Antwerp City Guide - Belgium's Diamond-Studded Discovery

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Antwerp, Belgium by Daniels Joffe on Unsplash.

Travel Notes: Destinations: Europe: Belgium - Antwerp Travel Guide.

Short URL: https://tnot.es/ANR

Travel Guide For Visitors to Antwerp

Antwerp serves up medieval architecture and world-class museums alongside neighbourhood pubs, and enough diamonds to make the Crown Jewels jealous. Share on Facebook

Antwerp as a City Break Destination

Antwerp doesn't try too hard to impress visitors, which is precisely why it's so bloody brilliant.

Antwerp Plays it Cool

While other European cities wave their UNESCO status about like a badge of honour, Belgium's second city just gets on with being effortlessly cool.

You'll find fashion students sketching in centuries-old squares, diamond dealers chatting over coffee, and locals who actually seem pleased to see tourists rather than merely tolerating them.

The city strikes that perfect balance between manageable size and metropolitan sophistication; you can walk across the historic centre in 20 minutes, yet there's enough culture, cuisine, and nightlife to keep you busy for weeks.

Getting to Antwerp - Your Transport Options

Flying to Antwerp

Antwerp International Airport (ANR), also known as Deurne Airport, is a small international airport located a little over 5km south of Antwerp city centre; serving the Antwerp region with a focus on leisure and regional flights.

The airport is connected to the Antwerpen-Berchem railway station by bus lines 51, 52, and 53 operated by De Lijn, providing easy access to local, intercity, and international trains.

Altenatively, Brussels Airport (BRU) sits about 45 kilometres from Antwerp, with direct bus connections running every 30 minutes (journey time: roughly an hour).

The airport express bus costs drops you right in the city centre.

Why Antwerp Should Be Your Next City Break

Train Travel to Antwerp

Antwerp Central Station deserves a mention in any architectural guidebook.

This stunning railway cathedral makes arriving by train feel like a proper event.

High-speed Thalys trains connect directly to Paris (3.5 hours), Amsterdam (1.5 hours), and Brussels (45 minutes).

From London, take the Eurostar to Brussels, then hop on a connecting train.

The entire journey takes about 4 hours door-to-door.

Driving to Antwerp

The city sits conveniently on major European motorways, making it easily accessible by car.

However, Antwerp's city centre operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), so check your vehicle's compliance before driving in.

Where to Stay in Antwerp - Best Neighbourhoods

Het Zuid (The South)

This trendy district buzzes with galleries, design shops, and excellent restaurants.

Perfect for culture vultures and food enthusiasts who want to stay where the action is.

Historic Centre

Stay here for maximum sightseeing convenience; you'll be within walking distance of the cathedral, Grote Markt, and major museums.

Expect higher prices but unbeatable location.

't Eilandje

Antwerp's former docklands transformed into a hip neighbourhood with modern hotels, waterfront dining, and the striking MAS Museum.

Great for visitors wanting contemporary vibes with harbour views.

Popular Hotels in Antwerp

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Antwerp

Cathedral of Our Lady - Gothic Grandeur

This UNESCO World Heritage site took nearly 170 years to complete, and frankly, it shows; in the best possible way.

The soaring spires dominate Antwerp's skyline, while inside, Rubens' masterpieces steal the show.

The 'Descent from the Cross' alone justifies the entrance fee.

Top tip: Visit during late afternoon when golden light streams through the stained glass windows.

Diamond District - Sparkle and Substance

Antwerp cuts and polishes roughly 80% of the world's rough diamonds, making this unassuming neighbourhood near Central Station ridiculously wealthy.

Take a guided tour to learn about the trade, or simply window-shop along Pelikaanstraat and Hoveniersstraat.

Grote Markt - Medieval Heart

Antwerp's central square showcases guild houses that look like elaborate wedding cakes.

The Renaissance Town Hall anchors one side, while cafés and restaurants line the others.

It's touristy but unavoidably photogenic.

MAS Museum - Modern Marvel

The Museum aan de Stroom's distinctive red sandstone tower houses collections spanning Antwerp's maritime history to contemporary art.

But honestly, the real draw is the panoramic city view from the top floor (Hanzestedenplaats 1).

Rubens House Museum (Rubenshuis)

Peter Paul Rubens wasn't just Antwerp's most famous artist, he was also a diplomat, linguist, and savvy businessman.

His restored 17th-century home showcases not only his paintings but also his fascinating lifestyle.

The baroque garden provides a peaceful escape from city streets.

Antwerp's Food Scene - Beyond Waffles and Chocolate

Local Specialities Worth Trying

Antwerpse Handjes: These hand-shaped biscuits reference the city's legendary origins (involving a giant's severed hand).

Bolleke: Antwerp's signature beer, De Koninck, served in distinctive round glasses.

Flemish Stew: Rich, beer-braised beef that's perfect for Belgium's unpredictable weather.

Restaurant Recommendations

Frites Atelier (Korte Gasthuisstraat 32) - Gourmet chips that'll ruin regular fast food forever.

The Jane

The Jane's fine dining in a converted chapel seems to have come to an end, but head chef Nick Bril is said to be seeking a new home for the two Michelin-starred establishment, so stayed tuned.

Shopping in Antwerp - Fashion Capital Credentials

Antwerp Fashion District

The city's Royal Academy of Fine Arts fashion department launched careers of the legendary 'Antwerp Six' designers.

Today, Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat overflow with cutting-edge boutiques, vintage shops, and designer flagship stores.

Meir Shopping Street

For mainstream shopping, pedestrianised Meir offers everything from international chains to local department stores.

It's busy but efficient for practical purchases.

Antwerp Nightlife - From Brown Cafés to Cocktail Bars

Traditional Brown Cafés

These wood-panelled pubs serve local beers in proper glasses with decades of atmosphere.

Try Café Hopper (Leopold de Waelstraat 2) or De Vagant (Reyndersstraat 25) for authentic experiences.

Modern Cocktail Scene

Bar Burbure (Vlaamsekaai 41) and Cocktails at Nine (Lijnwaadmarkt 9) showcase Antwerp's sophisticated drinking culture with creative cocktails and stylish interiors.

Day Trips from Antwerp

Lier (20 minutes by train)

Medieval architecture, peaceful canals, and excellent walking opportunities make this small UNESCO World Heritage city perfect for afternoon escapes, fine dining and a little shopping.

Mechelen (30 minutes by train)

This underrated city offers stunning cathedral views, carillon concerts, and far fewer tourists than other Belgian destinations.

Practical Information for Visiting Antwerp

Best Time to Visit

April to October offers the most pleasant weather, though December's Christmas markets create magical atmospheres.

Avoid January and February unless you enjoy grey skies and persistent drizzle.

Getting Around Antwerp

The historic centre is entirely walkable, while trams and buses connect outer districts efficiently.

Purchase a day pass for unlimited public transport.

Language

Dutch (Flemish) is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops.

Money Matters

Belgium uses euros, and cards are widely accepted.

Tipping isn't mandatory but rounding up bills is appreciated.

Antwerp Thoroughly Deserves Your Time

Antwerp rewards curious travellers who dig beneath surface attractions.

Yes, you'll tick off the cathedral and admire some Rubens paintings, but the city's real magic lies in stumbling upon hidden courtyards, striking up conversations with diamond dealers, and discovering why fashion students flock here from across the globe.

It's a city that works for both weekend breaks and longer stays, offering enough culture to satisfy museum enthusiasts while remaining refreshingly unpretentious.

In a continent packed with over-touristed destinations, Antwerp feels like a proper discovery; even though it's been here a very long time.

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