Visiting Belgium? Think Antwerp, the Cool City. It has a beautiful architecture, great food, fashion, vibrant nightlife and let’s not forget the Belgian Chocolates.
Team Member Sally has been sharing highlights from her recent trip through Europe. Today's stop, Antwerp, Belgium!
“Antwerp is Belgium’s second city, biggest port and capital of cool. It has long been a powerful magnet for everyone from fashion moguls and club queens to art lovers and diamond dealers.”
- Lonely Planet -
If you ever want to go to Belgium — think Antwerp.
Brussels might be the capital, but Antwerp is ‘’The City’’. And it's a cool one! There are so many great things to do in Antwerp.
Antwerp not only carries the fashion and diamond reputation; it is also known for its interesting nightlife… drum rolls! I think I got your attention. Right?
Not that I want to extol the clubbing so much over all the other things to do.
But when you’re in a cool city, don’t be a wet blanket — have some fun! After all we call it vacation for a reason. Antwerp is a cool city to live in; it’s not just a tourist site.
And that just makes it awesome in so many levels.
If you are looking for the next cool city to travel or relocate to, then read on. As I’m about to share my experiences in not so many words as you would get if you bought a travel guide!
7 Things to Do and See in Antwerp
Is that a museum? A Castle? Nope! It's the Antwerp Centraal railroad station.
Started My Day at Antwerp Centraal
So, me being the morning person I am, I get to Antwerp Centraal at exactly 7:30 am. It has been a 3 hour and 15 minute journey from Enschede (where I was staying) to Antwerp. And this time around, I’m traveling solo, unlike my visit to Amsterdam.
It only took a few seconds for me to to fall under its charm.
Like many cities in Europe, train stations are purely a representation of the city’s architecture. Just like Milano Centrale and Amsterdam Centraal have unique features, the Central Station of Antwerp goes a notch higher in its Belle Epoque architectural cathedral style.
The station is decorated lavishly both outside and inside with a high ceiling and black diamond tiles. With its “welcome to Belgium’’ feel, this station attracts a lot of photography lovers who take one too many photos.
The inside of Antwerp Centraal Station is just as breathtaking as the outside.
I cannot blame them though, Antwerp Centraal Station is considered among the most beautiful stations in the world. I think we can all agree that there is something romantic about train stations. I took lots of pictures too!
Sitting inside the station munching on my recent discovered guilty pleasures…Belgian Chocolates… I check out the best places to sleep.
On this trip I was just casually exploring Antwerp, but if there are wonderful tours available, including ones by bike!
One thing I was a little bit disappointed about was the fact that I didn't get to witness any of the wonderful flash mob performances that take place in Centraal Station. Unfortunately, unless you are "in the know" this isn't something that can be planned. They are however, often scheduled to promote musicals that are opening at the Antwerpen Music Hall.
Video: Grease, the Musical, flashmob during rush hour at the Central Station
Grease Performance in Central Station Antwerp — over 250 people! | Courtesy of Antwerp Music Hall
Wander Around This Scenic Beauty
Amsterdam had its charming narrow houses, Antwerp has its charming narrow streets.
Antwerp is a big city, but unlike Brussels, it is less crowded with the cutest narrowest streets you could ever think of. You can easily lose yourself in this picturesque beauty along the pretty little passages.
You can also enjoy coffee, cakes or some Belgian waffles on one of the many cute cafes. And of course, Belgian chocolates.
Where to Sleep in Antwerp? I Chose "U Eat and Sleep" and Was Happy I did
Breakfast is served... at U Eat & Sleep Antwerp hotel.
It’s no secret that I like the water, so what best hotel to stay at and enjoy the beautiful view of the Marina than U Eat & Sleep Antwerp?
This boutique hotel surpassed my expectations in terms of room service, dinner, wine list & the sumptuous Belgian breakfast.
Selfie with Chef Hans Otten at U Eat U Sleep
What I really enjoyed, and thought was cool (there's that word again), is that during my stay, I was served by the one and only Hans Otten.
Otten is a Belgian media personality and one of the owners who served me in extreme humility that I felt wanted.
In the evening, I enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the terrace, sipping some cocktails.
This is just one of the many great places to stay in Antwerp.
Maybe I'll try another the next time I visit...
Take a Stroll Through the Grote Markt
Strolling through the city, I ended up in the beautifully charming Grote Markt.
What better way to spend my day than a stroll around this beautiful gothic, yet renaissance-like, old town trying to catch beautiful Belgian architecture.
And Voila!
I ended up at Grote Markt a big square located at the heart of the city. At first, I noticed the Brabo Fountain at the center of the square. Ok, I know, how could I not see it?
The popular tale goes that the giant Antigone used to throw the hands of sailors into the river if they refused to pay their dues, but one day Silvas Brabo (founder of Atwerp) defeated him and threw the hand of the giant as payback for his past ‘’hobby’’.
Enjoying the view at Brabo Fountain... It seemed like people were just as interested in that group of dogs.
While it is a place filled with 16th-century historical buildings and the gildenhuis Dutch and Belgian townhouses, it is also a fun place to be. It is surrounded by nice restaurants, cafes, and bars… and I have to admit that all the cool people hang around this area.
Yes… true story.
What better way to enjoy a mellow evening than sipping some sangria in one of the cool lounges as I chit-chatted with my new-found friends.
Video: Another "fellow traveler" shares his 2-day visit to the Belgian city of Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium — The City of Giants | Courtesy of Igor Travels the World
Visit the Diamond District — Even if Just Window Shopping
No diamonds for me this visit! 💎 💎 Maybe next time... I did enjoy the Sangria though.
It is often said that ‘’diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’’ Therefore, it’s safe to say that girls are attracted to what their hearts desire most. And that’s how I found myself at this amazing Diamond’s Paradise located just outside the central station.
Antwerp is undoubtedly the center of the diamond world, and it’s because of these diamonds that Antwerp is as rich as it is today.
So, if you are a girl and looking to window shop for your ideal rock or a man who wants to put a ring on it, then why waste time? Visit Diamondland on De Keyserlei Street and check out the diamonds available. They also give free guided tours where you can learn all about diamonds and watch their expert craftsmen at work.
Antwerp offers a variety of diamonds from finely cut diamonds, rough diamonds, expensive diamonds, and even affordable diamonds. Antwerp’s diamond district is dominated by Jewish and Indian jewelers who conduct business in perfect harmony.
There's even a new diamond museum that opened in 2018.
Me... I was just window shopping.
Check Out MAS — The Museum aan de Stroom That Is
Posing for a Snap in Antwerp
Sitting just outside my hotel, this uniquely designed museum is worth a mention.
The Museum ann de Strom lies on the dockside of river Scheldt and since Antwerp has a variety of art, this museum surely brings unusual pieces of art exhibits.
The narrative is that this masterpiece of a museum collects exchanges and encounters from people all over the world and tell their unique stories.
For example, in October 2019 (through April 2020) the exhibit is "Cool Japan" and will include 'mangaka' icons such as Hello Kitty, Zelda and Sailor Moon as well as unique historical pieces, Japanese artwork and Tokyo 'Kawaii' fashion.
After all, museums don’t have to be boring!
Antwerp is very cosmopolitan, and this is more just proof that all cultures are accepted and appreciated in this way cool city.
There's Fashion Shopping Galore in Antwerp
Are there good places to shop in Antwerp?
Well, in terms of fashion, this city has it all. From vintage, high fashion to trendy wear.
Look at all my goodies!
Don’t miss out on an absolute shopping experience in one of the coolest fashion cities in the world. Worry about the damage later!
I am a confessed shopaholic, and my weakness is scents and fragrances, and I make it a point of living up to everybody’s expectations.
So, before I left Antwerp, I grabbed a few of my favorites perfumes and body sprays.
Although I left with a few dollars less… I did not regret a thing.
A Few Final Words...
Sadly, I polished off all my Belgian Chocolates before taking a picture. They were yummy though! ❤️ ❤️ | Background Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia
“The number one place I've visited so far was Antwerp, Belgium. That was one of the coolest cities I've ever seen. Every day I woke up, I felt like I was in a movie.”
- Sam Mikulak, American Olympic Gymnast -
During my visit, I only scratched the surface of the many things to do and see in this wonderfully cool city. This was partly because my trip was part of a multi-destination European vacation which also included stops in Amsterdam and Giethorn Village.
If you have been thinking about making a Euro tour, put Antwerp on the top of your list. It has a lot to offer from the beautiful architecture, good food, variety of fashion houses, vibrant nightlife…
And let's not forget the delectably yummy Belgian chocolates.
The next time I go, I'll definitely be taking videos.
For now, I'll leave you with one more from Eileen Aldis who has truly been struck by the by the magic that is Antwerp.
Be struck by the wanderlust!
The sights of historic Antwerp one of Lonely Planet's top 10 cities for Best In Travel 2018
Moved to Tears in Antwerp, Belgium | Courtesy of Eileen Aldis