Antwerp can easily surpass in extraordinary fashion, compete with avant-garde art, compete with medieval charm, compete with freedom of morals and even challenge in the choice of fashionable eateries. Well, when it comes to diamond release, it’s difficult to even compare Antwerp with any other city, because it is rightfully considered the capital of diamonds. 8 out of 10 uncut stones are processed here (on a pirate map, I think, if Antwerp were there, there would be a bold cross!)
IN mid-16th century century, thanks to its favorable location, it was one of the most significant and richest cities in Europe, where, moreover, the superstar of that time lived here - great artist Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Antwerp's history is riddled with historical cataclysms and the bombing of World War II, which still did not take away from the city's medieval charm. 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 town to the 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 ladies by Rubens, but now there is also a vibrant cultural life here. Fashionable shops and salons, unusual cafes, restaurants, clubs and everything your heart desires, in the format of a small (by Russian standards) city.
Personally, in Antwerp I found everything I love in European cities: world-class museums, art of various styles, beautiful architecture, excellent food and an impossibly cozy embankment of the Scheldt River, which flows into the North Sea. There is no bustle of the capital here, but at the same time there is no drowsiness of a provincial city either.
How to get there
Although Antwerp is the second largest city by the standards of Belgium, it is nevertheless 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 there 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 train station in the capital.
Of the more complicated options, the longest trip from Russia will be by direct bus, and the most expensive will be by train (with transfers). Alas, due to the lack water communication Between Russia and Belgium it is almost impossible to get to the city by sea.
From Russia planes fly to the main airport of Brussels - Zaventem.
From there you can travel to Antwerp by train, bus or car.
On the diagram you can see where different types of transport depart from to Antwerp.
Bus
Buses departure from the platform located on level 0 (one floor below the arrivals area). The bus to Antwerp departs at the beginning of every hour: from April 1 to September 30 from 3:00 to 00.00, from October 1 to March 30 from 4.00 (on weekends and holidays from 6.00) to 23.00. The journey will take about 45 minutes. Tickets to Antwerp for adults - 10 euros, for children - 5 euros. They can only be purchased from the driver and in cash. The final stop is Koningin Astridplein, which is a 3-minute walk from Antwerp Station. The driver can also, upon request, make an intermediate stop at the Crown Plaza Hotel (Gerard le Grellelaan, 10) - it takes about 10 minutes to get there from the airport.
Train
Trains from the airport depart from level -1 (2 floors below the arrivals area). Travel time is 32 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes, starting from 4.00 until 00.00. Time may vary, so it is better to check the schedule on the website. Prices do not depend on the time and method of purchase, so you can purchase them at self-service terminals, on the website or at ticket offices at the airport. If you come on the weekend, you can buy a Weekend ticket, which is valid for a round trip from 19.00 Friday to the end of Sunday, and costs almost the same as a standard one-way ticket. Children under 12 years of age are allowed free travel with one parent. When purchasing a ticket, discounts are provided for different categories of citizens. Tickets are punched directly on the train by the conductor.
Car rental
You can easily rent a car at the airport and travel to the city via the E19 highway. you can compare offers from different rental companies.
Antwerp is located 43 kilometers from the airport. The journey will take 30-40 minutes excluding traffic jams.
If you arrive at the airport Charleroi(), which is located about 90 km from Antwerp, then first take a bus that will take you to the railway station, from where you can leave by train.
You can buy a combination ticket in advance on the website. It will include travel by train and bus, and will cost 21 EUR.
By train
There is no direct train connection between Russia and Belgium, so if you want to get to Antwerp by train, you will first have to make transfers to Brussels. From Brussels Nord main station you can reach Antwerp in about 40 minutes. Check the website for schedule and prices. railways Belgium.
You can also reach Antwerp by train, either direct or connecting, from the nearby Netherlands. Depending on the train you choose, you will get there in an average of 2.5 hours; from within an hour. However, a ticket from both cities will cost the same - about 19 EUR. The schedule can be viewed on the Dutch Railways website.
By bus
Christmas in Antwerp it is celebrated brightly and richly: with many events and entertainment. From December 10 to January 8, a Christmas market takes place on the Grote Markt square, in the middle of which a huge Christmas tree is installed. At this market you can buy local delicacies, handicrafts, drink Belgian beer and even kiss under the huge mistletoe. In addition, stalls are located in the Groenplaats, Suikerrui and Steenplein squares. During the same period, a free outdoor skating rink is open at Groenplaats. you can familiarize yourself with the program of winter events.
Safety. What to watch out for
Compared to the capital of Belgium, Antwerp is much calmer and safer. There is a much lower concentration of immigrants here compared to Brussels, and a generally low crime rate. However, in the tourist area there are cases of robberies, pickpocketing, theft of things from cars, snatching of bags, and theft of bicycles. The least favorable areas for tourists are the areas near Central Station, especially Borgerhout and Seefhoek ( eastern part Antwerp). This is where immigrants live (almost 100 different nationalities). The area is very troubled, and it looks like it. It's quite lively here during the day, but it's definitely not worth walking there at night. Personally, upon arrival in the city, I was warned about a group of people operating directly at the Central Station. They allegedly lure tourists away with the help of children and steal personal items such as phones, laptops and wallets.
De Coninckplein was the center of drug trafficking in Antwerp for many years and was considered a rather dangerous place at night. Although the red light district is kept under guard, it is still not best place for night walks. It is also recommended to avoid areas near ports and docks at night.
From my own experience, I can say that on any trip you should take a bag over your shoulder or a backpack, and it is better to put documents and money in hard-to-reach places, such as an internal pocket. Do not take all your money with you, and keep copies of documents at hotels. Always be vigilant, keep an eye on your phone, especially on public transport and at train stations.
Bicycles must be secured. If you rented a car, make sure that the windows are always down when parked.
Things to do
Apart from the obligatory city walks and sightseeing, there is certainly plenty to do in Antwerp.
Excursions and cruises
Like many European cities, Antwerp is designed to be explored on two wheels, so it's no surprise that cycling tours are so popular here. Only for this you need to speak English. Daytime, nighttime, children's and even gastronomic excursions are held daily. Here are some companies offering similar services:
A great way to see Antwerp from an unusual perspective is to take a tour boat ride on the Scheldt River. The beauty of such a tour is that from the boat you can see the bustling activity of the port, the work processes of loading, loading and transporting goods, look at the drawbridges, marvel at the size of some seafaring giants, and see Fort Lillo. After all, the port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe.
There are also gastronomic trips, when in addition to admiring the seascapes, you can devour pancakes, or eat meat or fish dishes, depending on the tour you choose. Prices start from 7.5 EUR. The walk can take 50 minutes, 2 or 3 hours. Most boats depart from the pontoon at Steenplain or Londenbrug. Here are some cruise lines:
A very convenient way to get to know the city is to ride a tourist bus that travels around the city and stops near various attractions. You can purchase a ticket for 24 or 48 hours. Excursion it's an hour and starts every 75 minutes from Central Station (Astridplein - platform 7). The bus runs from 10.30 to 16.30. You can get off and on the bus at any stop. There is an audio translator on board (including in Russian). Tickets can be purchased on board the bus, online on the website or at information centers.
Another option for a sightseeing tour is a retro tram from the Audio Guide company only in German and English languages. The essence of this tour is the same, but the transport is nicer! By the way, he goes to natural gas.
Having ridden bicycles, buses and boats, you can also stroll around the city on foot, in the company of a guide, for example! You can choose a Russian-speaking guide, but in general, there are guides who speak different languages.
Shopping and shops
Antwerp is designed to cater to the needs of shopaholics. On the largest shopping street, Meir, and nearby Huidevettersstraat, Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat, you can find everything your heart desires and a little more. Even I couldn’t resist and went into the shopping center. It was successfully restored and reopened in 2007 after being partially destroyed by fire ten years earlier. In addition to the many shops, the eye is drawn to the amazing design - vaulted glass ceilings with gilding, sculptures, mosaics, wall reliefs, oak parquet floors.
The most expensive and exclusive shops are located on Hopland and Schuttershofstraat.
Wealthy people, of course, flock to Antwerp for diamonds. The diamond trade takes place in the Jewish Quarter. On the streets Pelikaanstraat, Schupstraat and Hovenierstraat. Be careful because purchasing precious stones going to one of the jewelry stores near Central Station can turn into a sad experience.
If you don't have much money and your friends are demanding that you bring diamonds from Antwerp, then go to one of the many chocolate shops in the city and buy them diamond-shaped candies!
All kinds of Asian goods can be purchased in Chinatown.
For antiques, you should go to Kloosterstraat. On Sunday, trade in antiques and trinkets moves directly from the premises directly to the street.
And don’t forget about open markets. Every Friday in the city center, Vrijdagmarkt is open, offering antiques and second-hand goods. On Sunday, the Theaterplein is home to the Vogelenmarkt, the city's most popular weekend market, where you can find everything from food and household items to bicycles, antiques and pets. On Sunday you have the opportunity to visit the antique market on Sint-Jansvliet Square. In addition, every last Sunday of the month (from May to September) an art market opens on Lambermontplaats, where Antwerp artists present their works.
In Ploegstraat 25, go to the so-called gift shop. You can bring any things here and pick them up completely free of charge. The store is open daily, except weekends, from 14.00 to 18.00. Another popular store is located at Kroonstraat 166.
Bars. Where to go
Antwerp is simply bursting at the seams with a huge number of bars. As evening approaches, city residents head to their favorite drinking establishments to drink beer and chat with friends. If you don’t spend an evening like this at least once, then consider that you haven’t seen Antwerp! The Belgians are rightfully proud of their beer, so it would be reckless not to enjoy this drink in Antwerp (chilled, of course). In addition to the main Belgian beers, be sure to try De Koninck, a light red ale that was invented in the 19th century in Antwerp. It is served in branded glasses with steep sides - bolleke. The same aspiration has stuck to the beer variety, so don’t be surprised if you see it on the menu along with its official name. Another local drink that should be ignored is Elixir d'Anvers liqueur.
Street cafes are concentrated on Groenplaats and Grote Markt; traditional pubs, or in other words - “brown cafes” - are concentrated on Hoogstraat, Pelgrimstraat, Pieter Potstraat and adjacent streets; Beer cellars can be found on Stadswaag.
With the onset of June, summer bars open in Antwerp, usually on rooftops or in parks. When the weather is warm, there's nothing better than enjoying your favorite drinks while sitting on your sun loungers and admiring the city view. Here are some popular summer bars for you to choose from:
- Born in Anwerp (Kattendijkdok-Oostkaii, 21)
- Bar Gloed (De Keyserlei, 5)
- Smokey Jo's garage (Boomgaardstraat, 17)
- Cargo Zomerbar (Spoor Noord park)
Clubs and nightlife
You will be surprised, but it seemed that such a small city hides a huge number of bars and clubs. People party here all night! A particularly large concentration of Antwerp dance floors is located in the area of Falconplein and the Red Light District. However, there are several fairly large clubs for which people travel to different parts of the city. Every Thursday is traditionally considered the day when students go away. Therefore, on this day of the week most of the clubs are crowded. The advantage of Thursday is that admission is free almost everywhere. The downside is that you have to stand in lines. To avoid this, you should come to party either before 12 at night or after 2.
Don't miss the opportunity to look into one of the largest and most popular nightclubs not only in Antwerp, but also in Belgium - Cafe d'Anvers. The club is located in a real 16th century church, which is located right in the middle of the Red Light District. DJs from all over the world perform here with music in the style of House, R&B, Techno, Minimal, Electro, Progressive House, Vocal House. The club has a huge balcony with a great view of the dance floor. Café d'Anvers is open on Friday and Saturday from 23 to 7.30, and on Thursday until 6 am. More detailed information and prices you can find out. Address: Verversrui, 15
Fans of live music choose a club located on the outskirts of the city. The club is located in a former factory building. The main musical trends are Hip-hop, New-wave, Reggae, Funk and Hard-rock. Ticket prices vary between 15 EUR, but if you buy through the website, it will be cheaper. Address: d"Herbouvillekaa, 25.
For lovers of Cuban and Latin American dances, there is a club in Antwerp. The interior is designed in the style of the 20s. It is believed that the most interesting parties take place on Saturdays. The ticket price (approx. 12 EUR) includes a drink, a free lesson from 21.00 to 22.00, the cost of a wardrobe and the concert. Address: Waalse Kaai, 25
Oddly enough, most clubs in Antwerp are closed in the summer. Perhaps this is due to a large number summer festivals and music events, when dance floors open everywhere. Therefore, partygoers simply do not need to go to a club when they can dance in the open air.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
In Antwerp you can buy not only purely Belgian souvenirs like waffles or a bottle of Genever, but also products created in this city.
How to get around the city
Antwerp has a fairly extensive network of bus and tram routes. I would even say that for this small town Transport is abundant here. There is also a metro, but not like ours. These are several tram lines (2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 15) that run underground. Trains may depart from one platform in different directions, so you need to carefully monitor the information on the screens. There are even night buses that run on Friday and Saturday. All information about routes can be found on the website of the carrier Delijn. Lines 2 and 15 run between the station and the historical center.
Tickets are sold in special yellow machines installed at bus stops and in the subway, as well as in newsstands and supermarkets. You can also buy a trip by sending an SMS. You can buy a single ticket - 1.80 EUR, a day pass - 6 EUR (children - 4 EUR), a 3-day pass - 12 EUR, a 5-day pass - 17 EUR, a 10-trip pass - 15 EUR. You cannot buy multi-day passes from the driver, and a single ticket will cost 3 EUR. Children under 6 years old - free. A single ticket allows you to travel for an hour on any type of transport with transfers.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is quite expensive, but considering that the historical center of Antwerp is small, the trip usually costs 15 EUR. Getting into a taxi will cost 3 euros, then for each kilometer - 2-2.5 EUR.
You can call a taxi by phone or catch a car, for example, at Groenplaats or at Central Station. Some famous taxi companies in Antwerp can be found
Bicycle rental
Antwerp, like many small European cities, is simply made for cyclists. Everywhere you look you will see a bike path. The most popular bike sharing system in the city is. You can purchase a one-day, weekly or even an annual subscription by registering on the company's website or at any station at the machine.
You can ride for free for the first half hour, then you have to pay extra. IN overall difficulty, you can ride no more than 4 hours on one bike. But why ride longer when you can park at one of 153 stations and take another bike?
Other bike rentals:
Car rental
You can rent a car in Antwerp, but it can cause a lot of inconvenience due to the small number of parking spaces, narrow streets, already crowded with bicycles and buses. Lots of one-way streets. You can rent a car only if you are 21 years old and have an international driving license. Here are some companies.
You can compare rental prices from different rental companies.
Antwerp - holidays with children
If you are traveling with children, then rest assured: Antwerp is a city where everything is created for adults and parents to spend time together: theme parks, playgrounds, wide pedestrian areas, petting zoos, family excursions, parks and much more.
Fun activities for children and their parents:
- Visit to petting farms on the outskirts of Antwerp, where children can get up close and personal with rural life and interact with rabbits, poultry, kids and other animals.
Farm addresses:
Farm Wilrijk. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00. Admission is free. There are paid classes in bread baking. Lievevrouwkesbosweg, 20.
Farm De Schranshoeve. Open on Wednesday from 13.00 to 16.00, every first and third Sunday of the month from 10.00 to 16.00. Free admission. Ruggeveldlaan 99.
When planning your travel route, you will probably be interested in how to get to Antwerp? Let us answer it.
- By plane.
Airplane is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get to Antwerp. It would be worth noting that just 2 km from the city, in the Dorn region, there is international airport Antwerp, accepting flights from the UK (mainly London, Manchester and Liverpool), Ireland and several other European countries. Using public transport or taxi (about 10 euro) for 20 minutes. you will find yourself in any part of the city of Antwerp. In addition, SNBrussels and Aeroflot operate direct flights from Moscow to Brussels, from where Antwerp is just a stone's throw away - a bus leaves from Brussels airport to Antwerp every hour. The journey will take only 35 minutes. By plane you can get to.
- By train.
The central railway station is located near the historical part of the city. There is another station - Berchem, but it is intended mainly for local service. Trains depart every half hour to/from Brussels (price is about 7-8euro, and a long trip does not exceed 40 minutes). Meanwhile, shipments are made every hour to other cities in the country (Ghent, Mechelen, Leuven, etc.). The ticket price varies from 2euro to 5euro, of course, depending on the remoteness of each specific city.
- By bus.
Another affordable way to get from Brussels to Antwerp is by bus. Communication between the cities is carried out by buses from the well-known company Euroline, which arrive/depart from the square. Roosevelt, near the carrier's central office. Due to the fact that the distance between the capital and Antwerp is only 50 km, regular buses leave every 20 minutes. Such a trip will cost you only 10 euro.
- By car.
And finally, you can get to Antwerp by car. All you need is to use car rental services upon arrival in Brussels. By car, you will cover the distance between cities in just 40 minutes, since Antwerp is connected to other Belgian cities by expressways. You don't have to worry about parking, as many hotels in the city provide their guests with parking spaces, however, some of them may be paid (price per day is about 5 euro).
Prices in Antwerp
Belgium is a country with high rate living standards of the population and, accordingly, high prices. It would be wrong to call Belgium an expensive country, but you shouldn’t expect budget tourism. Prices here are on average higher than in neighboring countries.
If the high cost of living does not bother you, then you will not experience problems with accommodation. Antwerp has a large selection of apartments various levels and class. Most Belgian hotels are private, but there are also traditional world hotels with a 2-5 star level. The average cost of booking a hotel room in Antwerp varies depending on the time of year, as well as location, length of stay and other factors, but the starting price will start from 50 euro per day (the average cost in Belgium is 104 euro). For more economical accommodation, there is a network of hostels, accommodation in which will cost you on average less than a hotel, 30-50 euro, but there is much less comfort there. However, if you set out to experience the whole flavor of Belgium, the advantages of the latter are more than obvious.
As for food in Antwerp, for lunch you should look into one of the restaurants in the city, although it is an order of magnitude more expensive than an eatery. On average, dinner in a good restaurant will cost you 65-75 euro. If you take a closer look at one of the many cafes in the city, be prepared to pay 15 euros for lunch. For fans of oriental cuisine or the ubiquitous fast food, lunch will cost 8-10 euros. Thus, if you are not going to spend money on all sorts of frills, then a day’s stay in Antwerp will cost you 40-50 euros.
By the way, a daily pass for travel in Antwerp will cost about 6 euros, a single trip - 2 euros (purchasing a ticket at a kiosk), as well as 2.50 euros (from the driver).
What to see in Antwerp
In addition to the feeling of delight that this city evokes, it exposes its guests to an incredibly large selection of attractions.
The most colorful monument in the central part of the city is the famous Sten Castle, the foundation of which was laid back in the 9th century. Currently located comfortably within its walls National Museum navigation.
The city has its own Town Hall, it is located on the central square of the city, which is called Grote Markt (or Market Square). Built in the 16th century, the Town Hall harmoniously combines details of Italian mannerism and Flemish style. In the center of the square is the symbol of the city, the Brabo fountain.
Not far from the Grote Markt is the Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses the main shrine of the city - the statue of the Patron Virgin. By the way, the cathedral is one of the largest and most significant institutions of the Roman Catholic faith.
Antwerp is famous for Europe's first skyscraper, called the Farmer's Tower. Its construction took place in 1932, and its height is 97 meters.
In addition, you should definitely visit the so-called Diamond Quarter, because it is no secret that Antwerp is famous for diamond processing and is called the diamond capital. There are four diamond exchanges and about 400 jewelry shops in the area.
On the main shopping street, Meir, there are many shopping shops, as well as the Church of St. James (XVII), Royal Palace (XVIII), St. Augustine (XVII).
In the north of the historical part of Antwerp, your attention will be attracted by the Church of St. Pavel. The south of the city is famous for the beauty of its squares; the main ones would include Leopold-Waalplats and Marniksplats, where the cultural life of the city is vibrant. In the vicinity of Antwerp there is the Borgerhout Town Hall, the home of Guyeti and the Singel cultural complex.
Shopping in Antwerp
Antwerp is a shopaholic's paradise. Since ancient times, Belgium has supplied royal courts high-quality fabrics, decorations and furniture, it was the Belgian royal palaces that surpassed the French ones in their luxury, and nobles from all over the world came to Antwerp to spy on and adopt the style and fashion of the Belgian population. Today, it is famous not only for the processing of precious stones, but is also known as a center for high fashion and design.
The first place you should go is the Zuid area (2 km from the central square). The area is rightly called one of the most fashionable places cities and the country as a whole, because here you can buy yourself a lot of wonderful things. Your attention will certainly be drawn to a huge number of flagship boutiques, such as: AnnDemeulemeester, DriesVanNoten and others. In general, it would be worth noting that Nationalestraat street is the largest shopping point in the city; it houses the Renaissance department store with goods from famous designers and fashion designers. Next, don’t forget to visit the De Wilde Zee quarter, where the Verso store is located with prices on goods that are quite affordable for everyone famous brands. Another street you can't miss is Meir Street, where you will find many shops selling clothes, as well as shoes and electronics. If your shopping goal is to buy precious stones, then the Diamantkwartier Diamond Quarter is the place for you. And finally, bazaars and antique markets cannot be ignored; the bulk of them are concentrated in the Latin Quarter - a place where there is almost everything.
Antwerp nightlife
As befits a metropolis, Antwerp's nightlife is incredibly rich and intense. The sounds here do not stop until the first rays of the sun appear, which creates a truly festive mood.
Nightlife Antwerp comes alive with local restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and other entertainment venues. In the north of the city, active nightlife lovers who crave a charge of positive energy and drive are welcomed: Intustria, Red-Blue, Nannosur, Black Pearl, Noxx, Cafed"Anvers.
While the North rocks out in the style of trance, hip-hop and jungle, the South offers its visitors music in the jazz style - in some places incendiary, and in others lyrical. Here you will find such establishments as BuddhaBar, Petrol, StereoSushi, CafeLocal. What’s most interesting is that all establishments are located within a couple of steps, which will allow you to visit each one for only one night.
In Antwerp you definitely won’t have to suffer from boredom - this is a paradise for lovers of nightlife - stylish interiors, incredible organization of the evening, wide choice music will completely immerse you in the nightlife of the city!
Useful information for tourists about Antwerp in Belgium - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. It is located on the Scheldt River and is one of the world's largest seaports and the second in Europe. In addition, Antwerp deserves the status of the industrial center of the Flemish region of the country. Industries such as petrochemical, metallurgical, mechanical engineering, nuclear, etc. are developed here. The city became famous not only for the mining, processing and sale of diamonds, but also for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Presumably, the city was founded after the 7th century; it is impossible to be more precise. Thanks to its favorable location at the crossroads of transport routes, Antwerp developed as a center of trade and for a long time was the richest city in all of Northern Europe.
Such world-famous painters as Van Dyck and Rubens lived and worked in Antwerp. It is not for nothing that the city has played and continues to play the role of an important educational and cultural center.
In 1920 the city hosted summer Olympic Games. Today the social situation in Antwerp is not the best: it has the most high level unemployment in Belgium.
Antwerp annually attracts crowds of tourists not just for its beauty and architecture, but also for the presence of historical attractions, art museums, as well as numerous shops and restaurants.
You can get acquainted with the historical center of the city, where the main attractions are located, on foot, armed with a map and guidebook. The pearl of the architectural ensemble of Antwerp is Cathedral Our Lady, which rises above the city. It was built in the Gothic style over two centuries (XIV - XVII centuries) on the site of an old Romanesque church. Very little remains of the original appearance of the cathedral: the exterior, the image of the Madonna and several frescoes. The interior embodies the features of various styles: from Gothic to Rococo.
The Market Square, next to which the Cathedral and the City Hall are located, is the undisputed center of the city. In the north of the square there are reconstructed Guild Houses, because the original buildings were destroyed by fire. The Market Square is a great place where you can watch the life of the city and take a break in one of the many cozy cafes. Not far from the Old Town there is an area of wealthy mansions, interesting for its unusual architecture.
Art lovers will not be able to pass by the Peter Rubens House Museum, the famous native cities. The artist’s canvases, furniture and works of art will immerse you in the atmosphere in which the outstanding master lived and worked. In the Rokoks House you can get acquainted with the collection of paintings not only by Rubens, but also by Van Dyck, Matsis and others.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp houses a large collection of works contemporary artists, Flemish primitivists, etc. The Museum of Modern Art will introduce you to the works of Belgian artists of the mid-20th century. However, the National Shipping Museum is rightfully recognized as the most entertaining museum.
Antwerp is the second largest and most important city in Belgium, and it is also one of the world's largest ports. Antwerp is located in the north of the country, on the border with the Netherlands. The city is the administrative center of the province of the same name and the historical region of Flanders. The population of Antwerp is about 500 thousand people living in an area of 200 square kilometers. Greater Antwerp covers an area of 1,400 square kilometers and is home to more than 1 million people.
Antwerp, in addition to being the largest seaport Europe and the world, is also among the leading cultural centers European Union. The great Rubens lived and worked here, and the city has a museum dedicated to the famous artist. In architectural terms, Antwerp gives a head start to many European capitals; over the long history of the city, a magnificent architectural ensemble has been created, striking in its integrity and grandeur. Antwerp is also the diamond capital of the world; the city is engaged in both cutting and selling diamonds on a global scale.
The history of the city goes back almost one and a half thousand years. The first mention of the city appeared in the 7th century; already at that time there was a castle here. The name of the city appeared thanks to a legend about a giant who lived in these parts and collected tribute from all carriers across the Scheldt River. Those who did not pay tribute, the giant cut off the hand and threw it into the river, and this is how the name Antwerp appeared - “throw the hand.”
From the very beginning of its existence, Antwerp was a trading city. His wealth has always attracted light lovers profit. In 837, the city was sacked by the Vikings, who at that time were terrorizing the entire western coast of Europe. A little later, Antwerp became part of Germany, and then ended up in the Holy Roman Empire. Since the 10th century the city has been one of the largest seaports in Europe. Already at the end of the 11th century, Antwerp became part of the Duchy of Brabant, whose ruler paid due attention to the development of trade. Antwerp's main trading partner at that time was England, with which there was trade in cloth and sheep's wool products. At the beginning of the 14th century, Antwerp joined the Hanseatic League, and politically, after being part of Burgundy for a short time, it came under the rule of the entire territory of the modern Netherlands and Belgium Spanish kings. Soon Antwerp became the main sea gate of the country; all trade with the overseas colonies of Spain passed through it. This made the city one of the world's largest trading and financial centers. For some time, Antwerp was even considered the world's financial capital. The first exchanges appeared here - first at the end of the 15th century, trading, and a hundred years later, financial. During this period, the city's population numbered more than 120 thousand people, which placed Antwerp among the largest European cities of that time.
The first decline in Antwerp's economy and trade occurred at the end of the 16th century, after another change of power in Spain. This process was accompanied religious wars between Protestants and Catholics. As a result, rich Protestant merchants were forced to flee. The economic crisis in Antwerp was aggravated by the Dutch, who cut off the city from the sea. The population of Antwerp fell by almost 3 times - to 40 thousand at the end of the 17th century.
The revival of the city began with Napoleon coming to power in France, who decided to create a military port in Antwerp. And with the conquest of Belgian independence in 1830, Antwerp was able to revive its former economic power. In the 20th century, Antwerp managed to become the second largest seaport in Europe after Rotterdam. The city hosted the 1920 Olympic Games, and despite its economic power, Antwerp continues to be the largest cultural center in Belgium and Europe. In 1993, the city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, chosen annually.
To get to Antwerp, it is best to use Brussels Airport, which is about 50 kilometers away. On high-speed train this distance can be covered in 30 minutes. If it is convenient for you to travel through other European cities, then the most optimal route would be using Paris, Amsterdam or Rotterdam, with which Antwerp is connected by high-speed rail.
Antwerp's public transport is quite convenient and is represented by buses, as well as trams, both regular and high-speed underground. In the future, the creation of a real metro. The cost of travel on public transport is quite high, and is about 1.5 euros per ticket for any type of public transport. If you plan to often use public transport services, it will be more profitable to buy a travel card, tied either to the number of trips, or simply designed for certain time actions.
Antwerp is one of the main cultural centers of Europe, and this is despite the industrial orientation of the city's economy. The main attractions include ancient buildings, monuments, museums, and art galleries.
The City Hall is one of the first buildings in the Renaissance style, at least in Belgium. Architecturally, the Town Hall building is a compilation of the Dutch Gothic school and the Italian Renaissance. The town hall was built in the 60s of the 16th century, at the very pinnacle of Antwerp's economic and commercial power. 10 years later, the Town Hall burned down during the anti-Spanish uprising, and was completely restored only in the 19th century.
One of the most crowded and beautiful squares in Belgium is the Great Market, this is the main attraction of Antwerp. The square ensemble was created in the 16th century and is an outstanding monument of Belgian architecture of that time. Around the square are the Guild Buildings, the Antwerp Town Hall, and in the very center of the square there is a monument to Brabo - the soldier who defeated the giant from the legend of the founding of Antwerp.
Notre Dame Cathedral - made in the Gothic style, is the most beautiful religious building in the city and one of the largest cathedrals in the Catholic Church. Antwerp Cathedral is the main attraction of the city, business card Antwerp. Construction of the cathedral began in 1352 and was completed almost 200 years later, in 1521. The cathedral has been subjected to repeated destruction throughout its history. It was practically destroyed during the great fires of 1434 and 1533, as well as during the French Revolution. At the moment, the cathedral building requires reconstruction. Some elements of the cathedral, namely the 123-meter bell tower, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with 55 other bell towers in France and Belgium. The cathedral contains a number of outstanding paintings by Rubens and other artists of the time. Entrance for visitors is paid - about 2 euros per person, but visiting the cathedral is worth the money.
In the very center of the city there is the ancient castle of Sten - built back in the 13th century, the name of the castle indicates the material from which it was built (sten - stone in Flemish). In front of the castle there is a monument to the Long Whopper - the hero of folk tales, a fairy-tale giant who chased drunkards. Nowadays the castle houses the National Aeronautics Museum.
Rubens House is the house where the great artist Peter Paul Rubens lived from 1616 to 1640. The artist’s most famous works were also painted here. The building is made in the Baroque style; after the death of Rubens, the next owners of the house rebuilt it, but in 1963 it was restored to its original appearance. Nowadays there is a museum of the great artist, open to everyone.
Antwerp is home to some of the largest zoos in Europe. It contains more than 5 thousand animals. Antwerp Zoo is also one of the oldest - it was founded in 1843. Entrance to the zoo costs about 12 euros for adults and 9.5 for children.
Opposite the zoo is the so-called "golden quarter", through which 85% of the world's turnover of precious stones passes. The Diamond Museum is also located here - the largest in the world.
Meir is the main shopping street of the city. The street's ensemble consists of buildings in the Rococo style; it also houses the first European skyscraper, built in 1932. The main boutiques and trading houses in Antwerp are located on Meir.
Antwerp has many things to captivate your imagination; here is the world's first Stock Exchange, many museums, and art galleries with world-famous paintings. By visiting this port city You won't regret it!
– it is the diamond center of Europe, the city of the sea and artists.
Cheap flights to Antwerp
Antwerp is located in the northern part of the country of Belgium. The city was built on the alluvial deposits of the Flanders Lowland.
Antwerp is located on the banks of the Scheldt River.
The wide and deep river is navigable. In the city, its width is four hundred and fifty meters and its depth is ten meters. In addition to the river, Antwerp has 4 canals.
The piers of the port of Antwerp stretch from the north to the border with Holland. It connects 5 railways and 6 highways.
Origin of the city's name
History says that the giant Druon settled on the banks of the Scheldt, and he did not allow ships to pass without payment. Those captains who dared to refuse to pay tribute faced a cruel retribution.
The giant cut off their hand and threw it into the river. It is unknown how long this lasted, but a daredevil was found, soldier Silvius Brabo, he fought with Druon and killed him.
Then he cut off his hand and threw it into the Scheldt.
The townspeople believe that this event gave their city its name. Handwerpen, translated from Dutch as “throwing a hand”.
Although there is another explanation for this name of the city, it is a favorable geographical location. Aantwerp translates as the alluvial hill on which the city is located.
History of Antwerp
The first mentions of Sten Castle date back to the 7th century. In the 13th century, Antwerp experienced economic growth and the city became a center of barter trade.
In the 14th century, the city received great privileges, and in 1315 it became a member of the Hanseatic Trade League.
From 1384 to 1447 the city was under the rule of Burgundy, and in 1447 it came into the possession of the Habsburgs.
IN early XVI century, the city became the first in the economy, 40% of world trade was concentrated in Antwerp, it became the main port and financial center Europe.
Charles V abdicates the throne and his son, Philip II, comes to power. Soon disagreements began between Catholics and Protestants.
In 1576, the city was destroyed by the king's rebellious mercenary army, and 8,000 people died.
Some residents left the city, and with them the greatness of Antwerp left.
Protestant rule lasted briefly from 1577 to 1585. After this, the city was occupied by the Spaniards and the evangelists who did not share their views left the city. 
It was they who controlled trade and craft workshops, and with their flight the economy fell into decline again.
The city's situation deteriorated greatly after the signing of the Westphalian Peace Treaty. Because the Dutch cut off the city from the sea, settling at the mouth of the Scheldt.
The city began to revive only when Napoleon came to power in France.
Bonaparte decided to make a military port out of Antwerp and in 1803 the construction of new, modern docks began.
Napoleon realized his dream; the city turned into a naval base for the French fleet.
In 1815, the Emperor lost the Battle of Waterloo and Antwerp was handed over as a bribe to Belgium, which separated from Holland in 1834.
Having gone through all these tests, already with late XIX century, Antwerp began to prosper and once again became the economic center of Europe.
Antwerp – the capital of diamonds, the city of artists and the sea
Almost 90% of the world's diamond production is sold in Antwerp's diamond district. Therefore, Antwerp is considered the diamond center of the world.
Back in the 15th century, when the port in Bruges became shallow, artists, wealthy citizens, traders and diamond cutters began to move to Antwerp.
In 1498, an important event for Antwerp took place; the Portuguese Vasco de Gama laid sea route to India.
At that time, only India supplied diamonds. And Antwerp, as Lisbon's first trading partner, receives all supplies of diamonds from India.
In 1725, new diamond deposits were discovered in Brazil, in 1868 in South Africa, and in India, diamond reserves are noticeably depleted. Taking advantage of this situation, Antwerp opens the world's first diamond exchange. 
Two years later, the first trade union of diamond cutters was created.
Currently, Antwerp has 4 diamond exchanges, 380 processing workshops and more than a thousand companies engaged in polishing diamonds.
Antwerp is a city of artists.
Famous artists such as Bruegel, Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens lived and created their masterpieces in this city.
Rubens was a versatile person, could speak several languages fluently, and loved to study.
He was very popular among the nobility, and the Brussels court granted him such a salary that he was able to open his own workshop and hire apprentices.
Rubens earned enough to build himself a huge house according to his own design. Now his house houses a museum.
Undoubtedly Antwerp is a child of the Scheldt River.
It is to her that he owes his greatness. Thanks to its depth and width, the city has five ports and one hundred and twenty-seven kilometers of berths.
Antwerp is considered the world's second seaport, and is located only thirty-nine kilometers from where the Scheldt flows into the North Sea.
Sights of Antwerp
- – The central, main railway station, and the first attraction of the city that tourists who come to Antwerp by train see.
Antwerp Castle
The station is located on Queen Astrid Square, underground passages lead to pre-metro stations, but local residents They call it an underground tram.
The station building looks more like a palace than a transport hub. The structure is made of glass and iron, the central dome is seventy-five meters high, twenty types of marble are used in the decoration.
- Sten Castle
Built in the 9th-10th centuries by the Normans. This is the first fortress on the Scheldt; at that time its banks were empty and swampy. The first owner of the castle was the leader of the first crusade, Godfrey of Bouillon. Then he came under the jurisdiction of the city government.
During the reign of the Spaniards, the Inquisition was located in the castle. Today it is the National Maritime Museum.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp
Construction of the temple began in 1352. The cathedral is decorated with works of famous artists. The central place is occupied by Rubens’s work “The Descent from the Cross”, this is one of the parts of the triptych painted by the artist.
Cathedral in Antwerp
In 1434 and 1533 the temple was badly damaged by fires.
During times french revolution it was looted and they wanted to demolish the building, but Napoleon, by his decree, saved it from destruction.
- City Hall
The old town hall building is located on the main square of the city. Built in 1561-1565 according to the plans of a local architect. It is an excellent example of the Flemish Renaissance, harmoniously combined with neighboring buildings in the Gothic style.
On the town hall there are heraldic symbols of the Antwerp margraves, the Spanish Habsburgs and the Duchy of Brabant.
- St. Andrew's Church
Built in 1513 for the monks who came to Antwerp and settled in the St. Andrew's quarter. At that time it was a very poor area of the city. And to this day known as the “coming of suffering.”
The church was built in the Gothic style, and the interior design is in the Baroque style.
- St. Paul's Church
Museum “Plantin Moretus”
A Gothic church with a Baroque spire, located in the northern part of the city. The building is decorated with sculptures and works by Flemish artists.
The church is famous for its Golgotha; in the composition, sixty-three statues depict the mountain on which Jesus was crucified.
- Brabo Fountain
One of ancient monuments dedicated to the founding of the city.
The fountain is located in front of the city hall. Main character compositions of the daredevil Brabo, who fought the giant and won.
The young man holds the severed hand, and the mermaids raise the hero.
- Museums of Antwerp
Antwerp is one of the centers of European culture and is deservedly proud of its museums:
- The Museum of Fine Arts displays the best paintings.
- At the Museum of Modern Art you can get acquainted with the works of avant-garde artists.
- There is a sculpture exhibition in Midelheim Park.
- At the Silver Museum, located at Stanford Castle, displays a collection of antique and modern silver pieces.
- At the Photography Museum There is an amazing exhibition of works by European photographers, vintage cameras and modern technologies.
- Twenty five thousand exhibits presents the fashion museum. These are clothes, shoes, accessories, lace and embroidery.
- Art collection, which was collected by one rich family, presented at the Mayer van der Berg Museum.
- In the house of the artist Rubens you can see some of his paintings and tour his workshop.
Order an inexpensive transfer - taxi in Antwerp
Weather in Antwerp
The proximity of the North Sea creates a temperate climate.
The temperature in summer practically does not exceed 21 degrees Celsius.
It is very damp in autumn and winter, and it rains often. But at the same time in winter months the temperature never drops below zero.
The best time to visit Antwerp is spring and summer, when you can go on long walks.
About transport in Antwerp
Public transport in Antwerp is well developed.
There are city and suburban buses, trams and pre-metro. City transport starts at 6 a.m. and ends at midnight.
There is a night bus on Saturday and Sunday. To find your way around the city, you need to take a free route map from Diamant station, on Groenplatz Rooseveltplatz.
Antwerp's expressways provide quick access to Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt and even the Dutch city of Breda. To explore more monuments, you can rent a bicycle.
The rental center is located opposite the Cathedral.
Districts in Antwerp
the historical port in Antwerp through the eyes of artists
The city center is located on the brave bank of the Scheldt. In the north is the port area, in the southeast is Zurenborg, in the east is the Chinese region, in the south is Zuid.
Rasshaat, Mehxem and Hoboken, residential areas of Antwerp. Lineroever, an area with high-rise buildings. Prestigious mansions are located in Edegem in the south.
There is an area where instead of houses there are castles and palaces, this is Zurenborg, built in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Rent a car in Antwerp
Holidays in Antwerp
Residents of Antwerp love and know how to have fun. Be it a holiday, a festival or a fair, people will celebrate it in a big way here.
Traditional holiday of Semenya
In the spring, the traditional festival of the Seed takes place, dedicated to the pagan god of youth and abundance. Semenya is depicted above the gates of Sten Castle.
In the morning, townspeople gather in the square in front of the town hall and sing folk songs, dance and bless the lovers, since Semenya is their patron.
Then everyone who comes goes to Sten Castle, decorates the image of the god with flowers and brings him spring bread as a gift.
In the afternoon the celebration continues in the Town Hall Square with wine and live music.
Annual summer festival Sinxenfort
Annual summer holiday Sinxenfort is held on the embankment in the Zuid area next to the river port.
Sinxenfort comes from the religious holiday Sinksenfeest, the day of the Holy Trinity.
Traditionally, the holiday began on the Saturday before Pentecost and lasted more than five weeks.
Ferris wheel in Antwerp
These days, a hundred different attractions, a Ferris wheel, a catapult, a roller coaster and a carousel are installed on the embankment. Trade stalls appear where you can buy traditional foods and drinks.
The fair is open every day from three o'clock in the afternoon until midnight.
- For theater lovers, circus and cinema, the Antwerp Summer festival takes place. Performances are held in open areas, which attract connoisseurs of beauty from all over Europe;
- In August music festivals of early and jazz music are held;
- Bierpassie Weekend gathers beer lovers from all over the world on the last Sunday in June;
- Gastronomic festival“Taste of Antwerp” takes place in mid-May.
Restaurants in Antwerp
Antwerp has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Belgian cuisine combines German and French culinary traditions.
In the Grote Market area there are restaurants with traditional Flemish cuisine:
- Square Restaurant, here you can taste light snacks and gourmet dishes of Oriental and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Longchamps Restaurant, it's a pleasant atmosphere and delicious dishes. The menu changes depending on the season, but the chef offers it to guests every day.
- Bar L'Oasis Suitable for dinner in an informal setting.
Shopping in Antwerp
shops in the area De Wilde Zee
All guidebooks indicate the places where fashion boutiques and shopping centers are located.
Meir Street is considered the main shopping destination. Here you can find stores of leading brands. It is better to look for more affordable prices for designer items in the De Wilde Zee area.
In Antwerp there is an unusual Give-Awayshop store where you can exchange things for free with other customers.
The store is located on Ploegstraat 25, opening hours from two to six only on weekdays. Large shops and shopping centers are closed on Sunday.
Things to do in Antwerp
The oldest zoo in Europe is open for children and adults every day from ten o'clock in the morning.
The zoo contains about five thousand animals.
Fans of classical art can visit the Flemish Opera or the Royal Ballet of Flanders.
At night, clubs and discos open; the best parties in Antwerp in the Red&Blue, D-club, Pure, Noxx clubs await nightlife lovers.
How to get to Antwerp?
railway station in Antwerp
By train
The railway station is located 1.5 meters from the center.
There is another station in Antwerp, two kilometers from the main station, where mainly local trains arrive.
By plane
The international airport is located two kilometers from the center, in the Dörne region. Antwerp city center can be reached by city bus or taxi.
By bus
The bus station is located next to the main train station. From here buses go to different corners Europe.
Medieval streets of Antwerp, its architectural monuments, museums, theaters, branded items and fun nightlife are just a few that will interest every tourist.
Hotels in Antwerp
The best hotels in Antwerp.
