AIBU to be disappointed with Antwerp?

[Antwerpxoxo]

We are currently touring Belgium (fabulous country) . We have visited Ghent and Bruges. Both are drop dead gorgeous. We are now in Antwerp and it does have some lovely buildings, but just nowhere near as nice. What are we missing? We're currently struggling to find stuff to fill the couple of days we are going to be here.

There was loads of scaffolding on everything when we were in Antwerp a couple of weeks back (we were there for an event, it's not as touristy as Bruges) so a lot of the . There is some lovely cycling if you are reasonably able bodied and up for hiring a couple of bikes mostly car free along the waterways and flatter than flat. The Zoo is right in the centre and is worth a visit. There is a big chocolate museum too, I think it's something like choco nation.

Where else is on your tour? We love a Belgian road trip though we mostly cycle long distance so not so much time for city sightseeing!

Would you recommend Ghent?

Chocolate!!!! 🍫

It’s not pretty but there’s A LOT to do. Get a museum card!

no idea what happened to the line 'so a lot of the...' should say 'pretty buildings weren't so pretty to look at!

Do you have to stay or could you go to Brussels?

St Paul's church, the Carolus Borromeus church, the Museum aan de Strand (cabinet of Winnie the Poohs), the altarpieces in the Cathedral.

If open, the Kulminator beer cafe- choice of over 700 beers and an unusual couple who run it!

It's a brilliant city. There's a lot of historic stuff to see, museums and the Zoo. Great beer bars and restaurants as well.

Places don't exist purely for your amusement.

But there are loads of museums, galleries, restuarants, shopping etc

www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/antwerp-antwerpen-anvers-b-a-aaa.htm

Thank you all for the great suggestions!

We have today been on a 3 hour guided bike tour, which was brilliant.

Tomorrow going to Chocolate Nation and hope to take in some museums as well.

@lampygirl We have done Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp and going to spend the final leg of our holiday in Brussels. We have got a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels!

Ghent is absolutely gorgeous. Very medieval and very stunning. We plan to do a return visit some day.
Belgium is pricey though. My bank balance is smarting a bit!

Go to the De Konick (I haven’t spelled that right…) Brewery! They have a brewery tour that’s really fun, and then an on-site chocolatier, cheesemaker, butcher. You can do beer and food matching too. I went last month (for work, I love my job 🤣) and it was amazing.

Channel 4 had a programme recently on Antwerp - 48 Hours in Antwerp. Worth a quick watch.

@Antwerpxoxo Mini Europe is quite good for a half day filler as well, plus the Atomium. If you have a car remember to stock up with Belgian Beer and Chocolate for the return as well!

Also go to the train station! It’s like something out of Harry Potter.

Aah. Thanks again all for the additional ideas. Liking the brewery idea.
Funnily enough, I have already got mini Europe and Atomium on the schedule for when we get to Brussels.
Yes, I agree about Antwerp Central Station. It is truly glorious. We have been travelling around by train, so it was the first thing we saw when we arrived in Antwerp!

I'd have gone 1 night in Antwerp, 2 in Brussels.

For me,

• nice to look at: Brussels >> Bruges >> Ghent >> Antwerp


• nice to stay: Bruges >> Brussels >> Ghent >> Antwerp

Both Antwerp and Brussels have dodgy areas and an edge, especially in the evening. Ghent was almost the reverse - too quiet and limited restaurant choices.

Just found this online,which explains why it is mot as pretty as other towns like Bruges.

Of all the Belgian cities, Antwerp was the hardest hit during the German bombardment with flying bombs and rockets. Historians estimate that some 3,000 civilians were killed in Greater-Antwerp during six months. An additional 600 Allied soldiers also died. Just over 5,200 people were injured or reported missing.

They do have a ww2 museum which may be worth a visit.

That is most interesting. I had wondered if this was the case.

Given all the lovely jewellery in Antwerp yabu. There are places selling fabulous pearls, and some of the bling in the diamond quarter is truly mind boggling.

I think Leuven is very pretty and has some great bars and restaurants. Ypres is well worth a visit as well. Can't say I am a huge fan of Brussels; I always preferred Leuven for shopping.

Agree Belgium is expensive; I used to come back to the UK to buy clothes and books when I lived in Belgium.

Favourite thread title of the week😂
I'm glad you enjoyed the cycle tour!

I second this! The brewery is great and the children enjoyed it too

Antwerp is much 'cooler' than those other places. More like Berlin than Rome, Shoreditch than Kensington isywim? There is a strong fashion/design scene. I absolutely loved it, but not as much as I loved Amsterdam where I would move tomorrow.

If you're in Antwerp I would recommend visiting Mechelen which has a beautiful city centre. Hasselt is also lovely and good for shopping. You can get the train to either.