Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Antwerp - Art & Entertainment
Download the Schmap Antwerp Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Antwerp Home
Schmap Antwerp guide and map

Antwerp is one of the major European art cities but besides visiting museums and theatre you'll have a great time shopping in this civilized and cosmopolitan city.

Fashion

Antwerp has recently become a fashion centre in the same league as Milan and Paris thanks to some young designers who have brought refreshing ideas to the fashion scene. Besides these avant-garde boutiques around Nationalestraat, the totally renovated Meir is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in Europe offering a wide range of department stores and shops. The Groenplaats and Huidevetterstraat are also worthwhile for the really demanding bargain-hunters but if you have a more specialised shopping list you can head straight for the various streets and districts with their own specific profile.

Diamonds are Forever

If you want to buy diamonds it makes sense to visit the certified shops in the vicinity of Antwerp's renowned diamond centre near the Central Station. You can also visit the Diamond Museum for an exciting day out.

Wining and Dining

The streets around the Cathedral swarm with people -- young and old alike. There are many streets where you can do a short pub crawl: Pieter Potstraat and Reyndersstraat are just two. You'll find plenty of thriving restaurants and cafes here as well.

The Arts

Antwerp has acquired a reputation for innovative and exciting ballet, and its school is internationally renowned. The principal ballet company is the Royal Flanders Ballet (Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen).

The Royal Flanders Philharmonic (Koninklijk Filharmonisch Orkest) is also well-known and can be heard at the Singel concert hall where mostly modern and contemporary music are performed.

The flagship for over two dozen theatres in Antwerp is the Stadsschouwburg but there are many others including Arenberg and a multitude of smaller theatres where independent companies fill the stage a few nights per week, all year long.

For art lovers, Antwerp offers an array of galleries and museums to fit everyone's taste. The most popular art museum is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in the south district called 't Zuid. Contemporary artists are exhibited at the Muhka or the Museum for Contemporary Arts. You should also check out the smaller galleries, some are private, and the auction houses.

A Night on the Town

Going out in Antwerp can be fun and lively. In addition to the loads of cafés, taverns, and restaurants that the city has, there is a decent amount of nightlife. The mood in the streets around the Cathedral is very special and it's always very busy in the weekends. You might even find a concert going on in the streets there. This area is a great place to meet friends. Other areas of the city like near the Central Station and the Schipperskwartier red light district are also very lively but not so pleasant once it gets late.

One of the most famous taverns in Antwerp is Bierhuis Kulminator, which stocks, cools and pours about 550 different kinds of beer but there are many more like Den Engel, De Vagant, etc. There's a wide choice of discos including the trendy house and techno Café d'Anvers. The Swingcafé have live rock and pop and the Muze some very good jazz bands.

If you want to see a film you can go to the Gaumont multiplex near the Central Station or for even larger screens the Metropolis which is just outside the city centre and until recently was among the largest cinema multiplexes in the world. Cinema buffs can see the latest art house movies at Cartoon's. Throughout the summer months you should check with the tourist office to find out where various concerts and events are organised -- there are plenty in Antwerp and some are free.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Cafe d'Anvers


One of the best
Verversrui 15
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 226 3870
http://www.cafe-d-anvers.com/
This trendy club is located on the site of a cinema, which was previously a garage! Stated to be one of the best in the city, Cafe d'Anvers is a favorite hang-out for house and techno freaks who want to party. Understandably, this place features an outrageous and flashy ambiance. The balcony above the dance floor commands a great view. Some nights are reserved for special themes so keep an eye open for the fliers or call the club in advance. Admission varies depending on the night and type of party being thrown here.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cathedral


The Cathedral of Our Lady
Handschoenmarkt
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 213 9951
http://www.dekathedraal.be/
The Cathedral's construction began in 1352, and ended in 1518, resulting in the largest Gothic church in the Netherlands. Learn its amazing history, from the 'iconoclastic fury' of 1566 that destroyed much of the interior, to the repairs that discovered beautiful murals beneath the whitewashed walls. The cathedral was furnished with renaissance, baroque, rococo and classical works of art, which were plundered by French revolutionaries, though many were returned. The exceptional stained-glass windows are 16th and 17th century.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cathedral photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Central Station


An impressive station
Koningin Astridplein
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
People who arrive by train at the Central Station will marvel at this splendid and grand station in neo-baroque style. Visitors are shocked and surprised when they hear that about 10 years ago the city authorities wanted to demolish it. Luckily, they decided to restore the station which was commissioned by King Leopold II, built between 1898 and 1905 and designed by architect Delacenserie. The main entrance of the station is on the De Keyserlei/Meir, the most important shopping streets of Antwerp. The entrance to the Zoo is just around the corner.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Central Station photo by Erwin van Leeuwen
Photo: Erwin van Leeuwen
Central Station photo by Bert Van Vlerken
Photo: Bert Van Vlerken
Central Station photo by Ellen van den Berg
Photo: Ellen van den Berg
Central Station photo by Sam Walling
Photo: Sam Walling
Central Station photo by Chajm Guski
Photo: Chajm Guski
Central Station photo by Liz Bartelt
Photo: Liz Bartelt
Central Station photo by Roger Delahaye
Photo: Roger Delahaye
Central Station photo by Maarten Stolte
Photo: Maarten Stolte
Central Station photo by Justin Choulochas
Photo: Justin Choulochas
Central Station photo by Edwin van Geelen
Photo: Edwin van Geelen
Central Station photo by wouter verstraten
Photo: wouter verstraten
Central Station photo by Zana Fratelli
Photo: Zana Fratelli
Central Station photo by Lekhoni G Banerjee
Photo: Lekhoni G Banerjee
Central Station photo by Sudharsan G
Photo: Sudharsan G
Central Station photo by Danilla Tham
Photo: Danilla Tham
Central Station photo by David Wertheim
Photo: David Wertheim
Central Station photo by Marcus Peaston
Photo: Marcus Peaston
Central Station photo by jrdam
Photo: jrdam
Central Station photo by realcdn
Photo: realcdn
Central Station photo by FleurFlower
Photo: FleurFlower
Central Station photo by Blair J Whyte
Photo: Blair J Whyte
Central Station photo by Nancy Fornoville
Photo: Nancy Fornoville
Central Station photo by Moon over Belgium
Photo: Moon over Belgium
Central Station photo by Ahikam Rosenberg
Photo: Ahikam Rosenberg
Central Station photo by An Demory
Photo: An Demory
Central Station photo by jesse.yvette
Photo: jesse.yvette
Central Station photo by Kimberly Clark
Photo: Kimberly Clark
Central Station photo by Belayeth
Photo: Belayeth
Central Station photo by Zoe Fitzgerald
Photo: Zoe Fitzgerald
Central Station photo by Koen Eeckhoudt
Photo: Koen Eeckhoudt
Central Station photo by Willem Kuijpers Uden
Photo: Willem Kuijpers Uden
Central Station photo by ProVic
Photo: ProVic
Central Station photo by geert.debusschere
Photo: geert.debusschere
Central Station photo by cristianvitalariu
Photo: cristianvitalariu
Central Station photo by Georges Delcart
Photo: Georges Delcart
Central Station photo by Andrew Nash
Photo: Andrew Nash
Central Station photo by N.Gerbeda-Wilson
Photo: N.Gerbeda-Wilson
 

 
De Muze


Famous jazz café
Melkmarkt 15
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 226 0126
Head here if you like live music. There's a concert almost every night of the week. Most of the performances at De Muze are jazz, but the mood of this unique pub in the old center of Antwerp attracts a happy crowd of all ages. With its bare brick walls, large counter and intricate architecture, this old building radiates a charming warmth that few pubs have. Many Antwerp artists come here to "muse" over the crowded atmosphere and have a few good beers, such as draught Grimbergen trappist. Various hot and cold snacks are available as well.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
De Singel


Hi-tech theater and concert hall
Desguinlei 25
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 244 1920
http://www.desingel.be
Built in 1968 by L. Stijnen and P. de Meyer, whose architectural style still radiates elegance and class, De Singel is sure to remembered by visitors. Some of the most prestigious theater productions and classical music concerts are held here in the various halls, which are indicated by colors. Ivo Van Hove, Wim Vandekeybus and Jan Fabre are just a few of the well-known names. Tickets can be ordered online on the website.

Review © 2007, Wcities
De Singel photo by Kobe bx lover
Photo: Kobe bx lover
De Singel photo by Gunther Moons
Photo: Gunther Moons
De Singel photo by Germain Maes
Photo: Germain Maes
 

 
Den Engel


One of the oldest pubs in Antwerp
Grote Markt 5
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 233 1252
Enjoy a drink in one of the oldest pubs in Antwerp, located on the old market square called the Grote Markt. This authentic Patrician house is one of the many buildings lining the square. For generations locals have come here to enjoy their afternoon beers, and you will often see fathers buying their sons their first beer. You will see too many tourists here so you can enjoy a cool draught Bolleke or one of the many other beers with the locals. Thanks to its wonderful offerings this place gets pretty crowded, but coming here is well worth it.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Diamond Museum


Diamonds are forever
Lange Herentalsestraat 31-33
Antwerp 2018
Belgium
+32 3 202 4890
http://www.provant.be/diamant
Antwerp is the world's largest center for the trading of diamonds. Diamond cutting has traditionally been a major activity in Antwerp for more than 500 years. The permanent exhibition takes you through the various production stages — from mining to cutting and finishing. You can also take a guided tour through the workshops where rough diamonds are cut. Admission is free, and guided tours are available on request.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Groen Plaza


One of the largest squares in the city
Groenplaats
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
One of the largest squares in the city, Groenplaats is the ideal starting point for visitors of the historic center. It gets quite busy during the summer tourist season. You'll enjoy numerous café terraces and restaurants. Street musicians provide background music, and the pubs provide great Belgian beers. Don't forget to try a Bolleke Koninck, a light brown ale which is brewed in Antwerp. Nearby you'll find cute copper, pewter and lace shops, the Fnac bookstore, the Hilton and the Cathedral.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Groen Plaza photo by Andrea Guerra
Photo: Andrea Guerra
Groen Plaza photo by Guy Henderieckx
Photo: Guy Henderieckx
Groen Plaza photo by Tim Zunneberg
Photo: Tim Zunneberg
 

 
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA)


A magnificent building
Leopold de Waelplaats 1-9
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 238 7809
http://www.kmska.be
This gallery is located in an impressive building, located in south Antwerp, was built by the architects J. Winders and F. Van Dyck between 1884 and 1890. Recently, the authorities restored and improved the entrance hall and added a bookshop and cafetaria. The permanent collection of this gallery has paintings by the Flemish masters including Van Eyck, Memling, Breughel, Permeke, Delvaux and Rubens en Jordaens.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) photo by croki
Photo: croki
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) photo by Floor Van Herreweghe
Photo: Floor Van Herreweghe
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) photo by Patrick Gavin
Photo: Patrick Gavin
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) photo by Floor Van Herreweghe
Photo: Floor Van Herreweghe
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) photo by anna overduin
Photo: anna overduin
 

 
Metropolis


A grand cinema
Groenendaallaan 394
Antwerp
Belgium
+32 3 544 3600
http://www.kinepolis.com
Metropolis, part of the Kinepolis theater group, was until recently the largest cinema complex in the world. With 24 cinemas, all furbished with luxurious, deep, comfortable chairs and THX sound still makes this the Mecca for movie lovers. It is located just outside the center of Antwerp and in between show times the concentration of car-driving visitors tends to create a bit of a traffic jam. You are advised to arrive on time, buy your ticket and then enjoy a drink or even a small snack in one of the many eateries. Check the local newspapers, free information brochures or their website for screening schedules.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Metropolis photo by sonicwalker
Photo: sonicwalker
 

 
Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen


Modern art in contemporary building
Levenstraat 32
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 (0)3 260 99 99
http://www.muhka.be/
Located in the South district of Antwerp between Waalsekaai and the river Scheldt, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a fascinating museum for avant-garde art. In an old warehouse which has been completely revamped, you will discover a modern and minimalist architectural style. Their wonderful collection offers a progressive view of various art forms. The exhibitions highlight selected themes throughout the year. On the roof of this 4-stores building, you'll find a bar with a pleasant patio and breathtaking views over the Scheldt.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen photo by onno de wit
Photo: onno de wit
Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen photo by onno de wit
Photo: onno de wit
 

 
Stadsschouwburg


The city theatre
Theaterplein 1
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 70 34 4111
This used to be a hideous building. Several refurbishments and the recent rebuilding of the Horta brasserie have tremendously improved this '70s theater. The popularity also improved when it held prestigious musicals like Cats, Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera. In the building there is also a restaurant and a café. The square in front of the theater is where the huge Saturday market and the colorful Vogelmarkt are held.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Stadsschouwburg photo by Roger Price
Photo: Roger Price
Stadsschouwburg photo by Senne Van Den Bogaer
Photo: Senne Van Den Bogaer
Stadsschouwburg photo by Jimmy FanSite
Photo: Jimmy FanSite
 

 
Swingcafé


Live rock in Swingcafé
Suikerrui 13
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 223 1478
In the summer you can sit outside on the terrace of this establishment with a cool beer and watch the foot traffic along the Suikerrui, one of the main tourist streets between the Grote Markt and the river Scheldt. In the evenings the music gets going, and ranges from swing to rock to R&B. Live bands are often featured. Enjoy their wide variety of beers, spirits and cocktails.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Vagant


The wandering scholar
Reyndersstraat 25
Antwerp 2000
Belgium
+32 3 233 1538
http://www.devagant.be/
De Vagant is really something special: a genever bar and restaurant with a few hundred kinds of genever liquor. It's situated right in the heart of old Antwerp. Downstairs you can relax in the cozy café with old posters and photos and try one or two or more of the genevers. The genever card lists a few hundred fruit and grain genevers. Upstairs in the restaurant, genever is the main ingredient in most of the dishes. There are 4 different fixed menus with three, four or five courses or you can eat à la carte and just take one or two genever dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Vagant photo by International Marine Consultancy
Photo: International Marine Consultancy
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Antwerp - Art & Entertainment"
Antwerp
Antwerp - Historical Background
Antwerp - Neighborhood Guide
Antwerp - Where to Stay
Antwerp - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
Brussels (40 miles)
Amsterdam (132 miles)
Dusseldorf (164 miles)
Cologne (180 miles)
Bonn (196 miles)
Paris (301 miles)
London (307 miles)
Brighton (323 miles)
Cambridge (324 miles)
Frankfurt (325 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.