Experience in Antwerp, Belgium by Jasmin

What is it like to live in Antwerp? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Antwerp is a relatively small city, compared to other 'big' cities in Europe like Madrid. But I love it! I've lived here my whole life and would certainly recommend the experience to foreigners. Antwerp is primarily a 'student' city with lots of bars and pubs, beautiful cozy squares, shops and narrow quaint streets that just breathe history. The main shopping streets are 'car-free' and are excellent to walk around, even if you're not in the mood for shopping: the architecture is magnificent. The lead to the riverside which is also a nice place to be in summertime.

What is the student lifestyle like in Antwerp?

Very lively. There are many activities for students, from going to the cinema to sports. Also, with your student card, you can expect a lot of reductions for a lot of activities. Most of the students go partying on thursdays, the day on which you don't have to pay an entrance fee for clubs. Also, because of a lot of colleges and universities are located in the center of town, the population is relatively young and multicultural.

How much does it cost to live in Antwerp?

Antwerp is not the cheapest town in Europe, but like all cities, you have to know where to go. I suggest buying an up-to-date travel guide for more recommendations about the gastronomic possibilities.
It's not unusual to pay around 400 euro for a room in the center of the city (including expenses like water, gas, electricity,...) but I definitely think it's worth it. Everything is nearby, which makes living in Antwerp a lot easier. Moreover, there is not much to see in the suburbs.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Antwerp? Is there any advice you can give?

It depends on the date and where you are looking. I found my house which I share with friends on easypiso.com. If you're a student, the university will help you find accomodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Antwerp is a multicultural city, so it's easy to find food from all over the world. Typical Belgian food most of the time includes potatoes (boiled or friend or mashed), a slice of meat (steak) and seasonal vegetables. It's very 'harty'. Also mind that in Belgium, we're used to eat lunch and dinner quite early (around 12-13h and around 18-19h).

What places would you recommend visiting in Antwerp?

-The shopping street, not only for shopping but also an excellent place to go sight-seeing.
- The riverside: very idylic and romantic.
- The cathedral and the musea in the south
- The best way to discover something is to get lost. Antwerp is full of narrow historical streets.

Is it good to eat out in Antwerp? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Again, it depends on where you go. Going to a restaurant can be unexpectedly expensive. But if you're in the mood to have dinner out, try the restaurants at the 'Henry Conscience - plein'. Here are some other places to go for a nice meal:
- Via Via in the Wolstraat: every week different seasonal dishes from all over the world, very tasty and reasonably priced.
- Amadeus in 't schipperskwartier': all you can eat spare ribs, with excellent potatoes covered in a 'secret recipe sauce' - around 15 euro
- Frituur = small food stands, to take away or eat while you're going: frenched fries are a speciality in Belgium. It's something you just have to try!
- Baires in Volkstraat: Argentinan kitchen with the best grilled steak I've ever tasted
- Mai Thai = one of the best Thai restaurants in the city
- Park Spoor Noord: this is actually a park, but they have a 'cafetaria'. Don't be fooled by the 'raw' exterior, the food is fresh and reasonably priced.
- For the typical Belgian gastronomy, it's best to go to Grote Markt, a square with a lot of 'brasseries'.

Is the nightlife good in Antwerp? Where is good to go?

Belgian nightlife is mostly situated in bars. It's the custom to go with some friends for beers or cocktails. There are some bars where you can dance, like 'De Vuile Was' in de Grote Pieter Potstraat and some pubs at Mechelse Plein. As for clubs: check out Café Local at Waalse Kaai, Red&Blue (this is actually a gay club BUT with a lot of atmosphere and good party music), Petrol,... There are also very nice student parties at different locations. For the more alternative crew, I suggest a party at Bourla, a teatre. This party takes place only once every three months, but it's worth it. Also check out 'Kissinger': every two month's a party at an exclusive location like an abandoned factory or a museum. It costs a little bit more, but it's truly a great experience.

What advice would you give future students heading to Antwerp?

- Don't be put off by our difficult dutch language, all belgians speak more or less perfect english and are very willing to help you. We are a reserved people and may seem 'distant', but we just don't like to make the first move. Belgians are actually very kind and polite if you make the effort to make conversation.
- The weather changes very quickly here; bring enough appropriate clothing.
- It's impossible to tell you all my favorite places, because there's so much to discover. So that's what you'll have to do: go exploring.