Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the most amazing cities in Belgium. Come along on our journey and we'll show you lots of reasons to visit this wonderful place. We'll see historic landmarks like thousand-year-old Het Steen Castle. It was a fortress guarding the river. Then it became a prison, a place of execution, and now it's the Tourist Information Office with exhibits.

We'll take you inside the country's largest Gothic cathedral, and we'll visit several major museums with collections housed in some very old buildings that are as interesting as the artifacts contained inside and a very modern, highrise museum with a view looking down into the marina. But most of all, we're going to take you on walking tours through these beautiful pedestrian lanes of the old historic center.

Most guidebooks and videos only focus on those landmarks the big buildings, the museums, those churches. And maybe they'll rattle off a list of hotels and restaurants. But our approach is different. We take you on a walk through those pedestrian lanes in the historic center of town. And of course, we'll show you those important landmarks and other historic sites not to be missed.

Back in the 16th century, Antwerp had been Europe's second largest city, after Paris, and had the strongest economy on the continent because it was a major trading center with the largest harbor. During that illustrious period of wealth, the city grew rapidly. As a result, a lot of modern Antwerp is filled with those classic old historic buildings from the Golden Age.

If you arrive here by train, your very first sight is going to be the golden train station, one of the most beautiful train stations in all of Europe. With its original design preserved from its origin in 1905. This grandiose architecture is like a railway cathedral, steel and glass rising to the sky. There's a convenient metro line that will take you from the station right to the center of town, just over a kilometer away. To pay for the ride, tap your credit card while entering and then tap it again on exiting, very easy, with escalators.

The center of town is an automobile restricted zone that is mostly for pedestrians and a few cars with permits. So this is a great place to walk. Not very large, this pedestrian zone is just about a kilometer and a half wide, making it very easy to stroll through in one day, or better yet, if you have two days so that you can catch all of the added attractions.

Walking map of Antwerp:

You could certainly wander through the area without a map or directions and enjoy the experience. But in the visit we're following one route that brings you to most of the main streets without duplicating your efforts or getting lost, as we're showing you in a map, illustrating the sequence of streets that we'll be walking along. Starting out at everybody's favorite place -- we're in one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Europe. It's the Grote Markt in Antwerp, right in the heart of town with the Brabo fountain in the middle. You're looking at beautiful old buildings, they're just everywhere with the cafes, you can sit and have a beer or have a meal, have dinner and enjoy the sights.

Grote Markt

This main square is the historic heart of the city, surrounded by magnificent buildings showcasing Flemish Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The Stadhuis (City Hall) is a prominent feature, displaying a stunning facade adorned with statues and intricately carved details.

Take a moment to appreciate the Brabo Fountain, depicting a legendary tale of a brave Roman soldier who defeated a giant and freed the city from his grasp.

This great square is the beating heart of Antwerp. Overshadowed by its magnificent Town Hall built in the 16th century. In front stands the famous statue of Brabo, a six legendary hero who slayed the giant that was harassing Antwerp, chopping off his hand and tossing it in the river. Come back later for a closer look at these old guild halls, restaurants and bars all around the plaza.

Several of the most important streets laid out from here, including the Oude Koornmarkt, where you'll find yourself surrounded by a captivating blend of architectural styles. The facades of picture-perfect Flemish houses with steep gable roofs and charming shutters create a postcard worthy scene, not just a feast for the eyes. It's a culinary haven with cozy bistros and inviting outdoor terraces, a delightful street just 300 meters long and worth repeated visits.

While the town center is touristic, it's also a place where the locals come together to eat, to sit at a cafe and do some shopping. A field trip for local students gives them a chance to learn more about their city. One of the great attractions of Antwerp is it is not just a place for tourists, but is a thriving city filled with locals leading their daily lives.

Now we are ready to enter what might be for many, the number-one attraction of Antwerp, the great Cathedral. This gothic masterpiece is larger than any other church in Belgium or the Netherlands.

Nearly 400 feet long and 200 feet wide. It's so large it has 125 massive columns holding it up with three aisles on one side, the nave in the middle and three aisles on the other side, with stained glass and chapels all around it. On this site there is already a small chapel in the ninth century, and in 1352, the construction of this largest gothic church in the low countries began. 170 years later, the cathedral was finished rising 123 meters high.

The belfry tower is on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. There are four major paintings by Rubens here, which include the Elevation Of The Cross and the Descent From The Cross, extremely expressive of the utter inertness of a dead body. Down below, you can walk through the crypt, which shows with archeological details the earlier foundation of the church.

Art enthusiasts will also relish a visit to the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), with the central focus of Antwerp and its connections to the world, artifacts ranging from maritime objects to history, art, cultural traditions and a collection of more than 600,000 objects. It documents international trade and culture from Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Oceania. Connecting local and global culture. You'll get some great views looking down into the marina from the upper floors.

This contemporary museum offers a captivating journey through the history of Antwerp, its relationship with the river, and its global connections. Explore the various exhibitions, including archaeological artifacts, maritime heritage, and modern art installations.

Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium, with a population over 500,000. It is a thriving cultural hub with a captivating blend of medieval architecture, contemporary design, fashionable shopping, and artistic masterpieces.

Antwerp is a major port city known as the "Diamond Capital of the World," home to a large diamond exchange. This historic city is situated on the Schelde River, about 88 km from the North Sea.

As you wander through the charming cobblestone streets, you'll notice the abundance of boutique shops and designer stores. Antwerp is renowned for its fashion scene and is home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where renowned designers such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester studied.

Be sure to explore the fashion district known as the "Antwerp Six," a group of avant-garde designers who gained international recognition in the 1980s.

Museums

The city is also known for its art scene, and is home to the Rubenshuis, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. The house was built in 1611, and Rubens lived there until his death in 1640.

Diamond District

For those interested in diamonds, a visit to the Antwerp Diamond District is a must. The district is home to over 1,500 diamond dealers, and is where most of the world's diamonds are traded. Discover the world of diamond cutting, learn about the city's diamond heritage, and perhaps even treat yourself to a sparkling souvenir.

Zuid

To experience Antwerp's vibrant nightlife, head to Zuid, a trendy neighborhood brimming with bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Enjoy a delicious Belgian beer or indulge in local culinary delights, such as steaming bowls of moules-frites (mussels with fries) or delicate Belgian chocolates.

Antwerp is also renowned for its vibrant music scene. If you're lucky, you might catch a performance at the Antwerp Sportpaleis, a massive concert venue that has hosted world-famous musicians and bands.

Vordenstein park

This garden is a 25-hectare park is just northeast of Antwerp. The Vordenstein domain was created in the 14th century out of the Hof ter Katen and the Hof van de Werve.

Whether you're interested in art, history, or just exploring a charming European city, Antwerp is sure to impress.

You can also watch the video on the dedicated video page.

Official Tourist Information website and 48 hours itinerary