About this experience
I invite you to explore Antwerp from the inside out, walk its streets and get acquainted with its history, traditions, cuisine, residents, and modern way of life.
Antwerp started its history as a city of merchants, completely indifferent to politics. Therefore, freedom is as natural to it as air. It welcomed the persecuted from all over the world, provided jobs to craftsmen, and opportunities for the enterprising. Flourishing in the 16th century, it survived economic decline, revived in painters, fought, burned, and rebuilt anew.
Program
Today Antwerp is a self-sufficient tranquil city with an amazingly free atmosphere. Slightly provincial, but it only adds to its charm. Orthodox Jews on bicycles, friendly Arabs born here, native Flemings, Italians, English. At the same time, you will never feel the danger typical of big cities in Antwerp.
In addition to the historical component, I am interested in the real life of people, so while showing you architectural monuments, I will try to weave the destinies of local residents. Daily details, forgotten names, the history of the RedStar Line company, which transported about two million emigrants from Europe to New York. The history of the city's Jewish community, the most orthodox in Europe. The Russian trace in Antwerp. 'Tasty', iconic for Flemings, gastronomic places, rare family shops. I will show and tell you all this during our walk.
P.S. In addition to my tour, which runs from the Railway Station to the Steen Castle, I strongly recommend visiting the Plantin-Moretus Museum independently, especially if you are with children. The excellently preserved building of an ancient printing house, the history of the printing business, ancient machines and a library will leave a deep impression on curious minds.
