Usually, when I tell people I went to Antwerp for a weekend trip, I find them looking at me puzzled and wondering where is Antwerp. In fact, when my friends offered me to drive to Antwerp I was also really skeptical. But Antwerp is in fact the second biggest city in Belgium, with its history dating to the Middle Ages. Antwerp started booming in the 15th century and quickly became the leading commercial centre of western Europe, due to its port and diamond traders. Today Antwerp holds its legacy of a booming, vibrant city, which has so much to offer to curious explorers.
There is always so much to tell about a city, that is why I separate my articles into 3 very useful parts:
Part 1: Top Places to See in Antwerp
Part 2: Best Places to Eat in Antwerp
Part 3: Transport and Accommodation in Antwerp
What to see?
1. Cathedral of Our Lady
This Antwerp cathedral is hard to miss, as it is the highest building in Antwerp and it is definitely worth visiting. You can admire the gothic architecture from the outside, or see the inside of a cathedral for a small fee. Inside it is nearly like a museum, where you can find the work of Rubens, paintings and beautiful stained glass windows. It is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by many historical buildings and cafes. So after visiting the cathedral make sure to walk around the area and enjoy the atmosphere of the past. Oh and don’t forget to try the waffles near the church, which I mention later in the food section 🙂
As you can see from the picture one of the towers is currently on renovations, however it doesn’t ruin the beauty of the Cathedral and it is still worth visiting.
Price:
Adult entrance fee: 6 €
Students & Seniors entrance fee: 4 €
2. Grote Markt
Next to the Cathedral of Our Lady you can find a beautiful town square where you can see 16th century buildings and Antwerp’s city hall .There are also many cafes around where you can sit and enjoy the view. If you are travelling in winter, the Grote Markt turns into a big Christmas market and an ice-ring. From here you can walk down to the Scheldt river, and enjoy a walk along the embankment and Antwerp old town.
Tip: Return here at night, when the city lights up. The Square itself becomes very beautiful, with many bars and restaurants around to enjoy the view.
3. Plantin-Moretus Museum
This is one of the most unique museums where you can step back to the past and see the work of a printing house 400 years ago. Here you can learn the fascinating history and process of printing and publishing, see one of the world’s oldest printing machines and antique books. In fact, the museum is protected by UNESCO world heritage, and it is definitely worth to visit. Inside there is also a very cute garden for some pictures 🙂
Price:
Adults: 8 €
Students & Seniors: 6 €
Free on the last Wednesday of the month
4. St. Charles Borromeo church
The church was built in the 16th century and was highly influenced by Rubens, with his work remaining inside. It has magnificent baroque architecture, with splendid gold interior and detailed outside facade with sculptures. This church is less crowded and quieter than the Cathedral of Our Lady, but you should not miss it. What is more, it is completely free to visit 🙂
5. The Rubens House
Rubens Museum in Antwerp is a former home and workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, who is considered one of the most influential artists of Flemish Baroque tradition. Make sure to visit if you are a fan of art history and Rubens paintings.
Price:
Adults: 8 €
Students (up to 25) & Seniors: 6 €
Free on the last Wednesday of the month
6. The Central Station
I assume you would be surprised to find a train station on the list, as in my city it is for sure the last place I would recommend to visit. However, Antwerp central station often makes the list of the most beautiful one in Europe. Interestingly, Belgium was the first country in Europe to open a public railway in 1835, with a wooden track built in Antwerp. In 1905, the wooden track was replaced to the marvellous station we can visit today, which commemorates Belgium’s leading role in the transportation industry.
7. The Diamond District
Right next to the central station you will find streets filled with jewelry shops, sparkling with diamonds. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, it is worth to just have a stroll along the fascinating, luring displays of diamonds. In fact, diamonds are a really important part of Antwerp’s history, as nearly 84% of all the world’s diamonds pass through Antwerp. Since 1945 the government has actively grew and protected the diamond industry in Antwerp, and today it is usually referred to as the Capital of Diamonds.
Tips:
- You need to pay together in a restaurant
This came to us a bit of surprise, as here in Germany we are used to pay our bills separately in the restaurant. However, be prepared if you are travelling in a company, most of the places have only one bill per table. So one of the people will have to cover the bill and then do all the separating work later 🙂
- Use bikes
This was a local recommendation to us, instead of using public transport it is very easy to use bikes around Antwerp. You can rent bikes on the street with your phone and pay only for the time you use them.
- Shops are closed on Sundays, Museums on Monday
Be aware that in Antwerp most of the shops are closed on Sunday, including a lot of the supermarkets. But don’t worry, the restaurants are still open 🙂 Also, when you want to visit museums, note that most museums are closed on Mondays. Also a lot of museums offer free admission on the last Wednesday of the month.
To find out more about food in Antwerp, best locations to stay in and which transport to use, check out my other articles:
0 Comments