Antwerp is the 4th stop of our exquisite winter route; just 1-2 months ago we were exploring this lovely city. If we set Brussels aside, the trio of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges really impressed us.
Is this city spelled Antwerp, Antwerpen or Anvers? It's different everywhere; after a bit of research we work out that it's written Antwerp in English, Anvers in French and Antwerpen in Dutch. I'll carry on with the version we know, that is, Antwerp!
For getting from Belgium to the Netherlands, within the Netherlands and from the Netherlands to Belgium, our choice was the FlixBus bus company, which is cheaper than the train and travels from city centre to city centre. The prices are cheap, and the journey takes almost as little time as the train.
Since we weren't staying here, first we needed to leave our suitcases in lockable cabinets, that is, lockers. By the way, let me mention: locker prices are the same all over Belgium. The smallest locker is 4.50€, medium 5€ and the largest 5.50€. The prices are neither very expensive nor very cheap. With their average prices, lockers are wonderful when you find a free one!
After putting the suitcases in the locker, we started exploring the city. There's a wonderful shopping street you can follow from the station all the way to the waterfront.
After that you can relax on the waterfront and ride the Ferris wheel, and if you like you can get food and drink at the wonderful Christmas markets. There's more: you can go up to Antwerp's castle, which has stood for generations.
Antwerp Train Station - Antwerpen Central Railway Station
We think the train station should be seen first. If we hadn't been leaving our suitcases, maybe we wouldn't even have gone in, but it's a masterpiece! We liked it a lot and took quite a few photos. A train station as if from a Harry Potter film! With its New Year decorations it impressed us even more...
If you want to know about the trains we used in Belgium, train fares and which tickets we bought, here you go: getting around Belgium, Brussels edition!
The best way to start your trip is to get to Antwerp Central. The reason is that you'll be arriving at the most amazing and magnificent train station in the world. It's unique in its beauty, and it's very hard to say it has architecture of one particular style. Because after it was built, it was rebuilt in different centuries. There are influences of the 19th century and modern times too. The original station building was built between 1895 and 1905 as a replacement terminal for the Brussels-Mechelen-Antwerp railway line. The stone-clad Terminus Buildings, with a large dome over the waiting hall, were designed by Louis Delacenserie. The viaduct leading to the station appears as an important structure designed by the local architect Jan Van Asperen.
There's one truth: it's not just a train station where you use standard public transport, it's a magnificent work of art. It's true that we love train stations! :)
Meir Shopping Street
After leaving the train station, we met a crowd close to the one we'd seen in Amsterdam.
We had no idea that this modest city is also an international fashion capital. It may not look like it from the start of the street, but when you reach the famous shopping street Meir, you'll see it's the heart of fashion and that people flock here to shop!😬
If you love shopping or want to buy something from Europe, you'll definitely find something to suit your style. Of course, with crowds like this you shouldn't drop your guard either! Watch your wallets!
Old Town
The city's old town, a historic pearl and the heart of the city, still welcomes us travellers. Start exploring your tour from the incredible square of Groenplaats, surrounded by various restaurants, or sit at one of the tables and enjoy the view of the enchanting cathedral with its magnificent Gothic architecture. Belgium's largest church has stood for centuries and today shows a splendour that spills from inside out. The finest masterpieces are displayed on the walls of the Cathedral. You can also see the remaining works of Rubens.
Don't hesitate to step into the narrow streets of the Old Town: with the truly mysterious and equally magnificent Antwerp City Hall and the imposing statue of Brabo, the symbol of Antwerp, Antwerp's Grote Markt is ready to be explored. You can also taste delicious food in the lovely restaurants in the old town and sip a cold Belgian beer alongside.
Great Market - Grand Place - Grote Markt
Antwerp's Great Market Square is a city square in the heart of Antwerp's Old Town. This marvellous square is full of a city hall and many 16th-century restaurants and cafés.
The square, within walking distance of the Scheldt River, even has, for those going in winter like us, a wonderful Christmas Market and an ice rink where children are over the moon. How wonderful are the ice rinks set up all over Europe in winter! Here we wanted to be children :)
Rubens' House - Rubenshuis
Who is this Rubens? Let's first give a bit of information about this, and then start on the details of his house. Rubens, who stands out among 16th- and 17th-century artists as a clever and versatile artist, ran a large studio, painted pictures and collected for his collection. He even designed his own house, travelled around Europe as a diplomat and even took an interest in science. They say he was good at almost everything. Well, of course a house where such a person lived would be opened to visitors after he died!
The famous painter Rubens spent his youth here and produced his most important works here. The studio house where he lived at that time and trained apprentices is today the Rubenshuis Museum. You can also see his famous painting, Cathedral of Our Lady, here.
Note: You can visit Rubens' house on all days except Monday between 10.00 - 17.00. An adult ticket is 8€, ages 12-25 6€, and entry is free for those under 12.
Getting there: If you came to Antwerp by train, you can get there by taking one of lines 3, 5, 9 and 15, which pass on the lower level, and getting off at Antwerpen Premetrostation Meir. If you're in the city centre, you can get there using lines 4, 7, 11, 12 and 24.
Steen Castle - Het Steen
As you know, this castle, that is Het Steen, is on record as the oldest building in the city. The castle, known in the old days as Antwerpen Burcht, was first used to control the Scheldt River and later used as a prison for nearly 500 years. The castle's construction goes back to the 9th century.
It's on the banks of the Scheldt River, just a 2-3 minute walk from the Grote Markt. Het Steen, which once hosted the Maritime Museum, now offers a child-friendly activity area with all kinds of workshops for children aged 6 and over.
Port of Antwerp - Harbour Antwerp
The city's port has for centuries been among Europe's most important industrial ports after Rotterdam. The reason is simple: it has a perfect location.
It also holds the title of Europe's second-largest seaport. A tip from us: get into the sea atmosphere and enjoy the calm view on the benches or at one of the cafés.
Butcher's Hall - Vleeshuis
Right opposite Steen Castle you can still see part of the old walls. Here you'll come across Palingbrug, one of the oldest streets. When we first went, we wondered whether this was really Antwerp. Because this place had nothing to do with the road we'd taken to Steen Castle.
This is a historic, quiet and equally beautiful street. This street was home to the grandmother of Jan Zonder Vrees, another folkloric figure of Antwerp. A must-see.
After Antwerp, our Belgium route continued with Ghent, Bruges and Leuven . If you like, you can read the posts from the links above.
41 km
41 km
43 km