Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Historic Hotspots Off the Beaten Path
Antwerp, Belgium is a city with hidden gems that offer a unique and authentic experience for visitors.
The Red Star Line Museum, which was once a shipping company that transported millions of Europeans to the New World, provides a glimpse into the stories of those who embarked on the journey.
Another gem is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the history of printing and publishing.
Visitors can also explore the Zurenborg neighborhood's unique architecture and the Den Damme district's hidden courtyards and gardens, providing a contrast to the city's more touristy areas.
The Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp offers a unique glimpse into the history of transatlantic migration, having once served as the headquarters for a shipping company that transported millions of Europeans to the New World.
The Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum, a sprawling park in Antwerp, showcases an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures, allowing visitors to appreciate art in a natural setting.
Exploring Antwerp's intricate canal system by boat provides a unique perspective on the city, revealing hidden pockets of history and architecture that are often overlooked by those who stick to the more well-trodden paths.
What else is in this post?
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Historic Hotspots Off the Beaten Path
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Local Cuisine - Beyond Belgian Waffles
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Street Art Scenery - Antwerp's Vibrant Murals
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Architectural Marvels Hiding in Plain Sight
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Underground Exploration - Tunnels and Bunkers
- Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Handcrafted Treasures - Antwerp's Artisanal Scene
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Local Cuisine - Beyond Belgian Waffles
Antwerp offers a diverse local cuisine beyond just the famous Belgian waffles.
Traditional dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) and twice-fried frites (fries) with mayonnaise or andalouse sauce are must-try local specialties that showcase the city's culinary heritage.
The traditional Belgian dish of moules-frites, consisting of steamed mussels paired with Belgian fries, is a local specialty in Antwerp that is often served with a side of creamy mayonnaise.
Frites, which are fried twice to achieve an extra crunchy texture, are a beloved Belgian street food in Antwerp that are typically enjoyed with a variety of sauces, including the popular andalouse sauce.
Belgian endive, a member of the chicory family, is a local vegetable that is commonly used in salads and other dishes in Antwerp, known for its slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture.
Elixir d'Anvers, a herbal liqueur with a distinctive anise flavor, is a specialty of Antwerp and is often enjoyed as a digestif or used in cocktails.
The restaurant Le Clan des Belges in Antwerp serves authentic Belgian dishes, including the traditional Liège waffle, which features a bread-like dough and is shaped like an oval, in contrast to the lighter Brussels waffle.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, one of the best places to experience the authentic taste of Belgian waffles in Antwerp is in the city's historic center, where visitors can find traditional waffle stands and cafes.
The traditional Belgian Liège waffle, which differs from the Brussels waffle in its dough-like texture and use of pearl sugar, is a specialty in Antwerp that can be found at local bakeries and cafes, providing a unique culinary experience for visitors.
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Street Art Scenery - Antwerp's Vibrant Murals
Antwerp, Belgium is home to a thriving street art scene, with vibrant murals that showcase the city's creative culture.
From the powerful messages of ROA's gigantic crane mural to the interactive experience of Morag Myerscough's Wind Portal, these hidden gems offer visitors a unique perspective on Antwerp's rich cultural heritage.
Local guides and apps can help street art enthusiasts explore the city's diverse murals, allowing them to discover the true essence of Antwerp beyond the conventional tourist attractions.
The mural "Warbuddy" by DZIA, featuring a tiger and a rabbit, is a symbolic representation of the city's diverse community and its ability to coexist harmoniously.
The striking mural "The Blue Sofa" by Paul Fernhout was created using a unique technique that involves applying paint directly onto the building's surface, rather than a traditional canvas.
The mural "The Cathedral of Our Lady" by Axel Void incorporates a clever optical illusion, making the cathedral appear to be distorted and out of proportion.
The massive black and white mural of a crane, known as "The Giant Crane" by ROA, was created using a cutting-edge spray painting technique that allows for precise and detailed brushstrokes.
The mural "The Musician" by Smates features a hidden QR code that, when scanned, unlocks a digital soundscape that enhances the viewer's appreciation of the artwork.
The interactive mural "The Wind Portal" by Morag Myerscough was created using a special paint that reacts to changes in air pressure, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Architectural Marvels Hiding in Plain Sight
Beyond Antwerp's well-known landmarks, the city is home to a wealth of hidden architectural gems that are often overlooked by visitors.
From the intricate glass exterior of the Maison de Verre in Paris to the art deco Chrysler Building in New York City, these architectural marvels showcase the diverse styles and engineering feats that can be found in cities around the world.
The Maison de Verre in Paris is an architectural marvel known for its intricate glass exterior, blending modernist design with traditional craftsmanship.
Pomander Walk in New York City is a picturesque street that transports visitors to an English village, with its charming row of townhouses and quaint atmosphere.
The Monadnock Building in Chicago is recognized for its impressive masonry construction, which was an innovative engineering feat during the late 19th century.
The cat ladders in Bern, Switzerland, are a unique architectural feature that allow felines to navigate the city's steep inclines, showcasing the ingenuity of local builders.
Cincinnati's Music Hall, Union Terminal, and Fountain Square are notable for their towering structures and elegant designs, which reflect the city's rich architectural heritage.
The Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles is known for its striking turquoise terra cotta tiles and large clock tower, which have become iconic elements of the city's skyline.
The Bradbury Building in Los Angeles features intricate ironwork and glass skylights, creating a visually stunning interior that has been used as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows.
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Underground Exploration - Tunnels and Bunkers
Antwerp, Belgium is home to a rich underground history, with a variety of tunnels, bunkers, and hidden spaces that offer a glimpse into the city's past.
From World War II bomb shelters beneath the central station to the centuries-old Doelenstraat Tunnels, these subterranean gems provide a unique perspective on Antwerp's architectural ingenuity and resilience.
Visitors can explore the River Scheldt Tunnels, the first such infrastructure built under a navigable river in Europe, as well as the partially underground Steenuilkerk church.
Beneath the streets of Antwerp lies a network of 16th-century tunnels, known as the Doelenstraat Tunnels, which were used for transportation and communication during times of siege.
The River Scheldt Tunnels, completed in 1934, were the first road and metro tunnels built under a navigable river in Europe, serving as a vital part of Antwerp's infrastructure.
The Steenuilkerk, an 18th-century church in Antwerp, is largely underground and accessible only through a narrow staircase, providing a unique architectural experience.
The Vaults of the Meir, a series of 16th-century underground vaults in Antwerp, were used for storage and as a means of escape during times of conflict, offering a glimpse into the city's turbulent past.
Antwerp's central station houses secret World War II bomb shelters that could hold up to 5,000 people, now open to the public for tours, revealing the city's wartime history.
Beneath the German vacation town of Cochem, along the Moselle River, lies a network of mysterious Nazi tunnels that connected to an underground headquarters, showcasing the complex web of subterranean structures built during the war.
In New York City, the forgotten catacombs beneath the streets offer a unique glimpse into the city's past, while a hidden speakeasy in Chicago is located under a local tavern, tapping into the city's Prohibition-era history.
The US government has constructed various underground bunkers and tunnels beneath government buildings, some of which are open for limited public exploration, providing a rare opportunity to access these secretive spaces.
Beyond military and wartime applications, underground spaces in Antwerp have been utilized for diverse purposes, including transportation, storage, and even religious worship, highlighting the city's architectural ingenuity.
Local Picks 7 Hidden Gems to Uncover the Real Antwerp, Belgium - Handcrafted Treasures - Antwerp's Artisanal Scene
Antwerp's artisanal scene is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from the beautiful Hof Van Liere oasis in the city center to the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a former rectory turned 5-star hotel.
Beneath the city's famous landmarks, a thriving creative community has emerged, showcasing Antwerp's status as an effortlessly cool design destination, with unique cafes, art galleries, and cutting-edge street murals that offer a glimpse into the real character of the city.
The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a former rectory, has been meticulously transformed into a 5-star hotel, seamlessly blending the building's historic charm with modern luxury and sustainability features.
The AStay Hotel, located near Antwerp Central Station, features massive murals of exotic animals adorning its facade, creating a striking visual contrast with the surrounding architecture.
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, the tallest building in the city's historic center, serves as a valuable navigational reference point for visitors exploring the intricate network of cobbled alleys and hidden courtyards.
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp has attracted emerging talent from around the world, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge art and design.
Cafe Beveren, a hidden gem in Antwerp, offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's thriving cafe culture, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and artisanal preparations.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the history of printing and publishing, providing a glimpse into Antwerp's rich cultural heritage.
The Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum, a sprawling park in Antwerp, features an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures, allowing visitors to appreciate art in a natural setting.
Elixir d'Anvers, a distinctive anise-flavored herbal liqueur, is a specialty of Antwerp and is often enjoyed as a digestif or used in local cocktails.
The traditional Belgian Liège waffle, which differs from the Brussels waffle in its dough-like texture and use of pearl sugar, is a beloved local delicacy that can be found at bakeries and cafes throughout Antwerp.