Head to Foots Top Ten Must Do in Antwerp
Over the last few years I have had to visit Antwerp on numerous occasions. My first visit was to create a living game of Monopoly. This was team-building challenge for a company holding a conference in the city.
Antwerp was a glorious surprise. Take a look at the post, Why Antwerp.
Below are my top ten must see or do when in town. They wont be everybody’s choice, but they are mine. Next time I visit they may change, no doubt I will find new places.
There are now two Head to Foot audio tours for Antwerp. Historic and The Meir.
They cost £6.00 each to download, both last over an hour of audio. Created and recorded in a way that allows the listener to take as long as they wish.
Nothing less than cathedral to rail travel. No finer gilt, glass and marble-dripping concourse in Europe to be checking the departure boards. With platforms on three levels. If stations don’t do it for you, this 1905 one could.
Architecturally bland and totally business like. Strolling this area during the week is like wandering through a strong room. This is the diamond-dealing centre of the world. Listen out for ‘mazal’, then a deal is struck. Diamond museum is Koningin Astridplein.
This 123 mt soaring stone spire must have been a massive inspiration to citizens in the past. Towering over town, the perfect point to get your bearings. Take a visit inside; looted by French Revolutionaries, many original pieces are missing. Still some major works by Rubens, which should be viewed.
Grotte Markt
The spiritual heart of the city, sit and have a coffee, you will pay a premium. Admire the town hall, Brabo’s fountain, and the impressive guild houses around this three-sided square.
“The most beautiful square in Antwerp”. Charles Borromeus Church, setting of 39 ceiling paintings by Rubens and his students. On sunny days a violin will often be heard. Fine place to take enjoy lunch.
Sint-Anna Tunnel
A tunnel under the river. This art deco lined tunnel will lead you under the river where a stunning panoramic view of the city greets. Take a bike, using the lift. Feel like a local.
Torengebouw
This was the first skyscraper to be built in Europe. Designed to celebrate the 1930 world exhibition. Sitting at the start of the Meir.
The Meir
“Doing the Meir” is a Saturday morning tradition amongst locals. This is the main street running through the city. Once the homes of the elite stood here, now its major retail outlets. Take a look up wandering along here, some stunning buildings. Pop into Stadsfeestzaal for a magnificent surprise.
Oudevaatplaats
Saturday here is the exotic market, lots of local goodies but also Turkish, Moroccan specialities. Sunday is the bird market, flowers, antiques, jewellery, fabrics and animals. Not every thing bought here can be taken back home.
Here the pedestrian is king, you can cover miles with a bike. Numerous museums, churches, bars, restaurants and shops can be visited once you have taken the Head to foot audio tours of the town.
Click here to visit the Head to Foot Gallery
Coming soon top tens for Bruges, Maastricht, Vienna, Lisbon, Berlin, Budapest, Valencia, Nice, Bhutan and Kendal
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