Travel Diaries: Antwerp 2019
After Amsterdam, my friends and I took a trip to Antwerp, Belgium in April 2019. From Amsterdam Centraal Station, you can catch a 2-hour train ride to Antwerpen-Centraal Station. You will be in awe at the site of this train station! The station is widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium. Antwerp is a city in Belgium, a province in the Flemish Region. It is a quiet and beautiful city with friendly people… it’s the Dutch way! Let’s explore some of my recommendations in the diamond capital of the world.
Top Places to Visit in Antwerp:
Grote Markt - Antwerp’s Grote Markt or town square dates back to the 16th Century and is a beautiful example of architecture from this period. The town hall is the centerpiece and is built in Renaissance and Gothic styles.
Brabo's Monument- As pictured above, was a mythical Roman soldier who was said to have killed a giant. You can find a picturesque-view of Brabo’s Monument in the the heart of Grote Markt, the absolute symbol of Antwerp.
FOMU- the photo museum of Antwerp is one of the most prestigious and leading museums of photography in Europe. FOMU collects and manages unique collections of photo images, equipment and photo books. FOMU creates ambitious exhibitions that contextualize and connect.
Port of Antwerp - is a bustling seaport with a long history. When I visited in the Spring, the weather was mild and sunny along with lots of bars and cafes along the seaside.
Views of Cathedral of Our Lady- The Cathedral of Our Lady is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium and is the is the largest Gothic building in the Dutch-speaking world.
Meir- is the main shopping street in Antwerp, Belgium. Here you will find your favorite shops, and also niche boutiques. Antwerp is known for their amazing street style, hanging around Meir will surely give you outfit inspiration.
ModeMuseum- MoMu is the fashion museum of the Province of Antwerp, Belgium. Founded on 21 September 2002, the museum collects, conserves, studies and exhibits Belgian fashion. As I said before, Antwerp is home to impeccable street-style and is home to modern aesthetics.
Eat French Fries- Belgians will argue that they actually invented so-called French Fries or pommes frites, regardless of their origins, Antwerp has delicious french fries that are topped with cheese or served with mayonnaise,
Eat an abundance of Belgian chocolates- not only is the city known as the diamond capital of the world but also another chocolate capital of the world (I guess, other than Switzerland, I suppose). You won’t be able to resist the decadent, rich taste of Belgian truffles at a chocolatiers shoppe, for sure.
Drink a lot of beer (that’s it)...
If you are planning to go to Antwerp, it’s a great place to visit as either a day trip or an overnight excursion if you ever visit the Flemish Region of Belgium. You can find affordable accommodation in both Amsterdam and Antwerp, although my hostel in Amsterdam was much more crowded since it was located in the city-center. In Antwerp, I wanted to specially recommend the Abhostel, since it is best known as a young backpacker’s hostel. Here you will find a clean, quaint and unique accommodation that is very private and secure (not very typical of most hostels). I had an excellent experience here and all of the guests and the hostel’s owners were very friendly. I met very interesting, unique and charismatic people at this hostel and I 100% recommend staying in this area if you plan to visit the little city of Antwerp!
