Cathedral of Our Lady, replete with Rubens artworks
COMPILED BY AMANDA CANNING, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DONNA WHEELER. PHOTOGRAPHS: MARIO GUTI/GETTY IMAGES, ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS/SHUTTERSTOCK
Bakeliet
(facebook.com/BarBakeliet)
On the ungentriied central edge of Borgerhout, in a square facing a lumpsome brick church, this bar is a gem of a neighbourhood local, with old enamel beer signs, a 1964 jukebox, Corsendonk among the brews on tap, and plenty of terrace seating. Plus there’s live music on Friday nights from 9pm.
Bar Leon
(barleon.be)
Backing onto a park and playground, the ever-busy Leon could be the ultimate locals’ local, shape-shifting its way from family afternoon haunt, through early-evening catch-up spot to late-night DJ-led party venue for a younger Borgerhout crew. It’s also an ideal place for those looking for a beer before or after a gig, theatre performance or ilm at nearby De Roma.
Bar Zar
(zarantwerpen.be)