It's easy to think that, if you're not an artist or a designer, you won't find anything to do in Antwerp. The city is the art and design hub of Belgium, as well as one of the central artistic cities in Europe. And if you're not part or have no interest in said fields, you'll probably end up bored here, right? Wrong! As long as you love traveling and going to new and exciting places, you'll still appreciate Antwerp. There are a ton of things to do, sights to see, food to eat, and more in this city!
See The Classical Structures
First and foremost, as with any other European cities, the classical structures in Antwerp are a must-see! There's Steen Castle, the Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady, Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, the Antwerp Central Station, and more! All man-made marvels are beautiful in their own right. They highlight various art and architectural styles, their histories span centuries, they remind the people of today of what the city has gone through over the years. Even though you're not that artistically inclined yourself or you have little interest in history and the like, you'll have to admit that these places are mind-blowing nonetheless!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go To The Rubens House
Now, for a particular historic place that art lovers will just die to visit: The Rubens House! As you'd probably expect, Antwerp is home to a lot of museums. But if you were to pick just one to visit during your stay in the city, you should probably choose The Rubens House! The former home of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, the manor is a shine to his legacy. His famous works are displayed in the many grand rooms in the house, showcasing his immense talent and creativity. With each new work you get introduced to, you understand more and more about this artistic master and historic impact!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ ©JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD
Visit Grote Markt
If you thought Brussels was the only city in Belgium with a Grand Place, you're sadly mistaken. Antwerp has one too, known as 'Grote Markt' (Grand Place). The main square in the city that's right smack in the middle of all the
districts of Antwerp, it's just as iconic as the one in the Belgian capital. Here, you really get to see what local life is like as various people go about their day shopping, eating at
the best foodie hotspots nearby, riding their bikes, and more. It's also one of those places that, if you didn't go here at least once, did you really go to Antwerp at all?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marvel At The Diamond District
Yes, just as its name says, Antwerp's Diamond District is all about the
haute joaillerie!
Belgian jewelers may not be the most famous in the world, but they still serve some high-quality sparkle for locals and tourists alike. The place is located right next to Antwerp Central Station, so it's easy to get to via
public transport. Once you get here, you'll get lost at all the luxurious shimmer, glittering silvers and golds, colorful gemstones, and the like. If you can afford it, why not buy something pretty for yourself (or your loved ones) right then and there?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shop at The Meir
Speaking of luxury shopping, you can always go to the famous Meir Street to get your high fashion fix. Akin to the likes of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Fifth Avenue in New York, and the
Champs-Elysees in Paris, this is the central luxury district in Antwerp. From
Belgian designer brands to luxury brands from all over the world, this place is a shopaholic's dream. Before long, your credit card would probably be burnt out with all the charging and whatnot! And when you get tired, the place has its own fair share of charming cafes and bistros that serve delicious food!
Source: Flickr.com/ Dariusz Sieczkowski
Watch A Graduation Fashion Show
While Antwerp is no Paris or Milan, it's become a central city in the fashion industry for the past few decades. This is because it's home to
some of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. And in certain parts of the year, these well-respected institutions host their annual graduation fashion shows. These are the events that introduce the next batch of movers and shakers of the fashion world. They display their exceptional talent and those lucky enough to attend get to see it first-hand! Well, even if you're not here then, you can always stream the show online too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Who'd ever think that a waterfront port would be a highlight in a city? But Antwerp, as many might not know, is actually a port city. And one of the must-see architectural marvels here is the
Havenhuis Antwerpen, or the Port Authority Building. Designed by the late great Zaha Hadid, its modern massive, eye-catching aesthetic is the perfect antithesis to the classical structures of the city. It's safe to say that you won't see any other place that looks like it! Not in Antwerp, not in Belgium, and not in the rest of Europe!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Antwerp is more than just the artistic hub of Belgium. There are lots more to see and do here! If you have just a day to spend in the city, you'll find that you can easily fill that up with all sorts of sights, activities, and the like!
