When we were invited by Zalig in Antwerpen to spend a night in one of their luxury holiday homes, our whole team was jumping for joy. Zalig in Antwerpen offers, as the name suggests, two beautiful flats in the centre of Antwerp where you can stay with a large group. The first house is on Leeuwenstraat and can accommodate ten people. We get to stay in the house on Lange Ridderstraat, which can accommodate a whopping 14 people. Packed and packed, we board the train from Breda to enjoy a city trip in Antwerp with the whole team. Will you travel with us?
A walk through the city - We start from the station
In 34 minutes, we travel from Breda to Antwerp. We continue our city trip on foot. From the station, it's about a 22-minute walk to the boutique holiday home on Lange Ridderstraat. During our walk, we already see several places that are also on our list to visit the next day. So we can already take a peek. Antwerp really is a beautiful, historic city. On every street corner you'll find a special bakery, sustainable coffee bar or inspiring concept store. We can't wait to go on an adventure.
Lange Ridderstraat 77 - The perfect base for a city break in the Netherlands
The boutique holiday homes of Zalig in Antwerp are accommodations for larger groups, for ten to fourteen people. But these houses are totally different from the group accommodation you often see. The houses are stylishly decorated and equipped with all the luxuries you like to see during a family or friends weekend. Mortex floors, Moroccan tiles, authentic staircases and oak ceilings: the interior is straight out of a design magazine.
When we step into our accommodation on Lange Ridderstraat, we are truly surprised. The house has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a cosy living room, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area that reminds me of a cosy coffee shop. The living room has a stove that is perfect for cosy evenings by the fire. The next morning, we pick up a fresh breakfast from Bakery Funk. We set the table with the beautiful crockery and make a few strong cups of coffee. Then we enjoy chocolate rolls, croissants and crispy sourdough bread in our own coffee bar, in our own coffee bar - just in the living room of Zalig in Antwerp.
Tips for a city break in Antwerp - Characterful bookshops, green plant shops and tasteful bakeries
After a good night's sleep in the comfortable beds of Zalig in Antwerpen, we are eager to discover the city. At Honeyguide, we love hidden gems - and Antwerp is full of them! To discover as many spots as possible, we split up our team. These are our favourites:
1. Luddites Books & Wine
Luddites in the heart of Antwerp is the place for those looking for peace and quiet away from the digital world. Discover large collections of English and Dutch books, a hidden wine bar and events such as literary salons and cocktail evenings. This really is one of my personal favourites in Antwerp, wonderful!
2. Den Botaniek
Den Botaniek is an oasis of peace and green, with 2000 plant species, historical herb beds and winding footpaths. Here you forget the city around you. Take a moment for yourself: plop down in the grass with your favourite book or admire the beautiful greenhouse full of hundreds of cacti.
3. Restaurant Barchel
Located in a charming mansion near the city park in Antwerp, Barchel combines a hip atmosphere with art, a stylish herringbone floor and a cosy courtyard garden. A real team favourite: the Turkish Eggs with tortilla, tomato-paprika spread, yoghurt dressing, goat cheese, spinach and perfectly fried mirror eggs.
4. Bakery FUNK
At Funk , everything revolves around plant-based enjoyment: from freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries to special coffee and natural wine. The menu changes weekly with eight types of pastries, fresh from the oven every morning. Just a ten-minute walk from Zalig in Antwerp, this is the perfect destination for a morning stroll with a delicious breakfast treat.
5. Cosimo coffee bar and bookshop
Cosimo is the place in Antwerp where coffee and literature come together. In this historical building with original tiles, you will enjoy peace and inspiration. Order your favourite coffee, browse through the books, and before you know it, hours have passed. Cosimo is not only a meeting place, but also a literary publishing house. We get a creamy cappuccino to go here.
6. Jacqueline Plantbar
At Plantbar Jacqueline, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and homemade cake in the midst of greenery. This 100% plant-based coffee shop and plant shop has an abundance of indoor and outdoor plants to brighten up your home. Named after bomma Jacqueline, the Hubrechts sisters' love and passion shine through in everything. Our tip? Try the home-baked carrot cake - highly recommended!
7. Tinsel
Settle down at Tinsel Antwerp for a breakfast or lunch full of seasonal flavours. Enjoy brioche with homemade strawberry- elderflower jam or airy pancakes with banana, blueberries and a hint of almond. Each dish, made with Belgian ingredients and a creative twist, feels like a little party on your plate. So delicious you'll want to come back!
8. Vintagestore Think Twice
Antwerp has many great vintage shops. Dive into the world of sustainable fashion at Think Twice. Perfect for those looking for original pieces with a story.
9. Have a Roll
The owner of Have a Roll discovered his passion for baking as a teenager, but it was during the pandemic that he developed the perfect recipe for vegan cinnamon rolls. Since then, Have A Roll has been serving 100% vegan and handmade Rolls daily in 9 flavours. We choose the Apple Roll with vanilla glaze and caramelised cinnamon apple pieces. Sweet but super delicious!
After an enjoyable city trip, we board the train back to Breda, tired but satisfied. We look back with great pleasure on our wonderful stay at Zalig in Antwerp and all the hidden gems we discovered. Are you also inspired for a city trip to Antwerp? Then be sure to share all your adventures with us by using @honeyguide.nl/en or #heyhoneyguide on Instagram. Have fun!
Love,
This travel inspiration is made possible by our partner Zalig in Antwerpen.
Discovering across the border - Unique experiences and hidden gems
-
6x hip restaurants in Antwerp
Antwerp is known for its vibrant culinary restaurants. From local specialities to international flavours. Discover 6 trendy restaurants in Antwerp.
-
4x nature reserves in Germany
Germany has so many beautiful places. With more than 100 natural parks, 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 12,000 lakes, the country is a true paradise for nature lovers.
-
24 hours in Antwerp
Honeyguide Krisja shares her favourite activities and sights for what to do during 24 hours in Antwerp. Read her tips in the blog.
