is antwerp worth visiting

Especially since it's only a short drive/train ride from both the Netherlands and Brussels, I highly recommend adding Antwerp to your . The coffee scene in Antwerp is fantastic. Its something nice to do if you are visiting Antwerp in summer and have at least two days in the city. Visit the Menin Gate, and time your visit so you're there at 8 pm for the Last Call and pay your respects to the Canadians who gave their lives in the Great War. So often travellers head straight to Brussels, Bruges or Ghent on their visits to Belgium, and in reality, they skip over one of the best kept secrets in Western Europe. Worth visiting? It was closed when visited, but when its open visitors can explore the interior courtyard and the rooftop terrace. One Day in Antwerp, Belgium: A Practical Guide - Spend Life Traveling document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Private walking tour Best things to do in Antwerp - how to use this guide If you only have limited time in Antwerp, you will probably want to see the most famous landmarks that the city is known for. Antwerp is a popular city in Belgium with a rich history, and can easily be added to a Netherlands itinerary via a quick ride by train, bus, or car. However, the diamond trading markets are usually out of bounds. Antwerp is also home to one of the best fashion design schools in Europe and is a great city for culture, shopping, and dining. Thank you so much for the best guide Ive seen online .. Right next to Central Station is the famous diamond district of Antwerp, the place where rough and polished diamonds are traded. Admission: Adults 12, young adults/students 8, free for under 18Opening hours: Tues.-Sun. It might look strange to include a caf in the best things to do in Antwerp list, but its such a special place that you really should check it out when in Antwerp. Both these hotels are located near the central station, the zoo, and close to many shops and restaurants. With 3 days, you can briefly visit the most beautiful cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since 1447 and it still is today. Please see our. I personally liked both of these cities, and I recommend you google some of their tourist boards to see for yourself what kind of neat things they have to see. It's also known for attractions, nightlife, and historical sights. Opening hours differ on the weekends. Look at Dresden for goodness sakes or Munich or Berlin or Nuremburg. There's also a nautical museum located in a small castle on the river. Opening a box of chocolates by Tom is like Christmas arriving early. Here, you can find your fries loaded with artisanal toppings that take your frites experience to a whole new level. I have a few days to go to Belguim as a side trip form my 3 weeks in France. You can see the main landmarks of Antwerp in one day, so if one day is all youve got, Antwerp is still worth a trip. Over the centuries, the Steen has served lots of different purposes from a prison to a museum. With three distinctive regions, Belgium is known for its enchanting medieval towns, distinctive Renaissance architecture and delicious food. The Gettysburg Christmas Spirit: Festive Things to Do in the Historic Town, 11 Restaurants in Winston-Salem for a Great Meal. 12 min read When traveling in Belgium, visitors often ask whether they should choose Ghent or Antwerp for a 2-3 day stay. We are visiting soon but on a Monday! This library is home to one of the nicest hidden gems of Antwerp Nottebohmzaal. Get to the heart of Antwerp with one of our in-depth, In addition if you want to know more about these and other Antwerp- and Belgian beers, you can also visit the Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck. The Saturday Exotic Market at Theaterplein is a perfect stop for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. If you want to explore the best that Antwerp has to offer, stay for 2-3 nights. I listed them in the same order as you would visit if you start walking or biking from the Central Station. Practical information: Platin-Moretus Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Dating from 1447, it is considered the diamond capital of the world, and over 80% of the worlds rough diamonds pass through the area. Is Antwerp and Brussles worth seeing? - Rick Steves Travel Forum Planning a trip to Antwerp is an experience that everyone needs to have, and spend as much time as possible there. Not only do the buildings make it worth a visit, but the offerings are also first-rate. Six reasons why Antwerp is worth visiting | Faraway Worlds We recently took our kids here and the whole family had such a great time! So if you visit Antwerp in the winter, I really recommend the light show at the zoo (best visit after it gets dark, of course). At the bottom of this article, you can also find the map indicating the best things to do in Antwerp, as well as our suggested walking route. Good to know:Antwerp Ferris Wheel is open daily, from 11 AM to 11 PM. Its also a part of the city with many restaurants, cafes and places to sit outside. Antwerp is an industrial port city that is a cultural, culinary, and shopping destination in Flanders. The Chocolate Line offers everything from raspberry and salted caramel to fried onions, beetroot, and even grass. Learn how your comment data is processed. He uses unique flavours like Yuzu and Kalamansi and creates art. From photographs and luggage to letters and personal testimonials, the museum brings their stories to life. Antwerp has everything a traveller should wish for in a European city; world class museums and art, beautiful architecture and great food and drink. Happy travels! One full round is about 1.5 KMs long. July and August tend to be busy, but thats also when the city really comes to life with various outdoor events, concerts, etc. Grote Markt is a great place for people watching on summer afternoons. The fountains statue depicts this story that is used to explain the origins of the name of the city Antwerpen hand werpenmeaning to throw a hand. After youve had your fill of shopping or simply taking in the views, head to one of the many cafes and restaurants just a few steps away. 10am-5pm, last entry at 4pm. Belgium is not known for its glorious weather. I'm not a big fan but had some time to kill one day so bought a ticket, walked the entire site in a few hours and was impressed at how much they displayed within a very small area. The Meir shopping area encompasses the streets surrounding the area from the Cathedral all the way to the Central Station. Here, you can find some of the worlds most luxury boutique stores like Herms, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton to name just a few. If you have some time left in between other great things to do in Antwerp, check it out! Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, of course. Beyond the shops they house, the buildings along Meir are also worth a look. Although we were only there for a weekend, I fell in love with the entire vibe of the city. You can find more information about it further below. Lovely medieval buildings. Welcome to Western Europe! Antwerp Belgium Things to Know Before You Visit The Rubens House is certainly one of the top choices. You can find out the travel costs for Antwerp here. One Day in Antwerp: Best Things to do in Antwerp in a Day If youre coming for the mass, the entrance is free of course, but you wont be able to see the best parts. Its highly interactive and hilarious. Another great attraction in Antwerp worth visiting is the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The most popular sight in Antwerp is Antwerpen-Centraal. Here you can read more about me, my family, and our trips all over the world 2015-2023 https://fullsuitcase.com All Rights Reserved. Count 1.5-2 hours for a visit. There are ten different levels inside dedicated to sharing unique historical events, art, artifacts, and more. It truly is phenomenal. Unforgettable. Its one of the hidden gems of Antwerp that most tourists dont know about. The Antwerp Diamond Exchange is worth a visit (think of it as the Wall Street of diamonds) and you shouldn't miss the DIVA Museum for Diamonds, Jewellery, and Silver, where you can see over 600 diamond- and silver-related artifacts. This is my personal favorite museum in Antwerp and I highly recommend it to everyone. Every tour includes beer tasting as well (two beers). Locals in Antwerp speak Dutch, but during our visit, we found that many people spoke English as well. One of the top places for shopping in Belgium, Meir Shopping Street runs from the Cathedral of Our Lady to the central railway station. A free map shows the routes and what can be seen along the way. We first discovered this hidden gem when exploringsome off the beaten path places in Antwerp with kids. 2 How To Get To Antwerp; 3 The Best Places To Visit In Antwerp Start On Arrival; 4 Arriving In Antwerp By Sea and River. While its interesting to see, I really wonder if it will appeal to many international visitors To tell the truth, we found it a bit random and disappointing, and much prefer the concept like the Historium in Bruges which showcases the past of the city. The port city is very popular for its shopping. and has kept its authenticity for over 40 years. The park isnt big and its quite centrally located, so its quite easy to check it out on your way between the station and the old town. But even if you don't, this train station is worth visiting. While this is not an absolute must-do in Antwerp, its actually quite enjoyable. And like most old Flemish cities, there's an old Grote Markt lined with elaborately decorated guild houses. Ringed with bars and cafes, its a fun place to stop for a coffee or to enjoy lunch while watching the activity. I dont know about you but I enjoy a good cocktail especially after a long day of exploring a new city. It is one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen and its fascinating to watch this diamond ship change in a different light. With a healthy selection of cocktails and beers and some of the best music around, the cafe draws regulars and visitors to hear live music every night after 10pm. More travel inspiration for visiting Antwerp: If you found this post helpful, dont forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. A visit to the zoo is the perfect way to escape the hustle and the bustle of the city, while at the same time being right in the heart of town. This is a wonderful guide to Antwerpen! Learn how your comment data is processed. Right opposite the church, you can see Hendrik Conscience Library. Shopping: The city has become known for its fashion scene. Even if you are visiting Antwerp for just one day, you can see most of the best places. Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Antwerpen-Centraal and other attractions here. Belgian beers are world-famous and every city and region has its own special beers that they are proud of. One Day Antwerp itinerary with the best things to do - Travel Passionate Chocolate Nation is the largest Belgian Chocolate Museum in the world. Finally, the city has decided to make better use of this beautiful building and it now serves as a visitor center and a nice place to learn more about the history of Antwerp. The praline was invented in Belgium, so you know you are in safe hands when trying to find your favourite chocolatier. She is not an architect, and I think her tastes are not odd or unusual or weird. Platin-Moretus Museum is also a great place to visit in Antwerp when it rains. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Lovers of architecture and photography will want to spend some time wandering the streets here to see all the different features. Nightlife: With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Its one of Belgiums largest cities, boasts one of the biggest ports in the world, and is internationally renowned for its expansive diamond trade. Its impressive from the outside, but its rich interior is not to be missed either! In fact, this museum is a wonderful alternative to the Rubens House while it remains closed. Many locals come here to relax with a nice beer after a long day and chat with friends. Find out! Right next to Het Steen, youll find another Antwerp attraction The View Antwerpen, aka Giant Ferris Wheel. Originally from Dublin, Ireland she took a very healthy dose of wanderlust and has spent the past 8 years living in China, Laos and Belgium. I personally didnt visit the cathedral because of the admission fee, but if youre an art lover or appreciate the history of cathedrals, its a highly rated Antwerp attraction. However, ideally, you plan at least 2 full days for Antwerp. I was initially drawn to this museum because the building itself and the courtyard are absolutely beautiful. Practical information: The entrance to the museum building and the rooftop terrace is free of charge; the rest of the museum requires a ticket. From fashion and artwork to a 600-year-old diamond district and standout museums, visitors are never at a loss for ways to keep busy. Is Antwerp worth visiting? Antwerp and how safe is it? : r/belgium - Reddit Definitely worth at least a day in my opinion. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. Thanks to its historic architecture and prestigious character, the Meir makes shopping feel special. Hope this helps. Antwerp is a favorite destination of luxury travelers who know Europe well. One of the best frituurs was created by Dutch chef, Sergio Herman who established Frites Atelier. If it is questionable, allow a little time for your to make the judgement on whether to return or not. This is an expensive city to visit. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Its belltower is included along with other remarkable towers in Belgiumlike the belfrys in Bruges and Ghentas a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But if youre looking for more options, here are even more things to do and places to see. With its glorious past reflected in the most beautiful historic buildings and world-famous art, but also modern architecture, interesting museums, and some of the best shopping and dining in Europe, Antwerp is more than worth a trip.
Kramer Elementary School, When Was Jacksonville Founded, Downtown Alive Greenville, Sc, Articles I