Antwerp can safely surpass London in extraordinary fashion, compete with Berlin in avant-garde art, compete with Prague for medieval charm, compete with Amsterdam in freedom of morals and even challenge Paris in the choice of fashionable eateries.
Well, in the sale of diamonds, Antwerp is difficult to even compare with any other city, because it is rightfully considered the capital of diamonds. 8 out of 10 uncut stones are processed here (on the pirates' map, I think there would be a fat cross in place of Antwerp!)
Antwerp
In the middle of the XVI century, due to its favorable location, it was one of the most important and richest cities in Europe, where, moreover, the superstar of that time lived here — the great Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.
The history of Antwerp is riddled with historical cataclysms and the bombing of the Second World War, which still did not take away the medieval charm of the city. Now, like a magnet, it attracts a diverse audience: from fashion designers and rich ladies to art lovers and diamond dealers.
Antwerp's popularity grew in the 1980s when the city's Academy of Fine Arts produced a golden generation of young designers who took the fashion world by storm. That's when Antwerp turned from a once rich, but alas, squandered its former glory, provincial city into a fashionable and dynamic center of Belgium.
Yes, there are still a lot of diamonds here, and churches and museums are filled with paintings of magnificent Rubens ladies, but now there is also a rich cultural life. Trendy shops and salons, unusual cafes, restaurants, clubs and everything your heart desires.
Antwerp
Personally, in Antwerp I found everything I love in European cities: world-class museums, art of various directions, beautiful architecture, excellent food and the impossibly cozy embankment of the Scheldt River flowing into the North Sea.
There is no metropolitan bustle here, but at the same time there is no sleepiness of a provincial city either.
How to get
Although Antwerp is the second largest city by the standards of Belgium, nevertheless it is not a metropolis, but a small, albeit developed, administrative center of the province of the same name.
Therefore, the most convenient and profitable ways to get to it will include a flight to Brussels. From there you can easily get to Antwerp both from Brussels airports (by bus, train or car) and from any station in the capital.
When is the season. When is it better to go?
Antwerp has a temperate maritime climate, which is responsible for mild winters and warm summers, as well as regular precipitation at any time of the year.
And although the Belgian weather is always equally unpredictable, I would advise you to spend the summer in Antwerp, because there is no better season to find.
Antwerp
June is the busiest month for events and the most "weather-favorable".
In July and August, the heat is stronger, and it's time to soak up on the sandy beaches on the banks of the Scheldt River - Bocadero Beach, which is famous for night parties in the open air, or on St. Anne's Beach (Sint Annastrand), created for lovers of relaxing holidays and adapted for tents.
Swimming in the river is prohibited, but there are paid outdoor pools for everyone. Due to the peak of the tourist season, it is worth booking accommodation and buying tickets in advance, and preparing for large crowds.
Antwerp in autumn and spring
Antwerp
I think I was no less lucky when I lived in this city in spring and autumn. Prices for hotels and tickets were significantly lower, the weather was excellent (by the standards of Belgium) and there were much fewer tourists than in summer.
In September, the weather is amazing, and the temperature is still around 20 ° C.
Rain happens, but rarely. The weather is similar in May, when the rains weaken on the eve of summer, and the temperature tends to rise. But March and November can be quite chilly.
Winter in Antwerp is overcast and cold, and although the temperature rarely drops below 0, the journey can be marred by constant rains, wind, overcast skies and even fog.
There are also sharp cold spells when the thermometer drops to 12 ° C, but this is rare. Humidity and winds aggravate low winter temperatures. However, if this does not frighten you, then stock up on suitable clothes and hit the road.
Personally, it is important for me to live within walking distance from the center and on a quiet street so that I can get a good night's sleep, and in Antwerp this is not a problem.
Historical center
Most of the accommodation options are located in the historical center of the city. Of course, there are a number of important advantages here, but it will not do without minuses. Within walking distance of the main attractions of the city, old streets, bars, restaurants and other entertainment. The closer the hotels are to the central Grote Markt square, the higher the prices. However, even here you can find inexpensive options, such as apartments without a kitchen or hostels. The disadvantage of accommodation in the city center is the night noise, especially in summer. In the historical center there is a university and several colleges, so here is the largest concentration of eternally cheerful students!
Districts of Meir and De Wilde Zee
If your main goal is shopping, then these areas to the east of the center will suit you perfectly, since it is here that the shopping streets of Antwerp are concentrated, including the main street of the city, along which endless shops stretch - Meir. Despite the proximity to the historical center, there are quite a lot of affordable housing options.
Sint-Andries district
The most fashionable area of the city. Designer shops are concentrated here, there is the MOMU fashion museum, a flea market and the main antique street Kloosterstraat. Quite a quiet non-party area.
Zuid District
A popular area among both locals and tourists. It has the largest number of art galleries and museums and, indeed, a creative atmosphere. Zuid has a vibrant nightlife, which is why this place attracts young people so much. The district originated in the XIX century, its architecture was designed under the influence of Paris, which was reflected even in wide boulevards, cozy squares and squares. Due to the distance from the center and the noisy nightlife, the area may not be suitable for families with children.
Central Station and Diamond district
For those who travel loaded with bags, it will be convenient to stay in a hotel or apartment near the train station or in the Diamond district. In addition, it is the very heart of the city's public transport. Room prices vary, so you can rent a fairly inexpensive accommodation. Despite the high quality of service in hotels, this area is not considered the safest, especially at night.
Het Eilandje district
The port area of the city. It is becoming more and more modern and popular thanks to the MAS museum, the proximity of the river, the opening of unusual restaurants, bars, fashionable clubs. It is not surprising that over the past couple of years, interesting accommodation options have appeared here and at the same time for reasonable money. You will have to walk 15-20 minutes to the historical center, but what views open to the Scheldt River!
Camping
For those who want to be closer to nature, Antwerp has a city camping De Molen, located on the left bank of the Scheldt River a few steps from St. Anne's Beach. Here you can rent trailers, or come on your own or camp with a tent.
Antwerp
Top 5 attractions in Antwerp
You will be surprised, but such a small city as Antwerp is popular among Belgians no less than among foreign tourists.
Perhaps its attractiveness is explained by the compactness of the city, where all the sights are located at a short distance from each other, but at the same time their number and variety does not let you get bored.
You can come here again and again!
Antwerp Central Station.
Antwerp Central Station.
One of the five most beautiful railway stations in the world combines various architectural styles. The station is fully adapted to modern technologies and equipped with multi-level platforms.
Grote Markt Square.
The medieval heart of Antwerp is located on the small triangular Grote Markt square, which is surrounded by magnificent 16th-century guildhouses and the Stadhuis (town hall) built in 1565. In the middle there is a fountain depicting the main character of the most popular legend of the city: the mythical hero Brabo.
Grote Markt Square.
Castle Het Steen ("Stone").
A small pretty Antwerp castle on the banks of the Scheldt River, is the oldest building in Antwerp, made of stone (dating from the XIII century). At the walls of the castle you are met by a thunderstorm of all drunks - a Long Wapper.
Castle Het Steen ("Stone").
Zoo van Antwerp (Zoo).
The pride of Antwerp is the zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, designed in 1843 in an elegant Art Nouveau style. There are about 5,000 animals represented here.
Zoo van Antwerp (Zoo).
Vleeshuis (House of Butchers).
The former palace, which belonged to the richest guild of butchers built in 1504. Today, a unique museum of applied art and archeology is located here. Address: Vleeshouwersstraat, 38
Vleeshuis (House of Butchers).
What to see in 1 day
9.00 - Start the conquest of Antwerp from the Central Station, especially if you didn't see it when you first arrived. This is a unique opportunity to see one of the most beautiful train stations in the world!
9.20 - Chinatown (Chinatown). Here you can plunge into a completely different world, where a different language, culture, smells.
10.00 - Visit Begijnhof at Rodestraat 39. Stroll through the cobbled streets and look into the courtyard with an orchard and a church. Since 1545, this place has been a monastery for single pious women.
10.40 – Walk to the impressive size of the Sint-Jacobskerk Church on Lange Nieuwstraat Street, 73-75. It is in it that Peter Paul Rubens is buried. The church is located in the center of a lively and beautiful Theater district.
11.00 – Go along Eikenstraat Street to the main street of the city – Meir. Walking along it, do not miss the opportunity to go to the Stadsfeestzaal shopping center or look into a chocolate shop.
11.30 - Visit the famous Rubenshuis (Rubens House Museum) by turning onto Wapper Street.
13.00 - Be sure to visit Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) at Groenplaats, 21
13.30 - Walk along Oude Koornmarkt Street and turn into the charming Vlaeykensgang lane, where you will be transported to the real Middle Ages!
14.00 - Rush to the central Grote Markt square and stay here longer, sit on a bench next to the fountain and carefully examine the wonderful buildings surrounding the square.
14.30 - Wander through the lovely medieval streets, feel the indescribable atmosphere of the historical part of the city. Be sure to take a look, and if there is a desire, then visit, Vleeshuis (House of Butchers) on Vleeshouwersstraat street.
15.30 - Go to the embankment directly to the Hetsteen Castle (Steenplein 1), next to which the formidable figure of a Long Vepper is already hanging over the poor drunkards.
16.00 - Take a walk along the embankment, and then go through the Sint-Annatunnel tunnel, which will take you to the left bank of the Scheldt River. It offers a wonderful view of the city, and St. Anne's Beach is a great place for a picnic.
17.00 - Return to the right bank of the river and walk to the MAS Museum or a little further along the embankment to the Red star line museum.
18.00 - A great opportunity to walk to the historical center through the local Red Light District - Verversrui, Shippersstraat and Vingerlingstraat streets.
18.30 – The best way to spend an evening in Antwerp is to sit on the terrace of one of the many cafes in the Sint-Andries and Zuid districts. At the same time, you can observe the life of local residents and feel the atmosphere of the city!
Grote Markt Square.
Travel only with those who are equal to you or better than you. If there are no such - travel alone. © Dhammapada
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