Things to Do in Antwerp
Things to Do in Antwerp:
For the art & history lover:
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Explore the Art Scene:
- Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA): Home to Flemish masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, and other renowned artists. Don’t miss “The Raising of the Cross” or “The Fall of Icarus”! (https://www.kmska.be/)
- MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): A striking architectural landmark housing a modern museum with stunning views of the city from its rooftop observation deck.
- Plantin-Moretus House: Visit this historic printing house and discover the fascinating story of Antwerp’s role in the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance.
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Discover the Past:
- Historic Center: Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and explore the city’s rich history by visiting the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the Steen Castle.
- Fortress of Heist: Step back in time at this historical site, which offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past with its impressive fortifications and fortifications.
For the foodie:
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Sample Belgian Treats: Indulge in traditional delicacies like waffles (try them with different toppings!), frites (fries) with mayonnaise, and delicious chocolates. Antwerp is known for its chocolatiers, so be sure to visit one or two for a sweet experience.
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Explore the Antwerp Market: A vibrant local market where you can sample fresh produce, seafood, meats, and a variety of Belgian treats.
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Indulge in the Local Cuisine: Discover the unique flavors of Antwerp with its diverse culinary scene.
For the shopper:
- Meir Shopping Street: This is the main shopping street in Antwerp, offering everything from high-street fashion to luxury boutiques.
- Antwerp Diamond District: Explore the world-famous “Diamond Quarter” and witness the diamond cutting and polishing process.
- Fashion Museums: Immerse yourself in the world of fashion at the MoMu (ModeMuseum), which showcases innovative designs and explores the intersection of fashion, art, and society, or explore the history of Antwerp’s diamond trade at the Diamond Museum.
For the foodie:
- Enjoy the Antwerp Fashion Scene:
- The MoMu (Fashion Museum Antwerp): Explore the history of fashion in Antwerp, with a focus on contemporary designers and the influence of Antwerp on the fashion world.
Food Markets:
- Taste of Antwerp Food Market: Sample delicious local and international cuisine from food stalls and markets.
Meir Shopping Street:
- Sample the Delicatessen: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic street, known for its diverse shops and restaurants.
- Shop for Luxury Goods: Explore the luxurious world of diamond jewelry in Antwerp’s famed “Diamond District.”
- Explore Local Markets: Discover unique and handcrafted items at local markets like the “Vlaeykensgang” (a charming alleyway with boutiques) or the “Sint-Andriesmarkt,” which offers a variety of fresh produce.
For the culture seeker:
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Catch a Show at the Bourla Theatre: Enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful historic setting.
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Explore the Antwerp Diamond District: Visit the workshops and watch the master craftsmen at work, learning about the history and process behind the diamond trade.
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Wander through the streets of the city: Discover Antwerp’s cultural heritage by visiting the following:
- The Rubens House: Explore the house where the famed artist Peter Paul Rubens lived and worked.
- Grote Markt: Immerse yourself in the history of the city, while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of this historical square.
- Cathedral of Our Lady: Admire the architectural masterpiece and its stunning art collection.
Shopping tips for the Diamond District:
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Be Prepared to Haggle: While it’s not as common in Antwerp as in other parts of the world, haggling over prices is acceptable.
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Do Your Research: Prices for diamonds can vary greatly depending on quality, cut, color, and clarity. Be sure to know what you’re looking for before you go shopping.
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Consider a Diamond Tour: Take a guided tour of the city to learn about the diamond trade and visit some of the workshops where they are cut and polished. You’ll gain insights into this historical industry and witness its intricate process first-hand.
Other things to do:
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Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady: This iconic cathedral is home to a treasure trove of art, including paintings by Rubens and other Flemish masters.
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Explore Antwerp’s Museums: The city boasts numerous museums, with the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) offering stunning views of the city along with its exhibitions.
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Visit the Diamond Museum: Learn about the history of diamonds in Antwerp and the intricate process behind cutting and polishing these precious stones.
Things to remember:
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C Research and Budgeting: The “Museum aan de Stroom” (MAS) houses a unique collection of local art and artifacts, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural history.
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D Be respectful: Remember that you are visiting places where people work and live. Be mindful of noise levels and follow any rules or guidelines provided by the museum.
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For the culture seeker:
- Antwerp Zoo: Home to over 7,000 animals from around the world.
- Plantin-Moretus Museum: Explore this beautifully preserved house and learn about the history of printing.
- The Cathedral of Our Lady: Take a guided tour of the historical building and admire its stunning architecture.
Things to remember when visiting these sites:
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Research: Before heading out, it’s helpful to know which museums are located in the “Grote Markt” (Grand Place) area, as there are many within walking distance.
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Dress comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so dress accordingly.
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Dress for the weather: The “Diamond Quarter” can get hot and crowded during peak hours.
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Wear good shoes: The cobblestone streets in the “Gantwerp” area are beautiful but uneven.
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Be prepared to spend some time: There’s a lot to see and do in the city, so allow yourself enough time to explore.
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Enjoy the food: The Antwerp Diamond District is home to many cafes and restaurants.
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions: The people of Antwerp are proud of their history in the diamond trade.
Remember:
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Respect personal space: Be aware that the “Diamond Museum” is a museum, so avoid getting too close to exhibits and other visitors.
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Research the “Antwerp Diamond District” online or ask for recommendations from locals.
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Bring cash: Many smaller shops in the district may not accept credit cards.
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Be prepared to haggle: Prices are often negotiable at the market stalls.
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Respect the artists and artisans: Remember that these are people who have put their time, effort, and creativity into their work.
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Be aware of your surroundings: While the “Antwerp” area is safe, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets.
For the diamond lover:
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Do remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
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Take breaks in the shade: The sun can get hot in the “Antwerp” area, so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated.
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Be respectful of the spaces you are visiting: Remember that these are private businesses, and remember to be respectful of their space and property.
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Bring a reusable bag:
These are just a few suggestions for enjoying the city. Enjoy the experience!