Atypical Antwerp, crossroads city, medieval city, fashion city, jewelry city. So many words to describe the city we recently had the pleasure of discovering.
It all starts with the magisterial Antwerp railway station, undoubtedly one of the most impressive in the world.
Dive into the magic of Christmas
Romantics will enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel. At a height of 50 meters, the view of the city, the Scheldt and the port is truly magnificent.
Don’t forget to visit the Christmas market for mulled wine and other Antwerp delicacies. For the more adventurous, take a tubing trip… and skate on the Groenplaats under the watchful eye of Rubens. The magic of Christmas is upon you! For our part, we loved the atmosphere of the square and stopped off to see the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp and admire the paintings by Rubens.
Go shopping
Big fashion houses, trendy boutiques, small independent stores and innovative concept stores… The center of Antwerp has everything to offer, just a few minutes’ walk away. The city is both trendy and historic, cool and classic, fashionable and traditional. Nowhere else is it so easy to find a new outfit, with a designer handbag, hand-sewn shoes and chic accessories. During the festive season, the streets and stalls are beautifully decorated for an even warmer atmosphere. Visitors from all over Belgium and even Holland come to Antwerp to shop.
Shine like a diamond
For 570 years, Antwerp has been the world’s leading diamond trading center. Antwerp celebrates this anniversary under the theme ‘Antwerp Diamond Capital since 1447’. This year’s winter festivities will feature the sparkle of diamonds for even more sparkling celebrations.
A night at the ZOO
China Light ZOO reopens its doors. Until January 14, you can come and admire the most beautiful edition of the Chinese Light Festival at the Antwerp ZOO.
Come and spend a magical evening among hundreds of light sculptures.
Culture on every floor.
Antwerp boasts a number of museums. The most famous are the House of Rubens, the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, and the Red Star Line Museum. But many other museums are also worth a visit: historic houses where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of yesteryear, a fashion museum and various art museums. There’s something for everyone, whatever their tastes.
We were able to visit the Musée de Reede, where the focus is on graphic art. The core of the collection consists of some 150 works by three of the greatest printmakers of all time: Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops and Edvard Munch.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum is an authentic manor house and the workshop of the Plantin-Moretus family of printers, where the centuries-old history of books, printing and entrepreneurship comes to life. The oldest printing presses in the world are located here. Add to this tens of thousands of books on just about everything that fascinates the world, as well as a magnificent art collection: this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique historical experience that transports you back to the 16th century, Antwerp’s golden age.
Musée Halle des Bouchers
This museum traces the city’s history, from bourgeois chamber concerts to balls and café-chantants.
We weren’t able to visit the Mas museum, the Fashion museum and Rubens’ house, but we highly recommend them.
Discover Antwerp’s tastes
A creative city like Antwerp is also at the cutting edge of culinary trends. There’s an address to suit every budget and every mood. The city’s unique cosmopolitan atmosphere is reflected in its wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars. Order at the counter in a typical old café and warm up with a glass of Elixir d’Anvers, produced according to an age-old recipe.
Don’t forget to drink your De Koninck beer at the century-old brewery of the same name, or at Antwerp’s most emblematic bistro: Den Engel.
If you need to warm up, don’t forget to try some Genever at De Vagant.
Enjoy a delicious piece of chocolate at one of the famous chocolatiers, or accompany your coffee with a « little Antwerp hand » (Antwerps handje).
Regional products that will give you all the energy you need to discover the city.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice. Eat with a breathtaking view of the Scheldt at RAS, a chic local institution.
A pleasant and varied alternative is the Mercado, in the former post office on the Groenplaats,
the country’s first indoor food market. Choose from 13 different stalls, with cuisine from all over the world.
For accommodation, we stayed at the Franq. a brand-new hotel in a former bank, right in the center of town.
What fun!
