Did you know that Antwerp was once one of the richest and most influential cities in Europe? Today Antwerp is one of the most interesting and culturally diverse cities in the world, not to mention one of the most beautiful. There is so much more to Antwerp than first meets the eye. Look a little closer and you’ll see some of our hidden gems, many hidden in plain sight. Our team often hear about new spots that even locals have never heard of! Book a stay in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Antwerp and enjoy discovering the city from the comfort of a luxury suite close to central station.
Antwerp Botanic Garden
Known locally as Plantentuin or Den Botaniek, Antwerp’s Botanic Garden may not be as big as other cities, but it is beautiful. It’s a tiny garden located in the city centre, around 15 minutes walk from our serviced apartments. It’s a lovely place to visit any time of the year with a great variety of plants and trees, a small pond and waterfall and some quirky statues. There is a small restaurant at the entrance of the park serving Michelin Star food. There is no fee to enter, and you can take your time exploring the pretty garden or walk through it in 5 minutes, whatever your schedule allows.
Explore Underground Waterways
Did you know that you can still explore the underground waterways from ancient times in Antwerp? De Ruien are former canals and waterways which were dug out over a thousand years ago as forts to guard the city and as the city’s water supply. Centuries later, the canals were converted to waste management sewers and disappeared out of sight. It is now possible to visit some sections of these fascinating underground tunnels, on foot or with a guided boat tour. Despite its central location and the thousands of people who walk above them every day, these tours are not well known, even to locals. The entrance to the underground network is on Suikerri, the main road from Grote Markt to the river.
Vlaeykensgang
Although you may be a regular visitor or a local of Antwerp, we often walk with a purpose trying to get to where we’re going. Next time, take a good look at your surroundings and you might find a hidden gem like Vlaeykensgang. This tiny passage lies next to one of the busiest streets of the old town and was once used by shoemakers as far back as the 16th Century. It’s always quiet here, allowing passers-by and visitors an oasis of calm in an otherwise busy area. It’s a short visit of just 5 minutes to stop and take pictures but if you want to stop and enjoy it, there is a great restaurant behind the old wooden door halfway down the alley. Sir Anthony Van Dijck Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant with excellent food and well worth a visit, just be sure to make a reservation.
Béguinage of Antwerp
If you’ve never heard of them, a béguinage is a complex consisting of small houses and a church, surrounded by walls with a green space in the middle. They are home to religious laywomen who live a life dedicated to god without retiring from society completely as many nuns do. Many cities including Bruges and Amsterdam have béguinage, many are still occupied by unmarried or widowed women. The one in Antwerp is no longer occupied by beguines, instead is home to local families. It’s an oasis in the heart of Antwerp and a spot you would walk by if it wasn’t pointed out. Entrance to visit is free and everyone is welcome to come and admire this beautiful space in daytime hours.
Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library
Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library started in 1481 with 41 books and it’s now one of the most important heritage libraries in Flanders. While the library itself is not hidden, although it is not as well frequented as it should be, the Nottebohm Room is one of Antwerp’s best-kept secrets. This beautiful room is hidden in the oldest part of the building and contains its 150,000 oldest and most valuable books alongside 200-year-old globes and a 19th-century Egyptian cabinet. There is also a portrait of the room’s namesake and biggest donor, Oscar Nottebohm. The room can be accessed only by guided tour to preserve its dignity and protect the treasures within.
Book a stay in PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp using our website or with one of our team for our best available rates, guaranteed. We look forward to sharing the secrets of Antwerp with you.
