Brussels and Antwerp are the two largest cities in Belgium. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and Antwerp has one of the largest ports in the world. Both cities have a rich Belgian history of chocolate, frites, and beer. If you are trying to decide whether you should visit Brussels or Antwerp, here is the ultimate guide to which city fits you best.
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Brussels or Antwerp Overview
Brussels
Founded in 580 AD, Brussels is the capital city and has the largest metropolitan area in Belgium. Brussels is known for having beautiful architecture that shows off the wealth of the city in the 1400-1600s. The Grand Place is the city’s main square and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe. Brussels has been known for centuries for making some of the world’s best chocolates. The city is also the headquarters to the European Union. Brussels has a large number of immigrants living there with nearly 70% of the population being people from countries other than Belgium. Over the years, French has taken over the Dutch language as the most popular language spoken here.
Antwerp
Antwerp is the largest city proper in Belgium with 525,000 residents. Antwerp has been known as a port city for centuries. Today, the Port of Antwerp is the second-largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The port brought in massive wealth to the merchants and people of Antwerp which is why the main square is so grand, much like Brussels. Antwerp is also known as the “Diamond Capital of the World”. Roughly 84% of all rough diamonds pass through its diamond district which brought over 16 billion dollars into the city’s GDP.
Places to See
Brussels
Grand Place is the central square in Brussels. It is one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe.
Manneken Pis is a fountain sculpture that was created in 1619. It is meant to symbolize the sense of humor of the people of Brussels.
The Atomium is a 102-meter tall landmark made for the 1958 World Expo.
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a major park in Brussels. It is also where the Arc du Cinquantenaire is located.
Brussels Town Hall was completed in 1420, it is the oldest building in Grand Place. It is known as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Antwerp
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antwerp Town Hall was completed in 1565 and is known for its Renaissance-style architecture.
Het Steen is a medieval fortress that is Antwerp’s oldest building.
Grote Markt is the central square in Antwerp. It is known for its beautiful buildings and the events that are held there.
Food
Brussels
Frites is one of the best street foods you can find in Brussels. Belgian people love their frites, you’d be crazy not to like them. Being the capital of a country known for waffles, you can find waffle shops throughout the city. Belgian chocolates are known throughout the world as being the premium. Brussels has over 500 different chocolatiers spread throughout the city which means there is a chocolatier for every 2,000 residents. Godiva chocolate was started in Brussels. Belgium fights back and forth with Germany for which country has the best beer. Belgium is home to 224 breweries and is home to the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev.
Antwerp
The traditional foods found in Antwerp are very similar to Brussels, in part because Antwerp and Brussels are only 40 minutes from each other. Frites are also very popular in Antwerp. Belgians just love their frites. Coffee in Antwerp is some of the best in Europe because of the Port of Antwerp. You can find a great cup of coffee anywhere you go in the city. Be sure to try some of the local breweries while you’re here.
Getting Around
Brussels
Most of the city can be explored on foot. The center of the city has many of the city’s attractions making the city easy to see. Of course, there are some landmarks, like the Atomium or the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, that will require you to use public transportation. You can buy a 24-hour public transportation pass for 7.50 Euros. You can also buy The Brussels Card which allows you to use public transportation as well as entry into the 39 museums in the city.
Antwerp
Antwerp is, for the most part, a very walkable city. Walking or biking along the Scheldt is a great idea. Biking in Antwerp is a great way to explore the city. You can use the city’s public bikes using mobile apps to unlock and put the bikes back in the pickup stations. There are over 100 public bike stations scattered throughout the city. Public transportation is 3 Euros per ride or 8 Euros for 24-hours. You can also get the Antwerp City Card which gives you use of public transportation along with access to 17 museums, the churches, and the De Koninck brewery.
Nightlife
Brussels
Brussels isn’t as crazy as some of the other European capital cities but a night out in Brussels is still an excellent time. There are many bars in the center of the city. There are typically bars that have deals such as 1 Euro pints. If you want to find somewhere to dance the night away there are a few nightclubs you should try. You Night Club and Fuse are two of the biggest and most popular clubs in the city.
Antwerp
Antwerp has a rather young population, partly because of the number of universities here. There is no shortage of bars and pubs in Antwerp. There are many bars with live music or casual bars to just chat with a few friends. There is also a great club scene here. IKON Antwerp and Café d’Anvers are two of the best club scenes in the city. Café d’Anvers is especially unique because it is in a 16th-century monastery, in the middle of Antwerp’s red-light district.
Day Trips
Brussels
Bruges is known for its many canals and bridges. It is referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
Antwerp is known for having one of the largest ports in the world.
Ghent is known for its medieval architecture and for being a hub for university students.
Antwerp
Rotterdam is a little more than 30 minutes away from Antwerp by train. Rotterdam is the largest has the largest port in Europe.
Ghent is a university city and is known for being a cultural hub.
Sint-Niklaas is home to the largest market square in Belgium. It is only 30 minutes from Antwerp.
Overall
Brussels and Antwerp are similar in terms of culture but quite different in regard to the experience you’ll have in either city. Because the two cities are only 40 minutes apart, it is often a difficult choice between the two. There are more landmarks to see in Brussels but Antwerp is not far behind in that aspect.
If you are into seeing the capital cities in each country then the choice is obviously Brussels but besides that, both cities are excellent to visit. Being that they are so close to each other, you should make an effort to see both cities, even for just a day.