Discover Antwerp: The Enchanting Belgian City Blending Medieval Charm and Modern Innovation

Antwerp is a favorite destination of luxury travelers who know Europe well. It is a tolerant and progressive city, and one where English is widely spoken. Antwerp was one of Europe’s richest and most inventive cities in the 1600s and 1700s, the Golden Age of the Low Countries (Holland and Belgium).

Antwerp is in its second Golden Age. It absolutely sparkles, and not just because it’s the world’s biggest diamond hub. This slideshow will give you 16 reasons that show you why Antwerp in Belgium is an incredible place to visit.

Antwerp Is in the Middle of Everything

Antwerp Is Very Easy to Get To

Antwerp, in Belgium, is less than a one-hour ride by car or train from the capital, Brussels, the seat of the European Union. Antwerp feels very international, which is no surprise: it has been ruled by monarchs from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.

Antwerp has a unique personality: artistic and progressive yet heritage-proud and dignified. Its population is diverse. You will see Orthodox Jewish residents who work in Antwerp’s tremendous diamond trade. And you will see locals whose forebears came from the Belgian Congo (today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo). The official language is Flemish, a variation of the Dutch language. Most Antwerpers also speak French and English.

Antwerp grew by leaps and bounds in the Middle Ages partly due to its location on the Scheldt River a few hours south of the English Channel. Rivers were the superhighways of the time, carrying people, goods, and ideas from place to place. Nowadays you can take a leisurely river cruise that features Antwerp as a port.

Getting to Antwerp on Brussels Airlines

Take Your Pick of Refined Hotels in Antwerp

Antwerp takes its tourism trade seriously, treating its visitors well. You’d expect a range of hotels in a stylish and enterprising city, and you’ll get just that. Accommodations include elegant B&Bs, inexpensive Airbnb apartments, super-stylish boutique hotels, and well-known major hotel names. Stylish visitors frequent Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt, a boutique hotel just off the Grand Place, and Hotel Les Nuits, a seductive design hotel whose 22 rooms have a black-dominant palette.

Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady Is a Must-Visit

Even if you’re used to visiting the major churches in every European city, Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady will impress you. This Gothic cathedral, begun in the early 1100s, is a source of pride for the Flemish people and welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually.

Antwerp Sparkles with Diamonds

Antwerp is the global diamond trade’s busiest center—busier than Johannesburg or New York. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s gem-quality diamonds pass through Antwerp, where they are traded, cut, polished, graded, set, and sold.

DIVA Antwerp, for Diamond Intrigue and Adventure

DIVA, opened in Spring 2018 in Antwerp’s historic center, is an interactive adventure that immerses you in the diamond mystique. Your guide is a virtual DIVA, leading you through her house and showcasing its sparkling treasures. The story of the world’s diamond trade is intricately tied to the story of Antwerp.

Antwerp Shopping and the Stadsfeestzaal Designer Mall

Antwerp stands as a world center of edgy modern fashion, offering both high-end fashion and fantastic bargains. The city’s primary shopping street, Meir, is a pedestrian promenade that spans over a mile. Here, you’ll encounter many popular retail brands, some of which you can find in the States, while others will be fresh pickings. Prices range from super-cheap to high-ticket.

Belgian Food in Antwerp: Some of the Best Snacks on Earth

Antwerp’s delicious cuisine evolved on a unique path. As a historic port city, it has absorbed influences and seasonings from far and wide, and the basis of its cuisine lies in the hearty meers and fresh produce of Flanders, complemented with unique flavors.

For those seeking local specialties, consider enjoying mussels and fries (mosselen-friet); waterzooi (a saucy chicken or fish casserole); and carbonnade Flamande (beef stew made with beer). Belgian waffles are a sweet treat you cannot miss, and if you’re a chocolate lover, Antwerp’s divine Belgian chocolate awaits.

Antwerp’s Thriving Jewish Community

A vibrant Jewish community thrives in Antwerp, with many residents involved in the diamond trade. The city’s Jewish community descends from those who fled from Spain, and today’s Orthodox Jews often speak Yiddish. This neighborhood is the only Yiddish-speaking district remaining in Europe, which fascinates Jewish visitors.

With its rich cultural blend, Antwerp promises a unique experience for travelers. Be sure to explore its history, savor the local cuisine, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable city.