Most of us know Antwerp as the unofficial global capital of diamonds - but there is so much more to this unique destination than just jewels.

Cushla Whiting, one of the founding members of her eponymous fine jewellery brand, has been patroning the Belgian city for years. She's spent days strolling down streets that look like they're straight from a storybook, diving into cosy cafes and shopping at the stores of iconic Belgian designers which includes the likes of Dries Van Noten.

If you're venturing to Europe and Antwerp is on your list, here you'll find Cushla Whiting's guide to visiting the city, including where to eat and the best things to do.

Where to eat and drink?

To drink...

Amber Bottle Shop. It's a unique wine bar with chic interiors and an incredible wine list.

Titlus is also incredible, offering a strong selection both by the glass and bottle.

Marigold – it has the best cocktails in all of Antwerp, located in the heart of the city.

To eat...

Borze Cafe, it's a typical Flemish “Brown Bar,” where you can eat a range of traditional Belgian
dishes.

Restaurant Le John – for more modern dishes, with ingredient interiors and wine as well.

Osaka has the most incredibly interiors, perfectly fusing Flemish and Japanese design aesthetics with a stellar menu.

Fiskebar offers a great range of seafood and outdoor seating.

For coffee...

Andy Coffee Roasters is a micro-coffee roaster, with an extensive bean selection, friendly staff and retro design sensibility.

Butchers Coffee offers an incredible all day-breakfast menu, fused with American-diner aesthetics.

Where to stay?

Botanic Sanctuary. Previously an old-monastery, Botanic Sanctuary is a love child of a variety of Belgian architects and designers and houses a Michelin-starred restaurant as well.

August – it's similar to Botanic Sanctuary, August was an old convent, which has since been updated with minimalist Flemish Design, and also houses a great bar and restaurant.

What to do?

Where to shop...

Definitely take the time to shop. Antwerp is undeniably one of the most fashion-forward cities in the world. Whilst our minds typically conjure images of Paris, Milan and New York when thinking of the fashion industry, Antwerp has a rich creative history that is hard to be ignored.

With designers like Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester hailing from the city, the creative energy, and the shopping is unmatched.

Louis is a very iconic Antwerp fashion store, which has been curating the best Belgian and international collections since 1986. They have such an amazing selection and often discover new and upcoming designers. For example they were one of the first stockists of Martin Margiela back in the late 1980’s.

Graanmarkt 13 - is a unique house in Antwerp that combines a high-end concept store, restaurant, boutique, gallery and an apartment. All designed by one of Belgium’s most respected architects, Vincent Van Duysen.

Ganterie Boon - is a very iconic glove shop. At 120 years old, Ganterie Boon has maintained all the original interiors, and offers an incredible, bespoke glove fitting experience (unlike anywhere else in the world)

Ann Demeulemeester's Antwerp flagship is probably one of the most memorable stores I have ever visited. It feels like entering another world. The historic building, once a maritime school, has been transformed into a serene sanctuary by Ann and her husband (and long-term collaborator), Patrick Robyn. Black parquet floors contrast with crisp white canvas walls, while a lush garden beckons from the back of the store. Beyond the brand's signature clothing, the 520m² space is filled with furniture, lighting, and tableware – all born from a collaboration with Belgian design house Serax. Every detail, from the seating to the glassware, to the impeccable service, carries the poetic touch that Demeulemeester and Patrick Robyn are known for.

The Dries Van Noten flagship is equally impressive. Located in the iconic heritage-listed 'Het Modepaleis' (the Fashion Palace), which was built in 1881, the store was historically home to a gentleman’s outfitters, a peer of Dries' grandfather. The space incorporates wooden counters, tiled floors and wide curved windows and has been home to Dries since 1989.

Sights to see...

Antwerp is the home of Art Nouveau Architecture and has some of the most beautiful examples of signage, doorways, ironwork and residential buildings in this style I have seen.

A highlight is the Cogels-Osylei (and its neighboring streets), which are a real architectural highlight and I visit every time I am in Antwerp. The details on these houses are mind-blowingly beautiful. Stop nearby for lunch at one of my faves - RUSH RUSH.

It’s absolutely essential to visit the two flagship stores of iconic Antwerp Six designers, Ann Demeulemester and Dries Van Noten.

Kmska - Royal Museum of Fine Arts - is the most comprehensive art museum of the Flemish region in Belgium. Recently reopened after an 11 year restoration - beautiful renovation including the surrounding square. On the corner of the block where KMSKA is located is the building, “Het Bootje” - also definitely worth checking out.

Pakt - is the sustainable heart of Antwerp’s Green Quarter. A former industrial site, turned into a creative, sustainable hub. The ideal spot to get a locally produced coffee, lunch or dinner in a unique setting, surrounded by breathtaking rooftop gardens.