You can feel the sun on your face, hear the birds singing and smell freshly mown grass. Ideal conditions to eat outdoors. Even in a city like Antwerp, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy a tasty bite in the open air. Here is a list of some inviting picnic spots throughout the city.

On a bench in the prairie garden

Theaterplein is the city’s entertainment hub. You have probably visited the Bird Market or the Exotic Market there. Or a fun show. But have you ever had a good look around? There is a green, cosy prairie garden. You can take a breather on a bench among the flowers.

Groen Kwartier and hip PAKT

This large, low-traffic residential area in Berchem is the ideal place to catch up on your reading. Make yourself comfortable on one of the many benches. Or perhaps you prefer reading in the shade of an old tree? Pick your favourite and go ahead. If you are a bit thirsty or have worked up an appetite, check out the many authentic shops in PAKT.

A man and a woman cycle past buildings set up as coffee bars and rooftop farms.

Picnicking at the MAS

This is picnicking taken to a higher level, literally. Not just on the grass, but on the roof terrace of the Museum aan de Stroom. The beautiful view comes for free. Forgot your picnic blanket? Borrow one for free at the counter!

Picnicking together near the waterfront

The renovated quays of the Scheldt are the perfect place to picnic with a group of friends. There is plenty of room and the view is phenomenal. It’s the ideal spot for the perfect picnic selfie. The Eilandje (The Little Island) also offers the ideal location by the water: the Scheldebocht. Wine glasses, home-made bread and some juicy strawberries - what more do you need? Before you know it, night begins to fall. The beautiful sunset is your well-deserved dessert.

Couple sitting next to a bike with a cooler at a picnic on the banks of the Escaut River

Parents sit on the grass with their children under a parasol and have a picnic.

Artistic lunch in a green oasis

Pick your favourite work of art, find a bench and settle down in Middelheim Park. Planning to stay longer? Go crazy and take a tasty packed lunch with you. Fancy another mouthwatering meal? Be sure to stop by Murni to pick up a healthy lunch. A little further on, you will also find Park Den Brandt, romance personified. Fancy an apple or some cherries? There’s a pick-your-own garden where you can pick all kinds of fruit and herbs. You’ll find your lunch just hanging from a tree!

Dinner in a unique setting

The Botanical Garden, or the Plant Garden, is a unique green space in Antwerp. Stroll between the extraordinary trees and bushes and enjoy the sunshine. Choose your favourite peculiar plant and devour your (perhaps equally peculiar) lunch. Be sure to pass by the handsome greenhouse to see the large collection of cacti. Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration for your own living room?

Woman eating sandwich in the Botanical Garden

A hidden oasis

The Beguinage is hidden next to the university, in the city centre. A beautiful courtyard garden and orchard lie between the cute little houses and St Catherine's Church. First, take a walk along the charming cobbled streets. Hungry? Choose a spot among the glorious spring blossoms and feast on your treats.

Apero package from botellón

Would you rather have your own picnic basket put together? Pick up a bottle bag and go for the total botellón wine bar experience at Het Zuid. A handy jute tote bag, fine wine and tasty bites make the perfect apero package. Enjoy your own "botellón," a Spanish phenomenon where friends gather in a park to drink, with the apero playlist and a list of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset. Conviviality trumps all!