Antwerp - Bars & Nightlife

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Bars & Nightlife

Antwerp

Provided by: Woodmonkey/Visit Antwerpen

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Overview

Bars & Nightlife The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

A lot of old-school cafés acquire a definite bar vibe as the sun nears the horizon. Spend long summer evenings chatting away with friends in a funky bar or on the river terraces. For a more adrenaline-packed party night, the city is your dance floor: salsa, hard rock, disco or drum ’n' bass — the beat thumps and the dance clubs fill up around the city centre and along the river Scheldt.

Without a doubt, a major attraction in Flanders is the beer. You have numerous types, varieties and brands to explore. However, if you just want a small draft beer to pass the time, ask for "een pintje" or just show the bartender your little finger. Don't leave without trying De Kriek (cherry beer), the amazing Westmalle Dubbel, and be careful with the surprisingly strong Duvel.

Café Storm

Café Storm

If you need to contemplate on your visit to the MAS museum, then you don’t have to go far. Located in the MAS building, Café Storm is the ideal place to relax and enjoy your drink. If you can, try to get hold of an outdoor seat. The view on the dock is amazing.

BelRoy’s at Nine

BelRoy’s at Nine

Next to Antwerp’s Cathedral, you can enjoy great cocktails in an amazing setting. The building is over 200 years old! On a hot summer night you can have a seat in the inner courtyard. In winter, gather around the open fire.

Paters Vaetje

Paters Vaetje

In Paters Vaetje, you can choose from more than 200 types of beer. Let the extensive menu guide you, and you'll understand why Belgian beers are the best in the world. Whether you're a student, tourist, or a local: everyone loves this cosy café. Open until very late!

Sips

Sips

Some of the best cocktails and mocktails in Antwerp can be found at Sips. Chief bartender Manuel makes about 1,000 cocktails without ever needing to glance at a cheat sheet. Some recipes date back to 1790. That's not all; he also regularly invents new cocktails.

De Muze

De Muze

De Muze is a monument of Antwerp's nightlife and jazz scene. Enjoy the numerous performances that take place here.

Den Engel

Den Engel

Den Engel, just metres away from the city hall, is one of the most typical cafés in Antwerp. The history of the building dates back to the 14th century. The pints poured here are enjoyed by both young and old.

De Vagant

De Vagant

In De Vagant, you can sample a wide range of Belgian jenevers: more than 200 types! The café is located on an atmospheric, picturesque street with a beautiful view of the Cathedral.

Café Hopper

Café Hopper

This jazz cafe has been named after the American painter, Edward Hopper and is widely known in Antwerp. The cafe has been hosting small live music events since its doors opened in 1991.

Red&Blue Cargo Club

Red&Blue Cargo Club

Looking for a gay club? Then look no further, because Red&Blue Cargo Club is Belgium’s biggest gay club attracting an international audience. Thursday nights are the busiest!

Trix

Trix

Concert hall Trix is the place to be for those who love alternative and innovative concerts. There are three rooms (Trix bar, Trix club and Trix zaal). Check the event calendar on their website.

Cafe Beveren

Cafe Beveren

Cafe Beveren, a cosy, unpretentious bar by the Scheldt River. It's a decidedly local place; there's no flashy facade to attract the tourists. However, this dive bar features a unique Decap dance organ from 1937. Drop a one Euro coin into a control box on the wall, and you can enjoy tunes from this mechanical marvel. Stop by for a quick pint and see an accordion, a drum set and a saxophone come to life.

Bar Paniek

Bar Paniek

Bar Paniek, an eclectic hub created by the Time Circus collective, offers an industrial grunge vibe in an artistically repurposed warehouse by the Kattendijkdok. With its unique decor of salvaged materials and vintage charm, it's an incredible place to enjoy local beers, homemade juices and waterfront sunsets.

Korsakov

Korsakov

Korsakov is a funky neighbourhood bar with recognisably hipster decor and interesting beers. In summer, the bar gets quite full and the crowd stands packed along the sidewalk, with trams passing by close enough to touch. There is a pool table in the smoking room upstairs.

Witzli-Poetzli

Witzli-Poetzli

Witzli-Poetzli, a charismatic bar in the shadow of the Cathedral, is a haven for Antwerp's creative souls. Known for its eclectic drink selection and tasteful music, it offers a unique vibe and authentic decor. It's a place where conversations flow as freely as the drinks. Enjoy the summer terrace or cosy up in winter for a game of chess and a few pints.

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