Leisure
05:30
Het Eilandje, or the Little Island, is a former port lying to the north of Antwerp. As maritime industry has shifted out towards the city limits, gentrification has transformed this once-gritty zone into a dynamic tourist quarter combining architectural attractions, high-profile museums and an armada of bars and restaurants. Antwerp is around an hour’s drive or train ride from Brussels. From Centraal station, ’t Eilandje is 15 minutes away via bus 17 or trams 1 and 24. Another option is hiring a bike via Antwerp Velo.
Headline attractions
The striking Museum aan de Stroom (Mas) became a banner of ’t Eilandje’s regeneration when it opened in 2011. Displays chart Antwerp’s maritime past and place in the world, while the roof terrace (free to visit) has superb views.