Antwerp Attractions

Belgium’s 2 largest cities, Europe’s 2nd largest port city after Rotterdam, Europe’s 2nd largest river that originates in France and empties into the sea from Antwerp On the banks of the Schelde river and most importantly 16 and 17. It is a city that became the most important trade center of Europe in the century.

Flemish name Antwerpen, French name Anvers 2 languages ​​are spoken in the city with strong>. The official language is Flemish, and mostly spoken by the elderly is French.

A Brief History of Antwerp

The scene of many wars in history, Antwerp was sacked in 1576 by the uprising of Spanish soldiers. In 1648, with the Peace Treaty of Westphalia, the Thirty Years’ War was ended, and Antwerp had to go into a decline in port trade with the prohibition of ships from entering the Schelde river, which is a port city.. After the Napoleonic Wars, the administration of the city was in the hands of the Dutch until 1830.. And after the city finally gained its independence and the heavy tax system brought by the Dutch was abolished, the city was revitalized in terms of trade.

The first diamond in the city, which has 500 years of history in diamond activity. stock exchange was established in 1893 under the name of Diamontclub van Antwerpen.. Antwerp has 4 of the 28 diamond exchanges in the world.

Antwerp, an environmentally friendly city that gets its energy from the sun and wind, has narrow cobblestone streets, It is the second largest city in Belgium and the closest city to the Netherlands with its statues and gothic structures.

Places to See in Antwerp

In The Old City ;

Grote Markt : 16 in a triangular square. The Stadhuis (Town Hall), built with the participation of architects from different countries of the world in the 19th century, the bronze statue of Jef Lambeaux named Brabo in 1887 and the guild houses are the ones you should see.

Melk Markt

Rubens Huis : It is the house where the Flemish painter Rubens lived and died for the last 30 years of his life.. The garden is beautiful. In 1946, the house was converted into a museum and its doors were opened to visitors.

For more information about the Peter Paul Rubens House, click here. Entrance Fee: 8 Euros.

Het Steen – Steen Castle: It is the oldest structure of the city made of stones between 1200-1225.. 18. It was also used as a prison in the 19th century.

St. Anna Tunnel: It is the bridge where the Schelde river divides the city into two and is used to cross the street.. Poor immigrants live on one side of the river, and rich Jewish people live in the /center on the other.

Groenplaats : This is the square where the Hilton Hotel is located.. In the middle of the square is the statue of Peter Paul Rubens.. We parked our car in the car park under this square and started the city tour from this point.

Hendrik Conscienceplein : It is a small but authentic square that will carry you to fairy tales.. The statue of Hendrik Conscience, after whom the square is named, is also located here.. Just across the square 17. St. with baroque architecture of the 19th century. Carolus Borromeo is definitely a building worth seeing. You can see many works of the architect Ruben in the church.. Another important feature of the square is the floor adorned with religious motifs, giving you a mosaic look.

Kammenstraat : 2. area with high concentration of hand shops. It is a must-visit spot for those who love vintage products.

Momu Fashion Museum : Address : Nationalestraat 28

Mayer van den Bergh Museum : Address : Lange Gasthuisstraat 19

The details on the top of the guild houses should not be overlooked.

In the Station Area ;

Central Station  – Gare Antwerp Centrale : The magnificence of the building, which was built in 1904, is absolutely must be seen. The building was designed by Belgian architect Louis De la Censerie, inspired by the Lucerne station in Switzerland.. You can do sports at the “working corner” inside the station, or you can charge your electronic equipment for free.. A picture of the station can be taken from Keyserlei street opposite the station.

Address : Koningin Astridplein 27

Cathedral of the Virgin Mary – Onze Lieve Vrouwekatedraal : Cathedral 14 in Groenplaats square. It is the best gothic architecture building in Europe, built in the twentieth century.. The tower of the building, which is entitled to take its place in the UNESCO world heritage list, is 123 meters high.. It is Belgium’s largest cathedral. The simplicity in the cathedral and the mastery of the stained glass are details that should not be overlooked.. The artwork on the cathedral’s dome is by François Durlet. 14. The end of the catholic cathedral, which began to be built in the 19th century, was 1521.. Although the cathedral is designed with 2 towers, it has 1 tower.

For more information about the cathedral, click here. Address : Handschoenmarkt. Entry Fee: 6 Euros.

Zoo: Founded in 1843, it is the oldest zoo in the world.. Address : Astridplein

Aquarium Museum -Aquatopia: 150 meters ahead of the zoo.

Diamond Museum

Meir Straat: It is a street similar to our Istiklal Street, where you can find all kinds of shops along the street, closed to vehicle traffic from 10:00 in the morning to 19:00 in the evening.. Apart from the shops, it is also possible to see the art in the buildings on the street.. 17 at the very beginning of the Meirstraat. The statue of Van Dyck, known as one of the most important painters of the century, is located here.. 17 again. The house of Ruben, one of the other important painters of the 19th century, is also here.
Royal Palace : 17. The palace, which was built in the 19th century, was bought by Napoleon and then passed to the Belgian Royal Family.. Today, it hosts its visitors as the Film Museum.

Cathedral of the Virgin Mary – Onze Lieve Vrouwekatedraal

In the Harbor Area ;

Mas Museum : You can watch the historical city of Anwerp for free from the terrace of the museum. Address : Hanzestedenplaats 1

Plantin-Moretus Museum: It is a historical printing press museum included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Museum Van Hedendaagse Kunst: A place where modern art lovers can go. Address : Leuvenstraat 32
Peter Paul Rubens Statue

How many days is enough to visit Antwerp?

As Antwerp is a very small city, 1 day is enough. We stopped by very early in the morning on our way to Bruges. Transportation in the city is provided by metro, tram, bus and bicycle.

Antwerp City Card