Antwerp Hotels

Awesome Antwerp

Belgium’s second city is a wonderful blend of old and new. Take Antwerp Port,one of the largest docks in Europe,as an example. It has a history as a grungy old dockland, but is now being transformed into a nightlife hot spot. From the old gothic Cathedral of Our Lady to the hyper-modern Law Courts, Antwerp really is a place where past, present and future comes together.

The city also offers you the medieval beauty of Old Town, and the modern beauties strutting their stuff at the high fashion stores. And speaking of spending lots of money… Antwerp is also home to a girl’s best friend – diamonds. If you think your credit card can handle it, pay a visit to Diamondland, the city’s biggest diamond store. Throw postcard settings into the mix and you’ve got a city that’s beautiful both outside and in.

Antwerp’s Top 10

Antwerp History

• Palace of Justice - A beautiful 19th-century red brick building on the Britselei.
• Carolus Borromeus Church – A baroque church with a minimal exterior yet beautiful interior.
• Bourla Theatre – A 19th-century neoclassicist theatre building, which is charming inside and out.
• Old Market Square – Antwerp's old market square surrounded by medieval guild houses.
• Cathedral of Our Lady – Built in 1351, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

Antwerp Art & Culture

• Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten – Paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries.
• Rubenshuis – The former residence of painter Peter Paul Rubens, featuring many works of art.
• Het Muntplein – Where graffiti artists can freely create artwork, with regular graffiti contests.
• MUHKA – Antwerp’s enticing museum of contemporary art.
• Plantin Moretus Museum – Home of 16th-century bookbinder and printer, Christoffel Plantin.

Antwerp Shopping

• Kloosterstraat – Home to many antique shops, often selling bizarre items.
• Chinatown – Countless Japanese, Korean and Chinese goods can be found here.
• Ploegstraat 25 – Featuring a "giveaway shop" in which visitors can bring and take items.
• Kammenstraat – Famous Antwerp fashion designers sell goods here.
• Theaterplein Square – In front of the Stadsschouwburg Theatre with food, antiques and clothes.

Gay & Lesbian Antwerp

• Antwerp Gay Pride – A major June event to showcase the city's diversity and tolerance..
• Body Boys – A popular bar attracting the young and old.
• Hessenhuis – A gay and lesbian community bar featuring live DJs.
• Pannekoek @ Bonaparte – Ideal for those who love the music of ABBA, Lady Gaga and Kylie.
• Café den Draak @ Het Roze Huis – In Antwerp’s gay and lesbian community house.

Antwerp Events

Every June, the famous Antwerp Fashion Academy holds a glamorous graduate show. Come and spot the next big thing in fashion.

The annual Openluchttheater Rivierenhof Festival takes place from June to September and includes a varied mix of music and comedy. With free Friday night shows, there is no excuse not to go.

Just try not to overindulge at the annual Taste Antwerp Culinary Festival. Celebrated chefs cook up all manner of culinary delights. Yum and yum!

September’s Laundry Festival pays tribute to the days when people came together and laundry was hung in the streets. Now a huge outdoor music festival, there are still colourful laundry lines hanging overhead.

The Antwerp Christmas Market takes place in December – enjoy the carols while sipping on mulled wine.

When To Go