Antwerpen

Antwerpen is the second largest port in Europe, but fortunately the entire port infrastructure located on the outskirts of the city and tourists can see it only from afar. There is the old town, the promenade, the beautiful harbor and the zoo in the city. On the way from the train station first we get into the old town.

Signs


Two central squares are located nearby, which is typical for the Belgian cities. Cathedral of Our Lady is located between the squares. It is the largest and most important church in Belgium. Inside the cathedral you can see works by Rubens, famous artist born in Antwerp.


Luxury Town Hall is the main building on the Market Square. Built in 1561-65 years., in the period when Antwerpen was the commercial capital of Europe.


Brabo Fountain in front of the town hall.


A stone's throw from the Market Square is a promenade. Here stands the medieval castle Het Steen with a maritime museum inside. In front of the castle is curious monument to Long Vapper, giant, who, according to the legend, lives in Antwerp and frightening residents.




On the day of our visit, Antwerp held events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Across the river Scheldt paved the old pontoon bridge, which gathered a huge number of people.


Along the promenade, which is built over the old docks, we went in the direction of the marine, where located the newest attraction of Antwerp.


Museum "en de Strom" was opened in 2011. The rooftop observation deck has free entrance (Tuesday - Sunday, from 9:00 to 23:30). Inside the complex there was also an exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of the war.
















Went down, walked around the marine, the area is very nice. Watched the work of a  drawbridge.






Next we went to the Antwerp Zoo. On the way from the marine to the old town you can go to the Red Light street - Schippersstraat.

Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, was founded in 1843. In 2007 it received the title of the most beautiful and well-preserved city zoo in the world. During our visit, there was some "special" day and the tickets were more expensive. That's funny, because in Ukraine on the "special" days we have free entrance.

Pretty rare animal okapi. In the zoo they live in the Temple of the Moors, built in 1885.


Curious raccoon


Fish "from Ukraine" :)


Interview with giraffe, they live in an Egyptian temple, built in 1856.


Owl


Performance with sea lions


Lions






Getting to Antwerpen: the easiest way by train as train service is very well developed in Belgium. Travel time from Brussels 0:45, from Bruges 1:20, from Ghent 1:00.