Carolien Krijnen, a passionate Antwerp tour guide, joins Scott to share her love for Antwerp, the city she calls home, and offer a local’s take on experiencing the sights, food and drink of this stylish Belgian city.
On the show, Carolien talks about Antwerp’s famous sights, like the gorgeous rail station and cathedral, in addition to some of the city’s lesser-known spots and stories. Scott also shares some observations from his recent visit, while Carolien offers her local perspective. They also get into Antwerp’s fashion scene, its status as one of the world’s diamond capitals and, of course, the chocolate shops, restaurants and beer cafés that make the city such a fun place to visit. You’ll also find out why one of Antwerp’s nicknames is “The Cookie City.”
The conversation includes plenty of specific recommendations for where to eat, grab a Belgian beer, or sip a glass of wine, as well as Carolien’s thoughts on why Antwerp might just be one of the best cities in Europe. Plus much more.
Links to places and topics discussed on the show:
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Carolien Krijnen’s website – book a tour of Antwerp with a truly passionate local! Whatever your interest is, she’s got a tour for you. Seriously.
Antwerp Centraal Station – a true cathedral to railway travel (look for the parrot statue and the tourist information office to get yourself a paper map!)
Le Royal Cafe – great spot to grab a drink before or after your train at Antwerp Centraal
Antwerp Zoo – a great place to chill and get your bearings in Antwerp, and also free concerts during the summer.
Chocolate Nation – the world’s largest chocolate museum
Cathedral of Our Lady – Antwerp cathedral, a must-visit. There’s even a bar inside called De Plek!
Printing Museum – one of Carolien’s favorite hidden gems; a family lived here for 300 years, working in the printing world
Vlaeykensgang – atmospheric little alleyway in the heart of Antwerp. Don’t miss it!
Philip’s Biscuits – awesome little buttery cookies, famous in Antwerp. Perfect train snacks!
Red Star Line Museum – tells the story of migration and the Antwerp shipping line’s role in immigration to North America
Antwerp Six – the leading designers from Antwerp who broke through in 1986
Labels, Inc – great spot to buy some vintage shops
Frituur No. 1 – One of Carolien’s favorite frites spots
Fritkot Max – another fave, and they get points because they’re still serving them in cones!
Frites Atelier – insta-famous, offering a ‘premium frites experience’, but they were still great
The Chocolate Line – “the most beautiful chocolate shop in the whole world” – Carolien
G. Bastin Chocolates – another great spot for chocolate in Antwerp
Fish A’Gogo – great spot for seafood and razor clams
The Vreemdeelingenmarkt – great Saturday market full of food from around the world
Cafe Den Engel – great beer cafe on the famous grand square where time seems to stand still
De Muze – jazz cafe in the heart of Antwerp
Het Souke – small cafe with a large list of Antwerp beers
Winebar Niroen – nice wine bar
Pinot Wine Bar – a favorite of Carolien’s, set on the atmospheric Thursday Market square
Bolleke – by most accounts, the most popular beer in Antwerp
Seef – another Antwerp brewery whose beer you should look for
Museum of Fine Arts – great museum that stays open late on Thursday nights
Sint-Annatunnel – passage under the river in Antwerp, complete with retro wooden escalators
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Theme music by Stu Wilson.