Being the second most important city in Belgium, Antwerp has its own charm to surprising tourists. Spending some days in a city with interior vibes but with amazing historic sites and art.
1. Central Station
Arriving in the city by train is one of the most chosen travel styles so just please pay attention to the station you are in. The train station was elected the most beautiful one in 2014 by Mashable. The place was built in 1905 and has four floors. National and International train routes serve this station.
Address: Antwerp, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium.
2. Meir Street
Being one of the main shopping streets of the country, there you will find a variety of stores and shops with brands and locals. The street is full of bars, chocolate shops, and cafes.
3. Royal Palace & The Chocolate Line
The Royal Palace is where Napoleon lived with his family in Belgium for a period and now the place is home to The Chocolate Line, a famous chocolate store in the city.
Address: Uilenbaan 198, 2160 Wommelgem, Antwerp, Belgium
4. Shop for Diamonds
There is a diamond district in town and Antwerp is well-known for that. The diamond museum is one of the most famous of its kind and the industry of diamonds in the city is largely run by orthodox Jews and some wealthy Americans and Indians.
5. Grote Markt
The Grote Markt is where tourists can see the City Hall and the Brobe statue. The architecture is from the 16th Century. Enjoying a stroll around the square and then stop at one of the cafes can be a perfect morning or afternoon.
6. Het Steen – The Castle
Het Steen is a castle located right by the river. The castle is from the 13th century and photos are worth taking especially because of its medieval architecture. Nowadays it is under renovation and so it is not possible to enter inside.
Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
7. MAS Museum
The Museum is a historic site to visit, the collections exposed shows the history of the city together with modern exhibitions changing over time. The place also gives its visitors splendorous views of Antwerp.
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
8. Museum Plantin-Moretus
This is a UNESCO Heritage site that has the full place filled with the family’s treasures. Wallpapers, paintings, sculptures, portraits, and drawings. The house was from the Moretus family and it was sold to the City of Antwerp later on. The place has all the history of the family business and all the archives related to the how important publishing has become over the years to the world.
Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22-23, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
9. Rubens House
Ruben was a famous Baroque painter and his house is located in the heart of Antwerp. The place turned into a museum around 1937 when the City of Antwerp bought the site and then restored the space to its original state. The house has collections of Ruben’s work and also Anthony van Dyck.
Address: Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
10. Cathedral of Our Lady
This cathedral has art masterpieces all around its space and it is considered to be the largest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Its height is 123 meters and it took 169 years to be finished.
Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
MUST-EAT PLACES IN ANTWERP
Cafés in Antwerp
Kaffeenini
Kaffeenini
Great coffee together with delicious cake options and iced-tea, that’s what you will find minutes away from the fashion district in Antwerp. Kaffeenini is the perfect spot for a break while wandering around the city.
Address: Nationalestraat 114a, Antwerp
Barnini
Barnini
Considering to serve the best coffee in Antwerp by the locals, Barnini is usually busy during lunchtime. The decor is retro and it has a small terrace too. There is a variety of coffee together with a small array of bagels and sweet goods. They only accept cash.
Address: Oudevaartplaats 10, Antwerp
Restaurants in Antwerp
Backyard
The place is a bistro, a bar, and a backyard. Their menu offers a great variety of gin and it is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. Located at the Grote Markt, it is a trendy spot to enjoy after some sightseeing.
Address: Grote Markt 52, Antwerp
Ciro’s
Dated 1962 this restaurant has its interior almost all preserved. The menu is full of Flemish dishes such as smoked eel on toast, pot roast or the “Black Beauty’ – the horse fillet.
Address: Amerikalei 6, Antwerp
Paters Vaetje
The place serves a list of not less than 200 kinds of beer. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and it is a favorite among students, tourists, and locals.
Address: Blauwmoezelstraat 1, Antwerp