Grote Markt, Antwerp

Advantages: Some interesting, unique and very unsual places to see and venture into
Disadvantages: Not a major city for things to see and do

...Antwerp allegedly gets its name from a legend in which a mythical giant, Antigonius, decided that he was going to enforce a toll on those who wanted to cross the river Scheldt and appointed himself collector of said toll. Anyone who was sily enough to refuse to pay in cash paid instead with their bodies as Antigonius would then chop off one of their hands and throw it in the river. "Hand werpen" (hand-throwing) morphed over time into "Antwerp". This isn't the only theory - another one says the name originates from "an t werf" (on the wharf) - but it's certainly the most entertaining one, and one of the first things we spotted when arriving in Antwerp was the huge fountain in the Grote Markt of Silvius Brabo, the soldier who aledgedly deafeated Antigonius, victoriously throwing the giant's own severed hand. The Grote Markt is a good... Read review

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Advantages: Well-preserved and picturesque, lively nightlife, not expensive
Disadvantages: Not a well-known destination

...to the trades that once predominated in the old town, and Pelikaanstraat is home to the diamond dealers, the trade for which Antwerp is perhaps most famous (and to digress, that is also the industry my great-grandfather worked in). This area is also where you are likely to see a rare thing – crowds of Orthodox Jews in full black garb, with hats and curls as well, as Antwerp is still home to a thriving Jewish population. The city centre is dominated by the imposing gothic structure of Antwerp cathedral, a dark, towering testament to belief and hard labour that took many years to build. The Church of Our Lady is well worth a visit, and houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art as well. The Grote Markt (main square) is near the cathedral, and where the Grand Bazaar used to stand, you now see the Antwerp Hilton, carefully constructed... Read review

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Advantages: beer
Disadvantages: sad in winter

...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... Read review

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