12 Non-Touristy Experiences In Antwerp

Belgium’s second biggest city has plenty of goodies when it comes to big tourist attractions. There are so many, in fact, that they can overshadow some of the wonderful things that make Antwerpenaars adore their city. These 12 experiences will take you off Antwerp’s beaten track to unusual spots for giraffe gazing, underground parties in old pitch factories, and other places with couleur locale by the bucketload.

1. Go giraffe spotting outside the zoo

Zoo

Instead of flowing straight from Antwerp’s beautiful railway station into its neighboring zoo along with tons of day trippers, head for the square at the crossing of the Ploegstraat, Ommeganckstraat, and Provinciestraat. Here the giraffes’ heads comically bob over a wall so often that the previously unnamed plaza was officially baptized “Giraffe Square” a couple of years ago.

2. Find a quiet place at St. Paul’s Church’s Calvary and garden

Church, Cathedral

Guidebooks often spend time on the splendid St. Paul’s Church, rightfully praising its Baroque interior and precious art collection—which includes Rubens and Van Dyck—but forgetting to mention some of its most intriguing features. Next to the monument is a tranquil Calvary display that boasts over 60 life-sized figures. Around the block and hidden from view by stone walls, a peaceful garden with Lourdes Grotto forms a sacred escape from hectic urban life.