Antwerp, what to see in the city of Flanders: places of interest

In the heart of Europe, Antwerp is the most important city of Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium. Home of Belgian fashion, chocolate and diamond processing, it will win you over.

Panorama of Antwerp in Flanders, Belgium
Panorama of Antwerp in Flanders, Belgium

In our guide you will discover useful information about the city, its history and its culture. A valid help to better organize your trip, knowing what to do and what to see Antwerp.

When planning your trip know Antwerp where it is located will help you understand what is the best way to approach this city. Located right in the center of Europe, thanks to its position it has had different kinds of influences that make it very special, compared to many other European cities.

There are many things that will surprise you about this city and, through this guide, we want to give you some advice on how to best organize your days, illustrating what to do Antwerp: what to see and what to visit.

What to see in Antwerp: places of interest

During your trip to Antwerp, Belgium, you must not miss these places, among the most beautiful in the city, for any reason.

Antwerp Cathedral

La Antwerp Cathedral is known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp and is one of the most visited monuments in the city. Entirely in Gothic style, it has been recognized as heritage ofUnesco. It's certainly one of the first things to go on the list."Antwerp: what to visit".

What to see in Antwerp: Antwerp Cathedral - Photo by Harry Fabel
Antwerp Cathedral – Photo by Harry Fabel

Grote Markt

Grote Markt it is the heart of the COld city. A little curiosity about this place: the buildings that surround it are faithful reconstructions of the originals, destroyed in a fire in 1800.

Places of interest in Antwerp: Grote Markt - Photo by reginasphotos
Grote Markt – Photo by reginasphotos

Il Antwerp City Hall

Il Antwerp City Hall: heritage ofUNESCO Humanity, is one of the oldest Renaissance palaces in Northern Europe.

Antwerp, Belgium - The City Hall
Antwerp, Belgium – The City Hall

Il Port of Antwerp

Il Port of Antwerp it is the second largest port in Europe, it is navigable and definitely worth visiting. To be included in the list "Antwerp thing to see".

Port of Antwerp - Photo by olafpictures
Port of Antwerp – Photo by olafpictures

Rubenshuis,

Rubenshuis,  it is the villa in which the painter lived Peter paul rubens. Inside you can find many of his works perfectly preserved over time.

Rubenshuis, Antwerp
Rubenshuis, Antwerp

The Church of San Carlo Borromeo

La Church of San Carlo Borromeo it is truly suggestive, thanks also to the work carried out by the painter Peter paul rubens. It is located in the square Hendrik Conscienceplein, very nice, in which the Antwerp nightlife. It's definitely worth putting on your list."What to visit in Antwerp".

Places of interest in Antwerp: San Carlo Borromeo Church, AntwerpChurch of San Carlo Borromeo, Antwerp

Antwerp, diamonds

Antwerp is known as the “city ​​of diamonds"(Diamondland). It is here that there are artisan workshops that work this precious stone. In the list "Antwerp, what to do” we recommend that you include a visit in the diamond district, currently inhabited mainly by the Indian and Jewish communities.

What to buy in Antwerp: diamonds
Diamonds, Antwerp

For your visit to be complete, we suggest you also go to the following Antwerp Museums.

  • MoMu: is the Antwerp museum dedicated to fashion.
  • Museum of Fine Arts: almost 8.000 works are preserved inside, including several paintings by the painter Peter Paul Rubens. The museum is currently under restoration and will remain so until 2019.
  • Plantin Museum – Moreus: it is a museum dedicated to typography.
  • Mayer van der Bergh Museum: it is based on a single collection of almost 1000 pieces and this makes it first in the world. It was created from the mind of an art enthusiast, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh. 

Antwerp in a nutshell: how to get around, how to get there, where to sleep, what to eat

Antwerp, how to get around

Most areas of Antwerp they are pedestrian, so the best way to get around during your holiday will be on foot. Alternatively you can use the city's urban services: buses and trams. By purchasing the Antwerp City Card you can use all public transport.

Street in Antwerp - Photo by Commander05
Street in Antwerp – Photo by Commander05

Antwerp, how to get there

From the airport of Antwerp, Antwerp Airport Brussels, you can reach the city by train in less than 45 minutes. On site you will find various means of transport available, including taxis which have a good value for money.

How to get to Antwerp: Antwerp Central Station
Antwerp Central Station

9 Where to eat in Antwerp

Antwerp, where to eat: there are many typical places in Antwerp. If you prefer fish we suggest the port; to taste traditional cuisine we recommend the central area of ​​the city. Among the unmissable dishes remember: Moules and frites or mussels with chips; Carbonade, meat stew flavored with beer, onions and spices. For those with a sweet tooth there are Antwerpse handjes, chocolate hands typical of Antwerp.

What to eat in Antwerp: Moules et frites
Moules et frites, typical of Antwerp

10 Where to sleep in Antwerp

For your choice hotel in Antwerp we suggest the most characteristic area, namely the center. The hotels and accommodation facilities in Antwerp and in the rest of Belgium are of quality and often you can also find accommodation at a good price, especially non-hotel accommodation.

Where to sleep in Antwerp: Hotel Indigo Antwerp City Centre, Antwerp
Hotel Indigo Antwerp City Centre, Antwerp
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