Antwerp City Guide

Antwerp City Guide
Antwerp is a charming city in the Flanders region of Belgium, on the bank of the river Scheldt which is linked to the North Sea by the estuary of Westerschelde. With a population of over 400,000, it is the second largest one of the most important cities in the country as well as one of the most important ports in Europe.

The name Antwerp comes from “ann de werpe” or “at the throw” in Dutch, referring to where the river throws its sand. Antwerp was one of the most important financial centres in the world during the 16th century and traders from all over Asia and Europe sold and bought goods there. The city’s rich culture throughout history means it has a large number of interesting and extravagant buildings.

Antwerp is well served by train, bus and plane both nationally and internationally and public transport is efficient, well run and good value, however, the city centre is compact enough to walk through.

The most notable aspect of Antwerp is the relaxed, safe and friendly atmosphere with a slightly gritty style throughout, however, the city has a good amount of landmarks and interesting buildings.

The Cathedral of Our Lady towers over the city, adding a lot of character to the surrounding area. This clean, beautiful building is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Built in 1351 it stands at over 400ft tall.

The City Hall/Old Market Square is the historical centre of the city. Typically medieval guild houses surround the Market Square, typical to Flemish historical towns. The city hall was designed in an architectural style almost exclusively found in this region of Europe – a combination of Gothic and early Renaissance.

Lying on the bank of the river is the Het Steen- a charming and small medieval castle. Previously functioning as a fortification for the city, it currently houses a naval museum and adds an extra piece of scenery to the river Schelde.

It is worth noting that the city, much like Amsterdam, has its own red light district. This relatively small area of the city is safe enough during the day, but may be worth taking care in during the late hours.

Antwerp is a charming, interesting and attractive city with plenty to see compared to its size. The area benefits from a fantastic location, mild weather and friendly people, making it a wonderful place to visit or live in.