Although my visit in Antwerp lasted only 3 days, I really felt like it was enough to experience Belgian powerful magnet for mode moguls, club queens, art lovers and diamond dealers. After arriving in the city, there were few things I was surprised and impressed by I would like to share with you:
1) It’s the city of Pieter Paul Rubens
You can experience Rubens’ artwork everywhere as in the 16th century it was a home to this baroque superstar artist. Therefore, visiting the Rubens House is a must.
2) Antwerp’s streets are dirty
Surprisingly, Antwerp seemed to be a very dirty city. There were bin bags on the streets, open trash in the middle of the neighbour and dusted houses. It looked like it has not been cleaned there for ages.
3) Huge Central Station and the vintage feel of the city
The Antwerp train station is an unexpected delight. It is a combination of old and new and the whole architecture is just astonishing. As it is a very big station, make sure you take some time extra.
4) Boring Chinatown
Different types of neighborhoods pop up for you to discover like Chinatown, the Jewish Quarter, BoHo or the historical centre, but for some reason Antwerp’s Chinatown seemed so boring. There was nothing to do there, just a few Chinese stores and one big supermarket. I felt like it was a waste of time to go there.
5) All the different colors of the city
Antwerp is extremely colorful. Not just the people but also the different buildings gave me this impression. It is full of green, yellow and blue.
6) Antwerp is heart-warming and simple
Antwerp as a city seems to be very simple, but it is also friendly and heart-warming. I felt so welcomed here.
7) Astonishing architecture
It is surely a city to live in blessed with eye-catching architecture, chic shops, impressive monuments, jazzy clubs and inspired art works. Me and my boyfriend visited a few churches and one monastery, very spiritual and mysterious.
8) Cafes everywhere
Antwerp is surrounded by cafes where the beer flows freely and restaurants where you can taste some of the finest Belgian and multicultural cuisine.
9) Museums, museums, museums
Antwerp is a proud filled with outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and architectural gems.
10) It looks stunning at night
Antwerp at night looks absolutely beautiful. If you ever make it there, make sure you go for a romantic walk at night through the main square!
Would you like to visit Antwerp one day?
35 thoughts on “10 First Impressions Of Antwerp”
Looks amazing!!! I’m putting Antwerp on my list!!!
Good!!! <3 <3
We visited Antwerp a few years ago and really liked it! The train station amazed us as well, so huge! Other than I remember a guy playing the piano in the middle of the pedestrian zone, which was nice!
Awesome Marc!
Thumb up. A place to visit one day :-) !
Definitely!!
We loved Antwerp too Agness, as you know. We only wish we spent longer there. It only means we have to return :)
Wow, I’m so glad to hear that!
Interesting post, I like how you had negative and positive things in this post rather than just all one or the other. How about a first impression of Amsterdam? Haha.
I will write about Amsterdam soon ;-), but you can check out my old posts where I mentioned 5 things I liked and disliked about Amsterdam :D!
I’d like to visit Antwerp for its architecture and cafes, but did you mention that it’s dirty?
It’s a lovely place but very dusty and some streets were dirty and filled with trash!
Hi Agness,
It looks like you captured some of the real highlights of this gorgeous city. My memories of the place have faded but it still looks as stunning as ever. Such wonderful colours and architecture. The train station alone sums up why it is a delight to visit. In fact the train station was the last part of Antwerp I saw in person.
Sorry to hear of the rubbish on the streets. It seems to be the modern way for rubbish collection in our environmentally friendly age (?).
Hehehehe :)
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this city recently, I love the look of the cool cafes! The boring China town not so much! ;-)
Yeah, China Town was was quiet! :(
I think Antwerp must be my favourite city in Belgium. Never get bored of it.
I’m glad to hear that, Jaklien.
Nice way to introduce a city many dont think about visiting! Maybe one day….
Definitely!!
I would love to visit Antwerp especially for the museums and the architecture, those are two of my favourite things.
:) I’m glad to hear that!
Sounds like a mixed bag, but all round an interested place to visit. Being a bit of an art freak I’d love to visit Rubens House!
But I really had a great time there!
Oh Agness, no Chinatown is good enough for you, now that you’ve lived in China and all :p
hehehe just kidding :P It’s a shame when these things aren’t as you might have hoped. The café scene looks pretty cool though :) And that architecture is stunning!
That’s actually true hehe
Oh Antwerp…I had the best frites of my life there! Even my hubby loved them, and he doesn’t really enjoy eating potatoes! I would go back for the fries alone!
Really? I’m so glad to hear that!
Oh I would love to see the architecture and the churches. When you go back show us some food photos :)
I’m a bit surprised about the dirty streets :)
I hope you can make it there soon :).
Antwerp written down, waiting for next recommendation while I save up money! :)
Awesome!
Personally I dont like visit museum in another countries. Good photos!
Antwerp is my hometown! How nice of you to visit. :-) It’s such a lovely place, but yes your right: The beautiful historic architecture is often interrupted by ugly, filthy streets or buildings. But this mix of old and new is also very interesting at times. Anyway, lot’s of bars and cafés to be found to enjoy yourself in! Next time that you visit you have to stop at the MAS Museum! It’s a new museum located in the North part of the city. Best part is that you can go all the way to the top for free to get a stunning view of the city!
Thanks for sharing!!