Astounding Antwerpen Has Thought-provoking Tourist Attractions

March 4, 2009 by Lost in Europe  
Filed under Tourists Attractions




Antwerp might not be much of a political power compared to its neighbour Brussels, but it is one of the true gems of Flanders. With a compilation of baroque bars and antique edifices, Antwerp is also termed the diamond capital of the world. Almost all the diamonds imported from Africa are cut and prepared here. This memorable charm and modest lifestyle in Antwerp make it one of Belgium’s better underrated tourist destinations. Antwerp has the right mix of the old and the new, cradled in its metropolis streets and milestones. Here, you could find Art Nouveau mansions, Renaissance villas, and medieval castles. These primary erections provide the backdrop for a romantic background in this diamond country.

Antwerp has a host of museums that reminds foreigners of its preeminent good old days. The Plantin Moretus Museum is a UNESCO world inheritance site for its contribution of European printing while the 16th century. Antwerp zoo is one of the ancient zoos in the world. It has a group of more than 4000 animals housed in the structure that came from the 19th century. Antwerp has umpteen churches that display diverse architecture these as the baroque church of Carolus Borromeus, and the Cathedral of our Lady, which is one of the grandest churches in Northern Europe. Other spots of excitement include the metropolis hall, the dated market square, and the Vleeshius meat house.

Shopping is one activity that you should not miss in Antwerp. Once you leave the Antwerpen Centraal Station, head over to the diamond district just outside the station. After you stroll through the diamond district, you may walk through the ancient town, as you are greeted by antique constructed dwellings and lighthearted citizens. You can also drive to the Antwerp’s north side to spot bygone oil refineries. Then, go back to the city centre and shop for souvenirs, as well as consume some of Antwerp’s local produce.

Antwerp has its own brand of pleasure found in the bygone city centre. The Cafe Beveren is a quaint shop frequented by university students, singles, and sailors. There is also an antique organ and jukebox that is played by local talents. The Bourlaschouwburg is a round theatre that was once constructed for the French elite in the 1830’s. Present, you can watch the Het Toneelhuis theatre company display their talent in this theatre. Cartoons is a cinema house for foreign films and independently produced features. You could sit down and take in the cosy ambiance of the cinema house with your date.

The residents of Antwerp hold dear divine food. You may get satisfying French temptations like french fries and other fried dishes in the standing eateries found on the boulevards. Antwerp has a unique style of creating preeminent bread, one of which is called “smos”. Smos is bread topped with lots of layers of garnish. The only guise to eat it is to plunge in and chew them the messy custom. For dinner, Antwerp has a amassing of fine eating restaurants. They say that the food in Antwerp is greater than in Brussels. You will need to be the judge.

The economic dominance of Antwerp didn’t approach with diamonds. The sheer economic success of the province dates back to the 16th century, and quite obviously, the success has carried over to latest times. Nowadays, the diamond trade is a sparkling feature that gives the metropolitan area its deserved lustre, yet it still gives us many cultural value that populace will appreciate.