Antwerp City Guide

Antwerp, pronounced Antwerpen in Flemish and Anvers in French, is currently one of the most popular European cities to visit. Art and culture fuse with amazing architecture and top class restaurants and cafes, making Antwerp a diverse city break to enjoy.



Lovers of the arts are in for a treat on a trip there. A cultural tour of Antwerp is easy to undertake; the city's gothic cathedral, the historic architecture and paintings by Antwerp’s most famous artist, Rubens, are all top notch highlights.



Antwerp’s Cathedral (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal), is one of the best crafted gothic buildings in the whole of Europe and remains one of the most visited tourist attractions. Work began on this magnificent building in 1352 and finished 169 years later.



Lovers of architecture should also take a trip to the main square where you can find the renaissance Town Hall, several traditional guild houses and the famous Brabo fountain.



Art enthusiasts will no doubt be aware that Rubens was a citizen of Antwerp and you don’t have to wander far to see some fine examples of his work. A visit to the artist’s house is a great starting point and the Cathedral is home to four of his pieces, including ‘Raising of the Cross’.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is another essential stop for art lovers. Wander through the different floors to browse over 1,500 paintings by Old Masters which are usually on permanent display. Take a trip to the first floor for more modern pieces.



Music fans will be delighted by Amuz Concert Hall (Amuz - Augustinus Muziekcentrum), a hub for all things melodic and cultural.



The church of St Agustinas has been transformed into an arts and concert hall, with all sorts of contemporary and classical music to keep you amused.



If you feel like taking a wander around, Antwerp's ‘Great Market Square’ (Grote Markt) can be found at the heart of the city and is packed full of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. This area is also home to ‘Den Engel’, one of the city’s oldest traditional ‘brown bars’, so called because centuries of tobacco smoke have tinted the walls an amber hue.



Anyone interested in fashion should make a beeline for De Kayserlai's numerous boutiques and designer stores. MoMu Museum, a fashion museum, may also be of interest. The Meir district is another fashion hotspot and there are a few markets held each week which are ideal for a spot of shopping.



Friday Market (Vrijidagmarkt) is held in the evening and is crammed with vintage and second hand clothes, accessories and other bits and bobs. If you miss the Friday night market don’t fret as Lijnwaadmarkt takes place each Sunday morning right in front of the cathedral. You will find an array of local food, crafts and clothes.



Antwerp is also famed as being the diamond city of Belgium so if you fancy adding a bit of sparkle to your trip away then head for the Diamond Quarter.



Night time activities are varied and live music spills out of the bars, cafes and clubs found in both the port and Cathedral areas. Hotels in Antwerp are as varied as the city’s attractions so you shouldn’t encounter any problems finding accommodation to suit.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.