City of Antwerp • WANTSEE.WORLD

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• Antwerp.

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Antwerp (map) is the capital of the eponymous province in the region of Flanders. Antwerp has grown to become a trendy city, attracting many Flemish and foreign artists, writers, intellectuals, and actors. This is reflected in the city’s many trendy bars and shops.

Antwerp is a city with many faces. While it may not be as historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city, offering a perfect mix of history and present-day modern life.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Districts • Sights & Attractions • Good to know

Most things to see are near or within the Boulevards, the half-moon of avenues where there were once 16th-century city walls. This old town centre (map), with a diameter of about 1.5 km, can be walked, and there is also excellent public transport. The centre is densely signposted to aid those discovering it on foot.

*Zurenborg neighborhood (map). A little off the beaten track. This neighbourhood in the south east of Antwerp (near the railway station Antwerpen-Berchem, look for ‘Cogels-Osylei’ on the map) is known for its eclectic, sometimes rather bizarre 19th century architecture. Consider taking a tram or bicycle to get there.

Antwerp Ruien (map). You can take a guided tour of the underground city of Antwerp.

Weekend Markets take place on the Theaterplein Square (map) in front of the Stadsschouwburg theatre. The markets are very popular with stalls offering everything from food (fruit and veg, meat, fish, nuts, cheese ethnic specialities) to household goods to bicycles to antiques to clothes. Sunday tends to see a lot more stalls compared to Saturday.

More about popular places

City Hall / Old Market Square (Stadhuis/Grote Markt, map). This is the historical centre of town. The market square is surrounded by the typical medieval guild houses you find in most Flemish historical towns. The city hall is designed in special architectural style with a combination between Gothic and early Renaissance, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This style is almost exclusively found in this region of Europe.

The hidden street Vlaeykensgang (map). Connects Hoogstraat, Oude Koornmarkt and Pelgrimsstraat. It is a real street, but only accessible through unassuming medieval front doors in the streets. The medieval equivalent of a gated community. It now houses nice, informal restaurants and chic, discrete houses. A must see!

Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, map). One of the most impressive and largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, built in 1351 it stands over 400 ft tall. It also houses some of Rubens’ most famous paintings.

Saint Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk, map). A beautiful mixed gothic and baroque church formerly part of a nunnery. Noted for its Calvary monument.

Carolus Borromeus Church (map). Unlike the cathedral, this is a Baroque church. With a safe and minimal exterior, you would not know the beautiful decorations (done by Rubens’ studio) are inside.

*Red light district (map). If you want to visit, consider going during the day. When Villa Tinto (map) set up, Antwerp’s little red light district became Europe’s most high tech brothel. Even if you have no intention of partaking in the festivities, it is worthwhile just to see the spectacle that the district is. 200 women all in their own window dressed for action.

Plantin Moretus Museum (map). The home of 16th-century bookbinder and printer Christoffel Plantin. Regarded as one of the finest museums dedicated to printing in the world. Its extensive collections of important books and printing presses along with its role in spearheading the technology of printing have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Vleeshuis (map). Literally, the “Meat house”. It was built as the guild hall for the butchers. The building is famous for the original masonry made to resemble stacks of bacon (switching between white stones and red bricks). It now houses a museum, of which the main part comprises a musical instrument collection, including some examples of old harpsichords built by the local Ruckers family.

Mineralogical Museum (map). Museum for mineralogy, paleontology and gemology. Largest collection of fluorescent minerals in Europe. Permanent collections of systematic minerals and fossils. Guided tours are free and highly recommended.

The Begijnhof (beguinage, map). A sort of medieval monastery for women. The well-kept gardens are great photo opportunities.

Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, map). Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten boasts of an excellent collection of paintings from the 15th century to the 20th century. The museum’s permanent collection has masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Brueghel, Van Eyck, Anthony Van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, and James Ensor.

Wherever you are in Antwerp, you will always be near a pub or another drinking facility. Not surprising in the city that has the most pubs per capita in the world. The pubs do not have a closing hour. Drinks originating here are De Koninck (commonly called “Bolleke”) beer, and Elixir d’Anvers – a liquor based on plants.

#1 Visit Bruges

Bruges’ historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture.

#2 Visit Ghent

Whether exploring its medieval landmarks, enjoying a boat ride on the river, or savoring the local cuisine, Ghent offers a unique experience.

#3 Ghent Festival

The Ghent Festival, also known as the Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten), is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe.

• Public transport.

Information about all types of public transport.

De Lijn | Network plans & platform layout – Весь общественный транспорт города.

Smart Mobility Planner | door-to-door routeplanner for the whole country, covering all forms of public transport.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Transport to and in Antwerp (visitantwerpen.be) • Public Transport | BELGIUM (belgium.be)

BUS: De Lijn operates bus and tram services throughout Flanders, while the Société Régionale Wallonne du Transport (SRWT/Tec) operates services in Wallonia. Brussels has its own public transport company called STIB/MIVB, which operates buses, trams, and the metro within the city.

TRAIN: Belgiantrain.be – Use the official journey planner operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium to find train itineraries and prices. + Thalys • SNCF • Eurostar • Deutsche Bahn

AIRPORT: Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem due to the town in which it is mainly located, is Belgium’s main airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, about 50 km (31 mi) south of Brussels, mostly serves low-cost carriers.

Antwerp’s bike-sharing scheme is called Velo. You can get a day pass for these bikes in the Central Station and pick up your bike at more than 80 places in Antwerp.

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