provides clear information about this. Furthermore, Kotweb<br />
provides a standard lease for the benefit of students studying at Antwerp<br />
educational establishments and for owners who let out property to these<br />
students.<br />
Should you encounter any problems with your landlord, report this to<br />
the Social Services or International Offices of your host institution. If you<br />
didn’t find your room through Kotweb, you can be referred to the Tenants’<br />
union. With complaints on infrastructure you can turn to one of the various<br />
‘Woonkantoren’ (Housing Offices) of the city council.<br />
www.studentkotweb.be<br />
1.1 PARTiES iN STuDENT RooMS<br />
The city council doesn’t prohibit parties in student rooms, but if you stage<br />
a party in your room, you’ll factually become an organizer of an event. That<br />
means that you can be held liable in case of an accident or other mishaps.<br />
Make sure your rental agreement allows you to organise a party and check<br />
how many people your fire insurance covers.<br />
Caution! Noise hindrance can and will be fined by the police or an administrative<br />
officer. Even during the day noise hindrance is prohibited.<br />
1.2 LoCK YouR RooM<br />
Student rooms are popular targets for budding thieves or people in need of<br />
quick money. Check www.studentkotweb.be for useful tips to prevent theft.<br />
The local police provide free additional advice on burglary prevention.<br />
Centrale Preventiedienst (Central Prevention Service)<br />
Lokale Politie <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
Oudaan 5<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T 03 338 57 33<br />
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1.3 PREVENTioN<br />
CARBoN MoNoxiDE PoiSoNiNG<br />
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can make you very ill and is potentially<br />
lethal. Carbon monoxide poisoning has a wide range of symptoms<br />
(nausea, vomiting, headache, passing out,...), making it hard to diagnose.<br />
Be on your guard when your room has a device installed that could<br />
produce carbon monoxide (water heaters, coal-, gas- or diesel-powered<br />
products,...). Only electric heating devices don’t constitute any danger.<br />
Want to find out more about carbon monoxide?<br />
Surf to www.studentkotweb.be for loads of useful information.<br />
Tip!<br />
If you think that there’s an alarming build up of carbon monoxide in<br />
your room, or if you just want to make sure, call upon the local Housing<br />
Office for a free housing quality check.<br />
Woonkantoor Binnenstad<br />
(Housing Office Old City Centre)<br />
Sint-Jacobsmarkt 42<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 225 09 85<br />
Woonkantoor Centrum<br />
(Housing Office Centre)<br />
Driekoningenstraat 41<br />
2600 Berchem<br />
T +32 (0)3 218 40 75<br />
Woonkantoor Deurne<br />
(Housing Office Deurne)<br />
Stenenbrug 75<br />
2140 Borgerhout<br />
T +32 (0)3 324 70 58<br />
Woonkantoor Ekeren<br />
(Housing Office Ekeren)<br />
Veltwijcklaan 31<br />
2180 Ekeren<br />
T +32 (0)3 338 29 43<br />
Woonkantoor Noord<br />
(Housing Office North)<br />
Lange Beeldekensstraat 219<br />
2060 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 236 21 25<br />
Woonkantoor Zuid<br />
(Housing Office South)<br />
Abdijstraat 253<br />
2020 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 257 30 95<br />
E woonkantoor@stad.<br />
antwerpen.be<br />
www.antwerpen.be/wonen<br />
Eco<strong>huis</strong><br />
Turnhoutsebaan 139<br />
2140 Borgerhout<br />
T +32 (0)3 217 08 11<br />
E eco<strong>huis</strong>@stad.antwerpen.be<br />
www.antwerpen.be/eco<strong>huis</strong><br />
FiRE<br />
A few simple precautions suffice to greatly improve fire safety. Check<br />
out www.studentkotweb.be for some tips. Home owners can ask (and<br />
pay) the local fire station to check their house for fire safety.
1.4 GARBAGE DiSPoSAL<br />
All citizens of Antwerp sort their garbage: there’s a different type of garbage<br />
bag or container for every type of garbage.<br />
If you live in a building with more than three student rooms, the owner is<br />
obliged to provide garbage containers, so you won’t need to buy garbage<br />
bags. Also, the owner is obliged to store paper and cardboard garbage in<br />
designated blue 140- or 240-litre containers.<br />
If you live in a building with bedsits, the owner is not obliged to provide<br />
garbage containers and you’ll have to purchase garbage bags. For more<br />
information on types of garbage bags, sorting and disposing of garbage:<br />
www.studentkotweb.be.<br />
GARBAGE CoLLECTioN SCHEDuLE<br />
Every neighbourhood has a different refuse collection day. For the student<br />
area, that day is Tuesday. This means that you need to put out the garbage<br />
on Monday evening from 8 pm onwards. Important: it is forbidden to place<br />
garbage on the street on another day than your designated collection day.<br />
The fine can be up to 250 euro.<br />
A garbage collection schedule is distributed to every resident. It contains information<br />
on refuse collection days, different types of garbage, recycling centres,<br />
collection of bulky refuse (such as furniture, doors, etc). If you haven’t<br />
received a copy of the schedule or it got lost, you can obtain a new one from<br />
the information desk of the district/community council, the ‘stadswinkel’<br />
(city shop), print from www.antwerpen.be or via the telephone number<br />
03 22 11 333. Owners of student rooms, student buildings or student community<br />
houses are obliged to mount the collection schedules in one of the<br />
communal rooms.<br />
GARBAGE CoLLECTioN STREETS<br />
In the student neighbourhood, just like in other areas of the city, you<br />
can find garbage collections streets. If you have an admission pass you<br />
can put your garbage bags there. Incredibly convenient for students<br />
who don’t have a lot of space in their digs or who are not at home when<br />
they come to collect the garbage. You can obtain and charge the pass<br />
at the Huis van de Student. Surf to www.studentenkotweb.be for more<br />
information.<br />
BoTTLE BANKS<br />
Bottle banks - the Belgian version - are scattered throughout the city.<br />
Dispose of transparent and coloured bottles separately. The green half<br />
of the bottle bank is for coloured glass, the white half for transparent<br />
glass. Remember to remove corks, metal lids, etc before disposing of<br />
the glass. The bottle banks may only be used between 7 am and 10 pm.<br />
DuMPiNG REFuSE AND KiCKiNG oVER BiNS<br />
Engaging in these activities may very well end up in a hefty fine. If<br />
you see any dumped refuse, contact the ‘sluikstortlijn’ (dumping call<br />
centre) and it’ll be collected immediately.<br />
T 0800 93511 (free of charge)<br />
E sluikstort@stad.antwerpen.be<br />
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2. stAging pArtiEs &EvEnts<br />
2.1 EVENTS iN THE PuBLiC DoMAiN<br />
Occupying a square with friends, guitars, sofas and crates of beer without<br />
permission is not allowed in the city and a bad, baaad idea. At that point<br />
you’re making ‘private use of the public domain’. Meaning that you’re<br />
staging an event without the mayor’s permission. The police will break up<br />
the event and may take you to the station for interrogation. On top of that,<br />
you could be fined 250 euro.<br />
2. 2 RAGGiNG<br />
<strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> has developed a ragging charter in collaboration<br />
with the Antwerp Student Council and students’ fellowships. Every association<br />
that rags in the public domain signs the charter.<br />
Download the charter on www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be or email to<br />
info@antwerpenstudentenstad.be.<br />
2.3 MouNTiNG PoSTERS<br />
If you’re staging an event for which you’ve designed a gem of a poster, you<br />
should start wondering where to mount it. There are several boards and<br />
poster columns in the city. Those are the only legal places to mount your<br />
poster – provided you abide by a few simple rules, stated below. Not everyone<br />
is allowed to mount posters, an overview of the lucky ones who are allowed:<br />
Youth movements, students’ fellowships, associations of seniors, sports<br />
clubs, socio-cultural movements and citizens (if advertising activities for the<br />
community). For a list of boards and poster columns, visit:<br />
www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be.<br />
You don’t need permission to mount posters but it’s only allowed between 7<br />
am and 10 pm. The posters may only be mounted from four weeks onwards<br />
prior to the advertised event!<br />
Important: police and city actively suppress illegal posting (on electricity<br />
boxes for example). They fine up to 250 euro per illegally mounted poster.<br />
Placing stickers on lamp post counts as illegal posting too.
3. cycling in thE city<br />
Away with cars and long live public transport, your legs or the bicycle!<br />
Cycling is literally the way forward in the city. It is healthy and environment<br />
friendly, there’s no need for car parks or queuing on the ring road. In short:<br />
the bike is the best way to get around town.<br />
Want to hire a bike for a short or a long period? In the ‘Bike’ section of the<br />
Yellow Pages, you can read everything about Fietshaven and Velo. How does<br />
hiring a bike beat owning your very own velocipede? Maintenance is done<br />
by the owners. And in the end, that’s a basic requirement for a good bike.<br />
3.1 BiKE SToRAGE<br />
Don’t just leave your bike on the pavement if you’re away for a while. The<br />
city council actively seeks to keep the streets free from bicycle wrecks<br />
(a bike with two or more visible flaws is considered a wreck). Chances are<br />
that the police will remove your bike from the street. Installing public bike<br />
storage is a work in progress, there already are a few spots where you can<br />
safely store your bike. There’s one on floor -1 under Central Station and another<br />
one near Berchem Station. Often there’s bike storage near institutes of<br />
higher education too.<br />
The university colleges and university provide long term bike storage during<br />
summer holidays. Inform at your host institution for the exact whereabouts.<br />
3.2 AVoiD BiCYCLE THEFT<br />
Have your bike marked. The Antwerp police marks your bike for free. They<br />
use the state registry number on your passport or ID. The code is unique and<br />
makes it easy to return bikes to their rightful owners. The police also provide<br />
you with a bicycle ID. Keep it with you, as few people can describe their<br />
bike very well. For more information on marking your bike: www.5345.be/<br />
fietsgraveren/fietsgraveren.html.<br />
More useful tips for avoiding bicycle theft on www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be.<br />
Report your stolen bikes to the police. You don’t have to go to the police<br />
station, just do it quickly and easily via www.policeonweb.be.<br />
Was your bike removed or stolen?<br />
Make sure to regularly check www.gevondenfietsen.be. All found bikes are<br />
reported on the website for a period of six months.<br />
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4. collEgiAl or collAtErAl?<br />
Student life means studying and having fun. The line between fun and hindrance/<br />
trouble is drawn below. If you don’t abide these regulations, you’ll risk a<br />
fine which can ascend from 60 to 250 euro.<br />
4.1 VANDALiSM<br />
Every instance of vandalism is brought before the office of the public prosecutor.<br />
He will decide whether you’ll be prosecuted with the risk of the owner suing<br />
you as well, or that you’ll be fined or sanctioned otherwise.<br />
4.2 GRAFFiTi<br />
Is illegal. Placing drawings or a tag is annoying and absolutely prohibited.<br />
If you get caught, you’ll have to pay a fine and the costs of restoring the damaged<br />
good. If you soiled several goods, you’ll be brought to court. Chances are<br />
that the owner of the damaged good will sue you.<br />
Graffiti is allowed at a limited number of locations. You can find these on<br />
www.jongeren.antwerpen.be.<br />
Graffiti or a tag on your façade? Can’t look past the posters mounted everywhere?<br />
The city council removes graffiti and stickers in public and private domain for free.<br />
4.3 PuBLiC DRuNKENNESS<br />
Public drunkenness is a penal offence. You could be put in jail by the police<br />
to sleep it off. Your file will be forwarded to the public prosecutor and if<br />
you’re lucky he’ll just tick your name. In other cases, if for example you<br />
disturb the peace, make excessive noise or engage in a brawl, the punishment<br />
will be more severe.<br />
4.4 SPiTTiNG, VoMiTiNG, uRiNATiNG AND NoiSE HiNDRANCE<br />
All of these activities are prohibited in the public domain. Police constables<br />
and administrative officials will fine you!<br />
Keep your decibels in check. Residents have every right to be annoyed.<br />
Respect the silence between 10 pm and 7 am. Also during the day you could<br />
get in trouble if you make too much noise.
5 pickpockEts<br />
Are of all times. Antwerp is generally safe, but nevertheless it is prudent to<br />
take good care of your bank card, mobile phone, laptop or handbag. Visit<br />
www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be for tips to make life more difficult for<br />
pickpockets.<br />
Victim of a pickpocket?<br />
If you do become a victim of a pickpocket, you witnessed the theft and the<br />
suspects are still around, call 1<strong>01</strong> and ask bystanders to help you. In all other<br />
cases, report the crime to the police as soon as possible.<br />
Stolen bank card?<br />
If your bank card is stolen, immediately block your card via CARD-stop: dial<br />
070 344 344.<br />
important: attempted theft is punishable too. If, for example, someone has<br />
his hand in your handbag, but hasn’t as yet stolen your wallet, ask bystanders<br />
to help restrain the thief and call 1<strong>01</strong>.<br />
Stolen mobile phone?<br />
Report theft of your mobile phone to the police and make the operator block<br />
your phone number. You’ll need the IMEI-number for that (15 digits – dial<br />
*#06# on your mobile Phone) and the SIM-card number (4 digits on the back<br />
of your SIM-card). Make sure you write these numbers down and keep them<br />
with you. Make sure the operator only blocks your phone number, as the<br />
police will need your IMEI to indentify and track down your mobile phone.<br />
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antwerpen StudentenStad<br />
<strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> is a non-profit organisation, the fruit of<br />
a cooperation between the city of Antwerp, the Antwerp University<br />
Association and the Antwerps Studentenoverleg (Antwerp Student<br />
Council).<br />
<strong>Antwerpen</strong> <strong>Studentenstad</strong> promotes Antwerp as an attractive and<br />
high quality student city. She strives for sufficient and high-quality<br />
housing, a clean and safe traffic student district, cheap rental bikes,<br />
beneficial cultural and sports offers, cheap and safe party areas and<br />
clear policies with respect to mounting posters and ragging, and<br />
much more.<br />
More information on www.antwerpenstudentenstad.be<br />
HOuSe OF THe STuDenT<br />
Students can direct all their questions on studying and living in Antwerp<br />
to the Huis van de Student (House of the Student):<br />
Sint-Jacobsmarkt 16<br />
2000 <strong>Antwerpen</strong><br />
T +32 (0)3 292 31 70<br />
E info@antwerpenstudentenstad.be<br />
opening hours:<br />
• Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm<br />
• Friday from 10 am to 3 pm<br />
• check the website for opening hours during school holidays<br />
>>> This map (in Dutch) is offered by STUVANT >>>
MoRe?<br />
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