Sincere Traveler

Why you have to visit one or more summer pop up bars in Antwerp this summer? It is the best way to explore the city and blend in with the urban locals and feel the arty vibe of Antwerp.

Antwerp is busy and vibrant in the summertime. Temperatures rise and residents look for a place to relax and escape the heat of the city. The best way to enjoy the summer vibes with friends and family is to visit one of the pop-up summer bars.

Antwerp is a harbour city near the river the Scheldt. The Scheldt runs from the sea in Zeeland (the province where we live) through the city. It is mainly used for export so no possibility for swimming. We definitely would not recommend it because the current is pretty strong and containerships pass by regularly. The Docks are perfect spot to wind down and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

• 

Since Antwerpen isn’t near the sea, there are all sorts of creative solutions created by the locals to get some refreshment and escape the heat of the city. For us, it is only a 40 min drive from Middelburg. A perfect city to do some shopping, eat some food and drive back. A few times a year we will book one of our favourite Air-BNB rooms and go out for a bit of dancing in one of the venues and some exploring in the city.

Every year Antwerp turns into a summer pop-up city with lots of activities and pop-up summer bars. The bars are mostly made of reused materials and decorated with creative elements. You will feel the creative vibe all around the city. Check out a few of the bars where the real summer enjoyment awaits for you.

The best summer bars of Antwerp

Bar Paniek

This bar at the ‘Kattendijkdok’ is one of the most inspiring pop-up bars in Antwerp as it is created by artist. An place for artistic cross-pollination as they like to call it themselves. A great place for some coffee or a beer in the afternoon. They also serve excellent vegetarian dishes (note you can only pay with cash). Check out the facebook for more information here.

• 

• 

Le Jardim

This Bohemian pop-up garden near the Scheldt is an awesome place to listen to music and chill with your friends. The bar has lots of pre-parties with DJ’s and music. The place to be to enjoy the sunset and get your party started. (note: you can get some small bite at the bar to accompany your drinks). Check out the website for more information here.

• 

Black smoke Rooftop bar

This restaurant with a view over the city from the ‘Konincks’ brewery is the best place for some slow cooked or grilled meat. Be sure to check out their facebook before visiting this place because the rooftop is only open when the weather is good enough to eat outside. But don’t worry the restaurant on the third floor is a perfect alternative. Every Saturday the best local DJ’s will show their skills at the funky bar on the first floor. Check out the website for more information here.

Lazy Jacks

This upscale bar and restaurant is an excellent place for an afternoon drink or Gin tonic in the evening. The restaurant serves both brunch and dinner. You have to make your reservation up front as the food is presented in a buffet. Luxury in a stylish design. Check out the website for more information here.

• 

Bocadero

Saint Tropez near the Scheldt, who doesn’t want to sit back and relax? This hip beach bar at the dock of the Scheldt gives you an excellent view over the river. It has several restaurants from chic to urban and even take away is a possibility. At night the beach bar transforms into a beach club lounge. Enjoy the sunset with some tasty drinks and feel the luxury of Saint Tropez in Antwerp. Check out the website for more information here.

Summerbar Antwerp

The summer bar is a wonderful place to experience summer with the entire family. For the kids, there is a creative playground. For the adult’s, some delicious cocktails which you can enjoy in one of the hammocks. In the evening the Circus comes alive and gives you the best international entertainment. A perfect spot to wind down and feel the summer vibes. Check out the website for more information here.

Sommar

SOMMAR is an industrial inspired food- en cocktail bar with a laid-back look & feel at one of the docks at the Scheldt. This urban bar serves freshly grilled food and refreshing cocktails combined with chill and funky music. They regularly host awesome parties and date nights to meet new and exciting people. The best way the get in touch with the locals. Even when the weather is that sunny as you would expect at a summer day. Check out their Facebook for more information here.

• 

• 

We hope we have inpired you to explore the city and feel the summer vibes or Antwerp.

Like this post? Share it on your socials.

Lots of love Angelique and Carlo