Antwerp is Abundant in Culture
Find out the sites most worth visiting‘Must sees’
Het steen
Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest preserved building. Throughout history, it has had various functions, a castle, a court, a prison and a home for invalid soldiers. The Steen is located along the Schelde and is ideal to visit in combination with a walk along the water.
Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp (2 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
The Cathedral
The Cathedral of our Lady: SInce you are already sleeping with a view of cathedral it is now time to visit it! The cathedral is a Gothic crucifix built between 1352 and 1521. The church is considered to be the highlights of the Brabant Gothic and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp (right opposite Hotel O Kathedral)
Opening hours and rates: www.dekathedraal.be/en/bezoek
The Town Hall
Predominantly built in Renaissance style between 1561 and 1564. The middle section, however, also reminds of the Baroque. The town hall is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and worth a visit!
Address: Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp (located behind the corner of Hotel O Kathedral)
De Vlaeykensgang
Here it is as if time stood still. It is a maze of alleys and corridors connecting the Hoogstraat, the Oude Korenmarkt and the Pilgrimsstraat. The passage dates from the year 1591 and here you can wander and imagine how the city was in the past. This is where the poorest of the City lived. Now you will find art galleries, antique shops and the renowned Sir Anthony Van Dyck restaurant.
Address: Oude Korenmarkt 16, 2000 Antwerp (around the corner of the hotel)
Must Visit
Museum Plantin-Moretus
This museum tells the story of the print family of Plantin-Moretus. In the 16th century this building housed the book printing press of Christoffel Plantijn, which was later taken over by his son-in-law Jan Moretus. The printing company served as a meeting place for scholars and humanists. The museum was first placed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, the first museum ever. Here you will find a wealth of historical books, prints, manuscripts single atlases (including Ortelius) and cartographic world globes to Gerardus Mercator’s model. In addition, you will find authentic wooden printing presses, unique collection of hand-molds and the like that are of extraordinary importance as typographical heritage.
Address: Vrijdagsmarkt 22-23, 2000 Antwerpen (2 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Tickets en opening hours: www.museumplantinmoretus.be/nl
MAS ( Museum Aan de Stroom)
Located in one of the cosiest and emerging districts of Antwerp, the island (Het Eilandje). Here you can discover the rich past, the stream, the port and the world of Antwerp. On top of the 10th floor you can enjoy the panoramic view of Antwerp. Each floor gives you a new story about Antwerp with the permanent or temporary collections. Also on the ninth floor you will find the 2-star restaurant ‘t Zilte. All this means that the MAS has grown into a place of attraction for people from all corners of the world.
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp (15 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Tickets en opening hours: http://www.mas.be/nl
Red Star Line Museum
This museum tells the story of the emigrants emigrating to America for years in the hope of a better life. You will hear the engaging stories of the emigrants in combination with the story of the Red Star Line. In addition, today’s migration is highlighted as migration is something of all ages.
Address: Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerp (20 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Tickets en opening hours: www.redstarline.be
Rubenshuis
Peter Paul Rubens is perhaps the most famous Antwerp artist. The Rubenshuis is a beautiful piece of heritage and one of the most famous artists’ houses in the world. In the museum you can discover the world of Rubens, and also find the works of art from Van Dyck and Breughel the old. The garden of Rubenshuis, inspired by a painting, also offers an oasis of calm in the busy city. Definitely worth a visit!
Address: Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerp. (10 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Tickets en opening hours: www.rubenshuis.be
FOMU (photo museum)
The photography museum displays the evolution of photography. You will find a permanent collection and temporary collections from both Belgian and International photographers. In addition, here you will find Cinema South, where daily film showings are organised.
Address: Waalse kaai 47 (15 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Tickets and opening hours: www.fotomuseum.be
MoMu (Fashion museum)
Here you can find temporary collections from well-known designers or a fashion-related theme. Twice a year, the exhibition is changed and the exhibition room is adapted.
Address: Nationalestraat 28, 2000 Antwerp (5 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
Website: www.momu.be
MuHKA
The museum for contemporary, visual arts, film and architecture. In addition to a permanent collection you will also find temporary exhibitions. In addition, you can also find children’s studios and family games that tell the art of today and tomorrow. A trip for the whole family!
Address: Leuvenstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp (15 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)
For more information about the exhibitions, tickets and opening hours: www.muhka.be
DIVA
Opening Soon!
Antwerp Home of Diamonds. What Antwerp also makes world famous is its brilliant past. From the end of 2017, you will be taken on an interactive trip focusing on diamond, jewelry and related luxury products.
Address: Gildekamerstraat 9, 2000 Antwerp (2 minutes walk from Hotel O Kathedral)