Set on the broad river scheldt , at the gateway to the North Sea, Antwerp is one of the leading trading cities of northern Europe; and in the early 17th century it was one of the great cultural centres too. The city, though, has had its share of suffering – battered by the religious wars of the 16th century, cut off from the North Sea by treaty with the Netherlands from 1648 to 1795, and bombed in World War II. These historical ups and downs have endowed the city with a keen edge, like its famous diamonds. This dynamic energy is seen today in its hip bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
For Antwerp tourist information visit www.visitantwerpen.be-
Morning
This day of gentle ambling takes in many of the key sights of Antwerp, as well as some of the best shopping streets. Start off at the Vleeshuis and head for the old city centre – the Grote Markt – and the cathedral (see Antwerp Cathedral). Now thread your way to Wijngaardstraat, and the fetching ensemble of the Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk , before heading on to the Rockoxhuis in Keizerstraat. After this, walk south along Katelijnevest to the Meir. The tower block to your right, with KBC on its crest, is the Boerentoren, the highest building in Europe when constructed in 1932. Head down the Meir to the Rubenshuis ; you can lunch here, or if you prefer at the Grand Café Horta .
Afternoon
Now you’ve done the culture, you can wander the neighbourhood’s shopping streets (see Shopping). Schuttershofstraat is a good place to start. It leads to Huidevettersstraat, the Nieuwe Gaanderij Arcade, Korte Gasthuisstraat and Lombardenvest. If you are up for more museums, the excellent Museum Mayer van den Bergh and the Maagdenhuis are just to the south. Alternatively, head for Nationalestraat and Dries van Noten’s outlet, the beautiful Modepaleis , and then down Reyndersstraat for refreshments at De Groote Witte Arend or De Vagant .
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A stone’s throw from the MUHKA modern art gallery, Demeulemeester’s shop displays the uncompromising edge that has placed her at the forefront of fashion.
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A beer-drinking shrine of world class, with some 500 beers.
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The old harbourmaster’s house overlooking the river and Bonapartedok has been converted into a smart Belgian–French brasserie.
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House, soul, disco and funk in an old warehouse in the red-light district. The best-known – and, to many, the best – disco in town.
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A glamorous complex of themed Latin-American-style areas: Cuban market, high street, ballroom. It holds Saturday-night salsa, and Latin-American “fiestas” on advertised dates.
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Architect Louis Delacenserie created this grand Neo-Classical station in 1905.
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In the late 19th century, the area around Cogels-Osylei became a showcase for opulent architecture – extraordinary.
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A celebrated old-world tavern, with a courtyard and even its own chapel; indulge, then repent.
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A friendly pub with live jazz most evenings until 2 or 3am. Exposed beams and brickwork create a cosy ambience.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with with half a bottle of wine for (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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