Until the 15th century Antwerp was a minor city in Belgium. It was only when its port begun to take more and more of the market share of its competitor Bruges, that Antwerp became a rich city.
Some of the merchant based here soon became very rich and did not hesitate in spending money on their residences.
The Baroque buildings, together with the tapestries and paintings, which can be seen today, remind us of this glorious past.
I only visited one art museum, while there, the “Royal Museum of Fine Arts” in Leopold de Waelplaats 1-9, bang in the middle of the town. I would recommend a visit to it, as a way of getting a good overview on the heritage of Antwerp.
However, everyone seems to agree that the finest monument in Antwerp is the Gothic cathedral of Our Lady. Do not miss the “Flemish Renaissance House” there.
Everyone in Antwerp should make an allocation of 2-3 hours to visit the Diamond Museum, which shows you the entire process of the diamond industry, literally from the moment the diamond is mined to the moment it becomes an important accessory of a rich lady beauty. Antwerp is the major city in the entire world for diamond production.
After so much history and culture, why not talking about food and beers? Antwerp’s night life, particularly in summer is very lively. A good meal in a decent restaurant would not cost you more than $30-40, you may want to have a go at the mussels and wild boar (not necessarily during the same dinner). Finally, do not forget there are plenty of beers to be tastes, literally hundreds.
Enjoy it!
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