Antwerp
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Place to Drink,
Good Place to Eat,
Walking/Hiking,
Town / City
The 16th century guildhouses at the Grote Markt (Market Square) lean wonderfully into each other for support, vying for attention with City Hall. The Gothic Cathedral of our Lady still has the highest spire in the Low Countries (400 ft/123m), plus several radiantly beautiful triptychs by Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens.
You can visit the wonderfully restored house and studio of Rubens and he is buried in the ornate Gothic St James’ Church. If you like art, the Royal Museum Antwerp has a great collection, including famous 17th century locals, Rubens and van Dyck, and the Italian, Titian. And then it’s on to the 20th century.
The recently opened Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) is a 200-foot (60 m) high pile of Indian red sandstone and glass. As you’d expect the displays inside use the latest technology and its exhibits celebrate Antwerp’s life as a port: Metropolis, Power, Life and Death.
The law courts are similarly eye-catchingly modern with a roof line replicating sails. The Mode Museum (MoMu) celebrates the local fashion industry that Antwerp is increasingly known for along with its excellent beers and chocolates. Antwerpse Handjes (Antwerp Hands), almond or chocolate biscuits, are a particular city pride. Even tastier are the diamonds: watch them being cut at Diamondland, learn their history at the Diamantmusuem, or just dream about buying them along the well-guarded streets Pelikaanstraat, Vestingstraat or Hoveniersstraat.
Latest Reviews
Review by JOEL Z, Israel, April 2013
Doing what: Brussels and Antwerp Day Trip from Amsterdam
Rey good have enjoyed
Thanks
Review by Tracy J, April 2013
Doing what: Brussels and Antwerp Day Trip from Amsterdam
Very good tour. Would recommend.
Review by Mary E D, April 2013
Doing what: Brussels and Antwerp Day Trip from Amsterdam
Great day trip to Antwerp and Brussels.
