Miscellaneous tips, info, walks, tours, Antwerp

According to the legend of Brabo the name of Antwerp comes from: hand (English: hand) and werpen (English: to throw).
Although the legend seems to be untrue, the “hand” is still the symbol of Antwerp.
Thus the hand also appears in the town flag.

As you're wandering round the back streets (perhaps looking for just one more bar to have a warming drink) do watch out for the beautifully carved statues, often of the Virgin Mary, which are placed at first floor level on many street corners.

Antwerp has got a lot to offer if you like
architecture and it is a city that lives.
Meaning you can find Gothic monuments as
well as modern architecture.

Therefor the tourist board has got a
architecture bike route - 37 km to enjoy
architecture.

Contact : bump in at the tourist office
at the 'grote markt' or on the 'Astrid plein'

The picture was taken on the zuiderdokken
near the zuiderpershuis , where the route
passes.

Through town there are several routes that the touristorganisation of Antwerpen has created. An example is the 'Architecture-route', that even leads you through the heavy petro-chemical industry-areas of Hoboken and shows you many styles in building, throughout the last few centruries.

Most tourists are only interested in the city centre. But if you would like to spend a day off the beaten path, I could suggest a tour that will take you to the suburbs of Deurne, Borgerhout and Berchem. This are not rich neighbourhoods (except Cogels-Osylei), and especially Borgerhout has a bad name, but you'll be perfectly safe here. Take tram 8 or 11 to their terminus at Eksterlaar. The Boekenbergpark is near. The main attraction here is an open air swimming pool. There's been talk of closing it down, but I hope this will never happen. Some very brave people also swim here in winter, they call themselves 'polar bears'. Brrrrr. A little further (just follow the tram tracks) is another park called Boelaerpark. This is very near my house, and I went to school here for 9 years. On nice days, I like to walk around here or sit on a bench and just watch people. After you've been here, take a tram or walk to Berchem station. Here begins a very famous street: the Cogels-Osylei, with houses built in art nouveau-style. You'll find many beautiful examples in this street and the surrounding area. Unfortunately they're not all in perfect state. Near this street (again just follow the tram tracks) is a nice neighbourhood-square called the Dageraadplaats. On this square is one of the best pubs in Antwerp: 't Zeezicht.