Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten), Antwerp

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 House”... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful scenery and art!
Disadvantages: Trams, bikes and taxis!

...- Centraal Station – Well self-explanatory really, it’s the train station. Stop 2 – Anne Frankhuis – Anne Frank’s house Stop 3 – Museum Kwartier – The museum Quarter Stop 4 – Bloemenmarkt – Flower market Stop 5 – Waterlooplein – flea market Stop 6 – Nautisch Kwartier – Maritime Quarter THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS (including the street). Museums Rijksmuseum – painting and sculptures - Stadehouderskade Beurs van berlage museum – architecture - Damrak Erotic museum – Oudezijds Achterburgwal Geels and co – coffee and tea – Warmoesstraat Martelwerktuigenmuseum – torture instruments – Damrak Sexmuseum Venustempel – Damrak Nederlands Theatre Instituut – theatre – Herengracht Anne Frankhuis – Prinsengracht Allard Pierson Museum – archaeology – Oude Turfmarkt Van Gogh Museum – Paulus Potterstraat Monuments and churches Koninklijk Paleis – royal palace... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some lovely buildings
Disadvantages: Traffic can be "fun"

...I do like Antwerp. It is one of the finest places to spend a Sunday morning - at the excellent market in the City Centre. Amongst the more obvious sites the Art Gallery is to be recommended. I like the audio tour. On the less popular side, the Modern Sculpture Park on the edge of the city has some rather strange creations. The one involving scrap cars is particularly memorable. I also enjoyed the boat trip. You can go around the docks. Antwerp cathedral is also well worth a visit, it contains painting by Rubens.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful