Antwerp is a historic city in the Flemish region of Belgium. After Brussels, it’s the largest metropolitan region in the country; with over half a million people living in the city proper, it’s the most densely populated city in Belgium.

Antwerp has taken less of a tourism-oriented approach compared to other cities in the region; it’s an ideal location to avoid the massive crowds that so often characterize Amsterdam and Bruges.

It has a rich history that once marked it as the wealthiest city in Europe. The diamond trade, active for at least a few hundred years, has characterized the economic strengths of Antwerp. The district that spawned around the industry is one of the most opulent on the continent.

Today that city of full of worthwhile sites, many of which you might even recognize if you have seen any of these famous films set in Belgium. But if you only have 24 hours here, you are going to need to prioritize….

What To Do In One Day In Antwerp | The Ultimate 24 Hour Guide!

History And Character Of Antwerp

The area of Antwerp has seen traces of human activity for at least 2 000 years. The quiet city was largely unnoticed by the world until the decline of Bruges in the 15th century, caused by the silting of their important connection to the North Sea. Antwerp was prime to receive this new traffic via the Scheldt River’s connection to the Sea.

It gained prominence as the sugar capital of Europe, importing the raw commodity from Portuguese and Spanish plantations like those in Cuba and Brazil to supply the demands of inland cities like Dusseldorf. They diversified into finance, attracting the richest individuals on the Continent.

For a while, it was the “center of the entire international economy”, considered the wealthiest in Europe. Their ‘Golden Age’ was intimately linked to the Age of Exploration, funding and profiting from exploratory journeys.

This prosperity wouldn’t last forever; the 16th century brought decline, and a transition of wealth and trade to Amsterdam. Napoleon took interest in the strategy position of the city, but did not do much with it. The world wars saw Antwerp occupied by the Germans twice and taking heavy bombardment at the end of WWII.

Through all this, one industry remained: Diamonds. It is what Antwerp is best known for, currently and the last 400 years. The precious stones have allowed the city to make a resurgence recently, with powerful global players in the diamond trade.

Geography And Climate

The city is conveniently located between the main Flemish cities of Belgium (Bruges, Gent, Brussels), and the historic Dutch bastions to the North (Amsterdam, Den Hague, Rotterdam). Antwerp itself is divided into nine districts or neighbourhoods, each with a distinct vibe. Don’t expect to practice your Dutch here, the Antverpians have a particular dialect – Antwerps – that’s found nowhere else.

Antwerp is a little over 50 kilometers inland from the North Sea, connected via the Scheldt River’s Westerschelde estuary. This position, just up the coast from Bruges, affords a central but protected position; the Port of Antwerp is one of the biggest in the world.

The inland positioning gives Antwerp uncharacteristically warm summers and mild winters, even though it shares an oceanic climate similar to Southern England. The summer months often have long stretches of days with temperatures that exceed 23°C. The thermometer rarely dips below 5°C, regardless of the time of year.

Atmosphere And Approach

At the height of the city’s wealth, Antwerp housed many massively wealthy merchants and financiers. Many of their homes remain, scattered throughout the city. The Zurenborg neighbourhood especially is a festival of Art Nouveau architecture, constructed during the pre-war Belle Epoque. It also features a magnificent Jain temple, owing to a sizeable population in the city.

The Indian Jains have been drawn by the sprawling diamond trade in Antwerp; they alone supply over 30% of India’s raw stone imports. Combined, the city sees over 85% of the global supply of rough diamonds. Along with the Jains, there is a sizeable population of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, taking residence during and after WWII. Combined with large immigrant communities, mainly from Morocco, Antwerp has a thriving cultural identity.

In the last 20 or 30 years, Antwerp has attempted to establish itself on the world fashion stage. The city has attracted talent from across Belgium, and Europe at large. It maintains more of a ‘cult status’ among the fashion cities; they emphasize the avant-garde to compete with London, Paris, Tokyo, Milan and New York. For those with money to spend, and adventurous tastes, shopping can be transformative.

Culinary Attractions Of Antwerp

Antwerp is an amalgamation of its history and resident cultures. The city prides itself on some local brands, fiercely protected and promoted by non-profits. A particular point of pride is the Bolleke amber beer from De Koninck Brewery, with a food and culture festival named in its honour. Another tradition is the common biscuit Antwerpse Handjes (‘Small Antwerp Hands’), delightful shortbread confections often smothered in almond or chocolate.

Along with the local fare, Antwerp is an excellent destination to sample the Belgian national delicacies: beers of all kinds, fries from their native land, deep-fried oliebollen with a liberal dusting of sugar. Beside these culinary institutions, offerings from the immigrant communities are plentiful; smells of memorable indian food can be caught from the doorsteps of Jewish Delis. Perhaps some of the best Moroccan food can be sourced outside of the Magreb.

Antwerp In A Day

The highlight attractions of Antwerp are all within a few blocks from the city center. If fashion is your thing, head to De Meir, the high street of the area; visit the Stadsfeestzaal for an unmatched shopping experience in a gold-filled banquet hall.

• Grote Markt: Nestled in the heart of the ‘Old City’, this iconic square is the historic meeting-place of Antwerp. Lined with 16th century guildhalls, restaurants and cafes; it’s the perfect place to begin your exploration of the city. The imposing City Hall is the centerpiece of this magnificent display, and one of the iconic landmarks of Belgium!
• Stadhuis: The City Hall of Antwerp was completed in 1565, built as a testament to the Renaissance style of architecture. It’s an icon to the prosperity of the city at the time, however it only stood for a decade before it was burnt to a shell in the Spanish Fury of 1576. Restorations have since created an exemplar of historical architecture.
• Vleeshuis: Originally constructed as an open-air meat market and headquarters of the local Butcher’s Guild, the ‘meat house’ was constructed in the year 1500 in the gothic style. In more recent years, it has evolved into a museum, with a specific interest in displaying historical instruments, especially bells and organs.

In the heart of the city, not far from the Grote Markt, lies an endless selection of world-class culinary options. From local celebrations of beer or food, to sophisticated explorations of ethnic flavour, there’s something for everyone and every craving.

• Billie’s Bier Kafetaria: Often categorized as a local institution, this Gastropub is named for the famed Billie the bulldog that roams the establishment. Quaint and cozy, Billie’s boasts an impressive selection of beers on tap, with expert direction from the knowledgeable bartenders.
• Bij Lam & Yin: If you plan ahead and leave time for a memorable dinner, consider this one-starred Asian destination. There’s no chintzy paper lanterns in this restaurant, only subtle and eye-opening Cantonese cuisine. Reservations are required and vegetarian options are plentiful.

After gorging yourself on the local culinary attractions, you can venture outside of the ‘Old City’ to see the other highlights of Antwerp. These locations are not only architectural triumphs but also emphasize the cultural and artistic history of the Belgian city.

• Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (‘Cathedral of Our Lady’): Constructed in 1518, it is an icon of the Gothic style of architecture. Not only is it breathtaking from the streets, the building houses masterpieces of local Baroque painters, most notable four works from Peter Paul Rubens. It’s the tallest church tower in the Benelux region, with its largest bell requiring 16 bell-ringers to operate.
• Boerentoren (‘Farmer’s Tower’): Often considered to be the first European skyscraper, this monument was constructed in 1932. Standing at 88 meters tall, a whopping 26 storeys, it typifies the Art Deco style. Unfortunately, this building can only be appreciated from the outside, the rooftop observation deck hasn’t be accessible by the public since the 1970’s.
• Rubenshuis: Unassuming from the streets, this building is the former home and studio of the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). It’s now a dedicated museum to the artist and his contemporaries, housing masterpieces from the era. It houses the Rubenianum, a center and archive dedicated to the artist; the central courtyard harkens to the best of Italian opulence.

The Final Word On A Quick Trip To Antwerp

Antwerp has a sophisticated history, with incredible highs and crippling lows. It has often competed, and traded prominence with Bruges and Amsterdam; these cities have powered trade and innovation on the North Sea for millennia.

The wealth of the city has left opulent marks throughout Antwerp, with modern additions in the last century. It is now known primarily as a hub in the international diamond market; this wealth has spurred the nascent fashion and cultural industries that will bring this city into the future.

Antwerp is unique in its mix of modern and historical, a city best enjoyed on foot in the historic center, with an open wallet to enjoy the shopping and cuisine.

And afterward? Well, if you are traveling on the Eurail Pass and want to make quick stops in the rest of the region there is always Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges nearby…