The Weird And Wonderful Sights Of Antwerp

by erin on October 27, 2010

Antwerp is a large city in Belgium that has many characteristic qualities: the kind, helpful people, the booming diamond trade, the signature delicious food, and low-key sort of lifestyle. The new and old facets of Belgian culture come together and make a very special type of place. If you’ve been on the lookout for a vacation destination that’s low-stress and easy-going, look into Antwerp. Just don’t forget your passport. You will find that passport services are available online to help you get started.

Going online to deal with passport processing is a new sort of way to help you through trip preparation. This safe and convenient sites offer services like passport applications and rush U.S. passport renewal, and the steps to follow are very simple. All you do is fill out an application, select your delivery date, and you’re done.

The historical aspect of Antwerp is tremendous, and you’ll definitely never be without something to do. Rubenshuis, The Rubens House, is the historical home of the artistic master. The walls are still decorated with a lot of his art. Het Steen – “The Stone” – is an ancient castle that was constructed around 1220-1225, making it Belgium’s oldest building. Now it houses a small naval museum. Also, at the foot of this building is the start of the scenic boardwalk, Wandelterrassen. Boerentoren, the Farmer’s Tower is regarded as Europe’s first skyscraper. On the twenty-fifth floor of this tower is an observation deck where you can get an awesome birds’ eye view of Antwerp.

City Hall and the Old Market Square designate the historical center of town. The City Hall is a very unique building, mixing Renaissance and Gothic architecture. This sort of building design is found almost nowhere else. Surrounding the square are Medieval houses, and everything comes together to create a feeling like you’re stepping back in time. The Cathedral of our Lady, built in 1351, is the tallest building in Antwerp, standing at over 400 feet tall. It is also one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in Northern Europe.

Any historical town is perfect for ghost hunting, so if you’re the type that craves a little bit of the supernatural, be sure to book a tour or go exploring on your own if you can. Antwerp is full of surprises – like the little hidden street Vlaeykensgang, a street that hides behind a pair of big Medieval doors. Go out and see if you can discover it.

Be sure to check out the Port of Antwerp as well. As one of the largest ports in the world, actually the largest in Europe, it’s a great place to experience a little bit of Belgian history. Tours are offered, and having a knowledgeable tour guide can help you get the most out of your tour.

This is just a small fraction of the stuff you can see and do in Antwerp. One of the benefits of an Antwerp vacation is the cost; there is so much to do that costs little to no money. For example, taking a bike ride around the city is one of the best ways to explore, and Antwerp is one of the most bike-friendly cities around. Just be sure to remember your passports, and don’t forget about online And now, passport services. These sites offer rush pasport renewal among other things, so get ready to start your adventure!

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