According to the legend, the giant Druoon Antigoon was asking taxes to sail on the river. The people didn’t like having to pay taxes, so the local hero Brabo cuts off Antigoon’s hand and throws it away. Throwing away a hand = ‘hand werpen’ in Dutch. And that was how it was said the city “Antwerp” was named!
How fun!
Arriving into Antwerp, it felt more gritty than Netherlands, and the cloudy weather that I had when I arrived in the city didn’t help with the grittiness.
There are a few exceptionally interesting buildings and sections, but in my opinion, lesser than what I saw in Netherlands.
Here’s my personal recommendation of must do and see in Antwerp :
1. Grote Markt and the Stadhuis
The statue in front of the Stadhuis is the infamous Brabo, still deciding where to throw the hand of the giant Antigoon!
2. Antwerp Central Station
If arriving or departing Antwerp by train, it’s likely that this will be the station you will arrive or leave from. It is said that the Antwerp Central Station is commonly listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful train stations in the world.
The tunnel connects the left and right banks of the River Scheldt.
The tunnel is 572m long, and goes 31.57m under the river.
What I enjoyed most about this was seeing an escalator made out of wood and was still operational!
The view from the other side of the river was also impressive.
4. Meir
The main shopping belt of Antwerp, this street is lined with beautiful architecture buildings and lots of good shopping options.
It’s also worth entering the “Festival Hall” (Stadsfeestzaal), a super “bling” building with its eleborate gold decor.
5. The Cathedral
Cathedral is the centre of the city, with a tower of 123m high. This is one of the few cathedrals in Europe which requires a payment to enter, and for that reason, I chose not to visit.
Interesting art work of this baby and dog located just outside the Cathedral.
6. Steen
It was built in 1200 and meant to be a fortress, but shortly after got converted to a prison. Until 2008, it was a shipping museum and today a theatre company for children.
The Museum was closed on the day I was there (opens only from Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 5pm).
It’s chargeable to enter and visit the various exhibits, however entry to the rooftop is free, where one can get a great 360 degree panoramic view.
I like this building of the “people” climbing up one of the building walls near the MAS, as well as the boats in the marina around the building.
8. Cogels-Osylei
A little distance from the centre of the city, it is worth making a trip to Cogels-Osylei, the main street of the Zurenborg neighbourhood.
It is filled with small castles from the end of the 19th Century – an architectural mix of Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Neo-Classicism.
While there, take a short detour to Krugerstraat to see the graffiti lined streets and admire the work of local street art.
The best way to get to Cogels-Osylei is to walk along the railway passage until you hit “Grotehondstraat”
9. Diamond District
Antwerp is the Diamond Capital of the world. Even if there is no intention of buying, a walk around the area is interesting, especially towards the street where most auctions are held.
10. Redlight District
Not as famously known as the Redlight District in Amsterdam, Antwerp also has a small Redlight District. It follows the same style as what one might find in Amsterdam, with scantily clad women standing in front of a shop window.
11. Belgian Food
I ate my first original Belgian Fries from a Fries Cart next to the Steen. Piping hot fries is a pleasure to have on a cold winter day.
For home cooked Belgian food, I would recommend “Grandma’s Restaurant” on Suikerrui. They run special lunch promos, which makes it more affordable. Portions are huge.
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