Onze Lieve Vrouwe Cathedral

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 1-4pm. Gothic cathedral which houses several impressive and famous paintings of Rubens, such as 'the Descent from the Cross'.

It is located in the heart of the city, between Groen Plaats and Grote Markt.

type:	Churches and Cathedrals
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Handschoenmarkt
openingHours:	Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 1-4pm

Groenplaats

Groenplaats is a big square located in the city centre, just next to Grote Markt and the Cathedral.  It was built over the old cemetery of the cathedral and it's characterized by many restaurants and pubs, wich are overlooked by the big statue of Rubens in the middle.

type:	Squares
World66 rating:	[rate it]
openingHours:	all the time =P

KBC Tower

KBC Tower was the first skyscraper to be built in Europe (1930)

The tower is nicknamed Boerentoren, Farmer's tower, because the bank, whose headquarters are in the building, at that time was owned by a farmers corporation.

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]

St Jacobskerk

Open April-October Mon-Sat 2-5pm, November-March Mon-Sat 9am-noon. This is the church where Rubens was buried, and his close relatives, when he died in 1640.

St Pauluskerk

Open May-September 2-5pm. This is a late Gothic church with some interesting carvings.

Grote Markt

Brabo on Grote Markt
photo by: Ezelhaar

The heart of the City on the Scheldt beats at the 'Grote Markt', an irregularly-shaped square, surrounded by decorative guild houses dating from the 16th and 17th century. This square is home to the statue of Brabo.

According to a 16th century legend his action (flinging a hand, or in Dutch 'Hand werpen') led to the city being given its name. The 15th century City Hall is a successful blend of the Flemish style and Italian Renaissance characteristics.

Probably the best example of this blended architecture is the Stadhuis, the Town Hall built between 1561 and 1564.

Cogels Osylei

Houses in Waterloo str.
photo by: Ezelhaar

Art nouveau street, unique architecture from around 1920. The street is located outside of the city centre, near the Berchem train station (where the international train Brussels-Amsterdam stops).
There aren't any buildings you can go in, but it is great to stroll through the street and the side streets (Waterloo street, Transvaal street) where you will find many great buildings and villas.
There are some nice bars and restaurants in the neighborhood too.

Stadhuis

Located in Grote Markt , the Stadhuis is Antwerpen Town Hall.

Built between 1561 and 1564 it is probably one of the best example of the blending of the Flemish and the Italian Architecture, which characterize most of the buildings in the historical city centre.

Botanical Garden

Cafe in Botanical garden
photo by: Ezelhaar

There is a small botanical garden with a greenhouse on Leopoldstreet. It is a great place to sit on the grass (it seems like that is allowed, not sure though).

Antwerp Zoo

Located right next door to the central station, this is a classic city zoo. Tigers, gorillas and elephants and much more.

City Park

City Park
photo by: Ezelhaar

The triangular shaped city park is okay for a stroll. There is a high bridge over a small stream and there are some man made rock formations.
Located in the diamond quarter near the station.