Insider: Jan and Patrick Olyslager from Howlin'
Howlin' is one of our favourite Basement knitwear brands. We ask founders, brothers and proud Belgians, Jan and Patrick Olyslager, to show us round their beautiful, and supremely cool, home city of Antwerp.
It's best to come by train, as you arrive in our wonderful Centraal Station, a must see. This train station is located in the heart of Antwerp so it’s easy to start your trip by foot.
Head to the fashion district and enjoy shopping at Dries Van Noten's flagship, not far from our Morrison shop. Next, walk across to the best vinyl shop, Wally's Groove World, for a browse of their new and second-hand items.
Head to the fashion district and enjoy shopping at Dries Van Noten's flagship, not far from our Morrison shop. Next, walk across to the best vinyl shop, Wally's Groove World, for a browse of their new and second-hand items.
Visit the bakery Goossens — a tiny fourth generation bakery — to refuel. The chocolate bread is the best. Then there is a very nice curiosity shop to explore called Aboli Bibelot.
Close to the Cathedral there's a small street called De Vlaaikensgang (pictured below) which we recommend to walk through.
Have lunch at Native, dinner at Veranda, Le John or a classic falafel at Beni Falafel in the Jewish quarter.
Have lunch at Native, dinner at Veranda, Le John or a classic falafel at Beni Falafel in the Jewish quarter.
A beautiful view of the Antwerp city skyline from Linkeroever.
Begin your Sunday with a walk through De Voetgangerstunnel to the other side of the river to enjoy the fantastic view of Antwerp.
© De Standaard
To access the tunnel (also known as the Sint-Anna Tunnel) you can choose the authentic wooden escalators or the elevator on both sides of the tunnel.
To access the tunnel (also known as the Sint-Anna Tunnel) you can choose the authentic wooden escalators or the elevator on both sides of the tunnel.
© Dave Van Laere/Visit Antwerp
© Dave Van Laere/Visit Antwerp
To round off your day, if you want to discover some stunning Art Deco houses you can go to Cogels-Osylei, a great neighbourhood on the southeast edge of the city before heading back to the touristic centre.
