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GAY ANTWERP
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in ANTWERP?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT ANTWERP
Antwerp is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ destinations in Belgium, thanks to its vibrant and diverse gay scene. The Het Zuid district is the hub of gay nightlife, with a wide selection of gay-friendly bars, clubs and cafés. Antwerp is also home to the famous Antwerp Pride, which attracts visitors from all over the world. With its combination of art, fashion and an inclusive atmosphere, Antwerp is a must-see for those looking for a welcoming and festive experience in the LGBTQ+ community.
WHAT TO SEE in ANTWERP?
10 THINGS TO SEE in ANTWERP
Grote Markt, Brabo Monument and Antwerp Town Hall (Stadhuis)
Antwerp's Grote Markt is a historic square surrounded by elegant Renaissance buildings. At its centre stands the Brabo Monument, the symbol of the city, while the majestic Town Hall (Stadhuis), a UNESCO heritage site, dominates the scene with its flag-draped façade.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
The cathedral is located behind the Grote Markt: it is considered one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture and is the largest in Belgium and houses several works of art, including famous paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens. The tower contains a carillon of 47 bells and is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
Rubens Museum (Rubenshuis)
In the house-museum of Pieter Paul Rubens, one of the greatest Flemish painters, you can admire his works and learn about his life and work.
Diamond District
Antwerp is also the capital of diamond processing and trade, around which an entire district has been built where you can learn more about the diamond industry and visit specialized shops.
Het Steen Castle
This is an old medieval castle overlooking the Scheldt River that now houses a visitor center and temporary exhibitions.
MAS Museum (Museum aan de Stroom)
A modern museum located along the Scheldt River, offering panoramic views of the city and hosting exhibitions dedicated to the history, culture and art of Antwerp.
Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal)
This station is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with its impressive neo-Renaissance architecture.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of printing, located in Christophe Plantin's publishing and printing house, one of the most important of the Renaissance.
Citadel of Antwerp (Het Zuid)
A lively and artistic neighborhood, known for its contemporary art galleries, trendy restaurants and eclectic architecture.
Antwerp Zoo
Don't miss Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest in the world, located in the heart of the city. Founded in 1843, it houses over 7,000 animals in beautiful, historic environments. It is a popular attraction for families and nature lovers, combining conservation with architectural beauty.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Complete Antwerp - Google Maps
Extra - Museum aan de Stroom (by Feet, Bus, Uber or Taxi) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from ANTWERP
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Ghent & Bruges
Brussels
Amsterdam
Leuven
Mons, Charleroi & Namur
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in ANTWERP?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in ANTWERP
Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites ***** Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp - The Leading Hotels of the World ***** B&B The Baron *****
WHERE TO EAT in ANTWERP?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in ANTWERP Quality / Price
€€€€ - Huis De Colvenier
€€€€ - Bistrot du Nord
€€€ - Fiskebar
€€€ - Het Gerecht
€€ - Elfde Gebod ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - De Peerdestal
€€ - De Pottekijker
€€ - Mampoko
€€ - No Worries
€ - Msemen
GAY NIGHTLIFE in ANTWERP
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in ANTWERP
Red & Blue Café (Gay Disco)
Café DeLux (Gay Bar) Cargo Club (Gay Club)
TRAVEL TIPS about ANTWERP by World Mappers
Are you a shopping enthusiast? Antwerp is famous for its fashion scene. You can also take a stroll along the street called Meir: the main shopping street, where you will find shops of big brands and exclusive boutiques.
How to visit it even in a short time? Simple, Antwerp is a compact city and easily explored on foot or by bike. There are numerous bike rental points in the city.
One of the strangest places to eat in Antwerp? Elfde Gebod (The Eleventh Commandment), one of the most iconic restaurants in Antwerp, located near the Cathedral of Our Lady. Known for its unique atmosphere, it is decorated with hundreds of statues and religious figures, creating a quirky and charming environment. This cozy place is perfect for enjoying traditional Belgian dishes accompanied by a large selection of beers. Elfde Gebod is a must-see for those looking for a combination of culture, history and good food in a truly special setting.
The Loodswezen in Antwerp is a historic building located along the River Scheldt, once home to the maritime pilots who guided ships into the city's port. With its elegant neo-Gothic architecture and stunning views of the river, it is a symbol of Antwerp's rich maritime past. Today, the building is often used for cultural events and exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a fascinating part of the city's port history.
Stroll through Middelheim Park: a park that combines art and nature; it is an open-air museum that houses over 200 modern and contemporary sculptures.
Also check out the ModeMuseum Antwerp, also known as MoMu, a world-renowned institution dedicated to fashion. Located in the heart of the city, it celebrates the creativity and innovation of Belgian and international designers, with temporary exhibitions of haute couture, accessories and design. MoMu is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and offers an in-depth look at the tradition and avant-garde of Antwerp's style, a city that launched the famous "Antwerp Six".
Where to find Street Art in Antwerp? The Berlijnstraat district is one of the focal points, where local and international artists decorate the urban spaces with impressive and imaginative works. Walking around Antwerp means discovering art hidden in every corner, from high-impact murals to more intimate graffiti pieces. It is an ever-evolving scene, perfect for those who want to explore the creative and underground side of the city.
Today the pedestrian St. Anna's Tunnel still retains all the characteristics of its original construction, with the beautiful wooden escalators that lead to the entrance of the tunnel, the white tiles that decorate the wall, and some paintings and prints that accompany the visitor's walk.
"SECRET ANTWERP"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Antwerp
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Antwerp" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Antwerp:
Vlaeykensgang - this is a hidden secret passage dating back to the 16th century, located in the heart of Antwerp, very close to the cathedral. Walking through it is like stepping back in time, with its picturesque houses and quiet courtyards.
Havenhuis - this futuristic building, designed by Zaha Hadid, is the headquarters of the Antwerp Port Authority. The architecture is breathtaking, with a design that resembles a ship suspended above a historical structure.
Nello and Patrasche statue - this is a tribute to the main characters in the famous story "A Dog of Flanders", written by Ouida in 1872. Although the novel is not well known in Belgium, it is popular in Japan, where it has inspired films and animated series. It is located right next to the main entrance of the cathedral, on Handschoenmarkt Square. The statue has become a symbol of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. It is a touching place that attracts visitors, especially Japanese tourists who often leave flowers and tributes there.
Het Steen - this is located along the Scheldt River and is the oldest building in Antwerp. It is a medieval fortress that now houses a visitor center, but its history and atmosphere evoke the city's medieval era.
The Hand of Antwerp - is a statue of a legendary Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo. According to legend, he defeated the giant Druon Antigoon, who demanded a toll from anyone who wanted to cross the Scheldt River and cut off the hand of those who refused, throwing it into the river. The statue depicts Silvius Brabo in the moment in which he is about to throw the hand he had cut off at the giant, thus avenging the victims and restoring justice. You can find representations of the hand around the city, as well as in the form of traditional chocolates called "Antwerpse Handjes". Hand symbols can be found in different parts of the city, but the story is linked to the Grote Markt.
INSTAGRAMMABLE ANTWERP
Instagrammable Places to See in Antwerp
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Antwerp, here are our favorites:
GAY TOURS in ANTWERP
Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Antwerp? We recommend the following local operator(s):
MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.
5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"
Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com
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