The Top Things To Do And See At Antwerp's Het Eilandje

Antwerp’s former harbor area Het Eilandje breathes water and exudes charm. Since wholeheartedly embracing its maritime history through projects such as the MAS and the Red Star Line Museum, a gust of rejuvenation has blown through the neighborhood. Coffee bars, artist ateliers, and stunning architectural projects have popped up left and right, making the area a must-visit when in Antwerp.

1. Visit the MAS, the museum that launched a thousand coffee bars

No matter what other gorgeous architectural constructions may strike down in this part of town – number six on this list is another fine example – the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) will always remain the sandstone-colored giant that kickstarted Het Eilandje’s whirlwind transformation. Even before this museum, dedicated to the city’s rich port history, swung open its doors in 2011, its bold Lego-look and reflection on the dock waters surrounding it had caused all sorts of other projects to materialize. While its permanent exhibition is certainly worth a visit, it’s the horizontal boulevard, accessible for free and providing panoramic views of the city below through rippling glass, that has truly made it a public space to be cherished.
MAS, Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium, +32 3 338 44 00

MAS | © Sarah Blee, Neutelings Riedijk Architecten / Courtesy of Visit Antwerp

2. Don't overlook the Museum Dock

Museum

In all of your MAS excitement, don’t forget to make a stop at the “Museum Dock” right behind it, on the side of the Scheldt. The ships bobbing around in the adjacent Bonaparte Dock haven’t just been placed there for nautical aesthetics: they’re actually an open-air museum. These boats are maritime history in the flesh, from the red-and-white West-Hinder III lightship to a valuable collection of ancient barges.
Museum Dock, Bonaparte Dock, Antwerp, Belgium

West-Hinder III lightship | © Alf van Beem

3. Grab a coffee at Broer Bretel

Bar, Coffee

When in need of a caffeine boost or a break from museum hopping, head over to the espresso bar Broer Bretel. One of the first to recognize the neighborhood’s potential six years ago, this beloved Eilandje institution boasts a 70s interior, complete with floral fauteuils. Owner Toon Craen serves a consistently qualitative cup of joe and is never afraid to try out something new, whether that be a new type of bean or a stint of “pay for the time you spend instead of the cups you drink” policy. Any coffee-guzzling local knows that obtaining a spot on Broer Bretel’s wooden-benched terrace on a sunny day equals dockside bliss.

5. Satisfy your foodie needs at Felix Pakhuis

Het Eilandje is bursting with old converted warehouses, and king among many is Felix Pakhuis. Founders Tom Le Clef and Ivo De Beer have turned the imposing industrial space that used to store tobacco, grain, and the all-important Antwerp coffee into a foodie mecca. Multiple restaurants, food festivals, and a sunny terrace with a view of the MAS call Felix home.
Felix Pakhuis, Godefriduskaai 30, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium, +32 3 203 03 30

Dining at Felix Pakhuis | Courtesy of Felix Pakhuis

6. Tour the glittering Port House

Building

Looking out from the MAS over the Willem Dock, another spectacular building catches the eye. Every morning, over 500 Port Authority employees filter into this 1920s fire station with a glittering ship on top. When Zaha Hadid was presented with the challenge of having to incorporate the old protected building into her design, the British-Iranian architect chose to add a striking glass expansion, nautical in its shape and like Antwerp diamonds, multifaceted in its façade. When the renowned Hadid unexpectedly passed away shortly after the completion of the Port House, the square it sits on was named in her honor. Guided tours are possible on Wednesdays and weekends after reservation.
Port House, Zaha Hadidplein 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium, +32 3 205 20 11

Antwerp’s ‘Havenhuis’, or Port Authority Headquarters | Pixabay

7. Barbecue with a view of the river Scheldt

Het Eilandje is one of the places where Antwerp’s aquatic pulse beats loud and proud. Spend an evening watching the sun set over the Scheldt, the city’s ultimate lifeline, while grilling up some burgers on the communal barbecue at the Kattendijksluis.
Kattendijksluis, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

8. Feel tiny next to the neighborhood's giant cranes

Pieces of maritime history are scattered all over the former docklands, including the world’s biggest collection of historic port cranes. Tall and sturdy, 12 of them hold watch over the city from the Scheldt banks. The dozen old giants have become a defining element of the skyline as they stand pointed towards the new port in another part of town.
Old Port Cranes, Rijnkaai 31, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

Het Eilandje’s historic port cranes | © Dave Van Laere / Courtesy of Visit Antwerp

9. Cruise around the neighborhood while gobbling up pancakes

Bridge

Undoubtedly one of the best ways to feast your eyes on historic Antwerp is by ship. One providing a particularly unique experience is Jan Plezier’s Pancake Boat, which sets sail from the London Bridge in between the MAS and the Red Star Line. During the one-hour tour, the young and old can feast on an unlimited supply of freshly made pancakes while gazing at Het Eilandje and other parts of the city’s port. Pancake Boat season runs from March until October, every first and third Sunday of the month.
Reservations at info@janplezier.be
Londenbrug, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

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