On a recent road-trip from Amsterdam to Bruges, the Hunk and I decided on a stop along the way in Antwerp. With all of those medieval attributes of Bruges, but in a bigger city, we wanted to see what another Belgian city was all about – and it didn’t disappoint! Here’s a quick guide to the top things to see and do in Antwerp, Belgium!
Find an Airbnb stay in Antwerp and get your Belgian trip started!
Cathedral of Our Lady
This cathedral has been around for a LONG TIME! What cathedral in Europe hasn’t? And Gothic architecture? Check! So – I’ve seen my fair share of churches whilst living in and exploring Europe, so why bother going inside this one?
Well, for starters it took a whopping 169 years to build, and it completely dominates the skyline on an otherwise low-built city! It also takes the gold medal for having the tallest spire in the Benelux (Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg).
Whilst there isn’t any detailed painting on walls and ceilings in here, like that of St Peter’s in Rome, the size is quite impressive (although the musty smell isn’t!). Also, featuring some impressive artwork by artist Rubens, the small ticket price (4 Euros) to enter is well worth it.
Grote Markt
Any trip to Antwerp would not be complete without admiring the architecture around the old-town, particularly that within the Great Market Square! And I hear around Christmas they put on an excellent Christmas Market in this square, which I can imagine would have an amazing and festive feeling.
It is an architectural feast, with the stunning City Hall on one side of the square, a row of Guildhalls on another, a beautiful fountain in the centre and restaurants and cafes that overlook it all!
Medieval Fortress “Het Steen”
Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest building, built after the Vikings came to Antwerp in the 9th century. It was a fortress sitting along the river, then in recent times it was the maritime museum, and now a tourist office! As you can see from hte facade with different colours from bottom to top, it has been extended upon throughout the many years it has been standing, including a big overhaul in the 16th century. I love myself an old old building to explore and enjoyed walking around and touching the old stones, wondering who else had been there hundreds of years before!
Also, an unmissable statue which is in front of Het Steen – the Lange Wapper statue depicts a folklore legend of the giant who terrorised Antwerp and it’s people!
Vlaeykensgang Laneway
I absolutely LOVED this little laneway! Off of the busier cobbled streets full of restaurants you will find Vlaeykensgang, a small hidden laneway dating back to the 16th century that transports you back to in time. Vines adorn the doorways and windows and it is completly peaceful. Who doesn’t like discovering places that take you back to ‘the time when…’
Antwerp
Overall, we enjoyed our little stop over in Antwerp! It is small enough to walk, and as it is a bigger Belgian city, there is a beautiful old-town with cute buildings and quaint vibe, but also a big wide shopping mall street with current and upbeat cafes and restaurants and even has the ‘Largest Christmas Shop in the World!’ With it’s beautiful architecture, yummy flemmish food and cheerful people, what’s not to love?!
Find an Airbnb stay in Antwerp and get your Belgian trip started!
Have you been to Antwerp? What was your experience like?
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Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
2 thoughts on “Quick Guide to Antwerp”
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