Exploring Antwerp’s Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District

Post Published August 7, 2024

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Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Museum aan de Stroom Rooftop Views





Exploring Antwerp’s Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District

The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp offers remarkable rooftop views that allow visitors to appreciate the city's skyline and its maritime heritage.

The museum's 62-meter high spiral tower provides an observation deck accessible via an elevator, offering a unique vantage point to take in Antwerp's architectural wonders.

Visitors can relax at the 't Zilte restaurant or bar while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of Antwerp and the nearby harbor.

The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) rooftop is situated 62 meters above the ground, offering visitors a unique vantage point to admire the city's skyline and the nearby harbor.

The museum's spiral tower, designed by architects Neutelings Riedijk, is an architectural marvel, providing an efficient and visually striking means of accessing the observation deck.

The rooftop terrace features a restaurant called 't Zilte, allowing visitors to savor local cuisine while taking in the panoramic views of Antwerp's cityscape.

Interestingly, the building's façade is covered in ceramic tiles, which not only add to its distinctive appearance but also serve as a nod to the city's historic ties to the ceramics industry.

During the summer months, the rooftop area transforms into a lively setting, with the bar and lounge offering refreshing drinks and a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to unwind.

What else is in this post?

  1. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Museum aan de Stroom Rooftop Views
  2. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Red Star Line Museum Migration Stories
  3. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - St.Anna's Tunnel River Crossing Adventure
  4. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Wijk van Dampoort Street Art Tour
  5. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Elfde Gebod Unusual Bar Experience
  6. Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Botanic Sanctuary Hotel and Gardens

Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Red Star Line Museum Migration Stories





The museum's "Tales of the Red Star Line" gallery offers a unique opportunity for visitors to listen to firsthand accounts from those who made the transatlantic crossing, illuminating the triumphs and challenges faced by these individuals during a significant period of migration history.

Beyond the museum, Antwerp's hidden gems extend beyond the Diamond District, with diverse attractions that reveal the city's rich cultural heritage and history.

The Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp is housed in the former warehouses of the shipping company, providing an authentic setting to explore the museum's collection and exhibits.

Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, which use multimedia tools to recreate the sights, sounds, and emotions associated with the Red Star Line's operations, transporting them back in time.

The museum's collection includes a vast array of historical artifacts, such as ship models, passenger tickets, and personal belongings, which help to personalize the stories of the over two million individuals who sailed from Antwerp to North America between 1873 and

Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's unique integration of modern and historical elements, as the contemporary design seamlessly blends with the 19th-century warehouses that once housed the Red Star Line's operations.


Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - St.

Anna's Tunnel River Crossing Adventure





Exploring Antwerp’s Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District

St.
Anna's Tunnel in Antwerp is an architectural marvel, featuring original wooden escalators that descend several levels and provide a unique crossing experience for both pedestrians and cyclists beneath the Scheldt River.

This historic tunnel, completed in 1933, plays a crucial role in connecting the two banks of the river, combining functionality with a glimpse into Antwerp's engineering past.

Beyond St.
Anna's Tunnel, Antwerp is home to various unconventional attractions, showcasing the city's hidden gems beyond the famous Diamond District.

The tunnel's original wooden escalators, installed in 1933, are still in use today, providing a unique and nostalgic transportation experience for visitors crossing the Scheldt River.

The tunnel's total length of 572 meters makes it one of the longest pedestrian tunnels in Europe, allowing for a substantial underground river crossing.

The tunnel's art deco architectural style, with its distinctive lighting and tiled walls, has been meticulously preserved, offering a glimpse into Antwerp's engineering heritage.

Interestingly, the tunnel's descent spans several levels, requiring visitors to traverse a series of escalators to reach the riverbed level, adding to the adventure-like experience.

Despite its underground location, the tunnel provides scenic views of Antwerp's relatively low skyline on the opposite shore, offering a unique perspective of the city's landscape.

The tunnel's role in connecting the two banks of the Scheldt River has remained crucial over the decades, serving as an important transportation link for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Complementing the St.


Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Wijk van Dampoort Street Art Tour





The Wijk van Dampoort area in Antwerp showcases a vibrant street art scene, particularly through the "Walls of BoHox" project led by local artist Joachim.

This initiative invites various talents to create impactful murals that reflect the multicultural identity of the district, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city's artistic side beyond the tourist-heavy areas.

The Wijk van Dampoort district is home to the "Walls of BoHox" project, an initiative spearheaded by local artist Joachim, who invites various talents to create impactful murals reflecting the area's multicultural identity.

The street art tour offers participants the opportunity to engage with the history and significance of Antwerp's vibrant graffiti and mural scene, uncovering lesser-known locations filled with creative expressions.

The street art tours often start from landmarks like the Rubenshuis, allowing visitors to explore the hidden artistic gems within the city while learning about the local culture and history.

In addition to the acclaimed street art, Antwerp is home to numerous unconventional attractions beyond the tourist-heavy Diamond District, including the newly restored Handelsbeurs, an architectural masterpiece from the Golden Age.

De Ruien, Antwerp's underground waterways, offer a unique opportunity to explore the city's historical significance, as these former sewers now serve as a testament to the ingenuity of the city's past engineers.

The Antwerp Botanic Garden, located adjacent to the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, offers visitors a serene and tranquil environment, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban landscape.

Throughout Antwerp, visitors can discover various Virgin Mary statues, adding to the city's rich cultural heritage and inviting travelers to experience a more authentic side of the destination beyond the typical tourist paths.


Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Elfde Gebod Unusual Bar Experience





Exploring Antwerp’s Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District

"Elfde Gebod, or 'The Eleventh Commandment,' is one of Antwerp's most unique bars, known for its distinctive interior featuring religious iconography and tongue-in-cheek sacrilegious decor.

The bar's name, "Elfde Gebod," literally translates to "The Eleventh Commandment," hinting at its unconventional, tongue-in-cheek approach to religious iconography within its decor.

The interior of Elfde Gebod is adorned with an eclectic collection of angel and saint statues, pulpits, and other religious-themed decor, creating a surreal and visually striking ambiance.

The bar's two main locations on Torfbrug and Suikerrui streets maintain a consistent and distinctive atmosphere, ensuring a cohesive experience for visitors across its different sites.

Elfde Gebod's unconventional approach to its design and branding has garnered it a devoted following among both locals and tourists, who are drawn to its unique and unconventional charm.

The bar's interiors are designed to evoke a sense of irreverence and playfulness, challenging traditional notions of what a bar should be.

Elfde Gebod's popularity has led to the establishment of a loyal customer base, with many visitors returning to the bar to explore its ever-evolving and surprising decor and offerings.


Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems 7 Unconventional Attractions Beyond the Diamond District - Botanic Sanctuary Hotel and Gardens





The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a 5-star superior hotel housed within the historic walls of a former 13th-century monastery, located in the city's Botanical Garden.

This establishment aims to be the epicenter of luxury in Antwerp and is recognized for its exceptional service, wellness facilities, and the fact that it is the first hotel in Belgium to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World, featuring three MICHELIN-star restaurants.

Beyond its allure, the Botanic Sanctuary is considered a hidden gem in Antwerp, attracting visitors not only for its luxury but also for its serene atmosphere and connection to healing plants.

The hotel is housed within the historic walls of a former 13th-century monastery, adding a unique and atmospheric element to the guest experience.

The Botanic Sanctuary is recognized as the first hotel in Belgium to be part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group.

The hotel features three MICHELIN-starred restaurants, making it a culinary destination in its own right.

The Botanic Sanctuary's spa and wellness facilities include over 1,800 square meters of space, including an indoor heated pool and a variety of treatment rooms.

The hotel's botanical gardens span over 20 acres and are home to over 3,000 plant species, offering guests a serene and meditative environment.

The hotel's design seamlessly blends contemporary elements with the original 13th-century architecture, creating a harmonious and visually striking atmosphere.

The Botanic Sanctuary is the only hotel in Belgium to offer electric car charging stations for guests with eco-friendly vehicles.

The hotel's rooftop bar and terrace provide panoramic views of Antwerp's historic skyline, including the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady.

The hotel's in-house herbarium houses a collection of over 10,000 dried plant specimens, which are used to inspire the menus of the on-site restaurants.

The hotel's location within the Antwerp Botanical Garden allows guests to seamlessly explore the city's rich horticultural heritage during their stay.

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