The Vlaamse Opera is the Flemish Opera financed by the Flemish Government and the city councils of Antwerp and Ghent. Directed by Aviel Cahn, this single opera company performs in both, Antwerp as well as Ghent. The Opera is carrying forward the trend of one opera company performing in two historical theatres of the Flemish region set in 1981 by Opera voor Vlaanderen.

The history of opera in Antwerp dates back to 1661 when performances were held at the Grote Markt. The influence of the French artists in the performance troupes led to the adoption of French as the official language for all performances. A theatre was first constructed in 1709 and even enjoyed royal patronage between the years 1815 – 1829. However, it never garnered the attention it deserved and was never big enough to entertain a large crowd. It was only in 1834 that a new theatre was built to this effect and is used to this date for theatre performances. After many discussions, work for renovation of the theatre was finally taken up in 2005 at a budget of 24 million euros. The seating in the main auditorium, office spaces for the theatre and a new heating system were put in place. Much of the renovation work still remains but the Vlaamse Opera’s contemporary performances are being conducted in the renovated building since 2007. The Opera never ceases to amaze its audience whether they are in Ghent or in Antwerp or whether they are performing a classic or something altogether anew.

Known for its lush and ornate architecture, spectacular interiors, its ambitious rivalry and not to forget the final resting place of much loved Flemish painter P.P.Rubens, the St. James’ Church is a must see in Antwerp. Probably one of the most visited churches in city, the Saint James’ Church or the St. Jacobskerk attracts tourists from all over the world. The site where the Church now stands was first home to a humble chapel that was en route the burial place of Apostle Jacob also known as James. A larger more prominent structure was later designed to take over the modest chapel. Built over a century, the construction on the structure commenced in the year of 1491 but was not completed until 1656. Financed by high class merchants and noble men, a tower measuring a height of 150m was designed for the Church. This was to compete with the already existent 123m tower that donned on the Cathedral of Our Lady. However, due to the fall in financial conditions, the ambitious tower could never be completed. Fortunately, the interiors of the Church still stand as proof to the lavish expenses made for the structure. Sumptuously filled with ornate Baroque decorations and design, the interiors of St. James are spell binding.

The University of Antwerp came into existence in the year 2003 after the merger of three major universities of the region which have existed since as early as 1852. Offering Bachelors, Masters and PhD opportunities across 7 faculties, the University is the place of learning for over 14,000 students. Known for its world class education system and high quality research facilities, the University has 4 campus locations in the city of Antwerp. The University shares a ranking between 80 and 125 in the list of Top 500 European universities. It also boasts of a long list of notable alumni in each of its faculties who have made significant contributions in their field.

Attracting students from all over Europe and most parts of the world, the University has a buzzing night life. Special discounts in the form of ‘Culture Vouchers’ are available to students to help them step out and experience the city. The University has good facilities for sports and has regularly organized university level championships for the European and global platforms. For its own students, the University provides sports insurance when using its facilities. Most campus locations are also destinations to buy a warm meal that is filling and yet not very expensive for the pocket.

The University adds to the cosmopolitan culture of Antwerp and makes it even more pleasant to visit.

De Boerentoren, meaning Farmer’s Tower, was the first sky scraper to be built in Europe. Inspired by sky scrapers in New York and Chicago, De Boerentoren was built on a site that was bombed during the First World War, as part of preparations for Antwerp World Exhibition of 1930. Completed in just three years between 1929 and 1932, the original building stood at 87.5 meters. Designed by Jan Van Hoenacker, this art-deco styled building was constructed to house offices and residences along with cafés and also had a Beer Hall. In 1954, the building height was raised to 112.5 meters with the addition of an antenna. It remained Belgium’s tallest building till 1967 when the city council discussed the possibility of destroying the structure. However, these plans were dropped and restoration of the building was taken up in 1970. The apartments and other amenities were removed and the building was reserved for office use only. In 1981, the building was declared a protected monument. Currently, it is home to the KBC, the largest bank of Flanders district, which also gives the tower its official name, the KBC Tower. Tourist legend has it that you can see the Atomium in Brussels from the roof of this building. We leave it for you to find out whether it’s a myth or fact, when you visit the KBC Tower in Antwerp.

Meir is a famous shopping destination for the city of Antwerp and along with the Rue Neuve in Brussels, one of the most important shopping areas in Belgium. The Meir shopping area encompasses the streets surrounding Our Lady’s Cathedral all the way to the Centraal Station. Once used to store wet wood for furniture, the area has come a long way to be recognized as one of the prime areas for shopping in the country. From being a small street on the outskirts of the city, Meir has become an integral part of the City Centre.

With the opening of the Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre in 2007, the Meir has become the most expensive shopping destination in the economic union of Benelux. The area is home to all major shopping brands and attracts over 200,000 visitors from neighboring states and even other European countries. Along with being a shopping capital, the Meir has also seen the richness of architecture and the lavishness of the rich. It is home to some exquisite buildings such as ‘Osterrieth House’ at number 85 and the Royal Residence of the Belgian Kings, both built in the old Rococo style by architect Van Baurscheit. Whether for a shopping experience of a lifetime or just visiting to catch a glimpse of the past, Meir is a place that all must visit.

Known for his Counter Reformation portraits, landscapes and paintings, Sir Peter Paul Rubens was a Baroque painter, book illustrator and a diplomat during the early 1600s. The Rubenshuis is a city of Antwerp-owned and curated building that Rubens designed himself and spent most of his lifetime in. Located on 9, Wapper Street, Rubens purchased this house in 1610 and added a gallery, porch and a large studio in Greco-Roman classic styles and a hint of Italian Renaissance to the structure. Within the walls of this house, Rubens and his students, such as Anthony Van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens, created most of their works. Rubens’ work is categorized by various stages of productivity of his own life. However, all of Rubens’ work that is displayed in the House today came back only after great efforts were put in by the people of Antwerp once it was decided to make the building into a monument in 1937. The Rubens House is home to paintings such as St. Claire of Assisi, The Annunciation and Adam and Eve made by the great painter himself in addition to the works of other contemporaries of his time. The House also displays various objects of art from the 17th century giving the visitor a peek at the lavish lifestyles of those times. The Renaissance Garden which was renovated in 1993 takes inspiration from Rubens’ paintings and must not be missed.

Whether you are a theatre buff or not, you are sure to get captivated and enthralled by this enchanting little theatre in Antwerp. Standing tall, boasting a neat Neo-Classic style of architecture, the Bourla Theatre is a must visit in Antwerp.

Although there are bigger names that beat Bourla in terms of magnitude and status, they all lack the charm, brilliant design and sheer grandeur that the Bourla Theatre proudly showcases. Atop this magnificent structure are the noted figures of theatre right from Shakespeare and Mozart to Aeschylus and Gluck.

Built in 1827, the Bourla Theatre was designed by Pierre Bruno Bourla, a French architect who served the city of Antwerp since 1819. At a time when Europe was going through a Golden Era in theatre and performing arts, the only theatre that Antwerp possessed was the Tapissiers House, once a market for tapestry. When the rest of Europe boasted grand world class theatres, the main theatre of Antwerp lacked style and modern amenities. It was during the Dutch occupation when the Pierre Bruno Bourla was commanded to come up with innovative and revolutionary designs for a new opera house and theatre. The result of his hard work is the Theater that stands to this day.

Apart from its rich history, the Bourla Theatre is well known for its magnificent design and opulent interiors. And if you want to really get a feel of this majestic building without sitting through a play, you can stop for brunch at a restaurant in the foyer of the building.

Right in the heart of the city, amidst the chaos of the urban life of Antwerp is a quiet and tranquil place. What started off as a small medicinal garden to benefit the students of medicine and science is today one of the most loved public gardens in Antwerp. Created over 200 years ago, the Botanic Gardens were strictly used by St. Elisabeth Hospital that still stands and functions today. A popular stop for locals, the Botanical Gardens till date is a relatively undiscovered haven of peace and serenity within Antwerp.

Boasting a wide variety of over 2000 species of plants the Botanical Gardens are a protected landscape. In fact, many of the plants grown within the Botanical Gardens are categorized as endangered species and are legally protected. Embellished with ornate lamp posts and sculptures, the Botanical Gardens have picture perfect scenery with a little pond to add to the beauty of its greenery. The Gardens also have within them a green house, which unfortunately is closed for visitors.

Dominating the Gardens is the statue of Peeter van Coudenberghe, a pharmacist and botanist who lived during the 16th century. An avid gardener, Peeter was known for his extensively grown herb garden. So passionate was he about his plants, he stored them in an underground repository during the harsh winters. For tranquility or for the love of botany, the Gardens must be visited if you are in Antwerp.