Enjoy a day at the Zuid

See and do in and around M HKA

For many people in Antwerp, the Zuid is the most beautiful district in ’t Stad. Quite right, of course: in this trendy neighbourhood, everything comes together. International top museums alongside surprising boutiques and hip restaurants. Contemporary architecture alongside historic art nouveau buildings. So much to see: make your visit to M HKA a full day out in the Zuid!

Three top museums side by side

Not only M HKA (1) defines the district’s artistic character. Nearby you will find the photography museum FOMU (2), with work by major photographers and contemporary artists. A little further on stands the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) (3), reopened in 2022. A must-see for lovers of Peter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Anthony van Dyck and others.

Relax in Zuidpark

Antwerp has its own Central Park too! Zuidpark (4) may be a little smaller than the one in New York, but according to the Sinjoren it is just as pleasant. Walking paths lined with tall colourful plants, tempting playgrounds with benches to relax on, and plenty of open space for lively city events. Also useful: in the large underground car park beneath the square, there is always plenty of parking space.

Spectacular Nieuw Zuid

The spectacular new-build development of Nieuw Zuid (5) underlines the district’s innovative character. The urban extension is still very much under development, but Antwerp’s two best-known galleries have already moved there. Tim Van Laere Gallery represents major names such as Rinus Van de Velde, Dennis Tyfus, Franz West and Kati Heck. At Gallery Sofie Van de Velde you will find art by, among others, Folkert de Jong, Max Pinckers, Charline Tyberghien and Guy Mees.

Hidden art nouveau

Scattered across the district you will find listed buildings with beautiful art nouveau features. Iconic is ’t Bootje (6), just behind KMSKA. A balcony in the shape of an elegant ship that seems to sail straight out of the façade of a listed corner building. The protected Liberaal Volkshuis ‘Help U Zelve’ in Volkstraat (7) is also a unique example of art nouveau.

Photogenic Justitiepaleis

You are probably best not going inside the Justitiepaleis (8). But from the outside, this remarkable 2006 building is well worth seeing. Its design remains controversial to this day. Supporters see the rising wing-shaped roofs as a poetic Vlinderpaleis, while critics grumble about upside-down chip cones. Whatever you make of it, the play of light on the roofs always makes for beautiful photographs.

Shopping in old and new boutiques

The Zuid is also a wonderful district for shopping. Along Zuidpark, through Volkstraat and in Nationalestraat (9), you will find all kinds of shops for interiors, fashion and design. The parallel Kloosterstraat (10) is known for its many antique dealers. But you will also come across other treasures there: from lamps and rugs to even the kitschiest Christmas decorations.

Hip restaurants and trendy cafés

The Zuid may be best known of all for its lively food and drink scene. Hip restaurants and trendy cafés of every kind, quality bakers, coffee bars and pleasant spots for a sweet indulgence: you will find them all here. Looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner? In the Zuid, you are unlikely to go hungry.

Renewed Scheldekaaien

Time to escape the bustle for a moment? Then a walk along the renewed Scheldekaaien (11) comes highly recommended. The raised quays offer lovely views over the broad river, especially in the evening. It is wonderful to linger by the water at sunset. It is also a magical place to quietly round off your day in the Zuid after your visit to M HKA.

Avant-gardewandeling

Would you like to discover the Zuid with a passionate guide? Then sign up for our Avant-gardewandeling. During this walk, you will discover the past, present and future of M HKA and the lively neighbourhood it inhabits. The redevelopment of Zuidpark and the quays, the reopening of KMSKA and, soon, a new M HKA on the site of the current Hof van Beroep: the Zuid is a district in motion. That is true now, but it was true in the past as well.