One of the world's most exciting urban districts is just a short and affordable train journey away from the UK capital. The historic Belgian city of Antwerp, a favourite for British city breaks, now boasts the planet's second coolest neighbourhood according to travel authority Time Out.
BoHo Vibe: The New Creative Epicentre
Borgerhout, a trendy and multicultural hub in northeast Antwerp, has shot to international fame, securing the number two spot on Time Out's global list of 39 coolest neighbourhoods. It was pipped to the post only by Jimbōchō in Tokyo. Locals affectionately call the area 'BoHo', and it's celebrated for its laidback atmosphere, vegan coffee bars, leafy terraces, and a genuinely unpretentious DIY spirit.
As the smallest district in Antwerp, it's remarkably easy to explore. The best way to navigate is by doing as the locals do: renting a bike through the city's Velo Antwerpen bike-sharing scheme. A standard bike costs just €2 for the first half-hour, with a daily cap of €6.
A Cultural Powerhouse: Art, Music and Food
Borgerhout's appeal rests on three key pillars: art, nightlife, and food. It has become a mecca for artist-run galleries like DMW, Bass Alpha, and the intriguingly named Pizza Gallery. DMW, a contemporary art space open from Thursday to Saturday, is known for showcasing future creative stars, with exhibits ranging from eerie papier-mâché installations to live performative art. Art lovers should mark their calendars for the Antwerp Art Weekend, which floods the area with free events every last weekend of May.
The nightlife scene has earned Borgerhout the nickname 'the Belgian Brighton'. Must-visit venues include De Roma, a beautifully restored cinema that now hosts concerts from acts like the Stereo MCs. For a unique drinking experience, Bar Oost is constructed from four old train carriages, while Bar Leon is the spot for late-night Belgian beers and Bakeliet offers a vintage vibe with New Wave and Brit pop soundtracks.
The culinary landscape is a direct reflection of the area's incredible diversity, with over 140 nationalities calling it home. Turkish grocers sit beside Belgian delicatessens, and Ethiopian restaurants neighbour Moroccan sweet shops. A short 11-minute journey away, the Turnhoutsebaan neighbourhood made headlines in March 2024 when a record-breaking 2km dining table united 8,000 people for a shared celebration of Easter and Ramadan. For a more refined meal, Glou Glou, a bistro recently inducted into the 2025 Michelin Guide Belgium, serves inventive small plates with French, Asian, and Italian influences.
Your Journey to Borgerhout
Reaching this hip haven from London is straightforward. A train from London St. Pancras International to Antwerp takes approximately three hours and five minutes, involving a change in Brussels. According to Rail Europe, advance one-way tickets can be snapped up for as little as £43, though prices can rise to around £85 if booked closer to the travel date. From Antwerp Central station, a bus from platform 11 will have you in the heart of Borgerhout in just 18 minutes for €3.
With its unique blend of creativity, community, and culture, all accessible for a bargain train fare, there has never been a better time for Londoners to discover the cool, continental charm of Borgerhout.
