Sights

 

Grote Markt

Here is still the heart of the old city. The Grote Markt (The town square) is beautifully surrounded by the Town Hall and the so-called houses of the Guilds or corporations. In the background the tower of Our Lady's Cathedral completes the magnificent view.

 

Cathedral of Our Lady

The most beautiful monument is without a doubt the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady housing two masterpieces, the "Raising of the Cross" and the "Descent from the Cross", by Peter Paul Rubens, the local celebrity. His wonderful Flemish Renaissance house linked by an elegant Italian portico to the Italian Renaissance atelier can be visited. More of his paintings are in the museum together with the works of his pupil Anthony van Dyck , as well as Teniers, Breughel, Jordaens, Matsys, Permeke, Ensor and many more.

 

The Meir

This is Antwerp's main promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping zone unrolled from the streets of the old centre to just shy of the grand, dome-roofed bulk of Centraal Station.

 

Antwerp, diamond centre of the world

Antwerp has a long and magnificent tradition as a diamond city. Since the 15th Century the city has played an important role in the diamond trade and industry.After the port, the diamond industry is the second pillar of commercial activities. Some 1,500 diamond companies are concentrated in the city centre. In less than one square kilometre, nearby Central Station, more than half of all cut diamonds pass through a network of diamond cutting shops, diamond bourses and selling centres. Of the 25 diamond exchanges worldwide, 4 operate in Antwerp. Elegant showrooms offer the visitor fascinating tours and the opportunity to visit interesting exhibitions.

 

Antwerp, city by the water

Antwerp owes its very existence and its prosperity to the River Scheldt. Over the centuries the city and the port have expanded into a maritime metropolis. Visitors who are strolling along the river quays will notice a lot of new buildings. Contemporary architecture there often refers to the maritime aspect of the city - Antwerp is very clearly facing the water again. At sunset the colours of the Scheldt change. The signals on the water, the lights of the ships and the port installations bring a surprisingly enchanting spectacle.

Culinary walks
Culinary walks organises walks in Antwerp where culture, history and discovery of taste go hand in hand. For example a beer adventure in Antwerp. A voyage of discovery of cultural-historic backgrounds and tasting of different Belgian beers in Antwerp. During a walk lasting approximately 5 hours through Antwerp, you get an idea of how beer is made, you taste different types of Belgian beers: trappist, abbeybeer, gueuze, special beers, etc. Also you discover how beer left its mark in present-day Antwerp. Of course, the walk ends with the tasting of the special beer made in Antwerp: Bolleke!

Tel:  +32 (0)3 224 83 93.