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Het Eilandje, Which Means the Small Island, Is Located in the North of the City. Warehouses and Storage Buildings Have Been Converted into Cultural Centres, Pop-Ups, Clubs, Restaurants and Lofts.

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The Havenhuis Is Another Eye-Catcher. Designed by Zaha Hadid, It Acts as the Headquarters of the Port Authority. the British-Iraqi Architect Has Attached a Contemporary Structure on Top of a Former Fire Station, Seemingly Floating Above the Building Like the Hull of a Sailing Ship.

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Also Popular Is the Brouw Compagnie, Located on Indiestraat. Johan Van Dyck Opened the Independent Brewery in 2017, and Was One of the First to Set up Shop at the Kattendijkdok. the Brewery Is Known for the Historic Antwerp Seefbeer.

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The City Archive Has Been Located on the Upper Floors of the Felix Pakhuis at the Willemdok Marina Since 2006. Coffee, Grain and Cheese Were Once Stored Where Today, 30Km’s Worth of Written Material Are Stored. Now, the Felix Pakhuis, Built in 1860 as a Warehouse, with Its Central 77-Metre-Long Glass Passageway, Is a Listed Building.

The Other Side of Antwerp: Eilandje Is One of the Hippest Neighbourhoods in Europe Thanks to Its Zaha Hadid-Designed Havenhuis and Trendy Dining Scene, but the Old Belgium Port Was Once a No-Go Area

By James H. Sterling

• Oct 8, 2026 • 4 min read

The Other Side of Antwerp: Eilandje Is One of the Hippest Neighbourhoods in Europe Thanks to Its Zaha Hadid-Designed Havenhuis and Trendy Dining Scene, but the Old Belgium Port Was Once a No-Go Area

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

In Less Than 10 Year's, the Old Port Area Has Transformed from a Dingy Neighbourhood to “The Place to Be”. in an Article Published in 2018, the Independent Named Eilandje One of the 10 Hippest Neighbourhoods in Europe.

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Tags: other side antwerp eilandje one hippest neighbourhoods europe thanks its zaha hadid designed