In my quest for a new fashion adventure, I came across a must-see museum in Antwerp, a small city in Belgium known for fashion, diamonds and TheAntwerp Six.
The Antwerp Six are a group of six avant-garde designers graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp including: Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee – who put Antwerp on the map within the fashion world.
Coming from Amsterdam, Antwerp was the perfect stop on the itinerary on my way to Brussels. I bought a train ticket on Trainline,my go-to train ticketing site, and planned a short 24-hour stay on my way through Belgium.
TRAVELER TIP: When taking international or long distance trains, such as the Thalysit’s always better to make your reservation as early as possible. Tickets are much cheaper purchased in advance.
Antwerp Central Station, also known as Middenstatie (Middle station), is considered to be one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Opened in 1905, it has a breathtaking interior made of gold and marble.
The station is easily accessible from any point in the city, even by foot. Conveniently, this is where you start your journey through Antwerp if you are traveling by train like I did.
ANTWERP'S CITY CENTER
As soon as you enter the center, you are greeted with a statue that celebrates the story of how the city got its name.
Legend has it that a mythical giant named Antigoon lived by the Scheldt River and demanded a toll be paid anytime someone wanted to cross the river.
If a person refused to pay, Antigoon would sever one of their hands and throw it in the river.
One day, a brave soldier named Brabo not only refused to pay, but fought Antigoon hoping to free the city of this giant. To the people’s delight, he cut off Antigoon’s hand and threw it in the river.
The name Antwerpen derives from the Dutch translation, “To throw a hand in the river”.
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY
The largest and most beautiful site you can’t miss in the city center is the Cathedral of Our Lady. Standing at an astonishing 123m/404ft in height, this colossal building is breathtaking to see in person.
Originally planned to be the largest gothic church in all of Belgium, construction on the cathedral began in 1352. Due to its sheer size, it wasn’t completed until 1521, nearly 170 years later.
The cathedral has undergone many blows throughout history, including destruction to the interior of the church due to the Iconoclasm of 1566 and being the target of fire during the French Revolution in 1794, where it suffered serious damage.
However, no matter what it has undergone, the cathedral has been able to recover and stands tall today. So tall in fact, that you are able to see it from almost anywhere in the entire city.
FUN FACT: The largest bell in the tower requires 16 bell ringers!
THE VIRGIN MARY STATUE CHALLENGE
While you’re walking around, you may notice beautiful Madonna & son statues on the corners of buildings that seem random, like they don’t really belong.
That’s because they don’t.
According to a local shop owner I shamelessly interrogated asked, he explained that years ago, there was a property tax dispute between a building owner and the city.
The city claimed that a lower tax rate only applied to places of worship. So, the owner put a statue of Mary on the side of his building and claimed it a “place of worship”.
When the city still required a higher rate, he appealed to the church authorities who ruled in his favor. Once word of this got out, statues went up all over the city.
I found it fascinating that these statues not only didn’t serve a religious purpose, but instead were there purely for money-saving purposes.
Apparently, it is a citywide game to see if visitors can find all of them.
Note: while it was tons of fun going on this scavenger hunt around Antwerp, it did take several hours. So if you are pressed for time or have other sites you want to see, you may have to skip this challenge.
THE MOST INTERESTING HOSTEL EXPERIENCE
On my search for inexpensive, yet interesting accommodations in Antwerp, I found a cool hostel called The Ash that was advertising Japanese-style ‘capsule pods’ to sleep in.
Have you ever heard of them? I hadn’t and was intrigued by the whole idea.
Apparently, they not only provide privacy, but also keep the noise and light out in a 15+ person dorm room for a ridiculously low price.
In other words, the equivalent of a hostel JACKPOT. Naturally, I had to give these pods a try.
It’s important to mention that I had recently recovered from a broken ankle. My last physical therapy session was literally a day before this trip. I was two weeks into my trip at this point and the pain from walking with a backpack was starting to get to me.
SO.
After all my excitement about these cool hostel pods of the future, I get to my room and find to my utter disappointment that they gave me a regular bunk bed on the bottom. Now usually, this is a cause for celebration. Spacious bottom bunks are like golden tickets to the chocolate factory. Rare and amazing.
Not this time. I wanted my Japanese pod! So, I marched down to reception and somehow convinced the front desk to make the change. In the end, I was given a top pod of my very own.
Guys, I was sleeping in a wooden box.
I had just fought the front desk to give me a coffin to sleep in instead of rejoicing at the anomaly of getting a spacious bottom bunk.
To make matters worse, the small ladder in front of the pods was absolute hell on my ankle. Me and my big mouth.
When I finally made it to the top and organized my stuff, I realized I couldn’t get back down. My ankle refused to by way of shooting pains and what felt like electric shocks into my leg and foot.
It dawned on my that I could opt to just stay in my wooden coffin pod until checkout the next day. Not even joking – this was a legit consideration, except I realized I would need to use the bathroom at some point.
It took about 25 minutes of looking down from my box and wasting time by taking selfies see below before I mustered the courage to endure the pain the way down brought.
Unfortunately, my anxiety was sky high at this point because in my mind, I looked like a complete asshole as people were definitely watching me ridiculously maneuver the way down.
This ridiculousness would happen 2 more times – later that night and then checkout the next morning.
Aside from the torture of going in and out of my Japanese box – I will say, once you get used to the small space around you and stop feeling like Ryan Reynolds in Buried, it IS quite cozy. I was able to shut the curtain, quiet my mind and have the best night’s sleep I had had since getting to Europe.
I have a feeling that if my ankle was in so much pain, the entire pod experience would have been much more enjoyable. That being said, I definitely recommend every traveler try this type of hotel/hostel at leason once in their life!
Located on the outskirts of the city along the Scheldt River, The Port of Antwerp is the second largest port in ALL of Europe.
If you make your way to the port at sunset, you are in for the most beautiful view in all of Antwerp.
On the port itself, there are lots of small restaurants and bars right on the water – perfect for dinner after the sunset photo session.
THE MAS MUSEUM OBSERVATORY
TRAVELER TIP: The terrace of the MAS Museum is open to the public until 11pm. Visitors can walk up through the museum to reach the terrace. Head up for sunset to catch incredible views of the entire city, including the port and surrounding area.
The MAS Museum is the largest in Antwerp and offers breathtaking views of the city 10 stories up.
I highly recommend taking the time to head up to the observatory. It’s one of the best things you can do in the city completely free.
Being up there for sunset was one of the highlights of my entire trip.
HET STEEN
As you continue your way through The Port of Antwerp along the Scheldt River, you will find yourself immersed in the prettiest little neighborhood on your way to Het Steen.
After passing through this village, you will eventually come to the mighty Het Steen, literally translated “The Stone”, Antwerp’s first and oldest stone fortress, built in 650 AD.
The fortress made it possible to control the access to the Scheldt River when needed. It was also used as a prison between 1303 and 1827.
It is absolutely breathtaking to see in person.
TRAVELER TIP: It may go without saying, but I am going to say it anyway – Go early for good pictures!
As you make your way into the fortress, you will see a statue of a giant on your left. At first, I assumed this was Antigoon from the city’s legend.
However, I later learned it was another giant with his own interesting story.
This giant’s name is Lange Wapper and he is a mythical creature in Flemish culture similar to our ‘boogie man’ who likes terrifying children and playing tricks on drunks.
I loved learning about all of these imaginative stories and legends the people of Antwerp have!
Other interesting things you’ll see along the way include a large Jesus statue on a crucifix, the world’s oldest half-hour glass and many different memorials from previous battles.
GET LOST WANDERING AROUND ANTWERP
The beauty of Antwerp is that it is small and accessible on foot no matter where you go. This allows for some unexpected adventures to take place simply by wandering around and losing Google Maps for a while.
There are tons of interesting stories to learn about from the locals, beautiful architecture at every turn and so many opportunities for the perfect pictures with nearly every step you take.
What’s not to love?
Have you ever been to Antwerp? What was your favorite part? I want to hear all about it below!
xx, Em
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This is the first time I have read something about this lovely place! Thank you for highlighting such hidden gems which many toruists (like me) are not aware of 🙂
Such great information! I love the story about the Virgin Mary statues, I’m glad you interrogated the shop owner. Antwerp looks like a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
I love Belgium (my mom’s family is from there), but I haven’t been to Antwerp yet. It is definitely on my list – love your photos there! Thanks for sharing your tips!
I had a one-night layover at Antwerp and I loved wandering around the city. I missed the MAS museum and the stunning views from the terrace. But I enjoyed spending time in the romantic central park and the Diamond quarters. I loved the color tones of all your pictures here.
I’ve only ever driven through Belgium before, but I think next time I’ll hang around for a bit longer and definitely go to some of these places! Thanks for sharing!
A really helpful guide to Antwerp thanks, I had no idea that the MAS had an observation deck. Those views are awesome, I’m going to check that out. I also think Het Seen is a beautiful little area, i could walk around there. Since you suggest wandering the streets I’m assuming it’s safe for solo female travellers…
Definitely did not realize Antwerp was this amazing! Only had time for a couple days in Brussels but will have to venture here if I make it back to Belgium. Thank you for an informative post and always love reading about different hostels as this is my way to keep my travel cheap.
20 Comments
Charlotte
Love seeing my city through someone else’s eyes!!! Beautiful photos!
Rahma
This is the first time I have read something about this lovely place! Thank you for highlighting such hidden gems which many toruists (like me) are not aware of 🙂
Julia
The architecture in Antwerp looks amazing! I would love to see the Central Station and the stone fortress in person!
Pauline
This city looks so beautiful! It looks like you visited a lot in a day! How cool is the hostel though?! So much better than the usual bunk beds haha
Kris
Such great information! I love the story about the Virgin Mary statues, I’m glad you interrogated the shop owner. Antwerp looks like a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
Christine
I love Belgium (my mom’s family is from there), but I haven’t been to Antwerp yet. It is definitely on my list – love your photos there! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Julie
Wow Antwerp looks beautiful. Now it’s definitely on my list.
Andi
I haven’t visited this part of Belgium but my hubby and I have plans to see more of this beautiful country soon! Antwerp looks amazing!
Sinjana
I had a one-night layover at Antwerp and I loved wandering around the city. I missed the MAS museum and the stunning views from the terrace. But I enjoyed spending time in the romantic central park and the Diamond quarters. I loved the color tones of all your pictures here.
Nicola
Oh wow! I never knew Antwerp was that beautiful. I’m definitely adding it to my list of must see cities.
Hanna
I’ve only ever driven through Belgium before, but I think next time I’ll hang around for a bit longer and definitely go to some of these places! Thanks for sharing!
Natasha L
A really helpful guide to Antwerp thanks, I had no idea that the MAS had an observation deck. Those views are awesome, I’m going to check that out. I also think Het Seen is a beautiful little area, i could walk around there. Since you suggest wandering the streets I’m assuming it’s safe for solo female travellers…
Morgan Martin
Definitely did not realize Antwerp was this amazing! Only had time for a couple days in Brussels but will have to venture here if I make it back to Belgium. Thank you for an informative post and always love reading about different hostels as this is my way to keep my travel cheap.
emaroundtheworld
Definitely try a pod hostel! They are so interesting. If you’re ever back in Belgium, Antwerp is a great place for a day trip!
Anna McCluskey
Oooooh, this looks so magical! Adding Antwerp to my ever-growing list of places I need to see!
emaroundtheworld
Yes, it’s so pretty in person! I can’t recommend it enough.
Denise Hendrick
What a gorgeous city, and your post brings it to life. Thanks for sharing!
emaroundtheworld
Antwerp was breathtaking and so interesting in person, definitely add it to your list. Thanks for reading!
Maura
Lots of information here for Antwerp to explore and I would really love to visit that castle.
emaroundtheworld
I can’t recommend Antwerp enough! It’s full of beautiful things to see, especially the castle – it was so cool!