The guides of Urban Insight Tours
Meet our guides! Without these awesome people we would not be able to do what we love. A big thank you to all of our guides. Thank you for being great hosts, mesmerising storytellers and overall great people.
If you want to become one of our guides and join our incredible team, send in your resumé via urban.insight.tours@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you. For more information, go to our ‘Work with us’ page.
Meet Shabnam – Antwerp’s warmhearted world explorer!
From the vibrant heart of India to the cobblestone charm of Antwerp, Shabnam has woven her life into a tapestry of cultures, curiosity, and connection. Warm, welcoming, and effortlessly friendly, she’s the kind of soul who turns strangers into friends and cities into homes.
A globetrotter at heart, Shabnam thrives on exploring medieval cities, losing herself in books, and hitting soulful notes when she sings. Her love for learning keeps her forever curious—whether she’s savoring crispy fish at Bia Mara (her go-to food haven) or sipping cocktails at Bar Brul, her favorite cozy haunt.
Art and history? The Mayer Van den Bergh Museum steals her heart. But ask her Antwerp’s best trait, and she’ll smile: “It’s magic—you can’t pick just one thing!” For Shabnam, life—like her adopted city—is a treasure chest of experiences waiting to be unlocked. Want to swap stories or explore Antwerp? She’s your guide!
Shabnam’s suggestions
Favourite bar: Bar Brul
Favourite restaurant: Bia Mara
Best museum: Museum Mayer Van den Bergh
Best thing about Antwerp: the city is magic!
Meet Leonard – Our people-powered guide!
Leonard isn’t just a guide—he’s pure energy on two legs! When he’s not leading an amazing tour, you’ll find him working as a personal trainer or building epic LEGO creations. Leonard’s charisma and passion for connecting with people make him the perfect guide to show you the hidden gems of Antwerp. With his fun personality and knack for storytelling, every tour with Leonard feels like a journey with an old friend. Come see for yourself why our guests leave smiling and full of great memories after a tour with Leonard!
Leonard’s suggestions
Favourite bar: Quinten Matsijs
Favourite restaurant: Verona
Best museum: Plantijn & Moretus
Best thing about Antwerp: Always a welcoming feeling when arriving in Antwerp
Meet Laura – Our musical globe-trotter guide!
Laura is a warm and charismatic guide who brings joy and enthusiasm to every tour. A passionate traveler and lover of all things Antwerp, Laura has a knack for connecting with people and making them feel at home in the city. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find her singing her heart out in a local choir called ‘Zoveel Hertz’, sharing her love of music with the world. Laura’s vibrant personality and storytelling skills make exploring Antwerp with her a truly delightful experience. Join one of her tours and let her show you the city through her unique and melodic perspective!
Laura’s suggestions
Favourite bar: De Muze
Favourite restaurant: Pasta Hippo Vino
Best museum: MAS
Best thing about Antwerp: There’s always something great to do or explore!
Meet Joris – Proud Antwerpenaar and founder of Urban Insight Tours!
Born and raised in the heart of Antwerp, Joris is the founder and driving force behind Urban Insight Tours. With a deep love for his hometown and a passion for history, storytelling, and travel, he brings the city’s hidden stories to life for both locals and visitors. Joris isn’t just a guide – he’s a true Antwerp native who lives and breathes the city’s vibrant culture, quirky corners, and rich past. Whether he’s exploring the world, battling through a board game, or diving into a good history book, his heart always belongs to Antwerp. Urban Insight Tours was born from his mission to show the city through the eyes of someone who’s grown up in its streets, soaked up its stories, and proudly calls it home. With Joris leading the way, every tour is infused with authenticity, curiosity, and local pride.
Joris’ suggestions
Favourite bar: Paters Vaetje
Favourite restaurant: ‘T Hofke
Best museum: KMSKA
Best thing about Antwerp: A great atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else!