Welcome to Antwerp!

Price:
You choose!
Basic Information
Language
English
Total time
2 hours
Meeting point
By the statue on the main square (Grote Markt) of Antwerp. Look for the red umbrella.
Category
Walking Tour,
This tour is provided by our partner

About

Antwerp, an ancient Roman settlement, rose into power when the old order was passing away and a new era was setting in – an era of discovery! The whole world was beginning to look in a different direction. The old, Mediterranean routes were losing their importance and this is when Antwerp conquered the scene with a bang! It became a European window to the newly discovered lands of America and new sea routes to Africa and Asia, a port through which unimaginable wealth flowed. Textiles, silver and diamonds, pepper, cinnamon and sugar were the foundation of the city’s richness. It was here that the new method of diamond polishing was created and Antwerp became (and remains to this day) the diamond capital of the world. Merchants from every corner of the world were streaming into the city wanting their share of these riches thus making Antwerp a cosmopolitan hub and an economic centre of the world. A centre that was able to lend money (on interest of course) to almost everyone, individuals, and countries alike. Its cosmopolitan character and tolerance attracted those who were not welcomed in other places because of their religion – Jews. This international community of merchants needed just one thing – an easy way of exchanging money and goods. This is how the first in the world, especially built, commodity exchange came into being.The wealth of the city attracted not only merchants but also many great painters, among them the famous Pieter Bruegel. They all knew that Antwerp had the resources to pay well (or pay anything) for their talent. There was a time when so many artists lived in Antwerp that there was one painter for every 250 residents!


But such a sudden explosion of prosperity couldn’t and didn’t last long, soon Antwerp was knocked off its high pedestal. Then came the usual suspects: war, fire and bloodshed. In more recent times Napoleon envisioned Antwerp as the greatest port in Europe but with the Battle of Waterloo he failed to implement this (as well as other) plan. Nevertheless when the new Belgian state emerged, Antwerp proved vital for it. Following its great past, today’s Antwerp is the cool kid – the centre of fashion and avant-garde art, a place where every artsy type wants to hang out! Discover with us the remarkable city of Antwerp and get to know its amazing vibe!  


During this tour you will see and discover:



  • Grote Markt

  • Hendrik Conscience Statue 

  • Carolus Borromeus Church 

  • Old Bursary 

  • Rubens House 

  • MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp 

  • Museum Plantin-Moretus 

  • Vlaeykensgang 

  • Nello & Patrasche Statue 

  • Cathedral of Our Lady 



  • and much, much more!


Additional Important Information
Included
  • professional local guide 
Ticket Message

This tour is organized in cooperation with our local partner, Legends Tours!

  • Meeting Point: By the statue on the main square (Grote Markt) of Antwerp. Look for the red umbrella.
  • Start Time: Participants are expected to show up 5 min before the start time.
  • There is no need to print your booking confirmation.

Thank you for choosing Walkative & Legends Tours! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

 
Meeting Point
By the statue on the main square (Grote Markt) of Bruges. Look for the red umbrella.

BOOKING RULES
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travelers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option, if it's available, or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.



Good fun stories and active engagements

Rated 5 out of 5
5 months ago

Guide was interactive, clear to understand, kept the tour fun with legends and stories.

Sachin


This tour is also available as
a Private Tour.

Private tour