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Antwerp Antwerp is a smaller, understated, lesser-known European city that provides a remarkably attractive destination for those lucky enough to slip this city into their summer travel itineraries. Combining the debauchery of Amsterdam, the worldliness of Paris and the finesse of Milan, this small cultural capital boasts a robust café culture and a bar scene that encompasses small-town folksiness and the beloved, carefree liberality of Northern Europe.
A port city on the northern border near the Netherlands, Antwerp is famous for its diamond trade, and jewelry shoppers will find some of Europe’s best selection in the Antwerp shops. But this city is also an up and coming center of designer fashion, by far overtaking Brussels and bringing in international recognition for newer brands. Antwerp, however, had put itself on the map long before, if at no other time, at least during the 16th and 17th century when Peter Paul Rubens hung is hat in a flat overlooking a quaint cobblestone street – his best works now hang in the Royal Museum of the Arts, (which bears the local name Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, if you’re asking for directions).
If you seeking a taste of Antwerps’ notable nightlife scene, start out at Paeters Vaetje, located at Blauwmoezelstraat 1. This superb locale is right next to the Cathedral, and boasts over a hundred different beers (remember, you’re in Belgium!). While at some point you should try Der Koninck “The King”, Paeters Vaetje is a pub where you will be able to find that more obscure brew that your beer-fanatic friend made you promise you’d try. If there’s anywhere you’re going to find it, it’s here; this selection is one of the best in the city.
After you’ve primed yourself at a few of the bars, the nightclubs typically open up between 1am and 3am. The best place to start out clubbing in Antwerp is the popular De Keyserlei street. There’s also a Red Light District, which many compare to that of Amsterdam. Of course, given the intense cultural heritage of Antwerp, it would be silly not to take in a live classical concert, ballet performance or opera. Look up the Vlaamse Opera for more details. Overall, there are a number of hotels, rental apartments and places to stay in Antwerp and with an airport, train connection and plenty of car rental locations. |
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