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Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium, but is in no way inferior to its big sister Brussels. The port city fascinates with its interesting architecture. Whether old or new. You will always be accompanied through the city by a contrasting picture. The proximity to the water also ensures a relaxed atmosphere. You should enjoy it too!

21/06/2023

dear(travel)diary,

although I lived in Brussels, I never made it to Antwerp, which is not far away. Mom always wanted to go there too, but she was never there. When she visited me in Brussels, we only made it to Ghent and Bruges. But we liked both cities so much that we wanted to go to Antwerp even more... Now we've finally made it!

Just like the other two Flemish cities of Ghent and Bruges, we particularly liked the architecture of Antwerp. You can find so many different architectural styles there that sometimes you feel like you're walking through a big French city and sometimes you think you've landed in a small Dutch town.

I was a little surprised by the size of Antwerp. I hadn't quite realized that the city is home to more than 530,000 inhabitants! Twice as many as Ghent. So of course you can see and experience a lot in Antwerp. And that's what I'm going to show you now!

xx Chiara

Overview:


What to see & discover

  1. Admire the beautiful Antwerp-Centraal station
  2. Stroll through the Vlaaikensgang
  3. Visit the center of the city: The Grote Markt with its Brabo fountain
  4. Explore Eilandje with the Harbour House, the Museum aan de Stroom, the Droogdokkenpark and the Parkbrug
  5. Enjoy the peace and quiet in the courtyard of the Plantin-Moretus Museum
  6. Discover a slightly different parking garage: Felix Pakhuis
  7. Cross under the Scheldt with the locals through the Sint-Annatunnel
  8. Discover interesting buildings in Zuid: Het Bootje and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts
  9. Stroll along the Afdaken on the Jordaenskaai with a view of Steen Castle
  10. Meet Nello & Patrasche in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady
  11. Where you can store well: Meir with Stadsfeestzaal, De Wilde Zee, Kloosterstraat, Nationalestraat and Leopoldstraat
  12. What else is there: Beguinage, ModeMuseum, the Zurenborg district, Vogelmarkt, Sint Annastrand, Chocolate Nation, St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Paul's Church, Rubens House and Museum De Reede
  13. Extra: 8 beautiful castles in and around Antwerp


WHERE TO EAT

My favorite places:

  1. The tastiest fries in town: Frites Atelier
  2. Best food in a medieval atmosphere: 't Hofke
  3. A good start to the day: Tinsel
  4. Charming café with delicious quiche: Tartoer - Coffee Bar
  5. Idyllic backyard garden in the middle of the city: Esco*bar
  6. Freshly baked bread: Bakkerij Bakboord
  7. Good, fresh ice cream: ToiToiToi Crème-Grace

The addresses you can't go wrong with:

  1. Fritkot Max (fast food)
  2. Het Gebaar (lunch restaurant)
  3. Victor (restaurant)
  4. Better than hungry (restaurant, Asian)
  5. Foodvibes (restaurant)
  6. Cafématic (restaurant)
  7. Elfde Gebod (restaurant, very interesting interior)
  8. ToiToiToi Coffee x Culture (café)
  9. Zeezicht (café)
  10. Goossens (oldest bakery in the city)
  11. Waffelhuis van hecke (Belgian waffles)
  12. De Koninck (brewery)


Where to Sleep

We booked a room in a shared apartment via Airbnb for our time in Antwerp. However, we were there alone the whole time, so we were able to use the large living and dining area as well as the bathroom on our own in addition to our private room. The apartment was particularly notable for its fantastic location. It was in the middle of the historic center, so we could reach everything easily and quickly on foot. Another plus point was that we were able to park for free in one of Lucie's parking spaces. This saved us a few euros and the annoying search for a parking space. The apartment itself was very clean and tidy. Lucie is also a very nice hostess.


Costs

  • 2 nights Airbnb with parking space in total: 190€
  • Quiche and drink at Tartoer: approx. 8€ p.p.
  • Ice cream at ToiToiToi: 3€ per scoop
  • Dinner at Elfde Gebod: 30-35€ p.p.
  • Breakfast at Esco*bar: approx. 20€ p.p.
  • French fries at Frites Atelier: 6€ per portion
  • Dinner at t'Hofke: 25-30€ p.p.
  • Breakfast at Tinsel: 10-15€ p.p.
  • Roof terrace Museum aan de Stroom: 0€


I have put together a list of all the places on Google Maps.

You can find the list here.

From the community for the community

Tips from the community

Do you have a tip for Antwerp? Or a suggestion for the blog? Or would you like more information about the city?

Then write me!