1. Museum Plantin-Moretus: A Page of History
Showcasing Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus' collection of manuscripts, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, an integral site in the history of typography, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The former 16th-century printing company, once the largest in the world, provides insight into the Plantin-Moretus bookbinding empire. Among the treasures found in the striking medieval building are two of the world's oldest surviving printing presses, a library dating back to 1640 that holds an early Gutenberg Bible, and rooms featuring priceless art, including numerous paintings by Rubens.
2. Groenplaats: A Touch of Green
Antwerp's Groenplaats or "Green Place" is one of the city's most renowned squares, featuring an 1843 statue of the city's most revered painter, Pieter Paul Rubens, designed by Willem Geefs. The square is lined with cafés where visitors come to soak in the local color. Anchored by its majestic Gothic cathedral with the highest church tower in the region, the Groenplaats - which used to house a legendary cemetery that was outlawed during the Austrian occupation by Emperor Joseph II - is now the place to sample local beers and grab a bite to eat.
3. Middelheim Museum: Carved in Stone
The Middelheim, one of the oldest open-air sculpture museums in the world, rests on 30 acres within the Middelheim Nachtegalen Park in Antwerp. Many of the sculptures are the legacy of the Biennale Middelheim, held from 1951 to 1989. The museum, with works ranging from 19th-century statues to large modern designs, features the work of legendary artists such as Auguste Rodin, Rik Wouters, Max Bill, and Alexander Calder, among others.
4. Vogeltjesmarkt: An Iconic Shopping Site
The Vogeltjesmarkt or the Bird Market, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is Antwerp's biggest open-air market. The bazaar, centrally located in the theater district, opens daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It was historically where songbirds, post pigeons, and exotic birds were traded. Nowadays, the market is popular with tourists looking for unique finds, such as antiques and second-hand items, as well as local delicacies and craft beers.
5. Market Square: Guilded Age
The Grote Markt or Great Market Square of Antwerp, near the banks of the the Scheldt River, is located in the heart of the city's historic downtown. The square houses the Flemish Renaissance Stadhuis or City Hall which was built in 1565; several 19th-century guild halls, rebuilt after a 1576 fire; the Brabo fountain, designed by Jef Lambeaux, and the Antwerp Jazz Club, as well as a variety of cafés and restaurants. In winter, visitors can enjoy the Christmas market and a bit of ice skating.
