Antwerp is undoubtedly a city to visit and revisit without moderation. Fifth largest port in the world and center of the diamond industry, it is a city with a rich history. According to legend, the name "Antwerpen" comes from the fact that a brave Roman soldier cut off the hand of the giant who demanded a right of way on the boats. To visit Antwerp is to discover a city with a thousand facets.
Visit Antwerp, the unmissable
The Notre-Dame cathedral
To visit Antwerp is above all to discover the Cathedral of Our Lady, the construction of which took 169 years. This immense architectural masterpiece proudly displays a 123-metre bell tower. It underwent a restoration, which took almost 20 years, but today it is as majestic as it was in 1521, when its construction ended.
The Rubens House
The Rubens house takes its name from its former owner, the illustrious painter Pierre Paul Rubens. You will discover an impressive collection of his greatest works, the studio he used during the 25 years spent in this residence and a breathtaking garden.
The zoo
Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest in all of Europe. More than 5 animals of more than 000 species are gathered there in an extraordinary setting. Hippopotamuses that reside in a pink villa or elephants that reign over a superb Egyptian temple, these are the kinds of things you will have to immortalize during your visit. Allow at least half a day.
Photo credit: Antwerp Zoo
The MAS
The MAS (Museum aan der Stroom or Museum on the river) awaits you in the oldest part of the port. It is an imposing 60-meter tower built between the waters and the mainland. More than a museum, it is the place where several universes come together. Five floors are also arranged according to specific themes: Life and Death, Metropolis, Demonstration of Power and World Port.
Reinhard Tiburzy / Shutterstock.com
The old center of Antwerp
Don't miss the old center of Antwerp either, where around 300 multi-hundred-year-old statues seem to offer protection to the people. A walk on foot could make you discover a real maze of alleys (be careful not to get lost) between the Grand-Place, the Brabo Fountain, the White Angel... with the famous bell tower of the Cathedral which overlooks the whole district.
Tips and tricks for visiting Antwerp
Getting around in Antwerp
To organize your stay well, it is important to know how you can get around Antwerp. As incongruous as it may seem, you can rent bikes by the day, by the week or take a monthly package. It must also be recognized that it is an excellent way to do sport, tourism and protect the environment at the same time. Of course, there are more conventional means of transport such as the bus, tram or taxis. And if you want a vehicle to be at your disposal throughout your stay, don't hesitate to rent one.
Visiting Antwerp, where to stay?
Do you already have an idea of where you will be staying? The choice depends on your budget and your needs. If you want to visit Antwerp and stay in a hotel, you can orient your search depending on whether you have a pet, whether you need parking or whether the establishment has its own restaurant. You can also choose a bed and breakfast or a rental residence (house, apartment) to have a little more privacy. For my part, when I go on a city trip, as recently in Paris, I regularly use HouseTrip, the site offering many accommodations. Maybe camping appeals to you? You will have both a comfortable place, located close to nature and rented at a reasonable rate.
How to get to Antwerp?
Don't forget the essential: the transport you choose to reach Antwerp. If you choose the air route, Deurne airport is the closest (15 mins from the city) while Brussels airport is around 30 mins away. If you opt for the train, you have the choice between an arrival in Antwerp-Central or Antwerp-Berchem with 15 connections to and from Antwerp every hour. Why not opt for a cruise to disembark 5 minutes from the city center? But you may have a preference for the road network and in this case, you will be able to make a trip by car. Otherwise, there are coaches from Paris, Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam or Cologne.
Cover photo credit: Visit Antwerp
