Handelsbeurs

Tucked away at the end of this alley, the Handelsbeurs is exactly the kind of building that exudes history. When Antwerp's old exchange on Hofstraat became too small, the city set out to build an entirely new one. Opened in 1531, this first modern commodity exchange in Europe made such a stylistic impact that it became the blueprint for many others worldwide, including the London Stock Exchange. After being completely destroyed by fire twice, the building was fully rebuilt in a striking neo-Gothic style. Though it lost its exchange functions in 1997 and remained unused for 20 years, the Handelsbeurs now houses meeting rooms, a restaurant, and a luxury boutique hotel. Still, you’re welcome to step inside and admire the true grandeur of this remarkable place.