The main attractions of Antwerp. What to see in Antwerp in one day? Walk along the river bottom - St. Anne's Tunnel

Antwerp can easily surpass in extraordinary fashion, compete with avant-garde art, compete with medieval charm, compete with freedom of morals and even challenge in the choice of fashionable eateries. Well, when it comes to diamond release, it’s difficult to even compare Antwerp with any other city, because it is rightfully considered the capital of diamonds. 8 out of 10 uncut stones are processed here (on a pirate map, I think, if Antwerp were there, there would be a bold cross!)

In the mid-16th century, thanks to its advantageous location, it was one of the most significant and richest cities in Europe, where it was also home to the superstar of that time - the great Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Antwerp's history is riddled with historical cataclysms and the bombing of World War II, which still did not take away from the city's medieval charm. Now, like a magnet, it attracts a diverse audience: from fashion designers and rich ladies to art lovers and diamond dealers. Antwerp's popularity grew in the 1980s, when the city's Academy of Fine Arts produced a golden generation of young designers who took the fashion world by storm. That's when Antwerp turned from a once rich, but, alas, squandered its former glory, provincial city into a fashionable and dynamic center of Belgium. Yes, there are still a lot of diamonds here, and churches and museums are filled with paintings of magnificent ladies by Rubens, but now there is also a vibrant cultural life here. Fashionable shops and salons, unusual cafes, restaurants, clubs and everything your heart desires, in the format of a small (by Russian standards) city.

Personally, in Antwerp I found everything I love in European cities: world-class museums, art of various styles, beautiful architecture, excellent food and an impossibly cozy embankment of the Scheldt River, which flows into the North Sea. There is no bustle of the capital here, but at the same time there is no drowsiness of a provincial city either.

How to get there

Although Antwerp is the second largest city by Belgian standards, it is nevertheless not a metropolis, but a small, albeit developed, administrative center of the province of the same name. Therefore, the most convenient and profitable ways to get there will include a flight to Brussels. From there you can easily get to Antwerp both from Brussels airports (by bus, train or car) and from any train station in the capital.

Of the more complicated options, the longest trip from Russia will be by direct bus, and the most expensive will be by train (with transfers). Unfortunately, due to the lack of water communication between Russia and Belgium, it is almost impossible to reach the city by sea.

By plane

Although Antwerp does have an airport, it is difficult to use as it only accepts City Jet flights from the UK and Ireland. The most rational way to get to Antwerp is through. You can read in detail about how to get directly to the capital of Belgium. You can compare prices for air tickets at.

From Russia planes fly to the main airport of Brussels - Zaventem.

From there you can travel to Antwerp by train, bus or car.

On the diagram you can see where different types of transport depart from to Antwerp.

Bus

Buses departure from the platform located on level 0 (one floor below the arrivals area). The bus to Antwerp departs at the beginning of every hour: from April 1 to September 30 from 3:00 to 00.00, from October 1 to March 30 from 4.00 (on weekends and holidays from 6.00) to 23.00. The journey will take about 45 minutes. Tickets to Antwerp for adults - 10 euros, for children - 5 euros. They can only be purchased from the driver and in cash. The final stop is Koningin Astridplein, which is a 3-minute walk from Antwerp Station. The driver can also, upon request, make an intermediate stop at the Crown Plaza Hotel (Gerard le Grellelaan, 10) - it takes about 10 minutes to get there from the airport.

Train

Trains from the airport depart from level -1 (2 floors below the arrivals area). Travel time is 32 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes, starting from 4.00 until 00.00. Time may vary, so it is better to check the schedule on the website. Prices do not depend on the time and method of purchase, so you can purchase them at self-service terminals, on the website or at ticket offices at the airport. If you come on the weekend, you can buy a Weekend ticket, which is valid for a round trip from 19.00 Friday to the end of Sunday, and costs almost the same as a standard one-way ticket. Children under 12 years of age are allowed free travel with one parent. When purchasing a ticket, discounts are provided for different categories of citizens. Tickets are punched directly on the train by the conductor.

Car rent

You can easily rent a car at the airport and travel to the city via the E19 highway. you can compare offers from different rental companies.

Antwerp is located 43 kilometers from the airport. The journey will take 30-40 minutes excluding traffic jams.

If you arrive at the airport Charleroi(), which is located about 90 km from Antwerp, then first take a bus that will take you to the railway station, from where you can leave by train.

You can buy a combination ticket in advance on the website. It will include travel by train and bus, and will cost 21 EUR.

By train

There is no direct train connection between Russia and Belgium, so if you want to get to Antwerp by train, you will first have to make transfers to Brussels. From Brussels Nord main station you can reach Antwerp in about 40 minutes. Check the Belgian Railways website for schedules and prices.

You can also reach Antwerp by train, either direct or connecting, from the nearby Netherlands. Depending on the train you choose, you will get there in an average of 2.5 hours; from within an hour. However, a ticket from both cities will cost the same - about 19 EUR. The schedule can be viewed on the Dutch Railways website.

By bus

Christmas in Antwerp it is celebrated brightly and richly: with many events and entertainment. From December 10 to January 8, a Christmas market takes place on the Grote Markt square, in the middle of which a huge Christmas tree is installed. At this market you can buy local delicacies, handicrafts, drink Belgian beer and even kiss under the huge mistletoe. In addition, stalls are located in Groenplaats, Suikerrui and Steenplein. During the same period, a free outdoor skating rink is open at Groenplaats. you can familiarize yourself with the program of winter events.

Safety. What to watch out for

Compared to the capital of Belgium, Antwerp is much calmer and safer. There is a much lower concentration of immigrants here compared to Brussels, and a generally low crime rate. However, in the tourist area there are cases of robberies, pickpocketing, theft of things from cars, snatching of bags, and theft of bicycles. The least favorable areas for tourists are the areas near Central Station, especially Borgerhout and Seefhoek (eastern part of Antwerp). This is where immigrants live (almost 100 different nationalities). The area is very troubled, and it looks like it. It's quite lively here during the day, but it's definitely not worth walking there at night. Personally, upon arrival in the city, I was warned about a group of people operating directly at the Central Station. They allegedly lure tourists away with the help of children and steal personal items such as phones, laptops and wallets.

De Coninckplein was the center of drug trafficking in Antwerp for many years and was considered a rather dangerous place at night. Although the red light district is guarded, it is still not the best place for night walks. It is also recommended to avoid areas near ports and docks at night.

From my own experience, I can say that on any trip you should take a bag over your shoulder or a backpack, and it is better to put documents and money in hard-to-reach places, such as an inside pocket. Do not take all your money with you, and keep copies of documents at hotels. Always be vigilant, keep an eye on your phone, especially on public transport and at train stations.

Bicycles must be secured. If you rented a car, make sure that the windows are always down when parked.

Things to do

Apart from the obligatory city walks and sightseeing, there is certainly plenty to do in Antwerp.

Excursions and cruises

Like many European cities, Antwerp is designed to be explored on two wheels, so it's no surprise that cycling tours are so popular here. Only for this you need to speak English. Daytime, nighttime, children's and even gastronomic excursions are held daily. Here are some companies offering similar services:

A great way to see Antwerp from an unusual perspective is to take a tour boat ride on the Scheldt River. The beauty of such a tour is that from on board the boat you can see the bustling activity of the port, the work processes of loading, loading and transporting goods, look at the drawbridges, marvel at the size of some seafaring giants, and see Fort Lillo. After all, the port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe.

There are also gastronomic trips, when in addition to admiring the sea views, you can devour pancakes, or eat meat or fish dishes, depending on the chosen tour. Prices start from 7.5 EUR. The walk can take 50 minutes, 2 or 3 hours. Most boats depart from the pontoon at Steenplain or Londenbrug. Here are some cruise lines:

A very convenient way to get to know the city is to ride a tourist bus that travels around the city and stops near various attractions. You can purchase a ticket for 24 or 48 hours. The tour lasts an hour and starts every 75 minutes from the Central Station (Astridplein - platform 7). The bus runs from 10.30 to 16.30. You can get off and on the bus at any stop. There is an audio translator on board (including in Russian). Tickets can be purchased on board the bus, online on the website or at information centers.

Another option for a sightseeing tour is a retro tram from the Audio Guide company only in German and English. The essence of this tour is the same, but the transport is nicer! By the way, it runs on natural gas.

Having ridden bicycles, buses and boats, you can also walk around the city on foot, in the company of a guide, for example! You can choose a Russian-speaking guide, but in general, there are guides who speak different languages.

Shopping and shops

Antwerp is designed to cater to the needs of shopaholics. On the largest shopping street, Meir, and nearby Huidevettersstraat, Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat, you can find everything your heart desires and a little more. Even I couldn’t resist and went into the shopping center. It was successfully restored and reopened in 2007 after being partially destroyed by fire ten years earlier. In addition to the many shops, the eye is drawn to the amazing design - vaulted glass ceilings with gilding, sculptures, mosaics, wall reliefs, oak parquet floors.

The most expensive and exclusive shops are located on Hopland and Schuttershofstraat.

Wealthy people, of course, flock to Antwerp for diamonds. The diamond trade takes place in the Jewish Quarter. On the streets Pelikaanstraat, Schupstraat and Hovenierstraat. Be careful, because buying precious stones in one of the jewelry stores near Central Station can turn into a sad experience.

If you don't have much money and your friends want you to bring diamonds from Antwerp, then go to one of the many chocolate shops in the city and buy them diamond-shaped candies!

All kinds of Asian goods can be purchased in Chinatown.

For antiques, you should go to Kloosterstraat. On Sunday, trade in antiques and trinkets moves directly from the premises directly to the street.

And don’t forget about open markets. Every Friday in the city center, Vrijdagmarkt is open, offering antiques and second-hand goods. On Sunday, the Theaterplein is home to the Vogelenmarkt, the city's most popular weekend market, where you can find everything from food and household items to bicycles, antiques and pets. On Sunday you have the opportunity to visit the antique market on Sint-Jansvliet Square. In addition, every last Sunday of the month (from May to September) an art market opens on Lambermontplaats, where Antwerp artists present their works.

In Ploegstraat 25, go to the so-called gift shop. You can bring any things here and pick them up completely free of charge. The store is open daily, except weekends, from 14.00 to 18.00. Another popular store is located at Kroonstraat 166.

Bars. Where to go

Antwerp is simply bursting at the seams with a huge number of bars. As evening approaches, city residents head to their favorite drinking establishments to drink beer and chat with friends. If you don’t spend an evening like this at least once, then consider that you haven’t seen Antwerp! The Belgians are rightfully proud of their beer, so it would be reckless not to enjoy this drink in Antwerp (chilled, of course). In addition to the main Belgian beers, be sure to try De Koninck, a light red ale that was invented in the 19th century in Antwerp. It is served in branded glasses with steep sides - bolleke. The same aspiration has stuck to the beer variety, so don’t be surprised if you see it on the menu along with its official name. Another local drink that should be ignored is Elixir d'Anvers liqueur.

Street cafes are concentrated on Groenplaats and Grote Markt; traditional pubs, or in other words - “brown cafes” - are concentrated on Hoogstraat, Pelgrimstraat, Pieter Potstraat and adjacent streets; Beer cellars can be found on Stadswaag.

With the onset of June, summer bars open in Antwerp, usually on the roofs of buildings or in parks. When the weather is warm, there's nothing better than enjoying your favorite drinks while sitting on your sun loungers and admiring the city views. Here are some popular summer bars for you to choose from:

• Born in Anwerp (Kattendijkdok-Oostkaii, 21)
• Bar Gloed (De Keyserlei, 5)
• Smokey Jo's garage (Boomgaardstraat, 17)
• Cargo Zomerbar (Spoor Noord park)

Clubs and nightlife

You will be surprised, but it seemed that such a small city hides a huge number of bars and clubs. People party here all night! A particularly large concentration of Antwerp dance floors is located in the area of ​​Falconplein and the Red Light District. However, there are several fairly large clubs for which people travel to different parts of the city. Every Thursday is traditionally considered the day when students go away. Therefore, on this day of the week most of the clubs are crowded. The advantage of Thursday is that admission is free almost everywhere. The downside is that you have to stand in lines. To avoid this, you should come to party either before 12 at night or after 2.

Don't miss the opportunity to look into one of the largest and most popular nightclubs not only in Antwerp, but also in Belgium - Cafe d'Anvers. The club is located in a real 16th century church, which is located right in the middle of the Red Light District. DJs from all over the world perform here with music in the style of House, R&B, Techno, Minimal, Electro, Progressive House, Vocal House. The club has a huge balcony with a great view of the dance floor. Café d'Anvers is open on Friday and Saturday from 23 to 7.30, and on Thursday until 6 am. You can find out more information and prices. Address: Verversrui, 15

Fans of live music choose a club located on the outskirts of the city. The club is located in a former factory building. The main musical trends are Hip-hop, New-wave, Reggae, Funk and Hard-rock. Ticket prices vary between 15 EUR, but if you buy through the website, it will be cheaper. Address: d"Herbouvillekaa, 25.

For lovers of Cuban and Latin American dances, there is a club in Antwerp. The interior is designed in the style of the 20s. It is believed that the most interesting parties take place on Saturdays. The ticket price (approx. 12 EUR) includes a drink, a free lesson from 21.00 to 22.00, the cost of a wardrobe and the concert. Address: Waalse Kaai, 25

Oddly enough, most clubs in Antwerp are closed in the summer. This may be due to the large number of summer festivals and music events when dance venues open up everywhere. Therefore, partygoers simply do not need to go to a club when they can dance in the open air.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

In Antwerp you can buy not only purely Belgian souvenirs like waffles or a bottle of Genever, but also products created in this city.

How to get around the city

Antwerp has a fairly extensive network of bus and tram routes. I would even say that for such a small city there is plenty of transport here. There is also a metro, but not like ours. These are several tram lines (2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 15) that run underground. Trains may depart from one platform in different directions, so you need to carefully monitor the information on the screens. There are even night buses that run on Friday and Saturday. All information about routes can be found on the website of the carrier Delijn. Lines 2 and 15 run between the station and the historical center.

Tickets are sold in special yellow machines installed at bus stops and in the subway, as well as in newsstands and supermarkets. You can also buy a trip by sending an SMS. You can buy a single ticket - 1.80 EUR, a day pass - 6 EUR (children - 4 EUR), a 3-day pass - 12 EUR, a 5-day pass - 17 EUR, a 10-trip pass - 15 EUR. You cannot buy multi-day passes from the driver, and a single ticket will cost 3 EUR. Children under 6 years old - free. A single ticket allows you to travel for an hour on any type of transport with transfers.

Velo. You can purchase a one-day, weekly or even an annual subscription by registering on the company's website or at any station at the machine.

You can ride for free for the first half hour, then you have to pay extra. In total, you can ride no more than 4 hours on one bike. But why ride longer if you can park at one of 153 stations and take another bike?

Other bike rentals:

Car rent

You can rent a car in Antwerp, but it can cause a lot of inconvenience due to the small number of parking spaces, narrow streets, already crowded with bicycles and buses. Lots of one-way streets. You can rent a car only if you are 21 years old and have an international driving license. Here are some companies.

You can compare rental prices from different rental companies.

Antwerp - holidays with children

If you are traveling with children, then rest assured: Antwerp is a city where everything is created for adults and parents to spend time together: theme parks, playgrounds, wide pedestrian areas, petting zoos, family excursions, parks and much more.

Fun activities for children and their parents:

• Visit to petting farms on the outskirts of Antwerp, where children can get a closer look at rural life and interact with rabbits, poultry, kids and other animals.
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Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Antwerp is a city associated with Rubens, Jordaens, Plantin, the Reformation, the Habsburg Empire and even the Spanish Inquisition. Located just 50 kilometers from Brussels. Antwerp, named European Capital of Culture in 1993, is one of the most underrated European cities by tourists.

The city's central station looks more like a cathedral than a train station. Reaching towards the sky, the structure is exquisitely decorated with marble.

In the very center of the Diamond Quarter is the Diamond Museum. You should definitely go there, plunge into the legends about the attractiveness of diamonds and see famous jewelry with the most expensive and beautiful diamonds. Diamonds have long warmed the heart of Antwerp and delighted its wallet, bringing in 40 billion in income. By visiting the many sparkling diamond shops, you can support the city's diamond business.

Children will love the zoo. Here is a modern, scientific approach to the maintenance and conservation of wildlife. Many rare species of animals. The zoo itself is decorated in an interesting Art Deco architectural style.

The Grote Markt is the main square of the city. Around the square are the houses of the Flemish guilds of the 16th century and the city hall in the Renaissance style. On the magnificent fountain stands a statue of the Roman warrior Silvio Brabo, who, according to ancient legend, was able to defeat the giant Antigonus, who cut off his hand. The name of the city is also connected with this legend; “Antwerpen” means “throwing hand”.

“Maiden's House”, in the building of an old orphanage for girls, small exhibitions of interesting collections of paintings, furniture, and ceramics are held.

The new interesting museum “An de Strom” is located in the oldest docks of Antwerp, in a sixty-meter tower. In the museum you can trace the entire history of the development of shipbuilding and admire the collection of ship models.

The Museum of Modern Art is located in the old port in a former grain warehouse. The huge warehouse areas housed collections of works by Belgian and foreign artists.

The Mayer van den Berg Museum introduces you to a rich collection of paintings by Dutch artists. Excellently preserved tapestries and furniture from the 14th to 16th centuries.

The Cathedral of Our Lady with a 123-meter bell tower towering over the entire city. In the interior of this bright and spacious cathedral you can see the works of Rubens and the masters of his school.

Housed in the park, the open-air sculpture museum, featuring famous sculptures by Auguste, Rodin and Henry Moore, will provide an unforgettable experience.

The Rubens House Museum is located in the house where the great Belgian artist lived in the 16th century. The luxurious house and yard will immerse visitors in the era of the famous artist.

Church of St. Charles Borromeo. Rubens took part in the decoration of this 17th century church; the artist used ideas and technologies that he learned during his travels in Italy. The luxurious design of the building shows Italian influence.

Church of St. James, richly decorated 17th century, Baroque style. In the chapel of the church there is a crypt where Rubens is buried. The artist's final resting place was placed behind a luxurious high altar. From time immemorial, the Church of St. James has been the resting place of the Antwerp nobility.

On the banks of the Scheldt, in the very heart of the city, a gloomy castle rises. The castle stands on the site of ancient fortifications. The current structure was built in the 12th century. They tried to embellish the castle building a little in the 16th century, but its gloomy appearance remained unchanged.

The Butcher's House, despite its name, resembles a fairytale palace. An aristocratic mansion with alternating stripes of red and white masonry. Once upon a time there was a meat market and a butchers' guild. Now there is an unusual museum of “urban sounds” and music.

From early spring until October, the Flemish Shipping Company offers day and evening excursions along the Scheldt River and Antwerp Harbour.

Is the answer helpful?

Antwerp is a world center for trade and, of course, diamond cutting. But he is famous not only for this. The oldest zoo in Europe has found its habitat in the city, with more than 5,000 different animals. All animals are under the care of the Royal Zoological Society. The entrance ticket here costs 12 euros for an adult and 9.5 euros for children under 11 years old.

Historical chronicles mentioned this beautiful city back in the 7th century. Throughout this long time, the city was built and modified and now all its attractions are well known throughout the world.

The historical center of Antwerp is the Grote Markt square, around which the Cathedral of Our Lady and the City Hall are located. The height of the cathedral is 123 meters and it is considered the tallest in the country. This is perhaps the only church in Belgium where you have to pay for entry (5 euros). Inside the building there are several paintings by the world famous native of this city, Rubens.

Sten Castle, built in the 13th century, is also worthy of your attention. Church of St. Supposedly located behind the square, Veemarkt contains the remains of the local nobility and bourgeoisie. The burial place of Peter Paul Rubens is also located here.

You can learn more about the artist’s brilliant creations at the Museum of Fine Arts located at Leopold De Waelplaats, 1-9.

You can walk through the famous diamond district and not notice it, since there is nothing special about it. The only difference from the rest is the large number of Orthodox Jews, the founders of this business, who can be recognized by their characteristic hairstyle and clothing. By the way, the profitability of this business, according to some expert estimates, reaches $25 billion a year.

Fans of shopping will simply be delighted with the abundance and variety of all kinds of shops, pavilions and shopping centers on Meir Street. Don’t forget, of course, about chocolate, which it is advisable to purchase in the best stores in the city - Del Rey and Château Blanc, where the selection of this very tasty food product is simply huge.

Bacchus lovers in a bar called Kulminator will be simply amazed by the huge (700 varieties) selection of foamy drink with exotic snacks to go with it.

The nightlife of Antwerp will not leave anyone indifferent, and nightclubs and discos known throughout old Europe such as Nanno sur l’O and Red&Blue and especially Black Pearl attract tourists from all over the world with their unbridled fun.

Getting here is very easy, since the city is connected by both railways and highways to almost all European capitals, and you can get there by train from Brussels in 40 minutes.

Antwerp is one of the largest cities in Belgium, located on the Scheldt River. It is this city that deserves the status of the industrial center of the Flemish region of Belgium. At the same time, the fame of Antwerp is due not only to industry, but also to its rich heritage from the historical and cultural side.

Many tourists enjoy the presence of historical attractions, museum centers, small shops and interesting restaurants. Everyone will certainly find something special for themselves.

The Town Hall is one of the most important buildings in Antwerp. The attraction was built according to the design of the architect Cornelis Floris.

Unique features of the Town Hall:

• Height – 76 meters.
• Availability of four floors.
• Incorporating elements of Italian Renaissance and Flemish Gothic.
• Rich decor based on heraldic symbols.
• In the central niche there is a sculpture of Our Lady, the patroness of Antwerp.
• The niche also contains allegorical sculptures depicting Justice and Providence.

The amazing performance of the Town Hall evokes special emotions in every tourist.

Location: Grote Markt - 1.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp is one of the largest religious sites in Antwerp and even in Belgium. The cathedral is a valuable monument of medieval Gothic architecture.

The cathedral was founded back in 1352. However, the first stage of construction was completed only in 1521. It is interesting to note that at present, construction activities still remain unfinished.

Location: Groenplaats - 21.

Sten Castle is located in the central part of Antwerp. The exact start date of construction is unknown. Historians suggest that the event occurred no earlier than the 7th century and no later than the 9th century. Nowadays, the Castle Walls is considered one of the most colorful monuments not only in Antwerp, but also in Belgium.

Today the castle houses the National Maritime Museum.

Location: Steenplein - 1.

The Grote Markt is the central square in Antwerp and a major tourist attraction. It was here that all important historical events took place. It is interesting to note that the Grote Markt in Antwerp is considered a pearl of 16th century architecture.

In the middle of the square there is a fountain decorated with a statue of the Roman warrior Silvius Brabo. However, the Town Hall, built in the 16th century, is still considered the architectural dominant. On the north side of the square are richly decorated guild houses. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp is also located here. The general architectural appearance of the central square of Antwerp evokes only the best impressions.

The Rubens House is dedicated to the life and creative work of the famous artist Paul Rubens. Visitors can appreciate partial reproductions of interiors and art collections. The atmosphere can be felt due to the fact that the museum is located in the house that Paul Rubens built for himself and his loved ones.

The living quarters are decorated in the Flemish style, the workshop and study are in the Italian Renaissance.

Rubens's house has a small courtyard hidden by a Baroque arch.

The museum displays few items from the collections of Paul Rubens. The largest part of the exhibition is devoted to the master’s sketches, portraits and copies of paintings. Few originals are presented, since most of the valuable exhibits are located in the largest museums in the world outside Belgium. Despite this, a visit to the museum turns out to be a memorable event even for fans of Paul Rubens.

Location: Wapper 9-11.

The Butchers' House is an authentic 16th-century building, the façade of which is made of red brick and white stone.

Features of the Butcher's House:

• Pointed roof.
• Hexagonal small turrets.
• Lancet windows.
• High stepped pediment.
• Buttresses.

The Butchers' House is one of the most famous and special buildings in Antwerp. In addition, this is where the Museum of History, Archeology and Applied Arts is located. Today, it houses collections of applied art, military equipment, musical instruments, numismatics, ethnographic and historical values.

Location: Vleeshouwersstraat - 38.

The Church of St. Jacob is designed taking into account the best principles of the Gothic style. One of the small crypt chapels houses the ashes of the famous artist Paul Rubens, which adds additional value to the religious monastery.

Construction of the Church of St. Jacob began at the end of the 15th century. Construction activities were completed only after 200 years. Nowadays, the church still delights believers and tourists. In addition, in the building you can see mosaics and frescoes from the 16th century.

Location: Lange Nieuwstraat - 73.

The Church of St. Charles Borromean is made in the Baroque style and surprises with the beauty of its facade. Even Paul Rubens, a famous painter, participated in the creation of the facade and interior.

Unfortunately, in 1718 the church was struck by lightning, which led to a huge fire. During the fire, 39 Rubens masterpieces and original marble objects were destroyed. Only the apses of the main altar and the chapel of Mary have been preserved in their original form, which still delight visitors to the church.

Location: Hendrik Conscienceplein - 12.

The Diamond Museum surprises with its rich collection. There are even diamond jeans and copies of the jewels of kings from Britain. The magnificent exhibition surprises every visitor.

The museum staff strives to use modern technologies, so if you wish, you can even use an audio guide. Various virtual tours have been developed for visitors, allowing them to see the best attractions. There are sensory routes for visually impaired and blind visitors.

Location: Koningin Astridplein - 19.

The museum is housed in a large building that was used as a granary and port warehouse in the 1920s. Subsequently, it was possible to carry out a large-scale reconstruction, thanks to which the original premises appeared.

The Museum of Modern Art has been successfully operating since 1987. Numerous avant-garde works and paintings by Belgian innovative masters are stored here. Many objects of art are ambiguously assessed by critics, but still deserve increased attention.

Location: Leuvenstraat - 32.

The Farm Tower, which is the first skyscraper in continental Europe, was built in 1931. The name of the building is determined by the name of the bank Antwrpse Boerenbank, which was previously located here. Subsequently, the tenant of the premises turned out to be KBC Bank, so the building is also known as KBC Tower.

The supporting structures of the tower are reminiscent of Chicago and New York skyscrapers. At the same time, the facade and interior are partially created in the art deco style. This performance initially contributed to the growing popularity of the Farm Tower.

St. Paul's Cathedral was built in the 16th century. The temple surprises with its Gothic facade and Baroque interior. In addition, valuable paintings describing the mysteries of the life, death and glorification of Jesus Christ are stored here.

Next to the side facade there is a sculptural composition of Golgotha, which includes statues of angels, saints, prophets and patriarchs.

Another important attraction is the 17th-century organ, considered one of the best in all of Belgium. Amazing acoustics facilitate the regular holding of concerts by choirs and orchestras.

Location: Sint-Paulusstraat - 22.

Antwerp Zoo has been operating successfully for over 160 years. During this time, he has established himself as one of the best in the whole world. The total number of individuals that live in the zoo exceeds 5 thousand. In addition, the total area of ​​the zoo is 10.5 hectares, which immediately sets you up for an active walk.

Antwerp Zoo also includes:

• Oceanariums.
• Dens.
• Zoo museum.
• Winter Garden.
• Temple of the Moors.
• Planetarium.
• Dolphinarium.

A visit to the unique complex will be interesting for adults and children.

Location: Koningin Astridplein 20-26.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a printing house and publishing house whose history dates back to the Renaissance. The museum center is directly associated with the origin and spread of printing since the 16th century.

The building houses an exhibition consisting of antique printing equipment, numerous works of art, and paintings. In addition, there is a rich library here.

Location: Vrijdagmarkt 22-23.

The Verbeke Foundation Art Park is located in the small village of Kemzeke, close to Antwerp. The park complex, opened in early summer 2007, surprises with culture, nature and ecology. Currently, the Verbeke Foundation is considered one of the largest art collections in Europe.

Visitors here can discover interesting facets of abstract painting and collages. In recent years, the collection has even extended to living art, which is not so easy to comprehend.

Thousands of tourists visit the Verbeke Foundation Park every year.

Amusement park BOBBEJAANLAND

The BOBBEJAANLAND amusement park is located near the Belgian city of Antwerp. Its history has been successfully going on since 1961.

Initially, the amusement park was divided into only two themed zones: cowboys and Indians. Each part was furnished with corresponding attractions. Subsequently, new entertainment appeared. Today, 43 attractions are successfully operating in the BOBBEJAANLAND park.

Location: Olensteenweg - 45.

Antwerp is one of the most attractive cities in Belgium, surprising with ancient architecture, museums and special parks where you can get closer to discovering real art.

We arrived in Antwerp from Brussels. Let's go on Saturday. From Brussels North Station to Antwerp Central Station the train takes 40 minutes.

A round trip ticket costs 8 euros. This is with a 50% discount, which is valid from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

The same price applies on holidays.

Antwerp is a city of art. Museums, galleries, antique shops, art workshops and salons simply overwhelm it. And this is understandable, because it was here that Rubens, Antoine Van Dyck, Adrian Brouere, Quentin Matsesa and Pieter Bruegel were born. Antwerp is also Europe's second largest port and the world's largest diamond cutting center. Antwerp is located in a bend of the Scheldt River. There is a legend that the giant Druon Antigonus once lived here. He demanded an exorbitant tribute from everyone who sailed along the river to the city’s piers. The giant tore off the hands of those who refused to pay and threw them into the water. The Roman warrior Silvius Brabo managed to defeat the giant. Brabo cut off his hand and threw it into the river. Hence the name of the city - “Hand werpen” (“thrown hand”). Scientists, however, have a different opinion. The name Antwerp comes from the Dutch expression "aan de werpe" ("to sketch") - the place where the river deposited sand. And here we are in Antwerp - the second most populous city in Belgium.

The central railway station, a monumental marble and glass structure, can easily be considered one of the city's landmarks. This is rightfully one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. When we got off the train, it seemed to us that we were not in a station, but in a museum.

At the station we immediately noticed modern installations,

We went to the tourist office, where we got a free map of the city.

There are also numerous jewelry stores here. They say that there are about 30 of them at the station alone.

Truly Antwerp is a diamond paradise! But we didn’t plan to buy diamonds (We’ll leave it until next time! Maybe we’ll get rich!), so we went to the historical center of the city.

It's not difficult to do this. There are signs.

We always walk straight along De Keyserlei street. You can sit on chairs and benches.

But we are not tired yet.

In a small square there is a monument to David Teniers the Younger, the famous Flemish artist of the 17th century. The square is named after the artist. He holds in his hand the permission issued by the Spanish king in 1663 to create the Academy of Fine Arts, of which he was the founder.

Soon we see a monument to another great artist of the early 17th century, Antoine Van Dyck. A monument was erected at this site in 1992. Initially (1856) the monument stood in front of the Academy of Fine Arts. But in the 20th century, Van Dyck “traveled” a lot! The monument was moved four times from one place in the city to another. In connection with this, the townspeople, sharp-tongued, proposed putting this monument on wheels.

At the end of Meir Street is the "Hand" - a sculpture sculpted in 1986 by the French sculptor Henri de Miller. The “Hand” appeared in the center of Antwerp in 1992, when the city was preparing to become the cultural capital of Europe for a whole year. The sculpture symbolizes the openness and hospitality of Antwerp, and at the same time reminds of the legend associated with the origin of its name.

We reach the Green Square (Groenplaats).

This is the most popular square in the city. On hot days, locals and guests gather here on the open terraces of numerous cafes and restaurants to taste luxurious local beer.

In the middle of the square there is a monument to the brilliant Rubens, made in 1843 by the sculptor Gifs. The right side of the square is occupied by the imposing Hilton Hotel building, built in the 19th century. There is also a small flower market here.

The stunning Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary rises above the square.

The Gothic tower of the cathedral is the tallest church tower in the Low Countries. Its top rises 123 meters above the historical center of the city. The first stone for the construction of this Gothic church was laid in the 14th century and only two centuries later the work was completed. In the 16th century, glass windows, paintings, relics, tombs and dozens of altars were destroyed.

All that remains of the original decoration are a few frescoes and a 14th-century marble image of the Madonna. The interior of the church has been recreated and this is exactly what makes it so special. Elements of a variety of styles are intertwined here: Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. In the cathedral hang 4 works by the world-famous artist Peter Paul Rubens: two triptychs (“The Descent from the Cross” of 1612 and “The Elevation of the Cross” of 1609-1610) and the paintings “The Ascension of Mary” of 1626 and “The Resurrection of Christ” of 1612. Stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes look as luxurious as the decoration of the altars. At the main altar hangs the painting “The Death of Mary” by Abraham Matthiessens.

Throughout the world, Antwerp is associated with a major seaport, diamonds and Peter Paul Rubens. Active business life provided the city not only with financial well-being, but also made it a powerful cultural center of medieval Europe. Therefore, Antwerp attracts tourists not only with its majestic and exquisite architecture, but also with its museums. The latter primarily concerns admirers of the work of Rubens, who made an invaluable contribution to the cultural heritage of the city. However, Antwerp attracts not only connoisseurs of high art, but also lovers of delicious Belgian beer. However, first things first.

Architectural sights of Antwerp (photo with description)

Antwerp Central

Antwerp Central - Antwerp's main railway station

If you come to Antwerp by train, then already at the station you will plunge into the ancient atmosphere of the city. The building itself was built in 1905, but thanks to the skill of the architect Louis Delasenserie, who embodied in his project the best elements of the Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, the facade and interior of the building have a majestic medieval appearance. Many tourists have the impression that they are transported from a train carriage to the Louvre or Notre Dame Cathedral. More than 20 types of marble were used in the decoration of the stairs, columns and arches, and huge stained glass windows create natural lighting in the station building. Therefore, even if you arrive in Antwerp by plane or by bus, take the time to admire this architectural masterpiece.

Stadhuis

Brabo Fountain

Getting to know any European city should start from the central square. A walk from the station will take you to Grote Markt van Antwerpen. Here is the city hall, built in the mid-16th century according to the design of the Flemish architect Cornelis Floris, who skillfully combined the styles of Baroque and Italian Renaissance in his creation. The facade is decorated with flags, sculptures and European dynastic coats of arms.
Near the town hall stands the Brabo fountain, symbolizing Antwerp itself. At the top of the sculptural composition is a statue of Silvius Brabo, an ancient Roman legionnaire with whom the name of the city is associated. According to legend, the giant Antigonus collected tribute from merchant ships entering the port. Silvius killed the villain by cutting off his hand and throwing it into the sea. The name of the city comes from the phrase “hand werpen”.

It would seem like a beautiful legend. But legends are also made up for a reason. In modern language, the authors clearly formulated the “brand philosophy” – intolerance to any kind of extortion and corruption. Fair trade rules ensured financial prosperity for the port of Antwerp and the city itself. Truly professional work by ideologists: a symbol of the fight against corruption against the backdrop of the luxurious façade of the town hall as a symbol of prosperity.
If you wish, you can explore the architectural sights of Antwerp in one day; they are all located in the city center. Among the most spectacular architectural monuments are the following:

• Walls Castle and Long Whopper Monument;
• Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp;
• St Paul's Cathedral;

• Cathedral of St. Charles Borromeo;
• Butchers' house.

Museums of Antwerp

Rubenshuis

As already mentioned, Peter Paul Rubens, the real pride of Antwerp, was born and worked in this city. Therefore, admirers of the Flemish painter’s work first of all head to Rubenshuis. This is the Rubens house-museum, where the master spent most of his life. However, you will not see a large collection of the artist’s works here, since before his death, taking care of the welfare of his wife and children, he bequeathed to sell his collection, which, in addition to his works, included works by Adrian Brouwer, Jan van Eyck, Titian, Perugino and other famous masters . In the house itself there remains a self-portrait of Rubens, furniture and paintings by his contemporaries. At the same time, the museum management is constantly updating the exhibition. And be sure to go to the courtyard designed by Rubens to feel the atmosphere in which the ideas and images of his works were born.

Provinciaal Diamantmuseum (Diamond Museum)

Diamond Museum

Antwerp is called the diamond capital of Europe. There is a whole history associated with diamond cutting and diamond trading. At the end of the 15th century, all Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal. At that time, capitalism was just emerging in the Netherlands, so diamond cutters and merchants moved to Amsterdam, but eventually moved to Antwerp, where there were lower taxes. At the end of the 19th century, anti-Semitic sentiments flared up in Eastern Europe, and Jews were forced to flee to North America. Arriving at the port of Antwerp, many of the Jewish jewelers, seeing how well their co-religionist colleagues had settled down here, chose to stay in Belgium. By the way, it was Galician Jews who founded the famous jewelry quarter Diamantkwartier. During the Nazi occupation, Jewish jewelers fled from the Nazis to free countries, but after the war many of them returned to Antwerp.

Did you know? The Provinciaal Diamantmuseum exhibits the diamonds of Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the famous diamond jeans.

The museum will tell you all about this while you admire the luxurious gems, including the world's most famous diamond. "Koh-i-noor". On some days you can watch the cutters at work live. In addition, you will be offered immersive virtual tours of the museum, sound and light shows and sensory routes for people with visual impairments.
Travelers also recommend visiting the following museums:

• Sterckshof Silver Museum (Silver Museum);
• Red Star Line Museum (Museum of Emigration);
• FOMU (Photo Museum);
• MAS – Museum aan de Stroom;
• Museum Plantin-Moretus (Plantin-Moretus Museum);

• MoMu (Museum of Fashion);
• Museum Mayer van den Bergh (Museum Mayer van den Bergh);
• Letterenhuis (Literary Museum).

Antwerp beer culture

Beer is one of the tourist markers of Belgium. About 900 brands of intoxicating drinks are brewed here. The brewing culture in this country is one of the richest in the world, and beer traditions date back to the 15th century. It was in this country that such types of beer as lambic, scream And Trappitebeer. The Belgians’ attitude to the intoxicating drink can be understood by the fact that each variety is served in an exclusive glass. Truly a collector's paradise.
Antwerp, like other cities in Belgium, is famous for its beer attractions. The most popular brewery in Antwerp is De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery. Here you can take an interactive tour of the plant, where separate screens tell the history of the production of different varieties. No tour guides: pay money and walk around the brewery. And at the end there is a mandatory tasting.
True beer connoisseurs know about one point on the map of Antwerp - a cafe Kulminator.

The owners of Kulminator are Dirk and Helen.

The establishment is run by a married couple – Dirk and Helen. The owner is a cheerful, outgoing elderly woman, and Dirk is a lanky “grumpy gnome,” as visitors from all over the world call him. The owner mostly sits in the corner and, muttering something under his breath, reads the newspaper.

Dirk is called the “gnome,” apparently, not only for his external resemblance to this fairy-tale character - he is also the “keeper of the basement.” There are more than 400 types of beer on the shelves here. No one except the owner is allowed to go down into this beer dungeon, and no one will understand these labyrinths. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that if you order a rare beer at closing time, you may be refused with the words: “Sorry, Dirk is not feeling well and does not want to go to the basement.” Instead, you'll be offered bottled or one of ten beers on tap. Lovers of the intoxicating drink come here from all over the world not only for rare varieties, but also for the unique atmosphere that you will not find in any other beer establishment.

What to see in Antwerp in 1 day

As you understand, connoisseurs of beer and museums do not face this question. But for the average tourist, we can recommend this route: from Antwerpen Centraal station, walk to the central square, then go to the Walls Castle, and then visit the Museum aan de Stroom and the Diamond Museum. Along the way, you can drink beer at one of the Antwerp beer establishments or visit the De Koninck factory, and if you are traveling with children, go to the aquarium or zoo.

Where to go with children

In principle, in addition to the beer museum and bars, Antwerp will be interesting for children everywhere, but if we talk about places where you should definitely take children, then this is first of all the city zoo - Dierentuin. More than 5,000 species of animals live here in excellent conditions. The greatest delight among children is the seal show, the butterfly pavilion, the penguin house and the planetarium. And of course, children’s favorite pastime at the zoo is feeding the animals.
Aquatopia- a wonderful oceanarium with underwater tunnels, allowing you to see the predatory inhabitants of the sea at arm's length. In total, there are about 250 species of animals and 35 large aquariums with exotic fish. You can touch some animals, such as snakes and iguanas, and even feed sharks.
Tourists who visit Antwerp also recommend the following children's entertainment:

• Pirateneyland(a themed adventure attraction based on “Pirates of the Caribbean” for children aged 2 to 12 years);
• Antwerp Miniature Town(“Mini Antwerp” with copies of historical buildings and interesting excursions, which can also be ordered in Russian);
• Botanical Garden plantentuin;
• Steenplein(a tunnel under the Scheldt River, which will lead you to a picturesque beach with a children's playground);
• boat trip on the river (on holidays and Sundays from Steenplein Yachts depart on which you will be offered not only to admire Antwerp from the river, but will also be treated to delicious pancakes).

Video review of Antwerp sights

We have selected for you a small but vivid video about the sights of Antwerp.

Antwerp is a colorful city with a unique atmosphere. Be sure to go for a walk in the area Cogels Osylei with beautiful houses and picturesque streets, sit on a bench in a quiet and cozy Middelheimpark, take a ticket to Vlaamse Opera. Even if you travel this city far and wide, you will always want to come back here again. In any season.