Grote Markt

Super great place to visit, eat, stroll and soak-up. Search for the historic alleyway and make your way to the canal and visit the historic building and tourist info building.

Belgium has a common theme for having spectacular town centers and Grote Markt is a prime example of such. While it doesn't quite live up to its neighbor in Brussels, it is still something to see none the less. It is not the largest square, but it boasts plenty to in and around. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, and a cathedral all nearby, so again plenty to do. During the winter months, it is decked out with Christmas goodies including a full fledged festival, which is oodles of fun. Could you spend a whole day here, possibly, but quite honestly a few hours is all you need before you move onto your next adventure in the beautiful city of Antwerp.

When planning a day trip to Belgium from the Netherlands, I *thought* I really did a good amount of research on places to see and things to do. Turns out, I did a decent amount, but didn't realize almost everything in this town is closed on Mondays (except for major shops). It was a disappointment too that Grote Markt's center was under renovations, with only the statue on display (the rest was covered by a construction tarp thingy with a painting of what should be there). Thankfully, the city offers a ton of other eye candy in the form of gorgeous architecture for your photo-taking pleasure.

It's beautiful here. I see why it's considered the heart of the old city. The architecture and the buildings have so much detail and history. They have so many amazing photo opportunities too! There's plenty of restaurants and cafes too! This is a must see when you're visiting Antwerp!

Probably the most touristy spot in Antwerp, and for good reason. From this square, you can see city hall, De Kathedraal, and lots of other buildings with very Belgian facades. Have a seat, take some photos. But definitely come back at night because it's all lit up! Bring a tripod and a timer!

Like a lot of cities around Belgium, and even Europe, the Grote Square is basically the centre of commerce in Antwerp, which is actually pretty significant since Antwerp is, and has always been, a major trading port. In fact I believe it has Europe's second largest harbour (with Rotterdam having the largest), though I will have to double check that comment (and since I am in an airplane as I write this I don't have easy access to the internet). Anway, as can be expecting, this place is amazing, not just the gorgeous buildings that surround you, but also the town hall and all of the flags that dangle out the front. Oh, there is also a magnificent statue and fountain in the middle, and they also regularly have a market appearing in here during the day where you can find some pretty cool bargains.

I always get a little excited at seeing the Grote Markt every time we go to another city in Belgium. While nothing beats Grand Place in Brussels, Antwerp's square is quite something too. The Cathedral of Our Lady marks the centerpiece of this Grote Markt and easily something to use as a landmark to find your way back to. These squares are the best places to just people watch and grab a coffee or drink and sit back. Not so much in the winter, I believe, but in the more temperate months I'm sure it's a very nice spot. There are also horse drawn carriage rides and lots of cobblestone alleyways to explore. Antwerp's square is also marked distinctively by the Brabo Fountain which contains quite a bit of story and history itself in an already historical city. Aside from the general churches and history, there are plenty of shops and going on's so if you're touring the area definitely give it a look.

The Grote Market is the main square in Antwerp for visitors to enjoy a glimpse of Flemish culture and history. Ideal walking location for scenic and historical landmarks to visit. The Grote Market is one of the most popular attractions in Belgium. No matter how many times that I come to Antwerp, I always enjoy stopping through here. I would definitely add it on the checklist for tourist to come visit. You will come across so many interesting restaurants,cafes and shops in this busy center.

The Grote Markt (or town square) is essentially the first place you'll want to get to when visiting Antwerp. Upon seeing the grandeur and beauty of this town square, I was speechless and just taken aback. It is best to just sit on one of the benches and just take it in, preferrably also while indulging frites with mayo. Whether day or night, the grote markt does not disappoint. This is where you can also purchase your Antwerpen City Card which grants you entry into unlimited museums and buildings for 48 hours upon purchase.

Here is Antwerp's main square, where you can see the gorgeous Cathedral of our Lady and the City Hall. Check out the guild houses with golden statues of their patron saints. Really a pleasant scene, and have some frites with mayo! So good, especially on an icy cold day. There's cute cafes, too. See the fountain in the square. Great place!

If you come to Antwerp this is a must visit place. There are a lot of cafes and with nice weather you can sit outside and watch the people which is pretty nice as well plus you don't have to feel cluttered like some cities I visit where folks are on top,of each other. If you are in to street photography it's also great to shoot photos from different angles and the old buildings have a unique atmosphere. Some of the cafes have live music so that's also a plus point for me and my friends being a musician as well. Parking garages are very close by but the cheapest one is about a ten minute walk. On the whole a nice place to visit especially when it's the Beer feast ( Bolekesfeesten ) . Then there is live music and your choice of the different Belgium beers.