Antwerp, Belgium Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights (Illustrated)

With a name synonymous with the finest diamonds money can buy, it is no wonder that many visitors flock to Antwerp, Belgium each year. While the streets may not be paved with these precious jewels, this gorgeous city still has many amazing attractions for the traveler.

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium, with a population of 500,000 in what the locals like to call the “Metropolis,” which is the metropolitan area. Referred to as the “Daughter of the River Scheldt,” Antwerp has the second largest harbor in Europe, bringing a vast array of cultures and products into the city. It is this grand harbor that at one time in history made the city one of the most influential in the world. When the Spanish took over the city in 1585, the city’s influence was replaced by Amsterdam, and the city fell into a slump until the 19th century when economic growth began to return the city to its former splendor.

This economic growth is visible in many different areas around the city today. While the 15th century architecture is one attraction, the modern architecture and contemporary artistic influences brought by a changing economy are also a draw for travelers. With picturesque views of the old world meeting the new, you can be sure that Antwerp will shine like a diamond in your memories for years.

Table of Contents:

Antwerp Travel Guide
Overview
Culture
Location & Orientation
Climate & When to Visit
Getting to Antwerp
Sightseeing Highlights
Museum by the River (Museum aan de Stroom)
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Middelheim Open-Air Statuary Museum (Openluchtmuseum voor Beeldhouwkunst Middelheim)
Antwerp Zoo (Dierentuin)
Aquatopia
Cathedral of our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal)
Rubens’ House (Rubenshuis)
Centraal Station
Main Square (Grote Markt)
Diamond District
Het Steen
Museum of Contemporary Art (Muhka)
Saint Paul’s Church (Saint-Pauluskerk)
FotoMuseum
Recommendations for the Budget Traveler
Places to Stay
Antwerp City Center Hotel
Hotel Postiljon
Boomerang Hostel
Abhostel
Condo Gardens Antwerp Studios
Places to Eat & Drink
Wijnbar Vigneto
Bart-A-Vin
Eten Vol Leven
‘t Koekebakske
Amadeus
Reload
Frituur No 1
Places to Shop
Chinatown Antwerp
RA Christmas Market
Bazar Bizar
Vogelenmarkt (Birds Market)
Stadsfeestzaal
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