Travel around Antwerp with Bobby
I chose to visit Antwerp because it perfectly blends history, culture, and modern creativity. The city’s medieval charm, especially around the Grote Markt and its stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, drew me in immediately. As a fan of fashion, Antwerp’s reputation as a global fashion capital with innovative designers was too exciting to miss. Plus, the city’s diamond district intrigued me – it’s the heart of the world’s diamond trade, after all! I also love cities with a vibrant atmosphere, and Antwerp’s art galleries, riverside views, and lively cafes made it a must-visit for me.
Day 1 Stepping into Antwerp’s Medieval Heart
The moment I arrived in Antwerp, I could feel the city’s history seeping through its cobblestone streets. I started my day with a walk around Grote Markt, the iconic central square that feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. Surrounded by beautifully preserved guildhalls, the grandeur of the Brabo Fountain and the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady simply took my breath away. I couldn’t resist stepping inside the cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and some of Rubens’ masterpieces—an absolute must for any art lover!
For lunch, I found myself at Elfde Gebod, a charming restaurant right next to the cathedral. It’s famous for traditional Flemish dishes, so I tried the stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) paired with a local beer. The flavors were rich and comforting, just what I needed after a morning of exploration.
In the afternoon, I ventured to the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), an architectural marvel in its own right. Not only did I get a crash course in Antwerp’s maritime history, but the panoramic view from the rooftop blew me away! You get a full view of the city’s skyline, with the Scheldt River winding through it—an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts like me.
My evening was relaxed but delightful as I checked into Hotel Julien, a boutique hotel that felt like a serene hideaway in the city. The modern decor mixed with classic Belgian charm made it the perfect place to unwind. For dinner, I dined at De Groote Witte Arend, a cozy spot known for its Belgian cuisine. The roasted duck was to die for!
If you want to experience Antwerp’s history, start at the Grote Markt and work your way through the old town. The city is walkable, and every corner is filled with stories!
Day 2Diamonds, Fashion, and Creative Vibes
My second day started with a short walk to Antwerp’s Diamond District—the world’s diamond capital. The sheer volume of diamonds being traded here is mind-boggling. Even though I wasn’t buying, walking through the area and visiting some of the diamond shops was a unique experience. I even took a guided tour at the DIVA Diamond Museum to learn about Antwerp’s diamond heritage and its impact on global trade.
From there, it was just a quick tram ride to the Fashion District. Antwerp is renowned for its avant-garde fashion designers, and a visit to the MoMu Fashion Museum is essential for anyone interested in style. The museum showcases cutting-edge fashion from Antwerp’s most famous designers, like Dries Van Noten. I spent hours exploring the nearby boutiques—Antwerp is truly a fashionista’s dream come true.
For lunch, I stopped at Cafématic, a trendy café with a relaxed vibe. I ordered a classic croque monsieur and a fresh salad—it was simple but delicious, perfect for a mid-day recharge.
In the afternoon, I wandered over to Zurenborg, one of Antwerp’s coolest neighborhoods, known for its eclectic mix of Art Nouveau architecture. The intricate designs on the townhouses are incredible, making it a photographer’s paradise. This lesser-known gem is definitely worth exploring if you’re into architecture.
I wrapped up the day with a riverside dinner at Het Pomphuis, a beautifully restored industrial building turned restaurant near the harbor. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the atmosphere was just magical as the sunset painted the sky in vibrant colors.
I had lunch at Cafématic, a trendy café that offered fresh, light meals. The croque monsieur was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for a midday break. Dinner at Het Pomphuis was a fantastic way to end the day, with fresh seafood and a stunning riverside location.
Food
Hotel Julien continued to impress with its calm, serene environment. After a busy day, coming back to such a peaceful space felt like a true retreat. The service was excellent, and the attention to detail made the stay memorable.
Accomodation
The Diamond District and the MoMu Fashion Museum provided a deep dive into Antwerp’s creative and commercial heartbeat. The juxtaposition of the luxurious diamond trade with cutting-edge fashion was fascinating. Visiting Zurenborg in the afternoon felt like discovering a hidden architectural gem, with its stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
Activity
Take your time exploring Antwerp’s fashion scene and its hidden architectural gems like Zurenborg. The city has layers of creativity that are waiting to be discovered.
Day 3A Perfect Blend of Art and Culture
For my final day in Antwerp, I wanted to immerse myself fully in the city’s rich art and culture. I kicked things off at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses some of the best Flemish Baroque art in the world. I spent the morning walking through galleries filled with works by masters like Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens—an absolute feast for the eyes.
From there, I grabbed a quick bite at Frites Atelier, a gourmet fries spot run by a Michelin-starred chef. You haven’t truly experienced Belgium until you’ve had their frites—crispy, golden, and utterly addictive. The truffle mayo is a game-changer!
After lunch, I took a leisurely stroll through Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. It’s not just a place for animal lovers but also a green oasis right in the city center. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and seeing species like the snow leopards and giraffes up close was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
As the sun began to set, I made my way to the Het Eilandje district for a final evening by the water. This area has become the city’s new cultural hotspot, and it’s perfect for enjoying the local nightlife. I ended my trip with a few drinks at Cargo Zomerbar, a lively, open-air spot right on the waterfront. The relaxed vibe, music, and cold Belgian beer made for the perfect farewell to this incredible city.
I grabbed lunch at Frites Atelier, and the gourmet fries truly lived up to the hype. The truffle mayo added a special touch to the crispy fries, making it a must-try for anyone in Belgium. Dinner at Cargo Zomerbar was relaxed yet lively, with great food and an even better riverside vibe.
Food
Wrapping up the trip at Hotel Julien felt like the perfect way to end the journey. The hotel's ambiance remained consistently excellent, offering both luxury and tranquility. Its location allowed for a final evening of easy exploration near the river.
Accomodation
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit for art lovers, housing a remarkable collection of Flemish masterpieces. A stroll through Antwerp Zoo was both relaxing and enriching, and the evening at Het Eilandje with its vibrant nightlife sealed the deal for an unforgettable experience in Antwerp.
Activity
Don’t miss the Royal Museum of Fine Arts if you’re an art lover, and be sure to save some time to explore Antwerp’s evolving cultural districts like Het Eilandje—it’s the perfect way to cap off your trip.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Antwerp was a city that exceeded my expectations in many ways, offering a wonderful mix of historic charm, modern creativity, and an inviting atmosphere. From its iconic attractions and world-renowned cuisine to the friendly locals and efficient transportation, the city made exploring easy and enjoyable. While it’s a slightly more expensive destination, the value for money is definitely justified by the quality of experiences it provides.
Lunch at Elfde Gebod was a highlight of the day. The stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) paired with local beer was rich in flavor and perfectly satisfying after a morning of exploration. The cozy ambiance, combined with great service, made it an excellent introduction to Antwerp’s culinary scene.
Food
I stayed at Hotel Julien, a boutique hotel that was both modern and relaxing. The decor blended traditional Belgian charm with contemporary style, and the room was spacious and comfortable. Its central location made it easy to explore the city on foot.
Accomodation
Exploring the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady was an unforgettable experience. The historical significance and sheer beauty of the architecture were awe-inspiring, and the art inside the cathedral, especially the Rubens paintings, added depth to the visit. The MAS Museum was another standout, especially the rooftop view.
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