Water play area at Spoor Noord Park with shallow water, fountains and the park at sunset.

Discovering Het Noord: culture, street food and Park Spoor Noord

Discovering Het Noord: culture, street food and Park Spoor Noord

Het Noord is a lively neighbourhood close to the centre of Antwerp where cultures, tastes and creative energy come together. There, away from the classic tourist routes, you will discover a neighbourhood that's full of surprises: from Park Spoor Noord and colourful stores to concert halls, street art and authentic cafes. Those who like to experience real city life will always find something new to discover in Het Noord.

A melting pot of cultures

Located just north of the historic centre, Het Noord is known for its diverse and lively atmosphere. On De Coninckplein, you can see youngsters playing basketball while families with children enjoy the neighbourhood playgrounds. On the streets, you can hear different languages and see influences from all over the world.

In the past, the neighbourhood was sometimes described as challenging, but today, it has become an authentic and popular neighbourhood where you can easily walk or cycle from one discovery to another.

A culinary journey around the world

Antwerp is home to more than 173 nationalities, and you can taste that in Het Noord. Around Handelstraat and the surrounding streets, you'll find a colourful mix of shops and places to eat.

From African spices and Asian vegetables to Middle Eastern specialities, here you'll take a culinary trip around the world without leaving the neighbourhood. Fancy a Turkish pizza, a tagine or some fresh seafood? In Het Noord, the choice is enormous.

Park Spoor Noord: the green heart of the neighbourhood

Park Spoor Noord is the green heart of Het Noord. The former railway site was transformed into a large urban park where residents and visitors gather.

On sunny days, its lawns are filled with picnickers, athletes and families. Children play in the water features and fountains, while others come to play sports or just enjoy the sun.

In summer, Bar Noord is the place to go for drinks on the terrace, with a view of the park and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Street art and skate park

Park Spoor Noord is also a meeting place for creative youth and skaters. Around the park, you'll find several spots with street art and colourful murals that give the neighbourhood its unique character.

Every day, Park Spoor Noord's skate park attracts skaters, and BMX and scooter riders practising their tricks. It creates an energetic atmosphere and makes the park one of the liveliest places in Het Noord.

Parkbrug: an iconic connection to the Eilandje

Parkbrug is one of the most photographed spots in Antwerp. This modern cycle and pedestrian bridge connects Park Spoor Noord to the trendy Eilandje.

Those who cross the bridge can enjoy a nice view of the city and the port. Especially at sunrise or sunset, the play of light and shadow creates impressive images.

Authentic cafes and local atmosphere

The working-class character of Het Noord can also be sampled in its cafes. At Beerlovers Bar, you'll find an impressive selection of beers, with a changing list of beers on draught and hundreds of bottled beers, including non-alcoholic options.

Café Kiebooms, on the other hand, has the interior of a 1950s jazz club. Café Zigzag and Café Commercial are also popular places where you can enjoy a drink or a meal in a typical Antwerp atmosphere.

Music and concert halls

For music lovers, Het Noord is an interesting neighbourhood. Some of the city's most important concert halls are located there.

International stars perform at the Afas Dome and the Lotto Arena. For alternative music, Trix is a well-known concert hall, while De Roma impresses with its beautiful 1930s interior and varied programming.

De Roma

Places to enjoy creative art

In addition to music, you will also find some surprising art venues in Het Noord. For example, DIVE organises immersive art experiences with 360° projections, interactive installations and virtual reality.

Also pay a visit to the Panamarenko House, where the eccentric Antwerp artist lived for many years. You can go on a guided tour of the house – with a striking helipad on the roof.

For contemporary art, visit A-SPACE, while De Winkelhaak regularly puts on exhibitions by young artists and designers.