Art and Diamonds in Antwerp, Belgium - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Cathedral of Our Lady
Cathedral Square
Antwerp architecture
Overview - Antwerp is a frequent tourist stop for many on the route between Amsterdam and Paris. Few may realize why Antwerp is so amazing - try out these suggestions to find out more about the real Antwerp.
Breakfast - Enjoy a relaxing morning in the hotel, as most cafes are not open early.
Morning -
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal) is the first sight you will likely see when arriving into Antwerp. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, standing over 400 feet tall. Be sure to admire it not only from the outside but the inside, as some of the best art in the city has been put on display here, including Rubens' most famous paintings.
From the cathedral, head towards the river Schelde where you will find a small medieval castle called Het Steen (The Stone). It used to be a city fortification and but now holds an easily-skipped naval museum. Instead, enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk and admire the city view.
Lunch - In the foyer of the Bourla Theater you will find De Foyer, which offers light, refreshing interpretations of classic Belgian cuisine.
Afternoon -
Start the afternoon off on an artistic note at Rubenshuis, formerly the famous Flemish painter’s home but now a museum dedicated to telling the story of his life and highlighting his artwork. The audio guide is highly recommended.
Afterwards, head over to the south and southwest of the central train station to the Diamond District. As the name implies, you will find numerous jewelry shops here; even if you are not in the market for a purchase, it is an interesting area to explore.
Head back into town and see if you can find Vlaeykensgang, a hidden street. Hint: it connects Oude Koornmarkt, Hoogstraat, and Pelgrimsstraat.
Dinner - De Keyserlei is a street with a good selection of cafes and restaurants. You can also find good choices in the side streets. Elsewhere, a restaurant popular with tourists is the ‘In de Schaduw van de Kathedraal’ (In the Shadow of the Cathedral) – which is easy to find, for sure.
After Dark - Spend the evening basking in the old world charm of Paeters Vaetje (Cathedral Square). They sell more than one hundred different kinds of beer.
Sleep - Try staying in a bed & breakfast. There are many here in Antwerp and you will usually have the opportunity to chat with the owners, either over breakfast or during the day. They can give you discounts for various attractions or recommendations on festivals happening during your visit.
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