Exploring Antwerp: The Best Places to Visit in Belgium’s Diamond Capital

Antwerp, Belgium is a vibrant and beautiful city, known for its diamonds, chocolate, and other iconic attractions. A visit to Antwerp is like no other, as the city is packed with unique places to explore. From the bustling city center to the charming old town, there are plenty of exciting places to visit in Antwerp that will give you a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best places to explore in this diamond capital.

Old Town: A Historical Gem

The Old Town of Antwerp is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This is the oldest and most beautiful part of the city, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. Here, you can explore the city’s famous Town Hall, visit the Groenplaats, catch a show at the Royal Theatre, and even take a tour of the Antwerp Zoo. The Old Town is also home to some of Antwerp’s best-known cafes and restaurants, so make sure to pop into one of these for a bite to eat and a beer.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience in the Old Town, head to the Zurenborg neighborhood. Here, you can wander the historical streets and admire the colorful Art Nouveau buildings. This is a great place to explore Antwerp’s past, as the area is full of antique shops, galleries, and museums.

At night, the Old Town comes alive with its many bars and clubs. This is the perfect spot to spend an evening, as the city’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. From traditional Belgian pubs to stylish cocktail bars, there’s something for everyone in the Old Town.

The Diamond District: A Jeweler’s Paradise

Antwerp is known for its diamonds, and the Diamond District is the best place to explore the city’s gem-filled history. Here, you can visit the Diamond Museum and learn about the history of the diamond industry in Antwerp. You can also explore the many diamond shops that line the streets, and even watch the diamond cutters at work.

The Diamond District is also a great place to pick up a souvenir. From diamond jewelry to watches, there are plenty of unique items to choose from. Make sure to visit the Diamond Exchange, where you can find some of the best deals in town. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at bargaining at one of the local markets.

After a day in the Diamond District, make sure to take a walk along the river. This is a peaceful spot to admire the city’s skyline and take in the beauty of the district. As you wander along the river, you may even spot some of the diamond cutters hard at work.

Central Station: An Iconic Landmark

Antwerp’s Central Station is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, this stunning building is a sight to behold. Its grand architecture and ornate detailing make it a must-see for any traveler. Inside the station, you can explore the impressive ticket hall, check out the shops and restaurants, or take a break in one of the many cafes.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the time to explore the lower levels of the station. Here, you’ll find a fascinating network of tunnels that have been turned into underground art galleries. This is a great spot to explore the city’s creative side, as the tunnels are filled with artwork from local artists.

After exploring the station, make sure to take a stroll around the nearby streets. Here, you’ll find some of Antwerp’s most impressive architecture, from the Gothic-style Het Steen Castle to the modern MAS Museum. The area is also home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and cafes, so make sure to pop in for a drink or a bite to eat.

Cathedral of Our Lady: A Spectacular Sight

The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most stunning sights in Antwerp, and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This impressive Gothic-style cathedral was built in the 13th century and is home to some of the most beautiful artwork in the city. Inside, you can admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows and the grand altar, or explore the crypts and catacombs beneath the church.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is also a great spot to take a break and admire the views of the city. From the cathedral, you can see the bustling city center and the River Scheldt, a beautiful sight that will stay with you long after your visit. Afterwards, take a stroll around the nearby cobblestone streets and explore some of the city’s other impressive churches.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most iconic sights in Antwerp, and a must-visit for any traveler. Its grand architecture and breathtaking artwork make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The Red Light District: A Fascinating Experience

The Red Light District of Antwerp is a fascinating place to explore, and a must-visit for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful street art, or explore the many bars and clubs that line the area. This is a great spot to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, as the area is packed with live music venues, nightclubs, and even a few burlesque shows.

The Red Light District is also a great spot to pick up some unique souvenirs. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry, as well as some of the city’s most unique bars and cafes. Make sure to stop into one of these for a drink or a bite to eat.

The Red Light District is a great place to explore Antwerp’s unique culture and vibrant nightlife. It’s a fascinating area to explore, and a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Groenplaats: A Modern Hotspot

The Groenplaats is one of the most popular spots to visit in Antwerp, and a great place to explore the city’s modern side. This bustling square is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a few street performers. Here, you can explore the city’s colorful markets, or take a break at one of the many cafes and bars that line the square.

The Groenplaats is also home to some of Antwerp’s most iconic attractions, such as the City Hall and the Royal Palace. Make sure to take some time to wander around the area and admire these impressive buildings, as well as the beautiful surrounding streets. The area is also a great spot to pick up some souvenirs, as the many shops and markets are filled with unique items.

The Groenplaats is a great spot to explore Antwerp’s modern side. From its bustling markets to its iconic attractions, this area is a must-visit for any traveler.

The Chocolate Museum: A Sweet Treat

Antwerp is known for its delicious chocolate, and the Chocolate Museum is the perfect place to explore the city’s sweet side. Here, you can learn about the history of chocolate in Antwerp, from its beginnings to its modern-day production. You can also take a tour of the museum’s chocolate factory, and even sample some of the delicious treats.

The Chocolate Museum is also a great spot to pick up some souvenirs. Here, you can find a wide range of chocolate-themed items, from handmade truffles to chocolate-covered fruits and nuts. Make sure to stop into one of the museum’s many shops to pick up some delicious treats to take home.

The Chocolate Museum is a great place to explore Antwerp’s sweet side. From its fascinating history to its delicious treats, this is one of the city’s most unique attractions.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts: An Art Lover’s Dream

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Antwerp’s most impressive attractions, and a must-visit for any art lover. Here, you can explore the museum’s extensive collection of artwork, from old masters to contemporary pieces. The museum is also home to some of the city’s most famous works, such as the works of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.

The museum is also a great spot to take a break and admire the views of the city. From the museum’s rooftop terrace, you can see the River Scheldt and the bustling city center. Afterwards, take a stroll around the nearby streets and explore some of Antwerp’s other impressive galleries.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to explore Antwerp’s artistic side. From its impressive collection of artwork to its stunning views, this is one of the city’s most unique attractions.

Conclusion

Antwerp is an incredible city, with its vibrant culture and unique attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s historical side or its modern attractions, there are plenty of places to visit in Antwerp that will give you a truly unforgettable experience. From the bustling Old Town to the iconic Diamond District, make sure to explore some of these top attractions during your visit to Belgium’s diamond capital.