5 reasons to visit Antwerp in 2018
“One of Europe’s best-kept secrets”, “laden with historical riches”, “home to world-class art” and “the advice to visit Antwerp Baroque 2018 this year”. Those were the words of Lonely Planet which listed Antwerp as one of the Top 10 cities to visit in 2018.
1. Antwerp Baroque 2018
This year Antwerp is paying tribute to its most famous inhabitant, Peter Paul Rubens, with the “Antwerp Baroque 2018” cultural city festival. Seven museums are hosting Rubens-relating exhibitions and there are also several new city tours. The programme includes events with renowned artists such as Jan Fabre and Luc Tuymans, as well as street art, concerts and theatre.
Antwerp Baroque 2018 kicks off on June 1st.
2. DIVA, Antwerp home of diamonds
For over 500 years, Antwerp has been the capital of the world diamond trade. Given its position at the forefront of the diamond industry, the time was ripe for a new diamond museum. But DIVA has so much more in store for visitors. Here you can discover why diamonds are so special, in a dazzling combination of original objects, craftsmanship and history.
Opening weekend: 5 and 6 May 2018.
3. Opening Snijders & Rockox House
The Snijders&Rockox House will open to the public on 24 February. Rockox and Snijders both played a pivotal role in Antwerp during the Baroque, leaving their mark on the city’s cultural and social life.
The first exhibition to be organised in Snijders&Rockox House is Cokeryen in the framework of Antwerp Baroque 2018.
4. Experience world-class road caring in Antwerp
The Tour of Flanders is one of the most important annual cycling races in the world, along with Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France. Flanders’ most beautiful race will start in Antwerp for the second year running, giving the public a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best riders prepare for this event.
A new cycling plan will be launched on the occasion of this cycling festival, during the weekend of 31 March and 1 April, named the architecture route.
5. Antwerpen Proeft
If you like to chow down on some good food or enjoy a few drinks, then don’t miss Antwerpen Proeft! Michelin-starred chefs, some of the country’s best restaurants and food trucks will all develop a signature dish for Antwerpen Proeft. Free cooking demos and culinary workshops will only add to the experience.
From 10 until 13 May at Waagnatie in the Eilandje.
