Discover why Borgerhout – an underrated district of Antwerp – is stealing the spotlight and recently won an award from Time Out magazine.
If you want to visit Antwerp but fancy a change from the tourist-packed cobblestones of the city’s historic center, then this post is for you. Let me introduce a vibrant district of Antwerp where creativity flows as freely as the coffee, and authenticity isn’t manufactured, it’s lived.
Meet Borgerhout, or “BoHo” as locals affectionately call it. In 2025, Time Out magazine crowned this unpretentious neighborhood the second-coolest in the world, beaten only by Tokyo’s Jimbocho. But here’s the thing: Borgerhout isn’t trying to be cool. And that’s exactly what makes it extraordinary.
So I thought I would discover why Borgerhout is so special. I found a place where Moroccan pastry shops share sidewalks with cutting-edge art galleries, where a 1920s Art Deco theater hosts world-class concerts, and where 140 nationalities don’t just coexist – they collaborate, celebrate, and create together. Divided by a ring road but united by bike lanes and boundless creative energy, Borgerhout pulses with spirit and dynamism. So let me introduce you to Borgerhout …
The Soul of Borgerhout: Its People
What transforms a neighborhood from overlooked to outstanding? In Borgerhout’s case, it’s the fierce pride of its residents – the Borgerhoutenaren who’ve turned their compact district into a testament to the power of community.
Yes, Borgerhout has faced challenges. It was once dismissively nicknamed “Borgerokko” due to its large Arabic-speaking immigrant population. Crime and antisocial behavior made headlines. But those stories never captured the full picture – the grocers who know your name, the artists opening their studios to neighbors, the parklets created by residents who wanted green spaces for everyone.
Today, that multiculturalism isn’t just accepted; it’s the neighborhood’s greatest strength. Walk these streets and you’ll encounter cultures from Mali to Peru, Pakistan to Canada, all woven into the urban fabric. There’s no corporate rebranding here, no expensive consultants dictating authenticity. The transformation is organic, genuine, and driven by people who chose to invest in their community rather than abandon it.
As one resident puts it: “There’s a sense of community here you won’t find in the city center. Everyone knows each other. Many like-minded people live here and you can simply be yourself.” That’s the Borgerhout difference.
What Makes Borgerhout Unmissable
Creative Energy and DIY Culture
Borgerhout’s artistic scene doesn’t follow trends – it sets them. Community-run art spaces, independent galleries, and collaborative studios dot the landscape, creating an ecosystem where emerging artists can thrive without astronomical rents forcing them out. This isn’t gentrification; it’s genuine cultural cultivation. The district’s creative residents have mastered the art of reuse, transforming forgotten spaces into vibrant cultural hubs that serve the entire community, not just those who can afford €15 cocktails.
A Food Scene That Tells Stories
Forget foodie pretension. Borgerhout’s culinary landscape is about heritage, passion, and flavors that transport you across continents. Turkish bakeries preserve centuries-old recipes. Moroccan fishmongers offer catches that rival any fancy seafood restaurant. Vegan cafés experiment with plant-based creativity. And yes, one frituur boldly claims to make Antwerp’s best fries – a statement not made lightly in Belgium.
History Meets Innovation
Despite its modern edge, Borgerhout honors its past. The annual Giants’ Parade has marched through these streets since 1712, a living tradition that connects today’s diverse residents with centuries of history. The beautifully restored De Roma theatre – originally Kinema Roma – stands as an Art Deco masterpiece where you can catch world-class performances in an intimate setting that mega-venues can’t replicate.
Your Borgerhout Essential Guide
Cafés & Bars Worth the Trip
- Café Josee – Nestled in the green oasis of Te Boelaerpark, this neighborhood favorite offers the perfect spot to watch local life unfold over expertly pulled espresso
- Café Mombasa – This beer and bicycle café on Moorkensplein has become a pilgrimage site for cycling enthusiasts and craft beer lovers from across Belgium and beyond
- Bar Leon – Boasting one of Borgerhout’s sunniest terraces adjacent to an excellent playground, Leon combines relaxed vibes with an impressive wine and beer selection and regular community events
- Glou Glou – A charming corner wine bar where knowledgeable, friendly staff guide you through a great selection of bio-wines in an atmosphere that encourages lingering
Food Stops You Can’t Miss
- Bakkerij Boulot – Pioneering innovative sourdough techniques that are redefining what bread can be—arrive early before the best loaves disappear
- Bakkerij Roma – Experience authentic Moroccan pastries crafted with traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations
- Falafel King – Forget everything you think you know about kebab shops; this inviting spot serves falafel so exceptional that locals insist it’s Antwerp’s finest
- Frituur Tina – Making bold claims about serving Belgium’s best fries – and locals who’ve sampled frites across the country say they might be right
- Royale Fish – This Moroccan fishmonger showcases an extraordinary daily selection of ultra-fresh seafood that puts many restaurants to shame
- Briquet – The newest darling of Borgerhout’s dining scene, featuring a creative veggie menu, extensive wine list, and sprawling terrace perfect for long summer evenings
- Borgo Gelato – Artisanal gelato made with premium ingredients—an essential stop during Borgerhout’s warm months
- Coup de Chocolat – Award-winning chocolate shop that’s earned international recognition for their bean-to-bar creations at the World Chocolate Awards
Arts & Culture Destinations
- De Roma – This stunning Art Deco cultural center and concert venue delivers world-class live music in an intimate, acoustically magnificent space that retains all its 1920s glamour
- BorGerHub – Experience a vibrant market atmosphere showcasing international crafts, clothing, jewelry, and fair-trade goods from artisans representing Borgerhout’s global community
- Base-Alpha Gallery – Dedicated to promoting and supporting emerging Belgian artists, this gallery offers a window into the country’s next generation of creative talent
- DMW Gallery – A contemporary art space and project space emphasizing artistic dialogue and collaboration, featuring rotating solo, duo, and group exhibitions from rising national and international artists
Where to Stay in Borgerhout
- Puur B&B, Van de Poelstraat 20, Borgerhout: “Everything was perfect: cozy, quiet, clean. We especially appreciated the friendliness of the hosts!”
- Borgerhouse B&B, 13 Moorkensplein, Borgerhout: “I can’t recommend this B&B highly enough. I enjoyed a lovely two-night stay here whilst in Antwerp for a concert.”
- Your Antwerp Adventure Sleeps 4 (appartment), Kroonstraat 180, Borgerhout: “It’s clean, has almost everything you need to spend a few nights there, comfortable beds, enough towels, easy check-in”
- Studio Viktory, Kroonstraat 140, Borgerhout: “Excellent apartment! It has everything you need! Everything is selected with understanding and taste! Very convenient and pleasant!”
- Cosy apartement in Antwerp’s hipster neighbourhood, 40 Moorkensplein, Borgerhout: “Very friendly hosts, warm and clean appartement. Good place to stay if you want to explore Antwerpen.”
(As an affiliate partner, I may earn a small fee if you make a booking after clicking one of these links. This helps me keep Discovering Belgium running.)
Why Borgerhout Matters Now
I do believe that Time Out got it right: Borgerhout deserves recognition. But more importantly, it deserves visitors who come with open minds and hearts, ready to experience a side of Antwerp – and urban life itself – that feels increasingly precious.
So next time you’re in Antwerp, skip the crowds around the cathedral. Hop on a bike, head northeast, and discover why locals have been quietly celebrating Borgerhout for years. You won’t find perfection here. You’ll find something better: genuine community, fearless creativity, and the intoxicating energy of a neighborhood that’s writing its own story.
Welcome to BoHo.
Photos © Borgerhout Stad.
I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.