Yellow ball lampshades hang low, mid-century bar stools cradle the oak-carved, baby-blue, topped bar, wildly patterned mosaic tiles line the floor, and panelled walls hug the huge front windows; this is Café Service, the Neo-bistro that took over the beloved, neighbourhood institute that was Stanny. A sharing-plate feast of local, seasonal produce elevates the bistro classics: deviled eggs are served on fin-de-siècle plates, a starter of endive quiche is stuffed with goat cheese and quince compote, and a perfectly grilled brill fillet arrives larger than the dish it's served upon. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere even better. 

This laidback restaurant is perfect for an aperitif on the terrace in the summer, but it's also great for amazing reinterpretation of classic dishes. You'll feel right at home at Walvis thanks to the friendly staff and cosy atmosphere.

Just a little bit outside Antwerp is the stunning open-air swimming pond Zwemvijver Boekenberg. This particular body of water is purified by more than 22.000 aquatic plants, so it is the perfect place to cool down on hot summer days.

DÔME is a true masterpiece through and through. From its phenomenal architecture to its eclectic gastronomy, this restaurant is a big draw for Antwerp visitors from across the globe. The stunning neoclassical building it's housed in finds its perfect foil in the Baroque-influenced interiors.