When you are wandering through Antwerp you’ll notice that there is wide variety of architecture and styles. You can find old and authentic houses next to the most modern structure imaginable. But… there is one neighbourhood and especially one street where almost all old houses are in their original form or restored in the original form.

On a beautiful day it is interesting to walk from the train station in Berchem (outer city) towards the Draakplaats, a square with several restuarants and café’s. The development of this neighbourhood coincided with the peak of Art Nouveau popularity and has some other influences as Gothic Revival, Neo-Renaissance, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and the “cottage style” that coincided with British Tudorbethan architecture…

Anyway… despite all this culturally loaded architectural info… it’s just a nice walk with great bombastic houses from another era Wander around in the nearbystreets as well… and take your time to absorb the details of these magnificent buildings. Even I still find new things every time I pass there . And you can end with a nice breakfast or lunch at café Wattman.

By Niko Caignie from SpottedByLocals.com/antwerp
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If you need a break and some good coffee, this place is definitely one of the best choices in this part of the city!

Ok, those of you who know me already could say “But, you’re not even a coffee drinker, so how this place could be your spot?“

Well, it’s true, but Natural Caffé has much more to offer then good coffee. Well, they have tea, but it’s not the reason why I use to go there.

I like to stop by after a working day: you feel a certain dynamism: everyone is a bit in the same situation: so much stress because of their activities and in need of a nice break before starting the evening, going back home.

Here you’ll feel the energy of a Metropolis: a business man happy after a good deal, a shopping women happy after another kind of good deal, students talking about their thesis and how to deal with, couples taking the time to be a couple before going back home and be parents again, …
I like the light from the big windows from which you have a perfect view to one of the largest avenue of the city: avenue Louise, and Natural Caffé is perfectly situated in the “carrefour” of Lesbroussart street and Bailli street: so you can sit and watch the theater going on outside.

As I said, I use to go there around 6 pm, after work, but I’ve heard of people who like the place in the morning for the breakfast (and I tried it on Sundays) or on a Saturday afternoon as a nice meeting place.

I’m sure, you’ll find the hour and the coffee that suits you best!

By Yamina El Atlassi from SpottedByLocals.com/brussels
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