Belgium: Antwerp

[bjorn]

Antwerp is the town that wool and diamonds built. This is the city of Rubens and Van Dyck. Woven from Renaissance riches, Antwerp reflects its cultural history through a sparkling collection of art, architecture, and culture. The city's historic buildings give you a sense of the enormous wealth this area of Belgium amassed. The Old Flemish Masters are well represented in Antwerp's many museums, but wandering the streets is the best way to experience some of the riches of the city.

There is a dense concentration of things to see, from Art Nouveau mansions to soaring Cathedrals.

Meander the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street. Be aimless in Antwerp until the sunrises at one of over 300 bars and nightclubs downtown. Explore Belgium's Rubenesque Jewel.

When to go:
Spring through early fall is your best bet for the best weather, but pack an umbrella: it rains often.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
You get a good sense of the history of Antwerp, just by walking through the city: up and down main thoroughfares and off on little side streets, in its baroque architecture, cathedrals, and museums. Take a walk through Antwerp's oldest building, Steen Castle. A medieval fortress on the banks of the River Scheldt, it dates back to the early 13th century. The Onze Lieve Vrouwe Cathedral is an amazing example of Gothic architecture and even exhibits some works of Rubens here.

Museums:
There are more than 20 museums in Antwerp, many of which you can get into for free or a very nominal fee. In addition to the Royal Museum of Art, the hometown of Rubens and Van Dyck also has a modern photography museum where you can sample the greats like Steiglitz and Adams. The Mayer van den Bergh Museum is home to a great collection of Flemish handicraft, and the Museum of Diamonds has an extensive, glittering display.

Shopping:
The world's largest diamond industry is right here in Antwerp, tucked discreetly into the Jewish quarter, near the Centraal Station. Take a walk down Meir, a pedestrian walk way filled with little shops, mini-malls, and department stores - all housed in 19th century buildings.

Food/Culinary Info:
Belgium claims the origins of frites (fried potatoes served with mayonnaise), and you can find them here in abundance. If you're hungry for breakfast, there's no better way to start the day than with Belgian waffles. Try them here with or without the many different kinds of toppings offered. Antwerp's chefs take advantage of the proximity to the sea, with wonderful mussels at places like Leons. Oude Koornmark has plenty of inexpensive takeout spots serving things like falafel and kebab.

Natural Wonders:
Tired of people-watching? Talk to the animals at the Antwerp Zoo. Located by the Centraal Station, it's one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe. The Scheldt is Antwerp's river, and is home to one of the largest, busiest harbors in the world. It also provides a wonderful view of the city when you take a boat ride down to the port area, and there's a lovely three-hour evening cruise as well.

Cultural Comments:
Antwerp prides itself on it's beer - especially the Bolleke, the red De Koninck Beer popular throughout the city. Meaning little ball, Bolleke refers to the shape of the glass from which you drink it.

Festivals/Events:
The arts are well-celebrated here, as in the other major cities of Belgium, and there are numerous dance, theater, music, and film festivals in Antwerp and the region of Flanders year-round. Pick up the local monthly paper, Antwerpen or a listing at the tourist office to find out what's happening. Belgium's National Day is July 21, celebrated with all kinds of festivities.

Arts:
The birthplace of Peter Paul Rubens continues to support the arts, not only with museums, but galleries, theatre, film, dance, and live musical performances. Pick up the local monthly, Antwerpen, or a listing at the tourist office when you get there to find out what's happening.

Nightlife/Bars:
There's plenty to do at night in Antwerp, and many clubs are known for staying open till daybreak. Clubs, discos, and gay bars cluster around the Centraal Station. You can find lots of theatres, bars and cafes around Grote Markt and Groenplaats. If you're in the mood for some jazz or the ambiance of a cozy bistro, try the area around Hoogstraat, Pelgrimstraat, Pieter Potstraat - also known as High Town - for some cool clubs. For a punk fix, check out the area around Stadwaag. The Riverside Quarter functions as the red-light district, and is much more run-down than Amsterdam's, so watch your step if you choose to venture there.

Gay & Lesbian:
The area around Van Schoonhovenstr. and Central Station has some good offerings in the way of gay bars and clubs.

Cost:
Antwerp is slightly less expensive than Brussels, so planning for about US$45 per day will get you a budget room and some good cheap meals. A walking city, you can get to many of Antwerp's attractions by foot, which will help you save. Another perk comes with the small or non-existent entrance fee to many museums and churches around town.

Check with the tourist office, who can help you find a place to stay and, if you're in the city, will make a reservation for you (at no extra charge) at many of the hotels in the area.

Getting Around:
Anyone who's been there will tell you: Antwerp is a great city for walking. Walking down the main thoroughfare (which changes its name three times), you will find most of the city's attractions. There are also signs throughout, denoting pointsof interest.

There is an airport in Antwerp, but it's usually less expensive to fly into a larger European city and take a train. Brussels is only 45 minutes by rail, and Amsterdam about 2 hours.

Safety:
Antwerp can be a bit iffy in spots like Riverside's red light district, but as long as you keep your wits about you and stay in well-lit areas, you shouldn't have a problem.

Language:
As the capital of West Flanders, Antwerp's primary language is Flemish (Dutch with a bit of a twist), but you will hear a little French and maybe some German, too. Antwerp is well-touristed enough so that you should be able to find a few people who speak English, but keep a phrasebook with you just in case.

Party/Social Scene:
There is a social scene in Antwerp for every taste and interest, and lots of friendly people to share it with.

Other Info:
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