Antwerp, the second largest city in Belgium, is a destination well worth adding to your travel list.
Europes most famous diamond port, a metropolis of fashion and art, Antwerp is a destination that will offer you engaging experiences. A short distance from the capital of Belgium, Brussels, lies this city which may not have the canals and tourist renown of Bruges and Ghent, but possesses its own unique charm.
For those who love art, fashion and the good life, the capital of the province of Flanders is an ideal destination for a day trip or for more days. Far from the tourist crowds of other cities, youll have the chance to get to know the authentic everyday life of the residents and see some of the countrys most important sights and museums.
The impressive Grote Markt
Antwerps central and most impressive square is the Grote Markt with its medieval buildings and the city hall. All around youll find cafes and restaurants, while in the middle stands the emblematic bronze statue of Brabo. It is said that from this legendary giant came the citys name Antwerpen - which means “(h)ant”, hand and “werpen”, to throw.
The Cathedral of Our Lady and a symbol of friendship
Next to the square stands the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). The Gothic church impresses with its height and architecture. Inside, it houses some of the most famous works of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, such as «The Descent from the Cross» and «The Elevation of the Cross».
In front of the cathedral youll encounter a unique sculpture that celebrates friendship and love. The sculpture depicts the embrace of little Nello and his beloved dog Patrasche, one of the regions best-known stories from 1872, told in the book titled «A Dog of Flanders».
The Port of Antwerp
The Port of Antwerp is one of the largest and most important ports in Europe, serving as a key hub of global trade. It extends along the River Scheldt and hosts an impressive number of warehouses, terminals and industrial facilities. The once-abandoned district has been reborn for over a decade now, attracting the interest of artists and entrepreneurs.
Youll immediately notice the striking MAS museum (Museum aan de Stroom) which means «museum on the river». It is a contemporary architectural building that offers panoramic views of the city from its top. The museum tells the story of Antwerp and its port, as well as global commercial and cultural exchanges through exhibits and video screenings.
Right behind it stands the Red Star Line Museum, a museum that recounts the moving history of the migrants who traveled from Europe to America via Antwerp. The exhibitions include personal stories, photographs and travelers belongings.
The iconic railway station
Antwerps railway station (Antwerpen-Centraal) is one of the most impressive railway buildings in the world. Its likely to be your first contact with the city, as the easiest access to Antwerp is by train from Brussels, a journey that takes about 40 minutes.
Locals also call it Middenstatie or «Railway Cathedral» and it is among the busiest stations in Belgium. Built at the end of the 19th century, it features an impressive domed roof, elaborate details and a unique blend of architectural styles, from Neo-Baroque to industrial.
The citys impressive museums
Antwerp is renowned for its residents love of art and fashion, and this is reflected in its distinctive museums that are unlike others in Belgium.
The Rubens House
One of the most important museums that tells the story of art in Belgium is the Rubens House (Rubenshuis). The residence of the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens was built in 1611 and served as his home and studio. Today it operates as a museum, exuding the atmosphere of that era and hosting works of art and the artists personal belongings. Among the works youll also see his famous self-portrait.
The Fashion Museum
Antwerp is known worldwide in the fashion industry, with designers such as the so-called «Antwerp Six» (Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee), graduates of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. The MoMu Fashion Museum presents the creations of renowned Belgian designers, exhibitions with historical and contemporary garments, offering a unique look at Flemish fashion.
The Photography Museum
On the banks of the River Scheldt lies the Antwerp Photography Museum FOMU. It is a unique space dedicated to the evolution of photographic art. The museum has a rich collection of historical and contemporary photographs, as well as exhibitions that focus on the work of recognized and up-and-coming photographers from around the world.
The jewelry museum
As a city famed around the world for its diamonds, Antwerp could not fail to have such a museum. DIVA is the ultimate museum for lovers of jewelry and diamonds. Through impressive exhibitions, the museum tells the story of jewelry-making in Antwerp and its collections include luxurious jewelry, silverware and decorative objects, highlighting the artistry of their creators.
Strolls in Antwerp
Beyond the major sights, there are plenty of things to do during your stay in the city. Walk along the River Scheldt, which is an integral part of the history and development of Antwerp. Especially at sunset the spectacle will reward you.
Antwerp is one of the top cities for those who love fashion. It is considered a fashion metropolis thanks to the Academy of Fine Arts and the designers who have emerged from it. On Nationalestraat youll find boutiques of well-known designers, as well as on the popular shopping street Meir where you can do your shopping. A visit is worthwhile to the store of designer Dries Van Noten, housed in an impressive building near the Fashion Museum.
Very close to the citys Central Railway Station, youll encounter the diamond district, Diamond Quarter or Square Mile as it is called. There, diamond processing and trade for the whole planet take place. On the streets Schupstraat, Rijfstraat and Hoveniersstraat youll discover sparkling jewelry stores.
Going out and dining in Antwerp
As in all cities of Belgium, beer bars are among the favorite places of locals and visitors. Take a seat at Baret Bar & Food for local beers and the famous Belgian fries. At Bistro Ernest youll sample traditional mussels with fries and at Elfde Gebod youll order stoofvlees, a traditional Belgian stew with beer. If youre craving pizza, sit at Pizarro behind the cathedral.
If you love sweets, try Belgian waffles which are an integral part of the local cuisine. Try them with praline, fruit or many different combinations at House of Waffles or at The Smallest Waffle Shop In The World. Dont forget to pick up handmade chocolates from the famous Belgian houses such as Neuhaus Chocolates and Pierre Marcolini.
