Antwerp city breaks

Antwerp's ancient market place is a stunning example of a typical Flemish town square: a cobblestone plaza lined with medieval step-roofed houses.

Don't miss the fountain in the middle, which depicts a local legend showing Brabo, a Roman soldier, throwing the severed hand of a giant, called Antigoon, into the river.

It's said the name Antwerp is derived from the Dutch ‘hand werpen’ (throw a hand) and you'll spot the hand motif everywhere, even down to chocolates and biscuits.

After more than ten years of renovation, the KMSKA is back – bigger, brighter and even more beautiful.

If you can take your eyes off the architecture, there are seven centuries of art to explore, from Rubens and van Eyck, to the largest collection of James Ensor and Rik Wouters in the world.

Make sure you save time for a stroll through the new garden, too. Dotted with sculptures, it's a little haven of calm.

Housed in a strikingly modern building in the hip Eilandje docklands area, the Museum aan de Stroom is dedicated to the history of Antwerp.

MAS has a huge collection of exhibits across its ten floors, so there’s plenty to see. Another major draw is the roof terrace with its spectacular views of the city and the port.

Picnicking on the roof or in the glass ‘boulevard’ that winds its way up through the building is actively encouraged, so bring some snacks and borrow a free rug from reception.

Home to Cogels-Osylei, the city's most beautiful street, this pretty district is an art nouveau-lover's dream.

Hop on a tram to Berchem and pick up a walking guide at the station, then take your time strolling among Antwerp's lovingly preserved Belle Époque buildings.

For a pit-stop, drop in at one of the friendly restaurants or bars dotted around the edge of Dageraadplaats. Our favourite is laidback Café ZeeZicht.

Boasting both local and international names, Nationalestraat is the city’s most stylish street, while neighbouring Kammenstraat has an edgier feel, with its denim, skate and sneaker stores.

For antique-seekers, Kloosterstraat is lined with fascinating shops selling everything from 70s ceramics to art deco chandeliers, via vintage postcards and classic vinyl.

Foodies should make a beeline for Wilde Zee to dip in and out of excellent delis, chocolatiers and bakeries like Philip's Biscuits. Make time too for a light, crunchy lacquemant – the addictive, syrupy sister of the traditional Belgian waffle.

At the northern end of Volkstraat, this small but charismatic café punches well above its weight.

A giant coffee machine hums on the white-tiled counter, producing brews with beans from local micro coffee roasters, Andy.

All-day breakfasts include herby shakshuka, waffles and pain perdu; lunch brings leafy salads and superior sandwiches (the honey-glazed chicken is a favourite).

Everyone loves this tiny café-slash-bookstore, squirrelled away on a side-street, from literary types and local families to snap-happy Instagrammers.

Inside, its trailing plants and tranquil nooks couldn’t be more inviting, while its shelves are stocked with classic reads, kids’ books and graphic novels.

Turn a few pages over coffee and the pastry of the day, or drop by for a simple but tasty breakfast or lunch.

Bún’s original outpost focused on Vietnamese street food and phở, but its sleek Volkstraat follow-up is all about fine dining.

Kick off with cocktails in the bar – try a lemongrass-infused Qui Nhon Mule – then share a succession of deliciously inventive dishes.

Ingredients are sourced from the best local producers; think smoked pork rib with cucumber and daikon salad, or Zeeland oysters with lime and chilli.

For lunch or dinner with a view, riverside Ras is hard to beat.

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Scheldt and a small but perfectly formed menu, it's a great place to soak up the city's maritime vibe.

On warm days, the outdoor terrace is a must, accompanied by a sundowner and a rich bowl of lobster linguine or Iberico pork with bacon and an indulgent port-based gravy.

Traditional Belgian food is a hearty affair, but it's served with a light touch to delicious effect at this friendly neighbourhood bistro.

Think stoofvlees (beef stew) with chicory salad and crisp, melt-in-the-mouth cheese and shrimp croquettes, all washed down with a golden glass of Belgian beer.

The pretty park across the road is an ideal spot for a post-lunch stroll, or to work up an appetite en route to the restaurant.