Visiting Antwerp
Antwerp is a fascinating city with a rich history, magnificent architecture and a vibrant culture. Are you planning to go to Antwerp for a weekend, an afternoon or a whole week? Before you go, here's some information about the city, and all the things you can visit and do there!
Did you know?
🏙️ Antwerp is a Belgian city in the Flemish Region. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and is renowned for its commercial and financial role, its diamond industry and its port, the second largest in Europe.
What is Antwerp known for?
🚢 The port of Antwerp plays a major role in the European economy and is Europe's second largest commercial port.
🏰 Antwerp has a rich architectural history with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Boerentoren, Europe's oldest skyscraper.
💎 The city is home to renowned diamond merchants and the world's largest diamond exchange, the Antwerpse Diamantkring.
👗 Antwerp is famous for its fashion, with renowned designers such as the "Antwerp Six" and their successors such as Raf Simons and Christian Wijnants.
Where to go/walk in Antwerp?
So, what is there to see and do in Antwerp? Well, first of all, you can't miss the Grand-Place! It's a must-see with its magnificent historic buildings and its central fountain, the Bravo Fountain. The fountain commemorates the legend of Brabo and the giant Druon Antigoon.
🖼️ Next, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, an architectural masterpiece with its iconic spire, high tower and magnificent stained glass windows.
If you love art, then Antwerp really is for you! The city is famous for being the birthplace of several famous artists, including Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. You could visit the Rubenshuis museum, the house where Rubens lived and worked, which today houses an impressive collection of his works.
🎭 Immerse yourself in Antwerp's cultural scene by visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Fashion Museum.
🌆 Visit Het Zuid, a popular district for creative people, home to trendy concept stores, art galleries and Art Nouveau buildings.
🎨 Or head to the 30-hectare Middelheim Sculpture Park, where modern and contemporary works of art are displayed in an enchanting natural setting.
And of course, Antwerp is also famous for its shopping! If you like window-shopping, you'll love the city's shopping streets, with their many fashion, jewellery and craft shops.
🛍️ Explore the Meir shopping district, where you'll find luxury boutiques, international brands and trendy fashion shops.
🛍️ The Wilde Zee district offers a unique shopping experience with its designer boutiques, cutting-edge brands and pop-up stores.
Finally, if you have a little time, don't hesitate to take a stroll along the port of Antwerp, the second largest port in Europe. It's really impressive to see the huge cargo ships and vessels that pass through!
⚓ Don't miss a visit to the Eilandje docklands district, where you can admire modern buildings, trendy restaurants and the MAS museum.
🏛️ The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is an iconic museum, symbolising the city's renewal and offering exceptional panoramic views from its rooftop.
And if you want to combine all these points of interest in a single walk, opt for an Urban Escape Game in Antwerp! With Coddy's urban adventures, depending on the game scenario you choose, you'll cross the city with your team, guided by your smartphones, in search of clues to solve your riddles. So you'll be playing and visiting at the same time!
What language is spoken in Antwerp?
🇳🇱 Antwerp is a province of Belgium where Dutch is the official language.
🗣️ Around 3% of the province's inhabitants speak French.
🗣️ Antwerp dialect is spoken in various municipalities in Antwerp.
🇬🇧 English is widely spoken in Antwerp.
🇧🇪 Belgium is officially divided into language regions, with Dutch the official language in five provinces in the north and north-east.
🇳🇱 The provinces where Dutch is spoken are Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, North Brabant and Limburg.
🇫🇷 Also, for your information, and specifically if you're French and you're reading this, Antwerp is pronounced "AnvèrSSS" and not "Anvèr".
An unusual visit to Antwerp
How can you visit Antwerp in an unusual way, or where can you go to discover "hidden" and secret places? Here are our recommendations:
First of all, if you want to visit Antwerp in a different way, we recommend Coddy's urban adventures: life-size treasure hunts and Escape Games in the centre of Antwerp, played via your smartphone. Different game scenarios are available and will take you to different parts of the city to help you (re)discover it in a different way. Guided by your smartphone, you and your team will wander the streets of the city in search of clues and answers to riddles. It's a great way to visit the city and have fun at the same time!
Places not to miss:
📚 The Hendrik Conscience Library is a hidden treasure for book lovers. It houses an impressive collection of old and modern books, as well as a peaceful reading room.
⛪ Saint-Charles-Borromée Church is a magnificent Baroque church, known for its richly decorated interiors. It also offers stunning panoramic views from its summit.
🌿 Pakt: A collection of former warehouses reminiscent of New York, where urban entrepreneurs and farmers meet for culinary experiences with local ingredients. The rooftop gardens add an idyllic touch.
🍺 Café De Pelgrom is a unique café located in a medieval cellar, offering a rustic atmosphere and a wide selection of Belgian beers.
🛍️ Mark: A concept shop that combines a bike shop, bookshop and gift shop. Offers stylish, quality and environmentally friendly items.
🚇 Saint-Anne Tunnel: 572m long, it links the two banks of Antwerp. Take its wooden escalators, installed since 1933!
What is Antwerp's speciality?
🍪 Antwerp hands are hand-shaped biscuits or chocolates.
🍫 They have been a culinary speciality of Antwerp since 1934.
🌰 They can be filled with marzipan moistened with Antwerp Elixir.
🍻 De Koninck beer and Gertrude amber beer are also Antwerp specialities.
🍽️ Jenever is another Antwerp speciality that can be found in the De Vagant bar.
🍽️ Other unsuspected Belgian specialities include cuberdon, filet américain and pâté gaumais.
