Summary: If historical immersion is what you’re after, go here instead of to Brussels.
Antwerp is an under-explored destination that lacks the immaculate levels of preservation found in Amsterdam or Bruges. However, it nevertheless outshines its neighbor Brussels in both the quantity and quality of the preserved architecture. Antwerp was a major center of the arts in the lowlands and the gateway to the Renaissance for much of Northern Europe. The wealth and prestige from its time as a global center of trade are reflected in its cityscape, despite significant losses in the 20th Century.
This article outlines why you should visit Antwerp, but if you are already convinced, then see this article with more specific information about what there is to see:
For a more detailed guide to Antwerp
Travel Guide to Antwerp
Summary: If historical immersion is what you’re after, go here instead of Brussels. Antwerp is an under-explored destination that lacks…
Should you visit Antwerp?
| Rating Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Tourism | 9 |
| Historical Preservation | 7 |
| Cultural Immersion | 7 |
| Interaction | 9 |
| Final Score | 8 |
I try to give ratings relative to the best that Europe has to offer. For Belgium, with its rich urban heritage, eight is fairly average. Typically you would expect a score of 8-10.
Tourism
From a tourism perspective, Antwerp ranks equivalent to a European capital. I give it a nine only because there’s no airport and direct trains must run through Brussels. Additionally, there are plenty of places to stay for all budgets and plenty of general tourist activities. The main downsides are that the small inner city may, in some areas, feel somewhat like a historical theme park. The other major pitfall is navigating the large city as a tourist, as transport options are limited. Overall, Antwerp remains a top destination from a tourism perspective.
Historical Preservation
In terms of historical preservation, Antwerp is a mixed bag. The old town’s core, especially the ancient main street, was destroyed in the world wars. On the other hand, the city was never targeted by a campaign of strategic destruction like Rotterdam or Dresden, so most of the core landmarks and much of the larger cityscape are preserved. Probably the mid-20th century flight to the suburbs and modern Belgian “urban planning” caused the most painful loss of historical substance. Overall I rate it very high at seven since it outshines Brussels and many other European cities but fails to hold up against nearby Bruge or Ghent.
Cultural Immersion
Antwerp is the economic heart of Flanders, and the city can absorb substantial tourist numbers without feeling too much like a historical theme park. For immersion, numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year serve local rather than tourist audiences. Like most large city tourist hot spots, it scores highly, but not too high, and also a seven.
Interactivity
Antwerp was a pleasant surprise in terms of interaction. The city’s well-run tourist board ensures that the major landmarks have published and up-to-date opening hours or relevant closures. This openness is relatively unique, and my experience elsewhere in Belgium has been less successful. For this, Antwerp gets a 9.
Should You Visit?
You should visit Antwerp. It’s a fantastic destination that gets overshadowed by Brussels and probably loses out for not being on a central high-speed rail line.
How to See Antwerp
As with many European cities, Antwerp seems compact but is uncomfortably large to walk across. The Central station is exceedingly far from the old town, but unlike other European cities, Antwerp does not offer an easy fix to this problem without a car. I recommend walking but remember that there will be a lot of walking when planning your day.
The main sites are pretty far from each other, posing an additional challenge to someone interested in seeing everything. Quite frankly, if seeing everything is the goal, you will likely need two days at a minimum. Otherwise, there is little to mention here, as the city is straightforward. The standard tourist rules still apply. If you want to get into a famous church or museum, you must get up early or purchase tickets online. You will need a reservation if you want to eat at a popular restaurant.
This article outlines why you should visit Antwerp, but if you are already convinced, then see this article with more specific information about what there is to see:
For a detailed overview of the opening hours and accessibility information for the destinations described in this guide, check out the following list:
Antwerp Opening Hours
I say “Densely Preserved Old Town”, but in reality its hard to categorize specific streets, since it can vary greatly. These are general guides, and especially as one leaves the city…
Conclusion
Antwerp is a city worth seeing for anyone interested in the history of European arts. Its history as the center of the Renaissance, Lowland Protestantism, North European Counter-Reformation, and an emergent Belgian state is unique and is reflected in the cityscape. Especially for those interested in the North European Baroque, Antwerp is unique since very little of this style survived WWII. It is comparable to the Prussian Rococo, a style that happened to emerge only at a specific time and place.
Return to the Lowlands
