Entertainment in Antwerp

Antwerp is as lively during the night as it is throughout the day with a selection of venues right across the city that ensure entertainment of every kind, to suit every taste. There is a live music scene offering a range of styles from current favourites to jazz and blues, even salsa is a popular option. There are cinemas, comedy stores and cafes galore.

With a large student population, this young and buzzing city offers bars and clubs that are open round the clock, so if you want to stay awake all night head for the docklands where a number of hip new venues are sure to delight.

For a more cultured break there are theatres and opera houses that conduct quality performances through the whole calendar year. Many are overwhelmingly dance or musical productions so language is rarely an issue.

Try the sidebars and avenues to find pubs that offer a great selection of drinks including local specialities, such as the Flemish Gins and a local called Elixir d’Anvers which is made to a secret recipe. Or settle onto one of the many pavement terraces to enjoyo the infamous Belgium beers. It would be impossible to sample them all but you can have fun trying.

For more information, during your trip, head to the tourist office a pick up a copy of the monthly ‘Antwerpen’, which will let you know what is going on.

Recommended evening entertainment in Antwerp

De vlaamse opera
Van Ertbornstraat 8
If you like opera or classical music you might want to see what the performance is during your short break to Antwerp. You are sure to enjoy great quality entertainment often with internationally renowned performers.

Den Engel
3 Grote Markt
This bar offers the best views over the Grote Markt in a quirky fashion as you order your drinks through an open window as you look out over the Brabo Fountain in the centre of the square.

Bar Tabac
43 Waalsekaai
One of the trendiest bars in Het Zuid attracting a young enthusiastic crowd as it knocks out tunes ranging from soul and funk to acid and techno. Very bland décor doe not deter people from the enjoyment here.

Augustine Music Centre
81 Kammenstraat
Here you will find a newly created music hall that stands on the converted premised of the Saint Augustine church. With a guarantee of local, national and international talent this venue is sure to be a treat.

Pelgrom
15 Pelgrimsstraat
Be served by waiters dressed in national costume, in a setting of interconnecting cellars from the 15th century and you have found one of the most historic pubs in Antwerp. The speciality of the house if the ‘Pelgrom Grand Cru’, served in a 50cl stone flask, which you get to keep.

Café d’Anvers
15 Verversrui
Set in the heart of the red light district, in a building that was once a cinema, Café d’Ancers is one of the most popular clubs on the scene. Since 1989 this venue has been attracting top international DJ’s to perform.

De Ware Jacob
9 Vlasmarkt
Named after a film that starred Arthur Roberts and Felix Bresserts, this is one of the city’s oldest establishments and to this day sets the mood of old film era atmosphere as it is adorned with old beer and cigar adverts and an intriguing collection of pale ale and stout trays.

The Black Pearl
Braziliestraat 12
This club really does create the perfect ambience for an elegant night out. The cocktail menu is full of bubbles and spirits from all over the world and the dark seductive interior creates the ideal mood for an enjoyable night near the harbour.

Sinksenfoor Fair
Open into the evening, this is one of Belgiums largest funfairs with a great selection of arcade games, bumber cars and the obvious adrenalin rush rides.

Cocktails at Nine
Lijnwaadmarkt 9
Right in the centre of Antwerp, in a building more than 200 years old, you will find this small stylish cocktail bar. Choose from the extensive menu and than watch as your fresh ingredients are blended together to form some fantastic creations.