antwerpen to visit

24 Best Things To Do in Antwerp (+Insider Tips & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 27, 2023

Visiting Belgium’s second-largest city and wondering what to see and do in Antwerp ? In this article, we share the very best places to see and top things to do in Antwerp, coupled with our insider tips and advice. Find out!

First, let me tell you that it’s a great choice to visit Antwerp! In my opinion, Antwerp is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium and well worth visiting !

We live nearby and I just love Antwerp, so I might be a bit biased. But to me, Antwerp is a perfect mix of history and modern trendy places; it’s a city that has an amazing vibe and keeps on reinventing itself. I’m certain that you’ll love it here as well and I hope that our tips will help you plan a more memorable visit to Antwerp!

In this article, we share the very best things to see and do in Antwerp . It’s an insider’s guide to the best places that you have to see if visiting the city for the first time.

In addition to the most famous landmarks, we also included the best new additions, things to do in Antwerp that you won’t find in the older tourist guides. At the bottom of this article, you can also find the map indicating the best things to do in Antwerp , as well as our suggested walking route. We also share some suggestions on where to stay .

I hope that this will not only inspire you to come to visit Antwerp, spend a bit more time here, and explore deeper but will also help you to get the most out of your trip. Find out!

TIP: If you are short on time and want to experience the best of Antwerp in a nutshell, I recommend joining a city tour with a local. Here are the best-rated 2-3 hour tours that I found:

• Historic Antwerp walking tour
• The highlights of Antwerp by bike
• Private walking tour

Best things to do in Antwerp – how to use this guide

If you only have limited time in Antwerp, you will probably want to see the most famous landmarks that the city is known for. Below are the main highlights, most popular things to do in Antwerp . I listed them in the same order as you would visit if you start walking or biking from the Central Station.

The tasty additions to the best places to see in Antwerp – Antwerp Chocolate Museum and Antwerp City Brewery – are listed in the end. These are not a must but will make your visit to the city even more memorable.

To help you better plan your time in the city, I also created a map with a sample city walk itinerary to help you get the best out of your time in Antwerp.

Even if you are visiting Antwerp for just one day, you can see most of the best places. However, please note that if you want to actually visit (and not just see the exterior) every place on this list, you will need at least two days.

TIP: Renting a bike or joining a guided bike tour is a great way to see the best of Antwerp, especially if you are short on time and want to cover a lot of ground.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Antwerp :

1. Central Station – Antwerpen Centraal

The central station of Antwerp is one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. The building’s exterior is very impressive, but to truly appreciate it, you have to see it from the inside.

The most impressive is the main hall (main entrance on the side of Koningin Astridplein) and also the big hall with a clock as seen from the ground level.

Central Station is one of the places you must see in Antwerp. Don’t miss it! If you arrive in Antwerp by train, you will start your city visit here anyway, so don’t rush outside when you arrive and take some time to look around the building.

2. Antwerp Zoo

Established in 1843, Antwerp Zoo is the oldest animal park in Belgium and one of the oldest in the world. This historic zoo is located in the center of Antwerp, right next to the Antwerpen Centraal railway station.

A visit to the zoo is the perfect way to escape the hustle and the bustle of the city, while at the same time being right in the heart of town.

Antwerp zoo can be visited the whole year as there are indoor as well as outdoor attractions. There are all kinds of activities and shows and you can easily spend a good couple of hours here. Don’t miss it if you are visiting Antwerp with kids !

Antwerp Zoo is considered one of the best things to do in Antwerp for locals and tourists alike. However, if you only have one day in Antwerp, I think that there are other places that are worth your time more. But if you have 2-3 hours to spare, it’s well worth a visit.

TIP: In winter, Antwerp Zoo hosts a beautiful light festival . It’s amazing, especially in the evenings. So if you visit Antwerp in the winter, I really recommend the light show at the zoo (best visit after it gets dark, of course). Check out this guide for more practical info and things to do in Belgium in winter .

3. Diamond District

Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since 1447 and it still is today.

Right next to Central Station is the famous diamond district of Antwerp , the place where rough and polished diamonds are traded. You can’t really visit the trading markets, but there are plenty of shops selling diamond jewelry… I bet you have never seen so many diamonds and jewelry in one place!

The majority of diamond stores are concentrated in a triangle of three streets to the west of the Central Station: De Keyserlei, Pelikaanstraat, and Vestingstraat. Most diamond shops are open every day except Saturday.

TIP: If you want to buy diamonds, make sure to bargain. Negotiating the price is normally not done in Belgium, but Antwerp’s diamond stores are an exception to the rule.

In fact, it might be worth it to make a trip to Antwerp if you are considering buying diamonds. On a bigger purchase, you can save so much that your whole trip to Belgium will easily pay back for itself.

4. City Park

Antwerp City Park is another great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

It’s a nice place to visit with kids or if you have some time to spare. But, to be completely honest, it’s not an absolute must among the things to do in Antwerp. So – as it often goes – it all depends on how much time you have in the city.

The park isn’t big and it’s quite centrally located, so it’s quite easy to check it out on your way between the station and the old town.

5. Meir Shopping Street

The Meir shopping area encompasses the streets surrounding the area from the Cathedral all the way to the Central Station.

Meir is a prime shopping destination in Belgium , but there is more to it than the shops. Thanks to its historic architecture and prestigious character, the Meir makes shopping feel special.

Not only do the buildings make it worth a visit, but the offerings are also first-rate. You’ll find all the major, international brands here. Don’t miss Antwerp’s Stadsfeestzaal , an exclusive shopping center in the beautifully restored city festival hall. It’s one of the hidden gems of Antwerp that most tourists don’t know about.

6. The Rubens House

Closed for renovation (likely until at least 2026)!

If tourists visit just one museum in Antwerp, they usually choose the Rubens House . World-famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens lived in this palazzo with his family. He created many of his paintings in this house, in the center of Antwerp.

The museum has an interesting collection of Rubens’ works but also shows how the master lived and worked. It doesn’t require much time and it’s really worth a visit.

On the other hand, there are other really interesting museums in the city, so if you are only visiting Antwerp for a day, you’ll have to choose. The Rubens House is certainly one of the top choices.

For practical information, please check the official website of the Rubens House .

TIP: You can also see lots of Rubens’ paintings inside the Antwerp Cathedral (see below). Also the beautifully-renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts also has some of his works. In fact, this museum is a wonderful alternative to the Rubens House while it remains closed. You can find more information about it further below.

7. Belgium’s Best Boutique Shopping

After leaving the Rubenshuis to continue in the direction of the Graanmarkt . It’s a nice little square and it’s usually amazingly quiet compared to the surrounding streets.

If you are interested in (window) shopping, then you will love the Schuttershofstraat and the Huidevettersstraat . Here, you can find some of the world’s most luxury boutique stores like Hermès, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton to name just a few.

Antwerp is also the fashion capital of Belgium and home to one of the best-known fashion designer schools in Europe. Some of the best Belgian designers also have their shops in Antwerp. If you are looking to buy some unique clothing, this is the place to be.

And if you are looking for some really good Belgian chocolate, you’ll also find some of the best brands in this area. Look for Neuhaus, PIERRE MARCOLINI, Godiva, or Leonidas, and pass on the chocolate that you find at the souvenir shops.

8. Plantin – Moretus Museum

If you like history and somewhat unusual museums, you will enjoy a visit to Plantin – Moretus Museum . This is my personal favorite museum in Antwerp and I highly recommend it to everyone.

It’s the only museum on the Unesco World Heritage list and is the only remaining printing workshop and publishing house in the world, dating back to the 16th century. You can admire the beautiful buildings, the richly decorated interior of this mansion, see an impressive library, and the printing house. You also learn so much about the art of book printing. This is such a fascinating place and it exceeded all my expectations.

If you have some time left in between other great things to do in Antwerp, check it out! Platin-Moretus Museum is also a great place to visit in Antwerp when it rains.

Practical information: Platin-Moretus Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can easily spend two hours here. More info here .

9. Groenplaats

Antwerp’s Green Square is the perfect place for those who want to laze around on a warm summer’s day under the sun and enjoy watching the city from the comfort of a cozy café.

If you are looking for McDonald’s or Starbucks, you can find them here, together with many local cafes and restaurants. A little tourist train departs from Groenplaats in summer and is fun for adults and children alike.

Antwerp has an old tradition of open markets and you can find the daily flower market on the Groenplaats. The Antwerp Christmas market is also (partially) located on this square.

10. Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady

Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady ( Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal ) is the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. It’s an iconic building, but also a treasury with an impressive collection of major artworks, including several paintings by Rubens.

You can join the guided tour of the Cathedral or explore it at your own pace. There is an 8 EUR fee to visit the Cathedral for adults (kids are free). If you’re coming for the mass, the entrance is free of course, but you won’t be able to see the best parts. There’s also a mass in English; it’s held on Saturdays at 5 PM.

At the moment, the exterior of the Cathedral is being renovated and you can’t see it in all its glory. However, you can still see all the masterpieces inside.

Good to know: The Cathedral is open daily, usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. Opening hours differ on the weekends. For more info, see their website .

11. Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp and is one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. The magnificent 16th-century City Hall (Stadhuis) dominates the square surrounded by the beautiful Guild Houses .

If there is one place you absolutely have to see in Antwerp, it’s the Grote Markt.

You cannot overlook the Brabo Fountain , right in the center of the square. According to the legend, Brabo killed a giant who demanded a high toll for each ship that wanted to enter the city. If the ship’s crew wouldn’t pay the toll, their hands were cut off. The little Brabo fought the giant, cut his hand, and threw it in the river. The fountain’s statue depicts this story that is used to explain the origins of the name of the city – Antwerpen – hand werpen meaning ‘to throw a hand’.

Grote Markt is only empty on cold winter mornings; the rest of the time – it’s always busy here. In summer, it’s buzzing with tourists and locals, and lots of events take place here as well.

Filled with cafes and restaurants, Grote Markt is the place that wakes up around noon. If you come here first thing in the morning, you can often have the whole place to yourself. But its lively atmosphere is part of the charm, so we prefer to visit here in the afternoon.

12. Het Elfde Gebod

The café Het Elfde Gebod (The 11th Commandment) can be found on the Northern side in the shadow of the Cathedral and is worth a short stop for a drink.

It might look strange to include a café in the ‘best things to do in Antwerp’ list, but it’s such a special place that you really should check it out when in Antwerp. The 11th Commandment has a spectacular interior filled with saints, angels, saints, pulpits, etc. and has kept its authenticity for over 40 years.

You will find many traditional Belgian beers here, including the local Antwerp De Koninck beer (‘t Bolleke), the famous Trappist beers, and more. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, of course.

13. Saint Carolus Borromeus Church & Hendrik Conscience Town Square

Saint Charles Borromeo Church (Carolus Borromeukerk) is one of the most beautiful churches of Antwerp. It’s slightly hidden and out of sight, located on a charming little town square, Hendrik Conscienceplein .

You have to walk through some narrow cobblestoned streets to see the magnificent facade of this 17th-century Jesuit church.

Antwerp is the most distinctive Baroque city of the Low Countries and Saint Carolus Borromeus church is one of the places you really should see in Antwerp. It’s impressive from the outside, but its rich interior is not to be missed either!

Right opposite the church, you can see Hendrik Conscience Library. This library is home to one of the nicest hidden gems of Antwerp – Nottebohmzaal.

14. Vleeshuis

Vleeshuis (literal translation ‘the meat house, also known as the Butcher’s House) is the oldest guildhall in Antwerp. The 500-year-old building is very impressive from the outside and is worth seeing if you are in the area.

Inside, you can find a museum featuring all kinds of musical instruments. This is a great place to learn about the centuries-old history of music and dance in Antwerp. There is also an exhibition where you can see how the church bells are made. It’s quite interesting!

Plus, it’s worth visiting inside to see the interior of this unique building.

For practical information and opening times, consult the official website of the museum .

15. Het Steen Castle & Antwerp Story

Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest building. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century and served as a city fortress. This impressive castle lies on the Scheldt river and is just a short walk from the Grote Markt.

In the past, Het Steen was home to the Maritime Museum, later – a child-friendly meeting space with all kinds of workshops for kids. Finally, the city has decided to make better use of this beautiful building and it now serves as a visitor center and a nice place to learn more about the history of Antwerp.

Het Steen is now home to one of the newest attractions in Antwerp – the Antwerp Story . I thought that it would be a bit comparable to the Historium in Bruges , but it’s actually a very different concept. You walk through 11 different rooms, each showcasing different facets of Antwerp in original ways.

Antwerp Story is much more focused on the city as it is today and lots of exhibits are videos of the locals telling stories about the city, etc. While it’s interesting to see, I really wonder if it will appeal to many international visitors… To tell the truth, we found it a bit random and disappointing, and much prefer the concept like the Historium in Bruges which showcases the past of the city.

In addition to the interactive museum, you can enjoy nice views from the panoramic roof terrace of Het Steen, and also the building itself is really impressive to see. There is also a nice store inside where you can buy all kinds of local specialties from the city.

All in all, we highly recommend visiting Het Steen – for the building, the views, and the shop – all of which can be visited for free. But I don’t think you’ll be missing that much if you skip the Antwerp Story, the only part that actually requires a ticket.

This is now one of the best places to visit in Antwerp, so be sure to check it out!

Good to know: Het Steen and the visitor center is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. For more information, see here .

16. Antwerp Ferris Wheel ‘The View’

The View Antwerpen, aka Giant Ferris Wheel, is a ‘traveling’ Antwerp attraction. Sometimes you can find it just outside the central station, next to the Zoo, and sometimes next to Het Steen, by the river.

For a few years, it seems to have settled on the Steenplein next to the river, where the views are really nice. However, as I am updating this article, it moved back to the station due to the works that take place next to the river… I indicated both locations on our map, but you can’t really miss it since you’ll likely pass both of these areas when sightseeing in Antwerp.

Either way, a ride on the Antwerp Giant Wheel gives you a different perspective of the city. We prefer it when it’s next to the river as you can see the river on one side, the historic old town right at your feet, and Antwerp harbor in the distance. But it’s also nice in the center – it’s just another perspective.

The ‘giant’ wheel isn’t actually that high, but because the buildings in Antwerp are quite low as well, you have good far views of the entire city.

While this is not an absolute must-do in Antwerp, it’s actually quite enjoyable. And since a ride only takes a few minutes of your time, I think it’s worth it. Because the cabins are closed, it’s something nice to do in Antwerp in any weather and any season.

Good to know: Antwerp Ferris Wheel is open daily, from 11 AM to 11 PM. At the moment of the latest update, a ticket costs 9 euros (5 euros for kids), and usually, you get 4 rounds.

17. Scheldt River and Antwerp Harbor

The harbor has always been of utmost importance to the city of Antwerp. So make sure to take a short walk next to the river Scheldt and get the feel of what this port-city is truly about. Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest seaport and ranks among the world’s top ten. You can usually see some large container ships in the distance.

The cruise ships visiting Antwerp are also docked at the new cruise terminal next to the Steen fortress, right in the center of the city.

If you have a couple of hours to spare, consider a boat tour in Antwerp harbor , or simply take the waterbus for a short ride to St Anna on the other side of the river – see below. But if you only have a day in the city, this is not a must.

TIP: There are now also great boat connections from Steen Castle to the other side of the river by waterbus . And so if you have more time, you could take a boat to St. Anna Beach on the Left Bank ( Linkeroever ). You can then take a nice walk along the river, and have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants there.

The waterbus runs frequently, the ride to St. Anna takes less than 10 minutes (just one stop), and you don’t have to reserve in advance. It’s something nice to do if you are visiting Antwerp in summer and have at least two days in the city.

18. St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church is impressive both from the outside as well as from the inside. The 18th-century Calvary with 60 life-sized statues is not to be missed. But also inside the church, there are hundreds of statues and lots of masterpieces by famous Flemish painters such as Rubens, Van Balen, and Van Dyck. Definitely worth a short visit!

We first discovered this hidden gem when exploring some off the beaten path places in Antwerp with kids. But I think it’s one of the unique landmarks that deserves a mention on this list of must-see places in Antwerp as well.

Note that the church is only open in the afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM, and only in the high season (summer and Christmas).

19. Het Eilandje District and MAS Museum

The modern red building of the MAS museum in the new trendy Het Eilandje district has quickly become one of the landmarks, a must-see place in Antwerp.

MAS has many interesting expositions, but the interior of this modern building is just as impressive. Make sure to also go all the way to the top of the building. The rooftop terrace of MAS has some of the best views of Antwerp.

Practical information: The entrance to the museum building and the rooftop terrace is free of charge; the rest of the museum requires a ticket. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. More info on their website .

20. The Port House

The Port House of Antwerp ( Havenhuis Antwerpen ) is yet another recent addition to Antwerp’s skyline. When it was first opened in 2016, it was called the New Port House. It’s now the head office of the Antwerp Port Authority and is simply called the Port House.

It is one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen and it’s fascinating to watch this ‘diamond ship’ change in a different light.

Visits inside are possible but require advance reservation and it’s not straightforward (at the moment of the latest update, only group reservations are possible – see here for more info). However, the building is the most impressive from the outside anyway, and therefore easy to visit at any time of day or even at night when it’s nicely lit.

TIP: Because the New Port House is located a bit further away from the city center, it’s easiest to visit with a bike tour or with a rental bike. Some harbor boat tours pass here as well.

21. Red Star Line Museum

Red Star Line Museum is a trip back in time with the stories of people who sailed from here to find a new life in North America. You can also climb to the top of the tower for nice views of ‘t Eilandje district and the harbor.

Together with the Plantin-Moretus Museum (mentioned higher above), this is one of my personal favorite museums in Antwerp, also a good place to visit with kids. A visit here is very touching and eye-opening. Believe me, you’ll never look at emigration with the same eyes after visiting the Red Star Line Museum.

This rather recent museum is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Antwerp! Count 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

Practical information: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. More info on their website .

22. Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The newest addition to the best places to see in Antwerp is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (or KMSKA – Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen ). I say ‘new’ because it has recently reopened its doors after eleven years of renovations.

This is now one of the best art museums in Antwerp and one that’s definitely worth considering if you have a few hours to spare in the city. It could also be a good alternative for the Rubens House while it remains closed for renovations.

Some of the best pieces not to miss at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts include Rubens’ “The Adoration of the Magi”, a collection of several paintings by James Ensor, Jean Fouquet’s “Madonna Surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim”, and Jan Van Eyck’s “Saint Barbara”.

But there are many more incredible masterpieces at this museum. And the way it’s been renovated and the artworks are presented, makes it one of the best art museums in Belgium. Recommended!

Good to know: The museum is open daily from 10 AM and has a late opening on Thursday evenings. You can reserve a time slot in advance, but normally, you can just get your tickets there. For more info, see their website . This is one of the few Antwerp attractions that is also open on Monday!

KMSKA is located a bit further away from other main sights and landmarks in Antwerp, so we didn’t indicate a walking route here. But it’s really just a small detour and absolutely worth it.

23. Chocolate Nation

Chocolate Nation is the largest Belgian Chocolate Museum in the world. Opened in 2018, this unique and interactive museum is one of the newest additions to Antwerp’s tourist attractions. It has quickly become one of the most popular places to see in Antwerp.

Interesting fact. The very first Belgian chocolate factory opened in Antwerp in 1831. This new chocolate museum brings history to life and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Antwerp for all types of visitors, no matter your group size or interests.

Everyone I know who visited Chocolate Nation really enjoyed it, so it’s not just ‘for tourists’. The delicious chocolates that you get to taste (or take home with you) make the visit even better, of course.

We recently took our kids here and the whole family had such a great time! The exhibitions are really well done, with lots of interaction where you can see, feel, smell, and taste chocolate while learning all about it in a fun way.

Good to know: Chocolate Nation is located very close to the Central Station and is open every day (see their website for more practical info). Check it out when in Antwerp!

24. Bolleke Beer & Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck

Belgian beers are world-famous and every city and region has its own special beers that they are proud of. The most famous beer in Antwerp is Bolleke from De Koninck Brewery.

If you like to taste a traditional local beer when visiting Antwerp, be sure to ask for ‘ Bolleke ’ at any café or restaurant. If you prefer light beer (which is actually stronger), you may want to try Tripel d’Anvers – also from the same brewery.

In addition – if you want to know more about these and other Antwerp- and Belgian beers, you can also visit the Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck . Here, you can learn all about the history of Belgian beers, taste Antwerp city beers, and see the entire brewing process.

Here you can find more information and reserve your visit . The interactive tours are self-guided, so you can visit when it suits you. Every tour includes beer tasting as well (two beers).

Good to know: Antwerp City Brewery is open daily except on Mondays. It’s located a bit further from all the other major tourist sights, but still within walking distance from the rest (about 30 minutes walk from the old town). We indicated the location on our map below, but didn’t include a walking route here since there are so many options, depending on where you’re coming from.

TIP: If you don’t want to walk, the easiest way to get here is by taking the metro/tram. You can take line #15 from Groenplaats in the Old Town or line #2 from Antwerpen Astrid Metro near the Central Station.

Best things to do in Antwerp – suggested city walk and map

Below, you can find our custom-made city map featuring the best things to do in Antwerp.

I indicated each location mentioned in this post, as well as the suggested walking route for the main sights and attractions.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to stay in Antwerp

If you want to explore the best that Antwerp has to offer, stay for 2-3 nights. This will give you more time to see the best of Antwerp, visit a few museums, do some shopping, experience some of the best food in Belgium, and maybe also find some hidden gems as well.

If you are looking for the best-located hotels for sightseeing in Antwerp , here are our recommendations.

For the very best location in the heart of Old Town , stay close to Groenplaats/ Antwerp Cathedral. Here are some of the best hotels in this area:

• €€€€€ Gulde Schoen The Suite Hotel – a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the old town.
• €€€€ Hilton on the Groenplaats – one of the best-known, historic hotels in Antwerp.
• €€€ Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt – one of the best price/quality/location 4* hotels in the old town.
• €€ HotelO Kathedral – a very nice 3* hotel.

If you don’t mind walking to the main attractions and rather stay close to where you arrive by train, you may like Radisson BLU Astrid Hotel or NH Collection Antwerp Centre . Both these hotels are located near the central station, the Zoo, and close to many shops and restaurants. Usually, these hotels are cheaper and offer better value than comparable hotels in the old town .

LEARN MORE: Best Areas to Stay in Antwerp

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Antwerp city center . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to the very best things to do in Antwerp . This is in no way a complete list of everything that Antwerp has to offer, but if you are visiting the city for the first time and looking for must-see places in Antwerp, then this list is a good place to start.

TIP: If you have more time and are looking for more things to do in Antwerp, take a look at our guide to some amazing lesser-known places in the city that most tourists never see (but that are well worth your time). Check it out via the link below!

READ ALSO: Amazing Hidden Gems of Antwerp

Enjoy your trip!

Antwerp FAQ

Antwerp in Belgium is best known as the diamond capital of the world and is the second-largest port in Europe. In the 16th century, Antwerp was one of the biggest and richest cities in the world, and many buildings and art in the city date from Antwerp’s Golden Age. Antwerp is also home to one of the best fashion design schools in Europe and is a great city for culture, shopping, and dining.

Antwerp is a city that truly has something to offer to everyone! With its glorious past reflected in the most beautiful historic buildings and world-famous art, but also modern architecture, interesting museums, and some of the best shopping and dining in Europe, Antwerp is more than worth a trip. It’s one of the most diverse cities in Belgium with a great vibe and fantastic atmosphere. In fact, if you visit just one city in Belgium, Antwerp would be our top recommendation.

If you only have a few hours in Antwerp, be sure to visit the Old Town with the Cathedral and the main town square Grote Markt. Also walk to the Scheldt River and Het Steen castle. If you visit just one museum in Antwerp, most people choose the Rubens House, but we also highly recommend the Plantin-Moretus Museum.

You can see the main landmarks of Antwerp in one day, so if one day is all you’ve got, Antwerp is still worth a trip. However, ideally, you plan at least 2 full days for Antwerp. This will give you more time to explore the city beyond the Old Town, visit a few of the best museums, check out some hidden gems, do some shopping, dine at many great restaurants in town and try local beers.

Antwerp is a year-round destination and you’ll enjoy a visit in any season. For the best weather and fewer crowds, visit in May – June or September – October. July and August tend to be busy, but that’s also when the city really comes to life with various outdoor events, concerts, etc. December is also a nice month to visit Antwerp for Christmas shopping, a great holiday atmosphere at the Christmas market.

In general, Antwerp is a very safe place to visit and we never even think twice before walking around the city center at night. If you stay in the main tourist areas around the Old Town, you’ll feel totally safe. That being said – just as in any other big city – use common sense, watch out for pickpockets in the busy areas, and not wander around areas that you don’t know on your own in the dark.

Antwerp is located in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium. In general, everyone in Flanders also speaks English, so you will have no difficulties communicating in English in Antwerp. Most museums and tourist attractions have signs and info in four languages: Dutch, French, German, and English. Most restaurants will also have an English menu.

More travel inspiration for visiting Antwerp:

• For families: Best of Antwerp with Kids (fun things to do – not just for kids!)
• By bike: Discover Antwerp by Bike
• Winter visit: Antwerp Christmas Market

Belgium travel guides:

• Belgium Itinerary – how to see the best of Belgium in 3-4 days
• Interesting to know: Belgium Facts
• Best Things to Do in Brussels
• Manneken-Pis Story
• Is Brussels Safe
• Where to Stay in Brussels
• Best Things to Do in Bruges
• Bruges Belfry Tower
• Bruges Christmas Market
• Dinant: Best Things to Do in Dinant
• Bastogne: Best Things to Do in Bastogne
• WWI sites: Ypres & WWI Battlefields
• WWII sites: Bastogne War Museum
• Winter: Best Christmas Markets in Belgium & What to Expect if Visiting Belgium in Winter
• Spring: Hallerbos Bluebell Forest
• Summer: Brussels Flower Carpet
• For families: Best Theme Parks in Belgium

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

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Wednesday 29th of November 2023

This info is great! Are the markets you mention on everyday and do you have info on how to get to Antwerp from Brussels by train? :)

Hi Sek, no, there are no daily markets in the center. The best one is on Saturday and Sunday on the Theater Square and there are a few more, also mostly on weekends. In the summer, there are more options. You can find an overview here. As for the train, it's very simple - you can take a direct train to Antwerp from Brussels (South, Central, North Stations, Airport, etc.) and there are at least a few trains every hour.

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

Thank you for this guide.. Found something to visit for me (chocolate museum) and my bf (beer museum) 😃. Gonna be a good 2 days in Antwerp!

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Have a great trip!

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

Thank you for your guide. We are visiting soon but on a Monday! I am a bit worried as it seems at lot of places are closed on Mondays! Can you recommend places to go?

@Jurga, massive help thank you! I have put the fine arts museum on the itinerary 😁

Hi Heloise, don't worry - many places in Antwerp will be open on Monday too and most landmarks you just see from the outside anyway. I see that the recently reopened and beautifully renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is also open on Mondays (see their website for more info). I haven't been myself yet, but everyone says it's beautiful. So maybe something for you? I just checked some tours and indeed, many of them don't run at the moment or don't run on Mondays. There's a private walking tour that's available daily. I also see that the Hard Rock Cafe is open daily if that's your thing. But you'll find some local restaurants open on Mondays too. Also, most shops should be open too. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Saturday 16th of July 2022

Thank you so much for the best guide I’ve seen online .. I have been researching places to visit with my family and this was the best(:

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

Glad to help, Manal. Have a great time in Antwerp!

Monday 3rd of January 2022

This is a wonderful guide to Antwerpen! Thank you so much, it’s the best guide I’ve ever seen on the Internet (and I’ve checked far and wide). I’m going to Antwerpen for 3 days for my birthday and I’m sure this guide will help me a lot. Thank you again!

Glad to hear that you found this useful, Arianna. With three days in Antwerp, be sure to visit a few museums (Plantin-Moretus is well worth it, and we also really like the Red Star Line, to mention just a few) and also take a look at our guide to some of the hidden gems in the city. It's a great city to explore deeper, and there are so many nice restaurants and shopping opportunities too. I'm sure you'll have a great time here. Happy travels!

Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Things to Do in Antwerp (Belgium)

15 Best Things to Do in Antwerp (Belgium)

The second city of Belgium and home to the biggest port in the country, Antwerp is an obvious choice for travellers in the country. The city seems to ooze power and cool and this may be due to its historic status as home of moguls and diamond dealers. Antwerp is known as the diamond capital of the world and the diamond industry plays an important role in the economy of the city and has done throughout its history.

During the 16th Century the city was one of the most important places, and one of the most important ports in all of Europe. The city suffered greatly in the Second World War but still retains many of its medieval charm and landmarks. Today, the city has a reputation for art and fashion.

Antwerp has everything a traveller should wish for in a European city; world class museums and art, beautiful architecture and great food and drink. Here is our list of 15 Best Things to do in Antwerp :

1. Admire Antwerp Central Station

Looking at a train station may not be one of the best things to do in many cities but in Antwerp, it is an absolute must. The Gothic architecture of the building’s impressive exterior will take your breath away and the main hall is equally splendid.

The station is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks and has been rated as one of the world’s top five most beautiful train stations.

The station is much more than just a pretty face however and has been fully adapted to operate in the 21st Century with its multilevel platforms.

2. Learn about printing at the Museum Plantin-Moretus

This former printing press was once one of the finest in the world. The site has been home to museum since 1876 and is now a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

It may be unusual for a museum to be inducted into World Heritage Site status but once you visit this fascinating place you will see why.

The building itself dates back to medieval times and, along with the courtyard, is alone worthy of a visit. Combine this with a museum exploring the world’s oldest printing press, a 17th Century library and a collection of valuable artwork and you will soon see why the Museum Plantin-Moretus is so highly regarded.

3. Pop into Rubens House

Rubenshuis is the former home of the painter Pieter Paul Rubens. The home was built by Rubens himself as both a place to live and also as a studio for him to work in.

The building was in a bad way prior to restorative work that began in 1937 but with some careful work, the building has now returned to its former glory.

As well as furniture from the period that the painter lived here, the house also shows off many pieces of his artwork.

4. Visit the Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum exhibits the stories of many migrants who left Belgium, mainly for America, via the Red Star Line ships. Most of the passengers embarked from the very building in which the museum is housed.

The exhibits are very engaging and use actual photographs and other personal items to vividly tell the story of the crossing from Belgium to the States.

The observation tower, which was formerly the buildings chimney, has great views of the surrounding area.

5. Explore the historic Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843 and makes a great day out when you are tired of looking at museums and architecture.

The zoo may be one of the oldest in the world but the facilities are modern and world class with state of the art enclosures and breeding programmes.

Popular attractions at the zoo include a loved up koala couple who live together in a thatched cottage as well as a new reef environment in the zoo’s aquarium.

6. Eat “French” Fries

I don’t want to spark an international conflict with this point but Belgians will argue that they actually invented so-called French Fries.

Regardless of who invented them, Antwerp is a great place to experience the Belgian take on fries.

Forget fast-food, in Belgium they slow the pace and serve fries in frites cafes which specialize in serving the tastiest fries around.

7. Shop in style

Shopping centres don’t come much more stylish than the Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre in the centre of Antwerp.

The building was once almost destroyed but due to its status as a listed building it was promptly restored to exactly how it should be. The architecture, marble staircase and mosaic floor will keep even the most reluctant shoppers entertained and if not, there is always the champagne bar to enjoy.

8. Worship the Cathedral of Our Lady

The tallest cathedral in the Low Countries is one that can be appreciated both from outside and inside.

It took 169 years to build before being completed in the year 1521. The spire is visible from many areas of the city and rarely fails to take one’s breath away.

The interior is a striking blend of Baroque decor and Ruben’s artwork. An entry fee to the cathedral applies and guided tours are available.

9. Drink Beer

The Belgians are rightfully proud of their beer and it would be rude to visit Antwerp and not sample a few cold beers.

Visiting the Antwerp Brewery is a good place to learn about Belgian beer as well as sampling a glass of De Koninck beer at the very site it was made.

If this fails to quench your thirst, why not visit Paters Vaetje, located by the cathedral, which serves over 100 beers. You are certain to find at least one that you like.

10. Explore Het Steen

Het Steen is the name of a small but pretty castle just on the side of the river in Antwerp. The castle dates back to the early 13th Century and makes for some great photographs.

Also worth photographing is the odd statue outside the castle of Lange Wapper, a large peeping tom character who is exposing his codpiece to passers by.

There is nothing to be seen inside the castle itself but the nearby maritime museum, with its collection of historic barges, is worth a look while in the area.

11. Visit the unique MAS Museum

If you have had your fill of historic sights within Antwerp (and there are a lot worth seeing) then you should visit the modern MAS museum.

MAS is a museum that does explore the history of Antwerp and its role as an important port city but also features temporary cutting edge exhibits that are regularly changing. Temporary exhibits on display at the time of writing include one exploring different forms of body art.

Whilst visiting the museum it is well worth taking the elevators to the open top roof for breathtaking views of the city. There is no charge for this.

12. Tour the city by bike

Like many great European cities, Antwerp is great to explore on two wheels. Hiring a bike yourself and planning a route is a possibility but the safer option is to take a bike tour with a guide.

Most tours last for a few hours and will take in all of the cities major sights including the cathedral, MAS and central station.

Even if you have already walked around all of the main sights, seeing them again on two wheels is a great experience.

13. Visit the home of Rockoxhuis

Nicolaas Rockox was something of a celebrity in 17th Century Antwerp. He was a lawyer and politician and his house remains beautiful to this day.

The house, complimented by a lovely courtyard and garden, features commissions from Rockoxhuis’ private collection that have not been sold to bigger galleries. Works by Rubens and Van Dyck are still housed here.

The Golden Cabinet art exhibition is also housed here and is both fascinating and varied.

• 14.  Relax in the town square

Antwerp’s Grote Markt or town square dates back to the 16th Century and is a beautiful example of architecture from this period.

The town hall is the centerpiece and is built in Renaissance and Gothic styles. The statue at the centre of the square is of Brabo, a legendary giant slayer, and dates back to 1887.

The nearby street of Hofstraat is where the old stock exchange was located until the 16th Century.

15. Shop for Diamonds

Antwerp is known for its so-called diamond district which is located west of the Central Train Station. Around 85% of the world’s uncut diamonds find their way here and result in the employment of more than 30,000 people.

The diamond museum here is the largest of its kind in the world and will tell you everything you need to know about diamonds and the industry here.

The diamond industry is largely run by orthodox Jews although more and more wealthy Americans and Indians are becoming influential.

15 Best Things to Do in Antwerp (Belgium):

• Admire Antwerp Central Station
• Learn about printing at the Museum Plantin-Moretus
• Pop into Rubens House
• Visit the Red Star Line Museum
• Explore the historic Antwerp Zoo
• Eat "French" Fries
• Shop in style
• Worship the Cathedral of Our Lady
• Explore Het Steen
• Visit the unique MAS Museum
• Tour the city by bike
• Visit the home of Rockoxhuis
• Shop for Diamonds

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Antwerp

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The cultural capital of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern area of Belgium, Antwerp is both a bustling industrial port city and an outstanding historic center for Belgian craftwork and artistry.

The city was once home to such famous artists as Rubens, van Dyck, and Jordaens, while centuries of prosperity through trade and commerce have bequeathed an inheritance of architectural beauty, which includes the magnificent cathedral, the town hall, and many other outstanding historical buildings in the old town center.

For art lovers and culture vultures, Antwerp's excellent museums are the main tourist attractions and are a vital stop on any Belgian itinerary.

In particular, the city's paintings – an incomparable collection of 15th- to 17th-century masterpieces from a time when the work of artists of the South Netherlands school attained extraordinary heights – is a highlight of any visit.

Discover the city and the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Antwerp.

See also: Where to Stay in Antwerp

1. Grand Place (Grote Markt)

2. cathedral of our lady, 3. rubens' house (rubenshuis), 4. tour the museum aan de stroom (mas), 5. take the kids to antwerp zoo, 6. learn about chocolate at chocolate nation, 7. plantin-moretus museum, 8. see the collection inside museum mayer van den bergh, 9. royal museum of fine arts (koninklijk museum voor schone kunsten), 10. learn about migration history at the red star line museum, 11. st. paul's church (sint-pauluskerk), 12. the butcher's hall (vleeshuis), 13. check out antwerp-centraal railway station, 14. bike the havenroute (port tour), 15. st. james' church (sint-jacobskerk), 16. diva (the diamond museum), where to stay in antwerp for sightseeing, antwerp, belgium - climate chart.

Antwerp's Grand Place (Grote Markt) with its town hall and numerous guild houses is the heart of the old town. In the middle stands the ornate Brabo Fountain Brabo erected in 1887 by Jef Lambeaux and depicting the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo tossing the severed hand of the giant Antigonus into the Scheldt.

The Town Hall (or Stadhuis) dominates the plaza's western side and was built by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt between 1561 and 1565. Inside, the rooms are hung with 19th-century paintings by H. Leys illustrating the history of Antwerp.

Apart from the Stadhuis, most of the buildings bordering the Grote Markt are former guild houses (gildehuizen), which originally served as headquarters of the city's 16th- and 17th-century guilds.

Among the most interesting guild houses on the north side are the Gildehuis der Kuipers (Coopers' House No. 5), the Huis van de Schutters (Archer's House No. 7), and the Huis van de Kruideniers (Grocers' House No. 11).

Immediately behind the town hall, in the Gildekamersstraat, a former guild house has been turned into a Folk Museum devoted to the many traditional arts and crafts found in the Antwerp area, while nearby is the Ethnography Museum which highlights non-European cultures.

Address: Grand Place, Central Antwerp

The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwkathedraal), is Belgium's largest Gothic church.

Work was started on the cathedral in 1352, continuing until 1521. Jacob van Thienen, Pieter Appelmans, Jan Tac, Everaert Spoorwater, Hermann and Dominic de Waghemakere, and Rombout Keldermans were among the architects and master-builders who contributed to its construction.

The church has suffered serious damage on a number of occasions over the years, depriving it of many of its most precious works of art. First came a fire in 1533, then despoliation at the hands of dissident iconoclasts in 1566, Calvinists in 1581, and French Republican troops in 1794 and 1800. Sadly, only a few of the lost treasures have since been recovered.

Restoration of the exterior was begun in the 19th century, and all the carved stonework on the outside of the building is therefore recent. Work on the interior began in 1965, starting with the nave where repairs were completed in 1983.

The finest of the remaining works of art are displayed in the nave and aisles as well as in the cathedral treasury.

Address: Groenplaats 21 / Handschoenmarkt, Central Antwerp

Official site: www.dekathedraal.be

Peter Paul Rubens acquired No. 9 in 1610 – a year after his marriage to Isabella Brant – living there until his death in 1640. He arranged the house to his own taste and requirements, making his home to the left of the entrance and turning the right wing into his studio.

Following the French Revolution it was used as a prison, thereafter falling more and more into disrepair. Rubens' House (Rubenshuis) finally came into the possession of the City of Antwerp in 1937 and, between 1939 and 1946, was meticulously restored with the aid of old documents and drawings.

The 10 rooms are furnished in the style of the period and contain a large collection of paintings by both Rubens and his contemporaries. Among the pieces not to miss are Self-portrait , Adam and Eve , and The Annunciation , all by Rubens; Self-portrait by Anthony van Dyke; and Peasant Drinking by Adriaen Brouwer. The large studio contains several works by Rubens and others by his pupils.

Outside, the formal gardens of the house have been restored carefully to try and closely replicate the garden as it was when Rubens was resident at the house. It's a great spot for a stroll after touring the house.

Address: Wapper 9-11, Antwerp

Official site: https://rubenshuis.be/en

Antwerp's municipal museum is housed in a fine example of modern architecture that features a geometric configuration of variegated stone and wave-shaped glass panels. This 10-story building resembles a child's block puzzle, and sits overlooking the harbor on the former site of the Hanseatic warehouse.

The museum's exhibits include a true variety of topics. Local subjects include a gastronomic history of the city on the 5th floor and a look at Antwerp's former role as the largest trade and shipping port in the world.

The rooftop, which is open on top but enclosed with glass walls, affords tourists a full 360-degree view of the city and the port; here is where you will find the Saluting Admiral Couple sculpture created by local artist Guillaume Bijl.

Additional exhibits focus on international topics, including explorations of mankind's approach to death and spirituality throughout various cultures, as well as the ways that cultures around the world celebrate rites of passage.

The 8th floor is dedicated to one of Europe's largest collections of pre-Columbian American art, focusing on the relationship between the native cultures and their gods.

As well as the permanent collection, MAS regularly hosts a program of temporary exhibitions focused on a wide range of subjects.

The museum also has a unique storage area on the second floor, which allows visitors to view the racks filled with over 180,000 items that have yet to be placed into exhibit space. In total, the museum is home to over 500,000 pieces in its collection.

Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1

Official site: https://mas.be/en

Right in the center of the city, Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843. It is widely regarded as one of the finest zoos in Europe on account of its variety of species; its success in breeding; the care bestowed on the animals, which are kept in the most natural environment possible; and, last but by no means least, its architecture.

While the Art Déco facades of the entrance area are the first features to catch the eye, inside the zoo are several buildings of note, among them the giraffe and elephant house (1855) in the style of an Egyptian temple.

More than 6,000 animals of 950 species live in the zoo, including rare breeds such as the white rhino, okapi, and mountain gorilla.

If you are visiting Antwerp with kids, at trip to the zoo is one of the top things to do.

Address: Kon. Astridplein 26, Central Antwerp

Official site: www.zooantwerpen.be

This museum is a treat for visitors with a sweet tooth. Located just across from Antwerp's Central Railway Station, Chocolate Nation is the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world .

Visitors are introduced to every step of the process via a multimedia presentation and interactive exhibits, from the cocoa bean's equatorial origins to the final product - which, of course, you can enjoy to your heart's content via samples and the museum shop.

The museum also explores the special place chocolate has within Belgian culture and tradition, as well as the history of the confection's innovations here and in other countries.

Exhibits look at the many ways that chocolate is used and presented, and visitors can even sign up for a chocolate workshop with take-home goodies.

Address: Koningin Astridplein 7, 2018, Antwerp

Official site: https://www.chocolatenation.be/en/

In 1576, Christophe Plantin the printer who hailed originally from France, moved into a house he christened "De gulden Passer" – the Golden Compasses – south of the Grote Markt Grote . The house, lived in by Plantin and his Moretus family heirs is now a supreme example of Flemish Renaissance architecture.

Today, the building is the Plantin-Moretus Museum incorporating the history of printing as well as showcasing the atmosphere of an Old Flemish patrician house.

The original furnishings, wide-ranging exhibits, and above all, the still tangible atmosphere arising from the proximity of home and workplace make this museum one of Antwerp's most fascinating tourist attractions.

If you're short on time, make a beeline for Room 7, devoted to the history of books and the processes involved in their production, from the earliest forms of writing and development of the alphabet – exhibits include important archaeological finds and manuscripts – to Johannes Gutenberg and the invention of letterpress printing using movable type.

And afterwards, don't miss Room 24 which is a celebration of the art of printing in Europe as a whole, the jewel in the crown being a 36-line Gutenberg Bible on display here.

Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22, Central Antwerp

Official site: www.museumplantinmoretus.be/

In the course of only a short period during the 1890s, a connoisseur of the fine arts, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, assembled a remarkable collection of more than 3,000 items. These are now displayed on four floors of a Neo-Gothic house at Lange Gasthuisstraat 19 known as the Museum Mayer van den Bergh.

The collection includes some superlative works of art, among them paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, ( Dulle Griet and the earliest of the artist's signed works The Twelve Proverbs , both in Room 26), Rubens, Jordaens, Bouts, van der Weyden, van Ostade, Lucas Cranach, and Quentin Massys.

Also of great interest are the Flemish and French religious statues, the outstanding collection of ivories, and a unique 16th-century Flemish breviary, and in Room 14, a polychrome group Christ with St. John (1300) by Henry of Constance and a Netherlands diptych (ca. 1400).

The second floor features a collection of porcelain, while 17th-century furniture and paintings occupy the third.

Address: Lange Gasthuisstraat 19, Antwerp

The nucleus of the collection inside the Royal Museum of Fine Art (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten) belonged originally to the Lucas Guild of Painters and Sculptors, founded in 1442.

Following the winding up of the guild in 1773, the works of art accumulated over the years passed into the possession of the Academy of Fine Arts.

In the mid-19th century, however, the collection was swollen by a substantial number of new acquisitions, particularly gifts, mainly of 15th- and 16th-century paintings, from Florent van Ertborn, a former burgomaster of Antwerp.

The academy found itself with insufficient space to accommodate the enlarged collection and the decision was taken to build a new museum.

The collection is housed on two floors. The ground floor is largely devoted to 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculpture, some 1,500 items in all, providing, among other things, an excellent overview of the development of the plastic arts in Belgium since 1830.

The exhibition of Old Masters on the first floor comprises more than 1,000 works, mostly from the Flemish and Dutch schools.

Address: Plaatsnijdersstraat 2, Antwerp

Official site: www.kmska.be/en/

One of the newer tourist attractions in Antwerp, the Red Star Line Museum was opened in 2013 after over two decades of planning.

The Red Star company's steamers transported emigrants from Belgium and surrounding European countries between 1883 and 1934, bringing them across the ocean to Canada or the United States to escape persecution, poverty, and oppression.

The museum is dedicated to exploring not only the journey and process itself, but the reasons that people chose to leave their home in hopes of a better life.

Among the exhibits are the areas where passengers were selected for passage, some of whom were never given the chance to get aboard a ship. Areas of interest also include personal stories of those who did emigrate, and those who were left behind, and accounts of the passage across the Atlantic.

Address: Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerp

Official site: www.redstarline.be/en

In the central city, the Veemarkt (the plaza that once functioned as a former cattle market) is home to the late Gothic St. Paul's Church (Sint-Pauluskerk), begun in 1517 and not completed until 1639. The Baroque clock tower dates from 1680.

A fire in 1968 badly damaged the church and only the spirited efforts of local people prevented the loss of valuable interior furnishings.

The church is home to paintings by Rubens, Jordaens, and Van Dyck. These include the superb Baroque confessionals by Pieter Verbruggen the Elder and three paintings by Rubens: The Scourging of Christ (1617) in the left aisle and the Adoration of the Shepherds and Disputation on the Blessed Sacrament in the left transept.

Address: Sint Paulusstraat 20/22, Central Antwerp

The elegant rooms of the late Gothic Butcher's Hall (Vleeshuis) include the former council chamber of the butchers' guild. The impressive brick building, built in 1501-04, was deliberately sited close to the Scheldt, allowing the blood of slaughtered animals to run off into the river.

The Vleeshuis is now a museum of applied art and archaeology with collections of prehistoric, Egyptian, Roman, and Merovingian artefacts; weapons and armor; ceramics; furniture; sculpture and woodwork; and coins.

Among its most prized possessions are a 16th-century depiction of the conversion of Saul created from Antwerp tiles known as the Averbode Retable by Pieter Coecke van Aelst.

The Vleeshuis is also home to an outstanding collection of musical instruments including the remarkable harpsichord from the workshop of Ruckers the instrument-makers.

Address: Vleeshouwerstraat 38-40, Central Antwerp

Antwerp's railway station (called both Antwerp-Centraal or Antwerpen-Central) is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe and is considered to be one of the most impressive train stations in the world .

Its nickname of the Railroad Cathedral is a testament to its grandeur, and even those who are not traveling by rail will appreciate a quick peek at its interior.

Built between 1895 and 1905, it is historically significant as the first station of Belgium's public railway, which was itself, the first of its kind in Europe. Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie cherry-picked from several different architectural forms in his design, resulting in a bold, dramatic building that has a timeless style all of its own.

The entrance hall, with its high brick arches and dome, is the grandest section of the station's interior and a regal introduction to Antwerp if you arrive by train.

The station is an easy two-kilometer walk east from Antwerp's Grand Place in the old town, and just over one kilometer northeast from Ruben's House.

Address: Koningin Astridplein 27

The Havenroute is a sightseeing tour of the port area, marked out by the Antwerp Tourist Office. The central city sections can be easily explored on foot, but if you want to follow more of the route, hire a bike.

The Port of Antwerp is second only to Rotterdam among the major seaports of Europe, fully justifying its claim to be one of the largest in the world.

The harbor installations alone cover an area of more than 10,000 hectares, with a further 3,400 hectares of land in industrial use.

Start the Havenroute tour of the docks area from the Loodsgebouw (Pilot House) on the embankment north of the Steen, from where the route heads northwards, passing almost immediately the two oldest docks, the Bonapartedok and Willemsdok, at the far end, where you can see the massive Koninklijk Stapelhuis.

If you have a car or a bicycle, the Havenroute heads out of the city, past the 17th-century Eenhoorn windmill to Lillo (16 kilometers northwest of Antwerp), one of the few polder villages to have survived engulfment by the port.

At Lillo, there is a choice between driving on to inspect the huge Berendrechtsluis, the world's largest lock, or shortening the tour by turning round and following the Havenroute south again towards Antwerp, via the Frans Tijsmanstunnel beneath the Kanaaldok.

Address: Port house, 1 Entrepotkaai, Antwerp

With its sumptuously ornate Baroque interior, St. James' Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) is one of the richest ecclesiastical buildings in Antwerp, blessed with an exceptional endowment of art treasures.

It was the church at which the city's patrician families worshipped, and they regularly commissioned leading artists to design their private chapels, altars, and tombs.

The Rubens Chapel provides the chief focus of interest for visitors. Located behind the high altar, it contains the tomb of the artist (1640) and those of other members of his family.

Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 73, Antwerp

DIVA (Antwerp's museum of diamonds, silver, and jewelry) explores all the different aspects of the trade in diamonds, including sections on their extraction, processing, and industrial use.

It also focuses on Antwerp's long heritage of silversmithing craftwork and jewelry making and how that heritage led to the city's central role in the global diamond trade.

As well as displays of cut and uncut diamonds (genuine) together with copies of the more famous stones, the museum exhibits include a vast showcase of Belgian silverwork, from intricately embossed tableware to delicate jewelry.

The museum is temporarily closed for renovation until December 2022, but a pop-up DIVA museum, displaying a range of the museum's diamond and silver collection, is open in Antwerp's Grand Place (Grote Markt) for this period.

Address: Suikerrui 17/19

Official site: https://www.divaantwerp.be/en/

If you're visiting Antwerp for the first time, the best area to stay is in the old town, near the Grote Markt or the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady. More affordable hotels tend to cluster around Antwerp Central Station in the Diamond District, about a 20-minute walk away from the old town. This area is especially convenient if you're arriving or departing by train. Below are some highly rated hotels in these central locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• On a quiet street, a few minutes' walk from the old town, the boutique Hotel De Witte Lelie Antwerp occupies a 17th-century building but the flamboyant design within is bold and contemporary.
• Also in a lovely building, with an original 1864 facade, the pet-friendly Hilton Antwerp Old Town , on the historic town square, has elegant guest rooms with marble bathrooms and is right next to the cathedral.
• Not far from here, the hip Hotel Julien is a boutique property with high style and friendly service.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Sleek and contemporary, the Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen sits steps away from Antwerp Central Station in the Diamond District.
• Also near Central Station, Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel , Antwerp, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness center, is a good option for families, who can walk to the adjacent zoo in less than three minutes.
• If you prefer boutique hotels, the contemporary Leopold Hotel Antwerp , overlooking the city park, is a five-minute walk from the Diamond District and Antwerp Central Station.

Budget Hotels:

• At the top end of the budget hotels, the charming Hotel Diamonds And Pearls is only two minutes on foot from the cathedral.
• Right next to its namesake train station Ibis Budget Antwerpen Central Station is good value with clean, modern rooms.
• In a fabulous location, meters from the cathedral, the family-run Postiljon offers clean, comfortable rooms in an evocative Flemish building, a short walk from the old town attractions.

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Ghent's Flemish Flair : Home to some of Belgium's most impressive architecture, Ghent can be explored easily on foot or by canal. Less tourist-filled than many other historic Flemish cities, this is a good place to go to get a feel for authentic culture.

Bustling Brussels : Like Antwerp, Belgium's capital city of Brussels is home to several fine museums among its many tourist attractions. Tourists visiting Brussels will find a modern and busy city filled with excellent restaurants and cafés.

Lovely Leuven : Home to one of Europe's most prominent universities, Leuven (Louvain, in French) sits east of Brussels on the banks of the Dijle. Despite damage done during the World Wars, Leuven still has many of its original historic buildings, including fine examples of Gothic architecture.

Day Trips from Antwerp : In addition to the larger cities nearby, those looking for good day trip options from Antwerp have plenty of options to choose from, including the beautiful towns of Mechelen, Lier, and Turnhout.

More on Belgium

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Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers in Dutch/French) is Belgium’s second city, biggest port and capital of cool. It has long been a powerful magnet for everyone from fashion moguls and club queens to art lovers and diamond dealers. In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens – as many a museum will regularly remind you. Despite many historical travails thereafter, and severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive cathedral. Today, however, Antwerp’s top drawcards are its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its startling architectural and cultural contrasts.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museum Plantin-Moretus

The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone would be worth a visit, but it's the world's oldest printing press, priceless manuscripts and…

This delightfully indulgent 1611 mansion was built as a home and studio for celebrated painter Pieter Paul Rubens. It was rescued from ruins in 1937 and…

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal

Belgium’s finest Gothic cathedral was 169 years in the making (1352–1521). Wherever you wander in Antwerp, its gracious, 123m-high spire has a habit of…

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Styled as a 16th-century town house, this superb place was actually constructed in 1904 as one of the first museums in the world built around a single…

Snijder-Rockoxhuis

Combining the impressive 17th-century houses of artist Frans Snijders and of Antwerp lawyer, mayor and Rubens-patron Nicolaas Rockox, this recently…

Grote Markt

As is the case with every great Flemish city, Antwerp’s medieval heart is a classic Grote Markt (market square). Here the triangular, pedestrianised space…

In a monumental neoclassical building topped with winged charioteer statues, KMSKA holds a world-class collection of artistic masterpieces. However, the…

Opened in 2011, MAS is a 10-storey complex that redefines the idea of a museum-gallery. Floors are designed around big-idea themes using a barrage of…

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Festivals & Events

Dec 13, 2019 • 1 min read

Winter in Antwerp is designed to capture the magic of the season. The addition of a fairytale forest this year hopes to enhance visitors' sense of wonder.

Jun 1, 2018 • 4 min read

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Aug 30, 2017 • 5 min read

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Home » Europe » Belgium » 21 Fun Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

21 Fun Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: April 25, 2023

A vibrant port city with a rich history, Antwerp, Belgium is full of interesting attractions and things to see. From fashion and artwork to a 600-year-old diamond district and standout museums, visitors are never at a loss for ways to keep busy. We’ve been to the city several times and always find something new to love. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do in Antwerp.

Explore the Central Station

Visit the cathedral of our lady, see the works of a master at ruben house, walk through history at plantin-moretus museum, explore the diamond district, hang out in grote markt, see het steen castle, take a break in groenplaats, visit mas museum, browse meir shopping street, sample flavors at the chocolate line, see the art at st. paul’s church, visit red star line museum, see the activity at the port of antwerp, descend in saint anna’s tunnel, marvel at the art nouveau buildings, see the exhibits at museum vleeshuis, grab a bite at the saturday exotic market, enjoy the botanical garden, step inside st. andrew’s church, listen to music at de muze jazz cafe.

Among one of the most spectacular places to see in Antwerp is the central railway station, Antwerp Central (Antwerpen-Centraal). The train station is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s striking from the outside, but to truly appreciate the station, you’ll have to explore the inside.

The building’s interior incorporates iron, steel, and glass in intricate designs that make it truly remarkable. The central station has a main hall located on the entrance side of Koningin Astridplein and a clock that’s the center of attention. It’s a perfectly beautiful welcome and a great place to start an Antwerp visit.

The Cathedral of Our Lady or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is a Gothic holy building in the city’s historic center. Thanks to its 123-meter-high north tower, the building is visible from most places around Antwerp.

Completed in 1521, the architectural wonder was under construction for 169 years. Its belltower is included along with other remarkable towers in Belgium–like the belfrys in Bruges and Ghent –as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cathedral houses outstanding artworks, including paintings by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Visitors can either explore the cathedral on their own or opt for a guided tour to see the paintings, incredible stained glass, and other features.

Even if you’re not an art lover, a visit to Ruben House Museum ( Rubenshuis ) in one of the top things to do in Antwerp based on its 400-year history and preservation. The home of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens is now packed with his masterpieces and works of contemporaries.

Rubens purchased the house in 1610 and later extended and renovated it, making it into his perfect space for living and creating. Here, the renowned artist produced most of his famous paintings that gained global recognition. From the embossed leather wall coverings to the spaces where every inch is covered with art, it’s impossible not to feel the creative energy here.

Another great attraction in Antwerp worth visiting is the Plantin-Moretus Museum . The only UNESCO-listed museum , Plantin-Moretus offers visitors a close look at the importance and history of printing through artifacts stretching back to the 1500s.

Visitors get to explore the old buildings that housed the printing presses as well as the Plantin and Moretus families over the centuries. The rich library features many notable historical books, including the Biblia Polyglotta (1568-1573), a Bible written in five languages. Over three centuries, the printing house was among the top in Europe, distributing scientific discoveries, philosophical theories, and art like Rubens’s portraits around the continent.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the world’s oldest printing presses, which were built around 1600.

The famous Diamond District right next to the Central Station is one of the more intriguing places to visit in Antwerp. Dating from 1447, it is considered the diamond capital of the world, and over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through the area. Visitors can visit the numerous jewelry shops selling diamonds. However, the diamond trading markets are usually out of bounds.

If you’re interested in getting a deeper appreciation of the diamond world from history to craftsmanship to design, head to nearby DIVA, the diamond museum . Through multimedia and interactive exhibits, guests get immersed in the glittering world of precious jewels.

The Grote Markt, the main square, is among the most beautiful town squares in Europe. With the 16th-century city hall and gleaming guildhouses, you can’t ask for a better backdrop to enjoy.

Grote Markt is a great place for people watching on summer afternoons. On weekends or during certain seasons, it fills with local markets, most notably the famous Antwerp Christmas market . After you’ve had your fill of shopping or simply taking in the views, head to one of the many cafes and restaurants just a few steps away.

Het Steen Castle, established in the early 13th century, once served as the city’s fortress in its prime location right on the river. It’s the oldest building still standing in the city and is a favorite of photographers for the castle itself and for the curious statue just outside.

Over the centuries, “the Steen” has served lots of different purposes from a prison to a museum. It’s now a visitors center with a panoramic rooftop and is home to The Antwerp Story . The exhibit introduces people to the history of the city and provides an overview of its neighborhoods, its people, and what makes Antwerp unique.

Groenplaats, or Green Square, is another of Antwerp’s welcoming squares right in the heart of the city. Ringed with bars and cafes, it’s a fun place to stop for a coffee or to enjoy lunch while watching the activity. There is also a daily flower market to peruse.

A distinctive modern building along the river Scheldt, the MAS Museum is the largest museum in Antwerp. It has a vast and varied collection of over 500,000 items that are featured in permanent and temporary exhibitions with themes relating to Antwerp’s contact with the world. Visitors will find everything from eating utensils to maritime artifacts that chronicle international trade and shipping.

The iconic building is 10 stories high, and its rooftop provides panoramic views of the city, so it’s a great place to visit when the weather is nice.

One of the top places for shopping in Belgium, Meir Shopping Street runs from the Cathedral of Our Lady to the central railway station. It is lined with major European chains and luxury shops, making the street a draw for tourists and locals. One of the best places to shop along the street is the exclusive shopping center known as Stadsfeestzaal in the restored city festival hall.

Beyond the shops they house, the buildings along Meir are also worth a look. The Rococo facades date from the 18th and 19th centuries and are gorgeous to look at.

Any visit to Belgium must include chocolate. The Chocolate Line is a fantastic place to visit in Antwerp, especially if you’re a great fan of chocolate. Located in the city center, it is in a historical building on Meir.

Chocolatier Dominique Persoone is known for innovation and developing unusual flavor combinations, so be prepared to find uncommon offerings, including chocolate lipstick. The Chocolate Line offers everything from raspberry and salted caramel to fried onions, beetroot, and even grass. The shop is accented with plenty of larger-than-life chocolate sculptures.

St. Paul’s Church is a work of art. Built in 1639 as a Dominican monastery church, the Gothic building is ornate inside and outside.

The church has some remarkable Baroque altars and 50 paintings by renowned artists, including Rubens, Van Dyck, and Van Balen. Outside, the Calvary Garden includes 63 life-sized statues made by a group of Belgian sculptors dating back to the 1700s. It’s definitely worth stopping in when you visit Antwerp, especially if you’re an art lover.

From 1873 to 1935, the Red Star Line transported people from Antwerp to New York and Philadelphia in search of a new start and prosperity in North America. The Red Star Line Museum tells the story of these courageous individuals, looking at why they left and what happened on their journey.

In total, more than 2 million people made the transatlantic trip that began in the very buildings where the museum is now. From photographs and luggage to letters and personal testimonials, the museum brings their stories to life.

The second largest seaport in Europe, there’s always something moving through the Port of Antwerp whether it’s container ships in the distance, cruise ships docking, or the frequent water buses that traverse the river Scheldt. Originally constructed in 1811, the port remains a vital part of the city economy.

Visitors can take a walk along the waterfront or rent a bicycle to explore one of the four cycling routes. A free map shows the routes and what can be seen along the way. There are also boat tours of the harbor if you have time to spare, or you can take a water bus to St. Anna on the opposite side of the river.

If you don’t want to wait on the ferry to St. Anna or are simply curious about the passage, take a ride on the escalator in St. Anna’s Tunnel (called the Underpass by locals). As the name indicates, it was designed to connect the new part of town with the historic center.

The unique escalators were made in the 1930s. They were a novelty then and still are (we’ve only seen them at Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan), and they take users on a ride deep below the river to cross to the other side. On the way down, you’ll see pictures showing the history of the tunnel and its construction.

Antwerp’s Zurenborg neighborhood has numerous stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Characterized by bright exterior paintings, mosaics, large windows, and ornate details, the style evolved in the late 19th century and took hold in cities around Belgium (they’re some of many beautiful places to see in Brussels ).

Zurenborg’s Golden Triangle–the area between Transvaal, Waterloo, and Cogels-Osylei streets is a particularly rich place to find examples of the fanciful style. Lovers of architecture and photography will want to spend some time wandering the streets here to see all the different features

The Museum Vleeshuis is a former guildhall that has been transformed into a museum. At over 500 years old, the building itself is notably historic, but its displays are what command much of the attention today.

The exhibits at Museum Vleeshuis chronicle six centuries of dance, sound, and music in the city of Antwerp. There are lots of rare instruments and musical manuscripts as well as stories about many notable musicians and the importance of music as part of the fabric of the city.

The Saturday Exotic Market at Theaterplein is a perfect stop for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The food runs the gamut from Turkish and North African specialties to quiche, oysters, and champagne.

There are lots of ingredients and prepared items to take home and plenty to eat at the market with lots of tables available. Not only is the food delicious, but the market is full of locals out shopping and enjoying a social occasion, so the whole atmosphere is fun. Bring your appetite!

With over 2000 plants, the Botanical Garden (Den Botaniek) provides a green oasis in the city. This world-class garden has a wide variety of shrubs, trees, herbs, and exotic plants that make it a paradise for plant enthusiasts.

The Botanical Garden was originally established nearly 200 years ago to grow medicinal plants to supply St Elisabeth hospital. The city started managing the garden in 1926, and it has since become an indispensable part of Antwerp’s landscape. It is free to visit and open year-round, so it functions much like a city park.

From the moment you step into St. Andrew’s Church , it’s hard to look away from the stunning high altar. Made in the early 1700s, it has soaring marble columns and more than 20 figures adorn the sides. But it is only one of many brilliant sculptures and paintings visitors will find in the impressive church.

Built by Augustinian friars, St. Andrew’s Church was consecrated in 1529. The church is predominantly late Gothic in style, but the steeple and upper tiers are characteristic of the late-Baroque era. If you find it open, it’s worth a peek inside to see the sculptures and the beautiful pulpit.

Initially opened in 1964, the De Muze Jazz Café is among the top places for jazz in the city. For decades, it has attracted jazz greats from around the world to play on its stage. With a healthy selection of cocktails and beers and some of the best music around, the cafe draws regulars and visitors to hear live music every night after 10pm.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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A guide to Antwerp, Belgium's striking second city

​An arresting clash of old-world grandeur and industrial power plays out across Belgium’s unpretentious second city, home to historic dockyards, award-winning cuisine, captivating museums and some of the country’s best beer.

Antwerp has long been at the centre of things. Belgium’s handsome northern city grew wealthy on the profits of its port, trading since the 16th century in glittering diamonds, priceless works of art and the spices and spoils of assorted empires. The Port of Antwerp remains extraordinary: a   Blade Runner -esque noirscape of industrial architecture, where the rusted hulks of old trade ships sit side-by-side with space-age modern buildings, presided over by a steel canopy of creaking girders and looming cranes. Nothing encapsulates the port’s double-edged character like the Zaha Hadid-designed Havenhuis, where a futurist, diamond-like building glitters atop a historic former fire station. In the midst of it all are remnants of the port’s pre-industrial life — lonely church towers, frozen windmills and, most charming of all, the village of Lillo: a pocket of Old Flanders marooned among reed beds and duckboard walkways.

Today, most visitors arrive in Antwerp by train, with the city’s heritage on show in the cavernous marble hallways of Antwerpen- Centraal railway station, a masterwork of art nouveau architecture. This style crops up throughout the city, most notably in the fashionable district of Zurenborg, where eye-catching houses are testament to a boom during the late 1800s. Antwerp is no stranger to fortune, of course; before that, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was famed for the riches of its citizens. A wealth of grand Flemish buildings survive from this era, including the home of Peter Paul Rubens, the masterly painter whose work remains the pride of Antwerp.

Despite this grand past, the city is a straightforward kind of place, where bustling cosmopolitanism and commercialism can still be felt everywhere. Car-boot traders cheerfully set up shop in the grand squares of the historic core, and the boxy post-war architecture south of the train station makes a humble setting for the world’s most lucrative diamond district.

The character of the city also reveals itself through food: even with a galaxy of Michelin stars, the favoured local dish remains, reassuringly, a steaming pot of moules with a bucket of frites. This unpretentious spirit pervades the city, whether you’re dining by lamplight in the rarefied surrounds of the historic stock exchange or rubbing shoulders with the bright young things of Belgium’s most vibrant nightlife scene.

Antwerp’s broad, leafy boulevards and outdoor cafes might evoke those of Paris, but in the cobbled, 16th-century alleyways, Flemish townhouses and sprawling, retrofuturist port, Antwerp shows its true face: one which is all its own.

Things to see and do

1. Cathedral of Our Lady Among the treasures in Antwerp’s Gothic cathedral are two vast Peter Paul Rubens triptychs — including his masterwork, The Elevation of the Cross. Little chapels branch off from the ambulatory, adorned with kaleidoscopic stained glass that floods the marble in technicolour on sunny days. You can also worship at the altar of Belgian beer at De Plek, the cathedral’s bistro-bar.  

2. Museum Plantin-Moretus For a vivid illustration of the wealth that flowed through Antwerp in the 16th century, visit the former home and workshop of printing magnate Christophe Plantin. Gorgeous rooms, decked out in dark wood, harbour magnificently wellpreserved artifacts of the printing revolution, including the world’s two oldest surviving printing presses, dating from around 1600. There are also priceless manuscripts, including the grandly illuminated Wenceslas Bible.  

3. Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) Reopening in September 2022 after being closed for over a decade, the neoclassical building that houses the Royal Museum of Fine Arts has had a top-drawer makeover and will once again be the best place in Antwerp to admire the works of the Flemish Masters. Collection highlights include Hans Memling’s Portrait of a Man with a Roman Medal and Jean Fouquet’s Madonna Surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim.  

4. Rubenshuis The stereotype of the artist starving in a dark garret wasn’t for painter Peter Paul Rubens, as his former home and workplace attests. Buying the grand property in 1610, he transformed it into something akin to an Italian palazzo, with a neoclassical courtyard and even a miniature ‘Pantheon’ room. Rubens’ own works are also exhibited here, of course; meet the artist’s gaze in his self-portrait.  

5. Red Star Line Museum Antwerp’s most captivating human-interest museum chronicles the lives of some of the two million passengers who departed Europe for the US on the Red Star Line ships, including Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin. The museum outlines the struggles and indignities faced by the passengers, who endured stringent medical examinations and rough living conditions on the journey.  

6. Mas Museum This angular, red sandstoneand- glass confection is the city’s largest museum, with its varied exhibitions spanning everything from Antwerp’s food scene to pre-Columbian art. Those interested in the mechanics of museums will be fascinated by ‘A Look at the Collection’, which tells the human stories behind chosen objects, including who made, used and collected them.  

How to explore like a local  

1. Ulminator Hundreds of Belgium’s famous beers can be sampled at this under-the-radar bar, where the elderly proprietors will only deign to let you in if you ring the bell then utter the password, “I am here to taste beer.” Inside are board games and a quiet atmosphere. One for the purists.

2. Exotic Market The rather vaguely named Exotic Market sees locals descend every Saturday on the Oudevaartplaats, not far from the Rubenshuis, for a worldwide street food tour. Alongside Belgian classics (shrimp croquettes and   stroopwafels ) are stalls selling French cheese and charcuterie, Moroccan small plates, Mexican quesadillas and more.

3. De Roma A sumptuous art deco auditorium is the centrepiece of this 1920s former cinema, which now serves as a multipurpose performance venue. Local bands and singers grace the stage along with international acts on tour; indie films are shown; and there are expos and events on issues as diverse as refugees and mental health.  

4. Seef Brewery There are several great brewery tours to choose from in Antwerp (including at the legendary De Koninck), but Seef’s is the best. Owner Johan Van Dyck is a colourful character who will talk you through his revival of Antwerp’s historic Seefbier, a cloudy buckwheat blonde known as ‘working man’s champagne’. The tour is followed by tastings, naturally.  

Where to eat

Fish a'Gogo It’s a crowded field, but this legendary street shack just off the Grote Markt does the best fish and frites in Antwerp. Perch at a tiny sea-blue wooden table and chair and order the house specialities — mussels in white wine sauce or shrimp croquettes, served with that most Belgian of accompaniments: chips and mayonnaise. Oysters, when in season, are also a fantastic choice.  

InVINcible This relaxed restaurant has a reassuringly slim menu: a creamy pancetta pasta, rich bouillabaisse and lamb sausage are the mainstays, alongside what may just be the finest steak in Antwerp. Opt to sit at the bar surrounding the open kitchen for a lively, sociable dining experience.  

Fiera The grand surroundings of Antwerp’s former stock exchange form the backdrop of this elegant city-centre restaurant, all ornately carved stone archways and wood panelling worthy of a cathedral. Just as spectacular as the setting is the food, including mouth-melting kobe beef and truffle pappardelle.

Where to shop

Luddites Books and Wine Urbane travellers will feel right at home in this charming bookshop, which has a decent English-language selection among its cookery books, novels, poetry and assorted non-fiction. Shopping done, head upstairs to the laid-back bar, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while leafing through your purchases.  

The Chocolate Line Self-described ‘shockolatier’ Dominique Persoone puts a modern, vibrant spin on traditional Belgian chocolate. The purple selection boxes offer a rotating medley of Dominique’s creative offerings, which include treats infused with matcha and bergamot, calamansi and pine nuts, and more. They all look and taste like tiny works of art.  

Dries Van Noten The ‘Antwerp Six’ are the most prominent movers and shakers on the city’s world-renowned fashion scene. Among them, Dries van Noten has garnered particular appeal for his colourful threads. His flagship shop is on Nationalestraat, just a few steps from the ModeMuseum, where you’ll find an informative exhibition of the finest work by Antwerp’s designers.  

Where to go for nightlife

Jazzcafe de Muze Hang out with Antwerp’s hepcats at this glorious, cavernous jazz bar, which resounds with live music five nights a week. Pull up a chair at one of the wooden tables, spread across two floors, and soak up the lounge-like atmosphere while sampling a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.

Davai If you need a break from Belgian beer, look no further than this voguish cocktail bar, decked out with wooden pallets, potted plants and bare bulbs. The menu spans dozens of classic and creative cocktails; try the oriental blossom, with rum, elderflower and ginger.  

Ampere Antwerp’s clubbing scene outperforms that of sedate Brussels, and Ampere is one of the city’s finest institutions. The emphasis is on house and techno, with world-leading international acts such as Nina Kraviz and Joris Voorn appearing alongside Belgian veterans like Marco Bailey. Workshops in music production, video and photography are held here during the day.

Where to stay

Yust Combining sociability with an eye for design, this ultra-stylish hostel has bookcases lined with arty books, plush banquettes bookended with houseplants and a breezy rooftop garden complete with sofas. The dorms are charming, too, with recessed wooden bunks and cosy window seats. Large private rooms are also available.

Hotel Rubens Down a quiet side street off bustling Grote Markt, Hotel Rubens promises the best of both worlds. The rooms and stylish communal areas have an airy, modern feel that belies their historic surroundings, and some overlook the baroque tower of St Paul’s Church.  

Botanic Sanctuary This exquisite hotel, set in a 12th-century monastery and surrounded by botanical gardens, is the epitome of peace and quiet. Rooms feature splendid wooden beams and period windows, but are otherwise modern and understated, with an earthy colour palette and in-room greenery. There are four excellent fine-dining restaurants, including traditional Belgian offerings at 1238.  

Getting there and around

The quickest and most comfortable way to get to Antwerp from the UK is to travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels and then take one of the many regular trains onwards to Antwerp.  

Average journey time:   2h40m.

British Airways , Brussels Airlines , Lufthansa and Ryanair fly from UK airports, including Manchester and Heathrow, to Brussels, but not directly to Antwerp.  

Average flight time: 1h20m.

It’s possible and enjoyable to explore the majority of Antwerp’s attractions on foot. For sights further afield, use the efficient De Lign transit network — tickets, bought online or at stops, can be used on buses and trams — or Antwerp’s waterbus. Bikes can be rented using the Velo network. delijn.be portofantwerpbruges.com velo-antwerpen.be

Summer is pleasant, with plenty of sun and temperatures generally falling between 20C and 25C. Rainfall is a possibility year-round, and in fact is slightly higher in the summer months, so a waterproof layer is always advisable. Spring and autumn are relatively mild, while December is also a good time to visit as the traditional Christmas markets open.

More information

Antwerp Tourism .   The Rough Guide to Belgium & Luxembourg , £9.99

How to do it

Eurostar offers three nights in Antwerp at the NH Collection Antwerp Centre hotel B & B, including trains from London, from £310 per person.

Published in the September 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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19 Must-Visit Attractions in Antwerp

Known as the cool kid on the block in Belgium, Antwerp combines all the charms of a historic port city with all the joys of a fashionable frontrunner. Its 20 must-visit attractions include grand artist residences, architectural masterpieces—both old and new—and a bunch of exciting museums.

2. Red Star Line Museum

Het Eilandje

Both the MAS and the Red Star Line have become large attractions in Het Eilandje , an abandoned port district until a decade ago. As the news and the excitement about the MAS project spread, coffee bars, artist ateliers and repurposed warehouses flowered to comfortably overtake Het Zuid as the hippest district in the city.

Het Eilandje, Antwerp, Belgium

Even without a specific restaurant in mind, a stroll down Het Zuid ’s terraces at dinner time has the mouth watering in seconds. Trendy restaurants and cafés dot the historic neighborhood’s wide boulevards and squares. The afternoon running up to the meal is well spent exploring the FoMu photo museum, the stately Museum of Contemporary Art, or a couple of its many art galleries.

Het Zuid, Antwerp, Belgium

3. The Port House

Vintage hunting in the Kloosterstraat

Antiques and vintage are the Kloosterstraat’s forte. Visitors will find the oldest and oddest objects in the shops lining this street, from wooden rocking horses to winged designer lamps and seas of retro chairs.

Kloosterstraat, Antwerp, Belgium

4. Cogels-Osylei

5. Rubenshuis

6. Plantin-Moretus Museum

Museum, Library

7. Park Spoor Noord

8. The Grote Markt

9. The Brabo Fountain

10. Central Station

Train Station

11. Middelheim's sculpture park

Museum, Park

Vlaeykensgang alley

Antwerp’s eminent medieval alley has to be the idyllic Vlaeykensgang. It’s a beloved spot to listen to the city’s carillons chime away during a concert and to dream about simpler times.

Vlaeykensgang, Oude Koornmarkt 16, Antwerp, Belgium

12. Cathedral of Our Lady

13. St. Anna’s Tunnel

14. City Brewery De Koninck

15. Vrijdagmarkt

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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Antwerp Itinerary

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

by Lizzie Fitzgerald

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With so much to see and do, you can easily spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Antwerp exploring its trendy neighbourhoods and charming historical centre. This Antwerp itinerary includes everything from amazing museums and architectural gems to glittering jewels, the Grote Markt and its gorgeous central train station.

Home to Europe’s second-largest port, the cosmopolitan city is also famed for its fashion scene and fun nightlife. Although oft-overlooked in favour of Bruges, the ‘Diamond Capital of the World’ is certainly one of the best places to visit in Belgium.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Antwerp?

As the Flemish city has so much going for it, it can be hard to know how many days to spend in Antwerp. While a weekend is probably the perfect amount of time, you can see many of its main sights in just a day. Add an extra one and you can even fit in some fun day trips too!

1 day in Antwerp is just enough for you to see the historic centre, its giant Gothic cathedral and castle. Aside from admiring all its incredible architecture, you could also stop by a museum and experience some pounding nightlife.

With 2 days or a weekend in Antwerp, you can really get a grasp of its different sides by exploring its diamond district, fashion mile and fantastic food options. You can also fit in another museum, some more bars or check out its famous zoo if you fancy it!

As Belgium is quite small and easy to travel about, most people with 3 days head to either Brussels , Ghent or Bruges on their third day. All great options, each city has its own look, feel and identity for you to delve into.

Getting To & Around Antwerp

Located in the north of Belgium , not far from the Dutch border, Antwerp is well connected to the rest of the country and Europe as a whole. Once you arrive, you can walk almost everywhere or cycle and get the bus or tram if you need to.

While its small airport mainly caters to business travellers, a direct train whisks you to Brussels Airport in just half an hour. Set on the outskirts of the capital, it has daily flights to the rest of the EU as well as Africa, Asia and the USA. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is another major transport hub that lies two hours away by train.

Besides being absolutely beautiful, Antwerp Central Station has hourly trains to Brussels, Ghent and Bruges . While the first two take around 45 minutes to an hour to reach, the latter lies almost two hours away. You can view train schedules here.

Other popular day trip options or arrival points by train include Amsterdam and Rotterdam across the border in the Netherlands. These respectively take roughly two hours and one hour to arrive at.

Although most of Antwerp’s main sites are within easy walking distance of one another, you can always hop on a bus or tram if you need to. For these, you can either buy tickets from vending machines at certain stops or in supermarkets and newsagents.

There is also an app you can use on your phone with contactless payments onboard also working if you don’t want to download it.

Another fun option is to rent a bike for the day or for a couple of hours and merrily cycle about its quaint old streets and historic centre!

1, 2 or 3-Day in Antwerp Itinerary

Day 1 – top attractions in antwerp.

On the first day of your trip to Antwerp, you’ll see most of its main sites and sample some of its exciting bars and nightlife! To learn more about the city, you can take a walking tour or this bike tour with a guide.

Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station

If you arrive in Antwerp by train then you’re straight away in for an architectural treat. If not, then you definitely have to find the time to visit its spectacular station at some point! One of the most beautiful in the world, it exhibits an astounding mix of neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles.

After ogling at its elegant entrance hall and fetching facade, make your way slowly to the Grote Markt, some twenty minutes’ walk away.

The Grote Markt

The city’s central square, the Grote Markt is located right in its historic heart. Lined by sixteenth-century guildhalls with exquisite facades, it also contains Antwerp’s ravishing Renaissance Town Hall.

In its centre is the 1887 Brabo Fountain which depicts the local legend after which the city is possibly named. In any case, its bronze sculpture of Brabo tossing a giant’s hand into the River Scheldt certainly makes for some fabulous photos.

The Cathedral of Our Lady

Towering above the square is the ginormous Gothic-style spire of the Antwerp Cathedral – known as the Cathedral of Our Lady.

The tallest church in the Low Countries, it stands 123 metres in height but has never actually been ‘completed’. Built between 1352 and 1521, its enormous interior hosts a lot of noteworthy tombs and impressive religious artworks.

To see yet more statues and icons, head to the atmospheric Elfde Gebod bar right next to it. It has a great selection of beers, a cool inside and lovely views of the cathedral from its terrace outside.

After your beer break, head down to the riverfront to see Het Steen; the oldest building in all of Antwerp. Lying alongside the Scheldt, the small but sturdy thirteenth-century fortress contains a visitor centre and interactive exhibits on the city’s age-old past.

Very well-preserved, it lies at the start of a scenic riverwalk which takes you down to our next site: the amazing MAS museum.

The MAS Museum

In contrast to the castle, MAS is an arresting feat of modern architecture. Instantly recognisable from its remarkable red sandstone and glass panel exterior, it towers sixty metres over the river and harbour below.

Dedicated to Antwerp and its connection to the world, the museum’s exhibits cover everything from international shipping and trade to art, culture and history around Europe and even further afield. From its observation deck, you can enjoy some of the best views of the city stretching away before you.

Enjoy Antwerp’s Nightlife

As Antwerp is known for its nightlife and has a youthful, dynamic population, and if you have only 24 hours in Antwerp, make sure to hit up some bars or clubs once the sun starts to set.

Two classics are Den Engel and Paters Vaetje as they both boast charming old-style interiors, and have lots of beers to try and lie alongside the Grote Markt. De Vagant is another great option if you want to sip some strong Belgian jenevers.

After a couple of drinks and some live music at De Muze, you can dance the night away at notorious clubs like Ampere and IKON. If you only have this one day in Antwerp, you’ve certainly packed a lot of different things in!

Day 2 – The Diamond District, Museums & Antwerp Zoo

If you have 2 days in Antwerp, you’ll have the time to explore a couple more neighbourhoods, stop by some more museums and maybe visit the zoo if you feel like it! If you’re planning on spending more time than just Antwerp in a day, then you’re sure to love all of these activities on the second day!

The Diamond District

Set right next to the train station are the countless jewellery shops and sparkling windows of the Diamond District. Incredibly enough, 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through this area each and every year.

Hundreds of workshops and brokers operate here with the lavish industry mainly being dominated by the city’s Jewish, Jain, Armenian and Lebanese communities.

Aside from gazing at glittering gems and admiring intricately crafted necklaces, rings and earrings, you can take tours to learn more about how diamonds are cut, polished and valued.

One of the most famous shopping streets in all Belgium, Meir stretches all the way from the train station to the town hall. Besides being bordered by tons of chic shops and brand stores, it takes you past some interesting historic sights with plenty of beautiful old buildings lining the route.

An absolute must for fashionistas, its big brands encompass everyone from Nike and Ralph Lauren to Dior and Zara. You can always head inside the Stadsfeestzaal for yet more upscale shops in an opulent old building or to some of the nearby streets which house Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

Midway along Meir is the quaint old Rubenshuis (Rubens House); the former home and workshop of the famous Flemish master. Now open as a museum, it displays numerous paintings by Peter Paul Rubens as well as some sculptures, tapestries and period furniture too.

The look of the 1610 Italian-style villa, courtyard and gardens is almost as impressive as all the arresting artworks themselves. Its well-done exhibits also explain more about his life, times and the country’s rich artistic heritage.

Red Star Line Museum

Another museum that is well worth checking out if you have the time and energy is the Red Star Line Museum. Located near MAS, it shines a light on the more than three million people who passed through Antwerp on their way to new lives in the US.

Through displays, photos and videos, it presents the history of the Belgian shipping company in an enthralling manner.

Antwerpen-Noord

If you want to see a different side of the city entirely, then head to the area directly north of the station. Amazingly diverse, it has everything from Afghan restaurants and Afro-Caribbean stores to Turkish kebab shops, Tibetan cafes and even a small Chinatown.

A fun place to explore, the multicultural neighbourhood is often overlooked, even by visitors who have more than a day or two on their visit to Antwerp.

Unlike the Diamond District and Meir, it is very down-to-earth with each little local Indian, Iraqi or Vietnamese restaurant appearing even more appealing than the last!

Antwerp Zoo

Also located right next to the train station is the historic Antwerp Zoo which is impressively one of the oldest in the world. Visiting this zoo is one of the best things to do in Antwerp.

Founded back in 1843, its spacious enclosures now house over 6,000 animals of more than 1,160 different species. While ambling about, you can therefore see lions and jaguars alongside elephants, giraffes and gorillas.

Its elaborate Art Nouveau buildings also contain an aquarium and restaurant while penguin feeding sessions and sea lion shows are put on daily.

If you want to see as much as possible of Antwerp in 2 days, it is well worth including the zoo on your list of things to do.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Bruges, Brussels or Ghent

As most travellers usually feel they’ve seen enough after spending 2 days during their trip to Antwerp, the third is usually spent exploring some of the enticing destinations nearby.

While Mechelen, Lier and Aalst are all attractive options, the larger and more famous cities of Ghent, Bruges and Brussels have much more to see and do. Some people also like to hop across the nearby border to see Rotterdam’s amazing modern architecture.

Although it takes a bit longer to reach than the other day trip options, Bruges is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Belgium. After arriving at its station from Antwerp via Ghent, just follow the crowds towards its historic centre, some fifteen minutes’ walk away.

Visible for countless kilometres around, the enormous Belfry of Bruges rises dramatically above the Grote Markt at its foot. Aside from snapping some photos of the 83-metre-tall tower, you can also clamber up it for some lovely views over the city’s rooftops down below.

Other than checking out the pretty townhouses and lively restaurants lining its main square, you can make your way to the Basilica of the Holy Blood nearby. Besides exhibiting some exquisite architecture, it boasts a very important relic that is said to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.

In addition to wandering about its picturesque cobbled streets and canals, many visitors stop by the excellent Groeninge Museum for its many artistic treasures by Flemish masters. Thanks to its arresting aesthetic and ambience, the ‘Venice of the North’ definitely makes for a memorable day trip if you have the time.

Another popular place people fit into their visit to Antwerp is Ghent; a gorgeous university city that has a small but scenic centre. Thanks to its sizeable student population, it also has a much livelier feel with some great nightlife being on offer.

At its heart are three centuries-old towers that are all lined up in a row one after the other. From St. Michael’s Bridge, you can enjoy the best view of their soaring spires rising up before you. The Belfry of Ghent and St. Bavo’s Cathedral also offer epic panoramas over the city from up high.

The latter also houses the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb – an incredible 1432 altarpiece made by Jan van Eyck. More statues and religious artworks can be seen in the cavernous Saint Nicholas’ Church right next to it.

Just a stone’s throw from its three prominent landmarks are the charming Graslei and Korenlei quays down by the canal. As well as admiring the fine old buildings along beside them, you can sit at a cafe’s patio for a coffee or beer or take a romantic boat trip along the river.

These lead to the hulking great Gravensteen Castle which has protected the city since the tenth century.

After all the sightseeing and days spent exploring Antwerp, you can relax with a strong Belgian beer at the Dulle Griet. The traditional bar has more than 500 local brews for you to get through in a cosy setting before heading on to some other fun nightlife spots nearby.

The capital of the country, Brussels is an increasingly attractive city to explore that only lies forty minutes from Antwerp by train. Perhaps most known for housing the European institutions, the multicultural metropolis also has some awesome attractions and neighbourhoods to check out.

Its standout site is without doubt the Grand Place – the absolutely spellbinding square right at its heart. Hemmed in on all sides by gold-clad guild houses, its old cobbles lie just a short walk from another iconic attraction. Known as Manneken Pis, the somewhat unusual yet endearing statue depicts a small boy peeing.

After grabbing a waffle, you can amble around the oldest part of Brussels, Les Marolles, and the chic, expensive Sablon. Located right next to one another, they contain countless antique shops and some impressive old churches. A fun flea market also takes place every day at the former.

Also within walking distance is the regal Royal Palace of Brussels. Here you can take some pics of its fantastic facade and wander around the pretty park in front of it. A couple of superb art and music museums also lie alongside it as does the magnificent Mont des Arts viewpoint.

To finish the day off, head down the hill to the world-famous Delirium Cafe. Always packed with locals and tourists, it remarkably has over 2,000 beers for you to try. An absolute must, its lively ambience is sure to entice you back to Brussels, Antwerp and Belgium again!

Where to Stay in Antwerp

Citybox Antwerp – Mid-range travellers visiting the city of Antwerp will love this centrally-located 3-star hotel. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and an excellent location for exploring all this Belgian city has to offer.

Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt – If you’re travelling on a bit of a higher budget, then you’re sure to love this luxury hotel in the centre of Antwerp city. There are countless plush rooms on offer along with a number of great amenities to ensure guests want for nothing during their stay.

Yust Antwerp – This hostel is a great choice for budget travellers or for those looking for a great social atmosphere. Highly-rated and centrally-located, they offer both private rooms and dorm beds along with a lot of other perks to ensure you have a great time in this Belgian city!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Antwerp hotels!

So there you have it. Antwerp in 3 days (and a couple of other cities too!). Loads of fun to explore, the cool city has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fashionista or diamond trader, history lover or hardcore clubber, Antwerp certainly won’t disappoint!

Are you planning to visit Antwerp? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Amsterdam vs Brussels: Which City to Visit?

One Day in Ghent Itinerary: A Day Trip from Brussels

One Day in Luxembourg Itinerary: A Day Trip from Brussels

About Lizzie Fitzgerald

Lizzie is a writer for The World Was Here First. She loves travelling and discovering new places but also often finds herself returning to her favourite destinations. She has a particular affinity for Greece where she has visited countless islands and destinations on the mainland.

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26 Best Things to do in Antwerp, Belgium

September 8, 2023 | Posted in: Belgium

Known as Belgium’s “capital of cool”, “city of diamonds” and “city of fashion”, the attractions in Antwerp are endless.

The reason why there are so many things to do in Antwerp is down to the city’s wealthy past. Found only 15 km (9 miles) south of the Dutch border, it lies on the River Scheldt which links it to the North Sea which has historically made it a hugely important port.

Around 400 years ago, Antwerp was among the most prosperous cities in Europe. At that time, its strategic position meant that its status rose until it became the second-largest European city north of the Alps.

Today it’s known for its diamonds, fashion and art scene. Not to mention its amazing coffee shops! It's definitely one of the hippest cities in Belgium

Read on for just a sample of things to do in Antwerp, from exploring its spectrum of architecture and museums to delving into its boutique shops. If you only have one day in Antwerp, you might have to close your eyes and pick a random selection from the list below!

• Gawp at Antwerp Central station. Antwerp Central station is a grand train station incorporating different architectural styles like Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau. Its massive steel platform roof towers 43 meters high.
• See the exhibits at Museum Vleeshuis. Museum Vleeshuis is a music museum inside the Butchers' Hall building. It has interactive displays of instruments and exhibits on printing's role in Antwerp's music.
• Pay a visit to Antwerp Zoo. Antwerp Zoo is one of the world's oldest zoos with an impressive variety of animals and themed enclosures like an Egyptian temple.
• Grab a bite at the Saturday Exotic Market. Saturday Exotic Market is a weekly open-air market selling international ingredients, spices, crafts and food.
• Wander through Rubens House. Rubens House is the former home and studio of painter Peter Paul Rubens, now a museum with period furnishings.
• Enjoy the Antwerp Botanical Garden. Antwerp Botanical Garden covers 10 hectares with over 6,000 plant species like rare orchids and roses.
• Trace 400 years of printing at the Plantin-Moretus museum. Plantin-Moretus Museum is set in a printing dynasty's residence with workshops, artifacts and a library of 25,000 texts.
• Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Royal Museum of Fine Arts exhibits a large collection of paintings, sculpture and tapestries spanning the 14th to 20th centuries.

1. Gawp at Antwerp Central station

For a true taste of grandeur, there’s no better place to spend time than Antwerp Central Station (also known as the Middenstatie). A great big structure of glass, steel and marble, the central station is one of the city’s most treasured sites.

Belgium was the first European country to open a public railway back in 1835 and Antwerp was a major part of this early infrastructure. The original wooden terminus was replaced by this grand station over a ten year period between 1895 and 1905.

Antwerp’s train station incorporates several different architectural styles making it hard to describe. The facade is Neo-Renaissance in style but with elements of Art Nouveau here and there – designed by architect Louis Delacenserie. You can see why Antwerp Central Station is frequently mentioned among the world’s most beautiful stations.

To really get a feel for the building, however, you need to step inside (or even better, arrive by train!). First, you’ll reach the main entrance hall with its impressive staircase and ornate station clock.

Keep going and a huge 43-meter high ceiling steel platform roof created by engineer Clement van Bogaert towers above you. It was built especially high to accommodate for all the steam train smoke. This roof itself tells a story – that of countless bombings in World War II and if you look carefully you can still see a bend in the ceiling.

Thankfully Belgium wasn’t ready to give up on this spectacular building. After multiple restorations and expansions, today’s station has four levels (two of which are underground) and plays a vital role in the country’s modern-day rail network.

2. See the exhibits at Museum Vleeshuis

Museum Vleeshuis stands as the heartbeat of Antwerp's musical and cultural narrative. Nestled within the iconic Gothic edifice of the “Butchers' Hall”, this museum is more than a repository of artefacts; it's a living testament to the city's vibrant history. Every corner of Museum Vleeshuis resonates with the melodies of instruments that span over six centuries, from the delicate notes of harpsichords to the robust tones of bagpipes.

The museum's “Antwerp Hands” exhibit is not just a display but a tribute to the city's unparalleled craftsmanship, especially the revered art of bell casting. As visitors traverse Museum Vleeshuis, they're not just spectators; they become participants, thanks to the museum's interactive displays. Engaging with virtual carillons or trying one's hand at a replica instrument, the museum ensures every exhibit is a tactile experience.

Museum Vleeshuis also chronicles the pivotal role of the printing press in shaping Antwerp's musical legacy. The delicate manuscripts and music sheets whisper tales of bygone eras, revealing how music was not just played but felt and lived. The museum's ever-evolving temporary exhibitions ensure that Museum Vleeshuis remains a dynamic space, always offering fresh insights into the world of music, from age-old folk tunes to avant-garde sound art.

The very walls of Museum Vleeshuis tell tales of the Butchers' Guild's prominence, with its redbrick façade standing tall and proud. Every brick, every ornate detail, is a silent witness to the city's rich past. And for those who seek a deeper connection, the museum's guided tours offer a treasure trove of stories, painting a vivid picture of Antwerp's musical journey.

Strategically located amidst other cultural landmarks, Museum Vleeshuis is not just a destination but an essential chapter in the city's cultural odyssey. It's where history, art and innovation converge, captivating music aficionados, history buffs and wanderers alike. In essence, a visit to Museum Vleeshuis is not just a tour; it's an immersive experience, a symphony that encapsulates the very essence of Antwerp.

3. Pay a visit to Antwerp Zoo

When Antwerp Zoo was built back in 1843 it stood outside the main city walls. It shows just how much Antwerp has expanded around it since then as today, the 10 ha / 25-acre site is in the city center, standing right next to the central station in today’s old town.

This isn’t just any zoo. It’s one of the oldest zoos on Earth and the oldest in Belgium. It was officially listed as a monument in 1983. Architecturally it’s a visual treat, with its Art Deco entrance and themed enclosures. There is an Egyptian temple for the elephants and giraffes, a thatched cottage housing a koala couple, an aquaforum for the sea lions, a Moorish temple for the okapis and a pink villa for the hippopotami.

It’s considered one of the best zoos in the world because of its breeding program and amazing variety of creatures – from king penguins to caimans, jaguars to marmosets, aardvarks to spectacled owls. It’s proud to house over 7000 animals of 950 different species. The care and space the animals are given are regarded as top quality too.

Antwerp Zoo also puts on some fantastic events. There’s a series of talks hosted by the zoo each day and in the winter an annual festival called China Light takes place on the zoo grounds. This is an amazing spectacle of light sculptures that tells ancient folk tales from China and features traditional music and Chinese dances. Not to miss if you’re in Antwerp in the winter season!

For a panoramic perspective, guests can hop on the zoo's miniature railway. Antwerp Zoo ensures a memorable experience, captivating animal enthusiasts young and old.

4. Grab a bite at the Saturday Exotic Market

Saturday Exotic Market, located outside Sint-Jansplein in Antwerp, is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. Every Saturday, this bustling market comes alive, offering a plethora of exotic spices, international ingredients and unique handicrafts. As visitors navigate the market, they encounter stalls brimming with spices like cumin, turmeric and cinnamon sourced from countries such as India, Turkey and Morocco. Dried chiles, available in various colors and intensities, catch the eye, while rare baking ingredients beckon culinary enthusiasts.

Saturday Exotic Market isn't just about shopping; it's a gastronomic adventure. Guests can savor hot arepas, empanadas or a plate of currywurst while relaxing at the available picnic tables. Thirsty? The market offers refreshing options like fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice and creamy mango lassi.

But it's not all about food. Saturday Exotic Market also showcases vibrant scarves, handcrafted baskets and other artisanal products. The air, filled with the rhythm of world music and the chatter of diverse languages, transports visitors on a global journey without leaving Antwerp. Both locals and tourists cherish this weekly tradition, making Saturday Exotic Market an essential Antwerp experience.

5. Wander through Rubens House

Rubens House serves as both a time capsule and a vivid tableau, capturing the essence of Rubens' life and work. Each room is a chapter in the story of Rubens, adorned with period-appropriate furniture, paintings and tapestries that the artist himself chose. From the gallery room, which served as Rubens' personal exhibition space, to the intricately carved dining room where he hosted the era's elite, Rubens House is a comprehensive showcase of the artist's lifestyle and creative process.

The house also offers a rare window into the Flemish Baroque era through Rubens' collection of New World artefacts. But perhaps the heart of Rubens House is the artist's studio. Painstakingly restored to its original condition, the studio is filled with the tools and pigments that fueled Rubens' artistic genius.

Since his death, the house has passed through numerous pairs of hands, even becoming a prison at one point after the French Revolution. Eventually, the City of Antwerp acquired the building in 1937 and managed to restore it to its former glory. Now you can wander through the ten refurbished rooms and imagine what life might have been like for one of the most influential Flemish artists.

The gardens of Rubens House, too, are an extension of the artist's palette, teeming with the tulips and roses that are often featured in his still-life works. As you wander through this historic estate, you're not just observing—you're participating in the world that Rubens created and that, in turn, created so many masterpieces. Rubens House isn't just an attraction; it's an essential pilgrimage for understanding the monumental legacy of Peter Paul Rubens.

6. Enjoy the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Antwerp offers a serene escape amidst urban hustle. Spanning 10 hectares, this garden showcases over 6,000 plant species, tracing its roots back to 1825 before relocating in 1930. Botanical Garden features distinct zones: the arid house teems with cacti and succulents, while a Victorian-style greenhouse bursts with tropical flora. Visitors can meander through formal rose gardens, wildflower meadows and ponds dotted with lilies.

Under the canopy of tall trees, benches invite relaxation. Meandering paths lead past vibrant flower beds and sculptures, introducing both native Belgian flora and rare species from continents like Africa and Asia. Botanical Garden's commitment to conservation shines, championing endangered plant preservation. Informative signs delve into the garden's diverse botanical treasures and seasonal exhibits add to its allure. Whether you're a plant aficionado, a nature lover or just seeking tranquillity, Botanical Garden promises a refreshing retreat. 

7. Trace 400 years of printing at the Plantin-Moretus museum

Plantin Moretus Museum in Antwerp stands as a beacon of printing and publishing heritage. Located in the ancestral residence of the Plantin Moretus printing dynasty, this museum unravels 400 years of typographic evolution in Europe. Christophe Plantin, who founded the publishing house in 1555, spearheaded industry transformations through groundbreaking techniques and artistic ventures. Visitors to Plantin Moretus Museum witness the age-old charm of workshops where traditional letterpress printing brought texts to life. The museum proudly displays original 16th-century printing presses, typesets and tools, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Venturing deeper into the museum, guests discover historic living spaces and a vast library housing over 25,000 texts. This treasure trove encompasses illuminated manuscripts, early print editions and invaluable archives, shedding light on subjects ranging from religion and science to art. The museum also showcases maps, sketches, artworks and sculptures linked to the family's renowned publications. Periodic exhibits further delve into the printing evolution across the continent. Plantin Moretus Museum, with its rich tapestry of history, is a must-visit for bibliophiles and those intrigued by the legacy of book production.

8. Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp stands as a treasure trove of art spanning the 14th to 20th centuries. Nestled within an imposing structure, this museum showcases a vast array of exhibits. Flemish masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens illuminate the legacy of the Antwerp School of painting. Visitors can trace the evolution of regional techniques and styles through ecclesiastical art, portraits, still lifes and landscapes. The museum also boasts Renaissance tapestries, detailed silverwork and period furniture, reflecting the craftsmanship of the 16th and 17th centuries. A dedicated sculpture gallery presents marble and bronze creations, while the Magritte collection offers a deep dive into Surrealism.

Key pieces include Rubens' powerful “The Descent from the Cross” and his captivating sketches. The portraits by Van Dyck and Jordaens capture intricate expressions and fabric details. Surrealist enthusiasts can ponder over Magritte's iconic pieces like “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images”. Royal Museum of Fine Arts invites guests on a comprehensive journey through Antwerp's rich artistic heritage, ensuring an immersive experience for all.

9. Take a photo from the roof of the MAS Museum Aan de Stroom

MAS Museum Aan de Stroom dominates Antwerp's skyline with its modern, red-brick architecture. Located on the Schelde River, this art museum offers a rooftop observation deck for panoramic city views. Dutch architect Neutelings Riedijk designed the building, making it a photography subject in its own right. Once inside, an elevator whisks visitors to the rooftop, revealing 360-degree vistas of Antwerp.

From this height, the cathedral spires and historic city center come into focus. The deck also offers views of the labyrinthine streets, guild houses and Baroque buildings. Far off, cranes and shipping containers signify Antwerp's role as a major port. Looking east, the River Scheldt stretches into the horizon. The changing light and weather conditions offer photo opportunities during both day and night. However, visitors should secure loose items; the winds at this elevation can be strong. MAS Museum Aan de Stroom serves as a dynamic platform for capturing Antwerp's ever-changing landscape. 

10. Try the samples at Chocolate Nation

Chocolate Nation in Antwerp is a haven for chocolate enthusiasts. Situated near the Grand Place, this museum delves into Belgium's renowned chocolate legacy. Visitors embark on a sensory journey, starting from a simulated rainforest where cacao trees thrive. Expert chocolatiers showcase their craft, tempering chocolate and crafting pralines with finesse. For those eager to try their hand, workshops allow guests to create their own chocolate masterpieces.

Interactive exhibits trace chocolate's roots, its global journey and intricate production methods. A collection of vintage moulds, ads and packaging offers insights into chocolate's historical branding and design. The experience culminates in a room brimming with truffles, ganaches and other chocolate-coated delights. A tasting platter awaits, allowing guests to indulge in an array of flavours. To round off the visit, Chocolate Nation's café and restaurant serve up delectable desserts and cocoa-inspired dishes.

11. Follow the migration trail through the Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum is totally unique, telling the compelling story of over 2.5 million migrants that left Europe for hopes for a better life in North America. This mass emigration took place between 1873 and 1934 on the ships of the Red Star Line company.

The Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp captures the city's pivotal role in migration history. Situated in the original warehouses of the Red Star Line shipping company, the museum chronicles the transatlantic voyages between Antwerp and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers visitors a glimpse into the experiences of over 2 million passengers. Inside, one can step onto recreated platforms, experience a ship cabin replica and hear genuine emigrant stories of hope and departure.

The exhibits showcase various reasons for migration, from economic struggles to religious oppression. They also depict the emotional toll of leaving loved ones, illustrated by spaces like a police inspection room. Notable travellers, such as Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin, are highlighted, emphasising their journeys through Antwerp. The museum candidly addresses the era's inequalities, including the stringent U.S. entry quotas for specific groups. Red Star Line Museum paints a vivid picture of how migration influenced both Europe and the U.S., offering a profound understanding of the aspirations and challenges faced by those seeking a fresh start.

12. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady

The Cathedral of Our Lady is the tallest building in Antwerp, situated in the heart of the city’s old town. It’s also proud to be the largest Gothic cathedral in the low countries, with an enormous bell tower. This breath-taking belfry is 123 meters (404 feet) tall.

Construction on the cathedral began in 1352 and took a massive 169 years to complete. It wasn’t until 1521 that the building was finally finished and a number of influential architects took over the project during its construction.

It’s quite something to go and marvel at from the outside, but if you can, get a ticket to visit Antwerp Cathedral’s interior, too. This is where you’ll see some of the most beautiful Baroque decors, with seven aisles in total, alongside works by Antwerp’s beloved artist Peter Paul Rubens.

13. Grab a drink on the Grote Markt

Grote Markt stands as Antwerp's vibrant core, framed by ornate guild houses, the iconic City Hall and the Brabo Fountain. This bustling square draws both locals and tourists to its many cafés and bars. Day or night, Grote Markt promises a drink for every preference.

From its outdoor terraces, visitors can appreciate the square's ambiance, watch street performers or admire the surrounding architectural gems. Belgian beer lovers will delight in the diverse offerings, from renowned Trappist ales to unique craft beers. Wine enthusiasts and spirit seekers aren't left out; many establishments serve a curated range, including the local jenever, a traditional Belgian gin.

Grote Markt is more than a place for drinks; it's a hub of social activity. Regular festivals, markets and events amplify its lively spirit. In winter, the square becomes enchanting, adorned with lights, hosting a Christmas market and ice skating rink. Sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine adds warmth to the festive atmosphere.

Its central location, near attractions like the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Museum PlantinMoretus, makes Grote Markt a strategic stop for city explorers. Here, visitors don't just drink; they immerse in a tradition that cherishes community and camaraderie. Grote Markt embodies Antwerp's hospitality, offering a taste of the city's essence with every sip. 

14. Stand in front of the Brabo Fountain

Brabo Fountain, prominently positioned in Antwerp's Grote Markt, is more than just a monument; it's a reflection of the city's rich folklore and identity. This iconic structure narrates the tale of the hero Silvius Brabo, who bravely defeated the giant Antigoon. Legend says Antigoon demanded tolls from those crossing the river Scheldt and cut off the hands of those who declined. The fountain captures Brabo's victory, showing him ready to hurl the giant's severed hand into the river.

Crafted by Jef Lambeaux in 1887, every detail of Brabo Fountain, from Brabo's fierce expression to the base's intricate design, showcases the period's exceptional artistry. As visitors approach, they're enveloped by the square's vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by historic guild houses, bustling cafés and the grand City Hall. The fountain's water jets add a lively touch, shimmering under daylight and glowing under nighttime illumination.

Photographers and tourists alike are drawn to its captivating design, making it a favorite spot for memorable snapshots. Guided tours around Grote Markt often spotlight the Brabo Fountain, diving deep into its legend, craftsmanship and importance to Antwerp's residents. The city's name itself is believed to originate from the Dutch “hand werpen”, translating to “throw a hand”, linking back to Brabo's tale.

Visiting Brabo Fountain isn't just a touristy endeavor; it's an immersion into a legend, an art appreciation session and a bond with Antwerp's cultural tapestry. It stands as a testament to Antwerp's enduring spirit, creativity and heritage, beckoning everyone to uncover the story shaping the city's essence.

15. Chill at Steen Castle

Steen Castle, overlooking the River Scheldt in Antwerp, is a harmonious blend of history and relaxation. This fortress, characterized by its sturdy walls and round tower, transports visitors to a bygone era while offering a serene escape.

The name “Steen” translates to “stone” in Dutch, aptly describing its robust structure. A unique statue of a giant with two humans greets visitors at the entrance, infusing the place with a hint of folklore. Inside, the calm courtyard, adorned with cobblestones and gardens, beckons exploration. Strategically placed benches offer spots to relax and admire the river and city views.

Het Steen used to be a much bigger fortress and was historically important in controlling the river Scheldt. Today’s castle dates back to the early 1200s, but there have been fortresses on this site as far back as 645. Like several castles in Belgium, it spent part of its existence as a prison.

The terrace of Steen Castle is a favoured relaxation spot, offering outdoor seating with panoramic views. Here, visitors can savour a drink or meal amidst the castle's historic ambiance, complemented by the gentle river breeze. But the castle isn't just about leisure; it's a portal to Antwerp's maritime past. The National Maritime Museum, nestled within its walls, delves into the city's maritime connections, displaying artefacts from ship models to navigational tools.

Conveniently located near the city's heart, Steen Castle is a cherished retreat for both locals and tourists. It occasionally hosts events like concerts, adding vibrancy to its serene setting. The castle's rich history, combined with cultural events, ensures it remains a lively attraction. Photographers will find the castle's architecture and surrounding nature a treasure trove of shots, from the sunlight on its walls to the river's reflections.

Visiting Steen Castle is more than just a leisurely activity; it's an immersion into a space rich with history and nature. It stands as a testament to Antwerp's enduring spirit, its maritime heritage and offers a tranquil space for reflection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer or someone seeking a peaceful spot, Steen Castle promises a diverse experience, connecting visitors with the very soul of Antwerp. 

16. Take in some of Antwerp’s architecture hotspots

Because of Antwerp’s historic status as an important merchant port, it’s understandably home to some beautiful buildings that reflect its former grand position in the world. We’ve already dropped in on the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, the 17th-century Rubenshuis, the pioneering Antwerp Central Station and the grand guild houses of the Grote Markt among others. There’s a heap of further design delights to make architecture fans drool.

A trip to see the old Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis) is worthwhile. Strangely church-like in structure, this building was purpose-built during Antwerp’s Golden Age. A red brick and white sandstone building constructed in the early 16th century for the central city meat market, it had room for 62 of the city’s butchers to trade and use as headquarters. The interlaced red and white brickwork is known locally as “bacon layers”.

Take a stroll down Cogels-Osylei in Zurenborg for a glimpse into the former lives of the Belgian bourgeoisie. This street is renowned for its crazily eclectic selection of Belle Epoque mansions built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Architects vied for attention with decadent houses in a complete spectrum of styles, from Art Nouveau to Tudor, Neo-Gothic, to Neo-Classical.

For a taste of the modern side of Antwerp, the Port House couldn’t be a better stop for your itinerary. This glass behemoth on the city’s skyline came about after a challenge for Zaha Hadid Architects to transform an old protected fire station. The structure towers over the old building and its mirror-like exterior bounces light around the port, a reference to Antwerp’s famed diamonds.  

17. Go fashion shopping in Antwerp

Antwerp is celebrated for its fashion scene and in Belgium and further afield it is known as the “city of fashion”. In Antwerp, you’ll find the Fashion Academy, the Flanders Fashion Institute and MOMU, the Fashion Museum. Unsurprisingly, it’s also globally famous for shopping.

Shoppers flock from all over the country and beyond to visit Meir street, Antwerp’s main shopping street. It's one of the main Antwerp tourist attractions and probably a good destination if you’re short on time or want to dedicate just one day to shopping. This area between Antwerp Central Station and the Cathedral of Our Lady is home to all the international brands, not to mention some gorgeous architecture.

This is also where you’ll find De Stadsfeestzaal, a spectacular luxury shopping complex in the restored festival hall with a dramatic golden dome, mosaic floor and impressive marble staircase.

If vintage gems are more your style, head to the Kloosterstraat for retro and antique furniture, clothing, trinkets and things. For some more designer and boutique shopping, you should check out Schuttershofstraat, Kammenstraat, Lombardenvest and the area around the central Groenplaats.  

18. See the diamond-cutters at work in the Diamond District

The Diamond District sits prominently in Antwerp, solidifying the city's title as the “diamond capital of the world”. Spanning several blocks, this radiant hub showcases the intricate journey of diamond transformation. As you stroll through its streets, the shimmering diamonds in storefronts highlight the district's primary trade. A visit to a workshop in the Diamond District unveils the meticulous art of diamond cutting. Here, diamantaires or diamond cutters, transform rough stones into brilliant gems.

Diamond cutting is a craft demanding precision, patience and a discerning eye. Diamantaires employ specialised tools to enhance a diamond's inherent shine. A raw diamond, though precious, doesn't possess the finished gem's radiance. But under a skilled cutter's touch, it reveals its concealed splendour. Each facet and cut is deliberate, aligning with the diamond's innate traits. The Four Cs —Carat, Cut, Clarity and Colour — guide this transformation. Tours often delve into Antwerp's diamond legacy, the diamond's voyage from extraction to sale and the nuances of cutting.

Beyond crafting, the Diamond District is a trading epicentre. The Antwerp Diamond Exchange, the planet's oldest, buzzes with transactions and trades. For buyers, the district's showrooms present an array of jewellery and gems, with experts aiding in selecting the ideal piece.

The Diamond District isn't merely a tourist spot; it's a tribute to craftsmanship, a nod to beauty and a window into an industry integral to Antwerp's essence. Whether you're a jewellery aficionado, a keen traveller or a gemology enthusiast, the district promises a layered experience. It's where rough diamonds attain elegance, where expertise meets artistry and where the diamond's charm is magnified by masterful hands. The Diamond District stands as a luminous emblem of Antwerp's rich legacy.

19. Taste some of the local beer

Local beer culture in Antwerp is a testament to Belgium's rich brewing legacy. Here, one can savor traditional brews like the renowned “Bolleke” or explore cosy beer cafés adorned with classic wooden decor. Antwerp offers guided brewery tours, shedding light on the intricate beer-making process and hosts beer festivals that honor Belgium's brewing prowess. Many restaurants in the city incorporate beer into their culinary offerings, suggesting beer-food pairings, while specialty shops stock a diverse range of bottled beers for enthusiasts.

In Antwerp, the local beer culture extends beyond just drinking. It encompasses unique glassware, precise pouring methods and a burgeoning craft beer movement that champions both innovation and eco-friendliness. Beer in this city isn't merely a drink; it symbolises centuries-old heritage, meticulous craftsmanship and a taste that embodies Antwerp's essence. For both beer aficionados and eager explorers, the city's beer scene promises a deep dive into tradition, camaraderie and fervour.

20. Go bargain-hunting at one of Antwerp’s markets

Antwerp’s markets are a treasure trove of unique finds and vibrant atmospheres. Grote Markt, located in the city's core, operates daily, showcasing a diverse array of items from fresh flowers and local produce to Belgian chocolates and apparel. As you shop, the historic guild halls around the square enhance the experience. Rommelmarkt Nationalestraat, the city's renowned flea market, comes alive on weekends. Here, vendors display a mix of antique furniture, jewellery, art and various curiosities. For antique enthusiasts, the Old Market (Oudemarkt) is a must-visit on weekends. This market boasts a collection of Flemish paintings, silverware, chandeliers and vintage linens. Beyond shopping, Antwerp’s markets also offer delicious food stalls and the chance to discover lace goods, a nod to the city's lace-making heritage. Engaging in friendly haggling is part of the charm, ensuring visitors secure the best deals in these bustling marketplaces.

21. See the activity at the Port of Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp stands as a testament to maritime prowess and activity. Visitors can embark on boat tours along the Scheldt River, gliding by cranes and massive container ships, showcasing the port's vast operations. The MAS museum's observation deck offers panoramic views of the docks and the ceaseless movement of vessels. Inside the historic Steen Castle, exhibits trace the port's transformation into Europe's second-largest. Het Pomphuis restaurant, once a pump house, offers diners scenic port views. A drive through the Kennedy Tunnel unveils the expansive port lands, filled with warehouses, railroads and shipping containers ready for global transport. Experiencing the Port of Antwerp's infrastructure and bustling activity offers a glimpse into its 500-year legacy as a maritime powerhouse.

22. Walk through St. Anna’s Tunnel

St. Anna’s Tunnel (or Sint-Annatunnel) is a bit of a unique phenomenon and another one of the many things to see in Antwerp. In brief, it’s a deep, long tunnel that was established in the 1930s, that runs from one side of the river to the other. Before the tunnel’s construction, people had to use a ferry service to get from one side of Antwerp to the other.

Town planners did consider constructing a bridge as the city expanded, but it was decided that a bridge would limit the travel of Antwerp’s important ships up the river, so a tunnel was opted for instead.

The main feature isn’t really the tunnel itself, but the magnificent wooden escalators that take you down over 30 meters / 98 feet underground. These unusual wooden escalators would have been a novelty when they were built back in the 30s and today they remain pretty special.

Like most places, the tunnel was damaged severely in World War II but after restoration work, the escalators and tunnel itself is still very much in use and is the recommended way to get from riverbank to riverbank when traveling about Antwerp.

23. Browse Meir Shopping Street

Meir Shopping Street stands as Antwerp's vibrant heart for fashion and urban energy. Nestled in the city's core, Meir boasts a diverse shopping landscape, from luxury designer outlets to beloved high street names. The street's architecture, a harmonious blend of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, adds to its allure. Shoppers can find everything from contemporary trends to classic staples. The Stadsfeestzaal, a luxurious shopping centre with marble interiors and a grand dome, offers an upscale shopping experience.

Beyond shopping, Meir pulses with life. Street performers, outdoor cafés and the scents of Belgian treats create a lively atmosphere. Notable landmarks like the Royal Palace and Bourla Theatre enrich the street's cultural offerings. As a pedestrian-friendly zone, Meir ensures a relaxed shopping journey. Seasonal events, from festive Christmas lights to summer sales, enhance its appeal.

Exploring Meir Shopping Street is an immersion into Antwerp's cosmopolitan essence and its rich fashion legacy. It's where shopping meets art, history and city life. For shoppers, architecture enthusiasts or those soaking in the city's ambiance, Meir promises a comprehensive experience, encapsulating Antwerp's diverse charm. 

24. Middelheim's sculpture park

Middelheim's sculpture park in Antwerp's suburbs melds art and nature seamlessly. Spanning 30 hectares, this open-air museum boasts over 200 sculptures, from renowned artists like Auguste Rodin to innovative contemporary creators. Established in 1950, the park offers a visual journey through various artistic eras. Sculptures sit amidst green lawns, forests and ponds, enhancing the natural beauty.

Different sections of the park cater to varied artistic tastes. “Middelheim High” displays grand pieces, while “Middelheim Low” focuses on smaller, intricate works. The connecting “Nachtegalen Park” offers a picturesque route for visitors. Those keen on understanding the art's depth can opt for guided tours, which delve into the sculptures' history and inspiration. Annual events and exhibitions introduce new artworks and perspectives.

As seasons change, Middelheim's sculpture park transforms, with nature accentuating the art's beauty. It's a family-friendly space, with interactive pieces and open areas for kids. For those looking to unwind, picnic spots and a café are available. The park stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of art and nature, offering visitors a unique, immersive experience.

25. Tour the city by bike

Antwerp’s not a huge city when it comes to exploring and one of the best ways to travel is definitely with two wheels. You can get from one neighborhood to another pretty quickly from Het Zuid to Het Eilandje, for example, it is less than 4 km (2.5) miles.

There are 700 km (435) miles of cycle lane in Antwerp and in general cyclists are treated well and certainly as equals to the motorized traffic. Bike tours are available too if you want to explore Antwerp in a different light.

There’s a city-wide bicycle rental scheme called VeloAntwerpen which is easy to use, with over 100 stations throughout the city. You just purchase a membership card online, through the app or in-person at the office and then use a code to unlock a bike for 30 minutes travel at a time. There’s a brilliant app for this service where you can find available stations and see if they’re full up or not.

26. Pop into St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church in Antwerp offers a serene escape from the city's hustle. Built between 1617 and 1634, this former Dominican establishment showcases a stunning Baroque interior. As visitors enter, they're immediately captivated by the ceiling's intricate floral designs and sculptures, a hallmark of the Baroque style.

St Paul’s Church houses masterpieces by Antwerp's renowned artists, including Rubens, Jordaens and Francken. Their paintings, adorning the nave, bring biblical tales to life with vivid colours and detailed compositions. As sunlight streams through the tall windows, it illuminates the church's beauty, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic legacy of Antwerp's Baroque period.

What is the best time to visit Antwerp?

The best time to visit Antwerp is widely considered from May through September. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). The summer season brings the most sunshine and driest weather. However, July and August also draw peak tourist crowds. To avoid the summer rush while still enjoying nice weather, late spring and early autumn are ideal. May, June, September and October offer comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, meaning better availability for hotels and activities. The weather is changeable year-round though, so rain can happen anytime. Winters are chilly with more rain and very little sunshine. While December hosts lively Christmas markets, January and February see the coldest temperatures. Overall the warmest and sunniest periods with comfortable weather and fewer crowds make late spring through early fall the best time for most visitors to experience Antwerp.

What is the weather like in Antwerp?

Antwerp typically has a marine west coast climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are comfortable and partly cloudy while winters are long, cold, windy and mostly cloudy. July is the hottest month in Antwerp with average highs of 23°C and average lows of 14°C. January is the coldest month with average highs of 5°C and average lows of 1°C. Antwerp gets precipitation spread throughout the year with average rainfall ranging from 18mm to 57mm per month. December sees the most rainy days at 18.7 days on average while September has the fewest at 11.7 rainy days. Antwerp can get snowfall, especially in December which averages 31mm. Daylight hours in Antwerp range from 8 hours in December to 16.5 hours in June. Antwerp gets an average of 3.7 to 9.4 hours of sunshine per day depending on the month. Humidity levels tend to stay stable year-round, averaging between 73% and 87%. Wind speeds average between 9 mph in August to 17 mph in February. Late spring through early autumn are pleasant times to visit Antwerp.

What are the best museums in Antwerp?

Listed below are the best museums in Antwerp, Belgium.

• The Plantin Moretus Museum: This museum showcases the history of book printing and typography, offering insights into Antwerp's role as an important port city.
• FOMU Antwerp: FOMU Antwerp is a photography museum that features various exhibitions, including “Shooting Stars” by Jan Hoek and “Masterpieces and Discoveries” by August Sander.
• The Red Star Line Museum: The Red Star Line Museum tells the story of the Red Star Line, a shipping company that transported millions of immigrants to the United States. It offers a glimpse into the experiences of those who embarked on this journey.
• Muhka: Muhka is a contemporary art museum that showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations and multimedia pieces.
• The Rubens Museum: Dedicated to the works of the renowned Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, this museum houses a vast collection of his paintings and provides insights into his life and artistic career.

These museums in Antwerp offer unique and enriching museum experiences for visitors to explore the art, history and culture of Antwerp

What is the Antwerp Christmas market?

The Antwerp Christmas market is a festive event that takes place during the holiday season in Antwerp, Belgium. It is a lively and bustling market where visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The market stretches across various squares in the city, including Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt, Grote Markt, Suikerrui and Steenplein. Here, you will find around 100 stalls offering a variety of goods, including delicious food, warm winter accessories, crafts and Christmas items. The market is also known for its iconic Ferris wheel at Steenplein, which provides a stunning view of the river Schelde and the Steen fortress. The Antwerp Christmas market is a must-visit for those seeking a festive and joyful atmosphere during the holiday season.

What are the best hotels to stay in Antwerp?

Listed below are the best hotels to stay in Antwerp:

• Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection: Sapphire House Antwerp is part of the Autograph Collection and offers a luxurious and unique experience in the city's heart. The hotel's design is inspired by the city's rich diamond heritage, with elegant interiors reflecting modern sophistication and timeless elegance. Guests can enjoy top-notch amenities, including a gourmet restaurant, a spa and well-appointed rooms, making it an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers seeking comfort and style. Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection is considered one of the best hotels to stay in Antwerp .
• Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – The Leading Hotels of the World: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and offers an oasis of tranquillity and luxury. The hotel is known for its exquisite design, blending classic architecture with contemporary touches and its commitment to sustainability and wellness. With a world-class spa, fine dining options and impeccable service, Botanic Sanctuary provides a serene and indulgent escape for those looking to experience the best of Antwerp in an elegant setting.
• Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites: Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites offers a unique and boutique accommodation experience in the vibrant fashion district of Antwerp. The property combines an apartment's privacy and space with a hotel's services and amenities, making it perfect for extended stays or those seeking a HomeAway from home atmosphere. Each flat and suite is thoughtfully designed with modern décor, fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living spaces, providing a convenient and stylish base for exploring the city's attractions, shopping and dining.

What are the best restaurants in Antwerp?

Listed below are the best restaurants in Antwerp :

•  The Jane: The Jane is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a renovated chapel, offering a truly divine dining experience. Led by known Chef Sergio Herman, the restaurant's menu is a creative fusion of modern European cuisine, prepared with precision and flair. The stunning interior, designed by Piet Boon, features a dazzling chandelier and stained glass windows, creating an ambience that is both elegant and dramatic, making The Jane a must-visit destination for food connoisseurs.
• Mojo: Mojo is a popular seafood restaurant located in Antwerp, Belgium. It is known for serving high quality, fresh seafood like oysters, lobster, sole, and cod. Reviews praise the bouillabaisse, fried shrimp croquettes, and fresh grilled fish. The atmosphere is relaxed and service friendly. Mojo has decently priced wine options. While there can be delays when busy, reviewers on TripAdvisor rate Mojo highly, giving it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a Traveler’s Choice award in 2022 for its tasty dishes and fresh seafood.
• SELSation: SELSation is a family-run restaurant that prides itself on offering a warm and personalised dining experience. The menu, crafted by Chef Jan Sels, focuses on Belgian and French classics, prepared with a modern touch and a deep respect for seasonal and local produce. The cosy and inviting ambience and attentive service make SELSation an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy traditional flavours in a relaxed and friendly setting.

What are the best coffee shops and bars in Antwerp?

Listed below are the best coffee shops and bars in Antwerp :

• Dogma: Dogma is a cocktail bar quickly becoming a favourite among locals and visitors for its innovative and expertly crafted cocktails. Located in a cosy and atmospheric space, the bar's interior exudes a vintage charm, with dim lighting and classic décor. The bartenders at Dogma are true artisans, creating bespoke cocktails that cater to individual tastes, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a sophisticated and personalised drinking experience.
• Jones & Co: Jones & Co is a modern and stylish bar that offers a wide selection of spirits, cocktails and wines. Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, the bar provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where guests can explore new flavours and classic favourites. With regular events, tastings and a commitment to quality, Jones & Co has established itself as a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy a lively evening with friends in a chic and contemporary setting.
• Beerlovers Bar: As the name suggests, Beerlovers Bar is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering an extensive selection of local and international craft beers. With over 30 beers on tap and hundreds more in bottles, the bar allows one to explore craft beer's rich and diverse world. The laid-back ambience, communal seating and passionate staff make Beerlovers Bar a must-visit for anyone looking to discover new brews, enjoy classic ales and engage in friendly conversation with fellow beer lovers.

What are the best castles to visit in Belgium other than Steen Castle of Antwerp?

Belgium is home to some truly remarkable castles that showcase its rich history and architectural heritage. There are Gravensteen Castle, Bouillon Castle, Modave Castle, Veves Castle and Beloeil Castle.

One of the most impressive castles in Belgium is Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century. Its well-preserved structure and panoramic views of the city make it a must-visit. Bouillon Castle, located in the town of Bouillon, is another gem. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Semois River, it offers guided tours that delve into its medieval past. Modave Castle, nestled in the picturesque Ardennes region, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens while enjoying the surrounding countryside. Veves Castle, near Dinant, is like something out of a fairy tale. With its blend of architectural styles and lush green surroundings, it's a captivating sight. Lastly, Beloeil Castle, often referred to as the Belgian Versailles, is a grand estate in the province of Hainaut. Its elegant interiors, beautiful gardens and hosting of cultural events throughout the year make it a must-see. These castles offer a glimpse into Belgium's fascinating past and are sure to leave visitors in awe.

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The 15 Best Things to do in Antwerp, Belgium

Nicknamed “ Belgium ’s capital of cool” by Conde Nast Traveler , Antwerp certainly lives up to its lofty label. Whether you spend your time exploring the captivating historic city center, hopping between alluring art galleries, shopping at the countless high-end boutiques, or enjoying the green spaces on the city’s outskirts, you’ll never get bored in Antwerp!

For foodies, there’s a staggering number of Michelin-starred restaurants and drool-worthy artisan chocolate stores to choose from. There’s even a whole museum dedicated to just chocolate! And if you’re in need of a little retail therapy, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a number of major shopping streets boasting stores filled with everything from diamonds to vinyl records and designer clothes.

Antwerp is such a gorgeous and beguiling city that you could spend a day just wandering around its streets and never get bored. In fact, the place is so beautiful that its Central Station is considered to be a big tourist attraction simply because of how it looks!

With so many amazing things to see, do, and eat, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best things to do in Antwerp. Add these activities and attractions to your Antwerp bucket list, and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time exploring Belgium’s capital of cool.

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Antwerp, Belgium

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun and Unique Things to Do In Antwerp

1. indulge at the world’s largest belgian chocolate museum.

You may have enjoyed Belgian chocolate plenty of times before – if not, Antwerp is a great place to start! Do you know why chocolate became so important in this country and why it’s loved so much around the world? Find out at the Chocolate Nation , one of the best Antwerp attractions for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Chocolate Nation guides you through the complete chocolate production process, from bean to bar. The exhibition is spread out through 14 themed rooms that follow the cacao bean from its origins in far-off plantations and its arrival in Antwerp’s storage port until it reaches its final destination – in the mouth of chocolate lovers! 

There are plenty of tasting opportunities here, too. You can try more than 10 different types of chocolate and even make your own chocolate treats if you’re feeling creative. Don’t forget to stop by the shop before you leave. There’s so much deliciousness on offer that you’ll definitely take something home with you.

2. Shop in Style at the Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre

The Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre is one of the most magnificent shopping centers in Europe, where over 6.5 million people go each year for a truly unique shopping experience. One of the top things to do in Antwerp if you need a break from traditional sightseeing, this shopping mall is nestled in the center of the Meir and boasts more than 40 stores and dining spots. 

Here you can pick up everything, from designer fashion and pop culture merchandise to luxury bathroom products and creative sushi. They’ve even got a one-of-a-kind store that takes all the colors in your iris and turns them into a work of art in minutes!

The Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre first opened in 1908 and was listed as a National Heritage Building in 1983. It was almost completely devastated by a fire in 2000. Only the monumental staircases, steel roof structure, and historic façade survived. Because it was such an important building, it was restored back to its former glory and now looks identical to how it was when it first opened. 

3. Check Out the Oldest Printing Presses in the World

One of the most unique things to do in Antwerp is to visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum and check out the oldest printing presses in the world. This captivating museum highlights the creations of 16th-century printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus, the Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg of their day!

The museum is set inside what was once Officina Platiniana, the publishing house that Plantin and Moretus used to work in. Some of the rooms have been kept as intact as possible, so you can wander around, see the tools the duo once used, and get a feel for what it was like when the office was full of life more than 400 years ago.

The very first museum to earn the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is bursting with fascinating things to see. Original wallpaper, cordovan leather, paintings, and sculptures can all be found inside. There’s even a series of portraits that Plantin and Moretus commissioned Peter Paul Reubens to paint.

4. Discover Your Love of Art at the MAS

Even if you wouldn’t call yourself an art lover, visiting the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is one of the best things to do in Antwerp. This eye-catching museum is located along the River Scheldt and features a unique design made from red sandstone and tall, narrow windows.

The museum is staggeringly large and features 10 individual levels, each of which is dedicated to a different historical, social, or cultural theme. There are loads of permanent exhibitions to explore, such as photo displays that dive into Antwerp’s heritage, exhibitions that look at how festivals are celebrated throughout the world, and display cases full of ancient art from Pre-Columbian America. 

A great place to visit with kids, MAS makes art and history fun. The museum is full of bright colors, interesting display methods, and fascinating facts that make browsing through the 500,000 museum pieces a treat for the senses.

Don’t forget to spend some time at the very top of the museum. From up here, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Antwerp that stretch on for miles.

Book an Antwerp Evening Tour

5. Treat Yourself to Belgian Mussels and Fries

If you like seafood, you’ve got to try Belgian mussels and fries. This simple yet delicious combination dates back to 1875 and is loved just as much today as it was when it was first created!

Because the dish is so popular, you’ll find it all over the place – from cafes and restaurants to festivals and fairgrounds. The Belgian way of cooking mussels involves gently steaming them in a mixture of butter, white wine, onion, parsley, and celery. Pair them with the wonderfully crispy double-fried Belgian fries, and you’ve got a dish you’ll never get tired of, no matter how many times you have it.

Fish a’Gogo is one of the best places in Antwerp for mussels and fries. This casual restaurant dishes up a tempting array of seafood, including amazing mussels cooked in white wine and garlic, as well as the best Belgian fries with creamy mayonnaise.

6. Wander Around the Rubens House

For some of the best things to see in Antwerp, take a trip to the Rubens House . The genuine home in which the artist Peter Paul Rubens lived for 30 years in the early 17th century, the building (now known as Rubenshuis) is also where he painted some of his most famous masterpieces.

After the artist bought the building, he extensively renovated the house and studio to make it more personal to him. Today, the property, including its charming courtyard, looks like a grandiose Italian palazzo structure. Inside the home, you’ll find a great number of his own works of art, as well as several pieces by his students and contemporaries, including Anthony van Dyck, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, and Jacob Jordaens.

Rubens’ house has gone through many changes over the years. It was even a prison for some time following the French Revolution. In the 20th century, the City of Antwerp took over the building and restored it, making it look as close to the original as it could possibly be.

Book a Historical Highlights Walking Tour

7. Party at Linkerwoofer

If you’re planning on visiting Antwerp in the summer, it’s definitely worth checking out Linkerwoofer . This family-friendly festival takes place over two days in July or August and is a great place to relax and enjoy the more laid-back side of the city.

Boasting a gorgeous riverside location on the city’s left bank, Linkerwoofer features a fantastic lineup that’s designed for everyone to enjoy. The late nights see up-and-coming Belgian artists, bands, and DJs take to the stage, so adults can let their hair down and party. Saturday afternoon is often reserved for kids, with a host of children’s entertainment to keep the little ones happy.

As well as everything happening on the stage, Linkerwoofer also attracts many different street food vans and kiosks. Here you can fuel up on everything from Belgian fries to Japanese sushi and Mexican tacos to keep you going until the end of the festival.

8. Go Window-Shopping in the Diamond District

One of the coolest things to do in Antwerp is to check out all of the luxury gemstone stores in the Diamond District. The city has been considered the diamond capital of the world since the 15th century when Lodewyk van Bercken created a brand new type of tool to polish gemstones. Since then, Antwerp’s streets have been almost taken over by glitzy stores selling diamonds in all shapes and forms.

You’ll find the Diamond District just to the west of the Central Station. Take a leisurely walk around, and you’ll stumble upon hundreds of diamond workshops and stores creating and selling a host of rough diamonds, polished diamonds, and diamond jewelry.

Some craftspeople sit in the front of their workshops, so you can watch them polish diamonds and make stunning jewelry through the window. It’s definitely worth stopping for! Even if you have absolutely no intention of buying anything, the Diamond District is still a fun place to explore for the one-of-a-kind experience and atmosphere.

Book a Jewish Neighborhood Walking Tour

9. Take a Walk Down Meir Pedestrian Street

When you need a break from all the Antwerp sightseeing, take a walk around Meir street. One of the biggest and best shopping streets in the city, this area has been entirely pedestrianized and is overflowing with stunning architecture.

Many of the magnificent Rococo buildings here house major European chain stores, such as Primark, H&M, and Zara. Inno is definitely worth checking out, too. Antwerp’s equivalent of Paris’ Galeries Lafayette, this multi-level mall features fashion for men, women, and children, as well as stunning household items. There are so many beautiful things here that you could easily spend a whole morning just browsing.

While Meir street is a bustling hotspot for fashion lovers, there are other things you can do here besides shop. The avenue’s 18th- and 19th-century buildings also host coffee shops with outdoor terraces. 

Here you can sip on a delicious coffee while watching the world go by. Because it’s such a popular part of the city, Meir is almost always busy and bustling, giving you plenty of people to watch whenever you visit. 

10. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Belgian Waffles

Starting your day off with some light and fluffy Belgian waffles is one of the most fun things to do in Antwerp. Unlike the waffles you’re probably used to, Belgian waffles are leavened and made from a batter of flour, yeast, butter, milk, eggs, and pearl sugar.

They’re cooked in a regular waffle iron that gives them the classic honeycomb shape. But instead of being smothered in butter and maple syrup, Belgian waffles are usually stuffed with jam or melted chocolate and served with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Wafelhuis Van Hecke is one of the best places in Antwerp to indulge in Belgian waffles. The batter here is all mixed by hand, and it really does make a difference. You can keep things simple and have your waffles with just powdered sugar, or go crazy and add all kinds of delicious toppings, like strawberries, ice cream, and chocolate flakes.

11. Visit a Historic Zoo

If you’re traveling as a family, one of the must-do things in Antwerp is to visit the Antwerp Zoo . It was built way back in 1843, making it the oldest zoo in Belgium and one of the oldest on the planet. It was officially declared a monument in 1983 and is definitely worth checking out.

The huge zoo covers 10 hectares in the city center and is just a short walk from the Antwerp Central Station, making it really easy to get to.

What really makes this zoo stand out is its excellent breeding program. It’s responsible for the birth of many spectacled owls, aardvarks, jaguars, and king penguins, among a number of other species.

One of our favorite things about this family-friendly attraction is the themed enclosures. The giraffes and elephants live in an Egyptian temple, the koalas reside in a thatched cottage, and the hippos spend their time in a pink villa.

There are more than 7,000 animals from over 950 different species to check out here. You’ll definitely need a full day if you want to see it all.

12. Attend Tomorrowland – the Biggest Music Festival in the World

Partying at Tomorrowland is one of the coolest things to do in Antwerp if you’re planning on visiting in the summer. The biggest dance music festival the world has ever seen, Tomorrowland always boasts spectacular DJs from countries across the world who descend on Antwerp to bring the city to life with dance music.

If you’re into house, EDM, hardstyle, or techno, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time here. Not only is the music phenomenal, but the shows the DJs put on are almost too astounding to believe. 

Combine pounding bass lines with dramatic smoke machines, colorful laser lights, a sea of people waving flags, and astonishing fireworks displays, and you’ve got a unique experience you’ll never forget.

Tickets for Tomorrowland always sell out fast. So as soon as you book your flights, it’s a good idea to check the official website and snap up some tickets while you still can.

13. Be Left Speechless By the Central Station

Some of the best sights in Antwerp can be found in the most unlikely places, such as the Antwerp Central Station! So much more than just a place to catch a train, the station (also known as the Middenstatie) is one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.

The stunning station is a dramatic feat of marble, steel, and glass that dates back to 1895. It took a staggering 10 years to replace the original wooden terminus with the beautiful station you can see today. But as soon as you lay eyes on it, you’ll know it was time well spent. 

Because it incorporates a number of architectural designs, it’s tricky to find the right words to describe Antwerp’s Central Station. The façade features Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles, making it both striking and unique. 

While the station is fascinating to look at from the outside, you need to step inside to really get a feel for the place. The interior boasts a grand entrance hall, an impressive staircase, and an ornate station clock. If you look carefully at the 31- meter tall ceiling, you can see a dent from the WW2 bombings.

Book a Walking Tour  to Central Station

14. Explore the Oldest Building in Antwerp

When you feel like getting out of the lively city, spend a day at Steen Castle , also known as Het Steen. The oldest building in Antwerp, this beautiful castle may not look that big now, but it was a considerably larger fortress centuries ago.

The castle you can see today dates back to the early 13th century. But there has been some type of fortress on this site as far back as 645. Like a lot of Belgium’s castles, Steen Castle was used as a prison for some time when it wasn’t needed as a fortress.

There’s loads to check out in the castle, making it one of the best Antwerp activities to enjoy when the weather is bad. There’s an innovative exhibition that tells you all about the city, guided tours that show you the most interesting parts of the castle and surrounding areas, and an impressive rooftop area where you can soak up 360-degree views of Antwerp and the river.

15. Sip Elixir d’Anvers

After you’ve crossed off all the things to do in Antwerp off your list, it’s time to relax with a glass of Elixir d’Anvers. A special liqueur first produced in Belgium in 1863, this drink is created by blending together 32 individual plants and herbs with pure alcohol and water. 

The flavor-packed concoction is then mixed with sugar and aged in oak barrels for up to five months. This allows the sugar to subtly sweeten the drink and gives the herbs and plants time to fully infuse. 

Elixir d’Anvers is usually enjoyed on its own before or after dinner. But you’ll find a lot of bars and restaurants using it as a cocktail base, too. An Elixir d’Anvers mojito is the perfect way to cool down in summer, while a hot Elixir d’Anvers appletini will warm you right up in winter.

You won’t have to go far to find Elixir d’Anvers. The popular liqueur is available in pretty much every cafe, restaurant, bar, and liquor store. If you buy a bottle, try adding some to a mug of coffee for an extra kick!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Antwerp. What’s your favorite thing to do in the capital of cool?

Planning a trip to Belgium? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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One Day in Antwerp Itinerary: Best Things to do in Antwerp

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 9th March 2023

Categories Belgium , Itineraries

Last Updated on 9th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Cobbled lanes, 16th-century architecture, modern skyscrapers, and all the beer: if you’re looking for a vibrant destination in Western Europe that’s easy to reach by train or plane, then consider a visit to Anvers , otherwise known as Antwerpen or Antwerp . Here’s the best of Antwerp in one day ; an Antwerp itinerary to make the most of 24 hours in the city and discover the best things to do in Antwerp …

Why you must Visit Antwerp on your next Belgian Adventure

Is one day enough time to visit antwerp, arrive at antwerpen centraal, explore the historic city centre, grote markt, cathedral of our lady, groenplaats, konditori (schermersstraat 8), frituur n°1 (hoogstraat 1), the jane (paradeplein 1), graanmarkt 13, satay (wijngaardbrug 8), visit the best of antwerp museums, plantin-moretus museum, explore the hidden gems of antwerp, visit pauluskerk antwerpen, enjoy the view from mas museum, have a beer at het elfde gebod, enjoy the city lit up by night, day trips from antwerp, budget accommodation in antwerp, mid-range accommodation in antwerp, luxury accommodation in antwerp, meir shopping street, go shopping in the diamond district, tips for visiting antwerp, enjoyed reading about the best things to do in antwerp pin it now, read it again later:.

The bustling and busy port city of Antwerp can be found on the Northern coast of Belgium, a tiny country sandwiched between France to the West The Netherlands to the East, and Germany to the South.

As the birthplace of Paul Rubens, Antwerp has its fair share of cultural destinations and museums worth visiting. And that’s not all. Fries come from Belgium, as does some of the best chocolate and beer in the world (check out our Belgian beer guide here ) !

Another of the best reasons to visit Antwerp is its geographical location; perfect for day trips and cheaper than Brussels, Antwerpen makes the perfect base from which to explore the wider area. Ghent, Breda, and Bruges are all easy to reach.

One day is enough time to see Antwerp if you want a quick overview of the city and visit the top attractions. However, I would personally say that if you want to enjoy everything at a more leisurely pace and have time to relax as well, you’ll want to allocate three days to Anvers. For those planning a trip to Belgium, check out our s uggested Belgium itinerary .

Things to do in Antwerp in the morning

Often said to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, if you make it your mission to do just one thing during your day in Antwerp, be sure to at least arrive or depart from Antwerp central train station.

Constructed between 1895 and 1905, highlights of this sprawling terminus include an impressively large clock and Art Nouveau ceiling. Even if you don’t travel by train to get to the city, I still recommend heading to the Centraal station to check out the beautiful architecture.

Situated in the Old City Quarter of Antwerp, the market square of Anvers is characterised by its countless 16th-century guildhalls. Must-sees in the square include Antwerp City Hall and the Brabo Fountain. Inaugurated in 1887,  the fountain depicts Antwerp’s founding legend.

Come wintertime, an ice rink is erected in the Grote Markt, transforming the area into a glittering winter wonderland. Much like many other cities in Belgium, Antwerp hosts an annual Christmas market selling traditional Christmas market food and delightful souvenirs.

If you’re looking for further information on Antwerp, then it’s worth noting that the Tourist Information Office is also located a little off the Grote Markt.

If you’re looking to enjoy the best of Antwerp in a day, then you simply need to add the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of our Lady) to your itinerary.

Located in the very heart of the city, close to the Grote Markt, this ecclesiastical building was consecrated in the 16th-century. Though only one tower exists today, the original plans for the cathedral included two towers of equal height.

Over time, various complications (including a fire!) delayed the completion of the second tower, meaning that it was never realised. Today, you can visit the inside of the cathedral for a fee. Works of note inside include artworks by Rubens, Marten de Vos, and more!

Though ‘Groenplaats’ is quite literally translated into English as ‘Green Place,’ the lively square is far from your typical city centre park. Instead, Groenplaats is a paved convergence of many streets.

Highlights of this area of Antwerp include a statue dedicated to Paul Rubens and a magnificent view of the Cathedral. You can also sit in one of the cafés, order a beer or coffee, and sit and watch the world go by.

What you may not know is that where Groenplaats now stands was actually where Antwerp’s main cemetery stood, right up until the 18th-century. At that time, cemeteries were abolished within the city walls. Now, the square is home to an array of shops and eateries.

Where to eat in Antwerp

During our time in Antwerp, we were lucky to try a number of dishes, and I was especially happy to discover that there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options at various eateries throughout the city. Some of the best places to eat in Antwerp include:

By far the best bakery in town, Konditori is open from Tuesday through to Saturday. Well-reviewed, the quality of their breads and pastries is pretty much unrivalled!

If there’s one food you should try when in Beligum (if only just one fry to say you’ve sampled the local cuisine!) it’s the fries. The chips at Frituur n°1 are fast to get and so good that we ended up going twice! You can easily find somewhere nearby to sit and munch on your fast-food. When ordering, be sure to get the Fritessaus- you won’t regret it!

For a taste of luxury with a side of Belgian cuisine thrown in, check out The Jane. One of the best restaurants in Antwerp, this eatery has two michelin stars.

If you’re travelling with a veggie in tow, then be sure to check out Graanmarkt 13. Although this restaurant still serves meat and fish, there’s a selection of veggie tapas on the menu.

During our three days in Antwerp, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Satay. There are veggie options on the menu in the form of tofu-infused delights and I couldn’t recommend the noodles more!

How to spend an afternoon in Antwerp

By far my favourite museum in Antwerp, you could easily spend hours strolling around the Plantin-Moretus Museum . Part art museum, part history of the printing press, this sprawling complex of buildings easily needs 2-3 hours to fully explore.

If you’re planning to come to Antwerp in order to enjoy the art scene, then you simply must head inside the Rubenshuis (Ruben’s House) . However, I must warn you that the house museum is more of a gallery of sorts, and little of Rubens original furniture survives to this day. Instead, though the furniture is all antique, the things found within the Rubenshuis have been sourced elsewhere.

There’s a place in the city where you’ll find gems such as a location where a Caravaggio was once stolen and a Calvary Mountain complete with dozens of life-sized statues in their own hidden courtyard. Sint-Pauluskerk Antwerpen is easily the most beautiful church in Antwerp.

Free to visit, once there you’ll soon discover breathtaking paintings and a walk-around guidebook to help you discover the treasury and adjacent cloisters.

Another highlight of the St Paul’s Church is the mechanised altar which allows for different paintings to be displayed at different times.

Though the MAS museum is located a little way out of the historic city centre, the cultural space is still easy to reach via a gentle walk alongside the River Scheldt.

En route, be sure to discover Steen Castle, an ancient fortification dating back to the 11th-century. The MAS Museum (Museum Aan de Stroom) itself is housed within a strikingly modern building.

And while you’ll have to pay if you want to enjoy the exhibitions, the very top of the structure boasts a panoramic rooftop offering a bird’s eye view across the city.

How to spend an evening in Antwerp: Things to do in Antwerp at night

The most unusual bar in the city by far has got to be Het Elfde Gebod. Lying in the shadows of Antwerp’s Cathedral, the bar’s name is quite literally translated into English as the ’11th Commandment’. Once inside, you’ll soon discover an array of pulpits, church murals, angels and more.

The works have been collected over the span of our decades and are truly a sight to see. Between stone carvings and ornate crosses, you never know what you’ll spy next, nevermind where you should be looking!

The café serves a wide array of traditional Belgian beers, making it the perfect place to stop for a drink and one of the best hidden gems of Antwerp.

Twinkling and beautiful, there’s nothing like seeing Antwerpen by night, particularly the Grote Markt. Highly rated bars in the area include Den Engel (Grote Markt 3) , The Irish Times Pub (Grote Markt 38) , and Den Brabander Antwerpen (Grote Markt 36) .

If you have a little more time to explore the city, then there are plenty of things to do in Belgium outside of Antwerp. From the city, it couldn’t be easier to hop on a train (and though I don’t recommend it, you could also rent a car!) and take a day trip to a nearby city. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Antwerp.

Where to stay in Antwerp

The ASH Antwerp

Located close to a tram station, this hostel offers dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and private rooms with their own en-suites. Amenities include Free Wi-Fi while some rooms have fridges.  Check prices and availability here .

Kabas Hostel

This well-reviewed hostel offers dorm rooms, as well as private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and complimentary tea, coffee, and breakfast. Check prices and availability here.

Astoria Hotel Antwerp

Close to several parks and near the Diamond District of Antwerp, this mid-range hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms have their own terraces.   Check prices and availability here .

Hyllit Hotel

Close to Antwerp’s central station, the Hyllit Hotel features contemporary rooms with features like a minibar, free Wi-Fi and TVs.  Check prices and availability here .

Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt

Located in the heart of all the action, this four-star accommodation offers services such as flat-screen TVs, a complimentary breakfast, and free WiFi. Check prices and availability here .

Hotel Julien

Situated close to many of Antwerp’s main attractions, this luxurious place to stay in Antwerp even has a rooftop terrace with views onto the cathedral. For an extra fee, there’s also a spa that has a sauna.  Check prices and availability here . 

If you have more time (further things to do in Antwerp)…

Of course, if you have more time in Antwerp, then there are a myriad of other activities and things to do in the city. Here’s our selection of top attractions in Antwerp if you have more than 24 hours in the city…

If you want to shop, then you simply must head to Meir shopping street, which is one of the top places to go shopping in the Belgian city. The street has all of the typical high street vendors you would expect to find in a modern European city.

Yet another place which is popular for shopping in Antwerp is the Diamond district, which is also known as the   Diamond Quarter   (Diamantkwartier) . Its name derives from when Antwerp was at the peak of the diamond industry during the 19th-century.

Art lovers will likely need no introduction to the name Rubens. The iconic painter lived in Antwerp for years and today his former home has been transformed into a small house museum where you can learn more about Rubens’ life, as well as life in Belgium in the 17th-century.

If you want to avoid the crowds and prices of Brussels but are still looking to visit Belgium, then I highly recommend booking a visit to Antwerp. With that being said, there are still plenty of ways by which you can save money when visiting the city.

For example, if you’re taking public transportation, then purchase your tickets in advance at an official retailer (there are numerous newsagents and the like across the city). This way, you’ll save 20% as opposed to the full price if you were to buy your transport ticket from the driver.

If you want to get to know the city on a local level, from a resident’s perspective, then you might want to book a private walking tour. Lasting anything from 2-6 hours, this walk with a local guide will show you the best things Anvers has to offer.

Check prices and availability here .  If you’d prefer to experience Antwerp through its culinary scene, then book this 3-hour food tour instead.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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One Day in Antwerp Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

A modern cosmopolitan center whose rich artistic and cultural heritage seeps out of its every pore, Antwerp (Antwerpen in Dutch, i.e. Anvers in French) is the second most populous city in Belgium after Brussels. Located along the Scheldt River, the Antwerp of today is mostly famous as a major fashion capital and diamond trade Mecca. Every era brought something new to Antwerp, and the city developed and grew with the new without discarding the old. Its prime location on the Scheldt allowed it to grow in power and influence during the Middle Ages, eventually becoming a commercial center that could afford to build glorious cathedrals and support a vibrant art scene that produced Peter Paul Rubens, the most influential Belgian artist of his generation. Four centuries later, the spirit of Rubens’ Antwerp is still very much alive and well, in the city’s many museums and galleries, in the charming cobbled alleys, and even in the clubs and cafes, whose liveliness echoes the movement, color, and sensuality of the artist’s greatest works.

Plan your trip to Antwerp

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTWERP? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT ANTWERP 3. ONE DAY IN ANTWERP ITINERARY 3.1. Start Your Day at the Antwerp Central Station 3.2. Take a Short Walk to the Antwerp Zoo 3.3. Visit the Old Home of Peter Paul Rubens 3.4. Discover Old Antwerp at the Plantin-Moretus Museum 3.5. Check out the Cathedral Before Lunch 3.6. Take a Short Lunch Break 3.7. Visit Grote Markt (Grand Place) 3.8. Spend an Hour or Two at the Museum aan de Stroom 3.9. Go for a Walk Along the Waterfront 3.10. Treat Yourself to a Nice Dinner 3.11. Party On 4. WHERE TO STAY IN ANTWERP? 5. DAY TRIPS FROM ANTWERP 6. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING ANTWERP

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTWERP?

The weather in Belgium gets a lot of flak, even though a lot of it is undeserved and propagated by the Belgians themselves, who (much like the British) treat complaining about the weather like a national pastime. In reality, Belgium predominately enjoys a temperate maritime climate , marked by cool summers and moderate winters. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Antwerp is anywhere between late spring and early fall , preferably May-September. Unlike some other European destinations, summer is not a bad time to visit.

While there are plenty of tourists in the city, the locals themselves are also on holiday in July and August, making the crowds quite manageable. In case you want to be safe and get the best of both worlds (warm, comfortable weather and as few tourists as possible), then you should opt for September or October . Do keep in mind that the weather can change rather suddenly in Antwerp, so always keep an umbrella and an extra sweater handy, just in case.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT ANTWERP

The Antwerp province is one of Belgium’s Flemish provinces, which means that Dutch is the official language spoken in the city. The city’s name was allegedly derived from a Dutch phrase that literally translates as “to throw a hand”, alluding to a popular legend that a brave young warrior fought a mythical giant and defeated him by cutting off his hand and tossing it into the river where the city of Antwerp is now located. As per usual, there is another, more mundane theory, whereby the city’s name actually means simply “at the wharf” (aan het werf), which makes sense considering the fact that Antwerp is a port city.

The city has numerous claims to fame, but here are some that may not be particularly well-known. The city hosted the first Summer Olympics after World War I, in 1920. It is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the world , founded in 1843. Lastly, the first printed newspaper in the world was published in Antwerp. The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates the work of city’s earliest printers.

ONE DAY IN ANTWERP ITINERARY

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Antwerp.

TAKE A TOUR: Take a 2.5-hour historic tour to learn about Antwerp’s history.

Start Your Day at the Antwerp Central Station

Whether you arrive in by train or not, the city’s main railway station should be at the very top of your list of places to visit in Antwerp. Widely celebrated as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium, the station is so beautiful that the locals call it Spoorwegkathedraal, meaning “Railway Cathedral”. The railway station was designed by famed architect Louis Delacenserie, who was inspired by the Roman Pantheon and the older railway station in Lucerne, Switzerland. The massive dome is a particularly impressive feature, much like the stone station building.

The station underwent a major renovation project between 2000 and 2009, which increased the number of platforms and facilitated a high-speed rail line. The next attraction opens at 10, so there’s no need to rush things. You can get here around 8 or 9 and take your time exploring the railway station. You can even grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee in one of the nearby cafes before moving on.

Take a Short Walk to the Antwerp Zoo

As unusual as that may be, number two on our list of things to do in Antwerp is the Antwerp Zoo , one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Europe. You can get there in under two minutes from the railway station (it is literally next-door). Occupying a huge area, the zoo is home to 5,000 specimens belonging to close to a thousand different species . The zoo’s current focus is on conservation, leveraging some of its most popular attractions to draw attention to pressing environmental challenges.

Most of the animals can walk freely throughout their safe designated spaces, and several enclosures feature animals of different species living together in harmony, as they would in their real ecosystems. The daily sea lion presentations are particularly popular among the zoo’s youngest visitors. A guided tour of the zoo usually takes around one hour. Of course, you are free to stay longer, although there are still other places to visit in Antwerp.

Visit the Old Home of Peter Paul Rubens

The Rubens House (Rubenshuis) is the former home of Peter Paul Rubens , one of Antwerp’s most famous sons. It is located approximately 1 km west of the zoo, mostly in a straight line along De Keyserlei street. Even on the outside, the house looks really special, with an ornate façade covered in gorgeous reliefs.

A work of art in its own right, the house was designed by Rubens himself to resemble an Italian villa -and it shows. The house was restored in the mid-20 th century and opened as a museum in 1946. Apart from artefacts from the painter’s life, the museum displays many of his most famous paintings, including Adam and Eve and a remarkable self-portrait.

Discover Old Antwerp at the Plantin-Moretus Museum

After the Rubens House, continue your one day in Antwerp with a visit to the Plantin-Moretus Museum . Exit Rubenshuis and head west on Jodenstraat, then make your way to Lombardenvest and keep heading west until you reach the museum , located in a beautiful section of the city, surrounded by immaculately preserved colorful old houses.

Located in an old publishing house/printing plant, the Plantin-Moretus Museum was established in 1876 to honor Antwerp’s contribution to typography and exhibit old printing equipment, ancient volumes in the 17th-century library, works by Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck , and several priceless artefacts. Don’t miss the chance to see an original Gutenberg Bible (one of only 49 still existing today), the first printed atlas in the world, and two of the oldest printing presses in the world.

Check out the Cathedral Before Lunch

Once you’ve had your fill of antique books, tapestries, and printing presses, head on over to Hoogstraat , a charming cobblestone street behind the museum. Just walk north past the numerous colorful shops and quaint cafes and restaurants until you reach the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal Antwerpen, i.e. the Cathedral of Our Lady. The cathedral’s impressive 123 meters-high spires have been towering over the city’s skyline ever since the 14 th century, when the building was among the tallest structures in the known world.

Unfortunately, being a Roman Catholic edifice, the cathedral has been plundered , devastated, and set on fire multiple times over the past couple of centuries. Since much of the original interior was lost, most of Gothic structural elements seen inside are the result of a later 19 th -century recreation. If you spend an hour at each of the attractions and aforementioned places to visit in Antwerp, it should be around 2 PM by the time you’re done exploring the cathedral.

Take a Short Lunch Break

As soon as you leave the cathedral, try to find a nice nearby restaurant for lunch. Paters Vaetje is a great “brown bar” in Antwerp old town, sitting in the shadow of the cathedral’s tall spires. The loveable Art Nouveau style provides the setting for trying out some of Belgium’s world-famous beers such as Karmeliet, Trappist and abbey beers, with a ton of delicious food options including Belgian classics and fast-food mainstays such as pizza and spaghetti Bolognese.

Remarkably, the bar succeeded in maintaining its authenticity in spite of its popularity. De Groote Witte Arend is a great alternative set in an old patrician house, with a unique, stylish interior and a gorgeous terrace where you can munch on typical Belgian food and down a couple of excellent Arend Blonds.

Visit Grote Markt (Grand Place)

Luckily, you won’t have to walk for very long after lunch to get to Grote Markt, a magnificent plaza in the center of the city and one of the most important places to visit in Antwerp if you want to experience the true spirit of the city. If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Antwerp, it is likely that the photo was taken at the Grote Markt, surrounded by centuries-old guild houses.

The plaza is also home to the 16 th -century Town Hall , or Stadhuis van Antwerpen. The gorgeous Brabo fountain occupies the center of the square, depicting Silvius Brabo , the young warrior from the aforementioned legend, as he is about to throw the severed hand of the evil giant into the river. The square is particularly impressive in winter, when it hosts a Christmas market and all the surrounding buildings are illuminated by thousands of little lamps.

Spend an Hour or Two at the Museum aan de Stroom

Standing in stark contrast to Antwerp’s other, predominately age-old landmarks, the high-tech Museum aan de Stroom is as impressive on the inside as it is on the inside. To get there, just follow the narrow streets of Antwerp old town north for 10-15 minutes until you reach the waterfront. You will see a large cube-like building with a red sandstone façade . A picturesque sight, the museum houses a massive collection with all kinds of artifacts including sculptures, utensils, and artwork.

The museum is unique in the sense that it doesn’t function like a typical museum we’re otherwise used to. Instead, Museum aan de Stroom explores the universal themes of power, life, death and the metropolis through stories and mini-expositions that are strategically distributed across the museum’s five floors. Seeing everything could easily take more than 2 hours. If you feel like you won’t have enough time, at least climb to the museum’s rooftop terrace for a chance to enjoy some of the best views in town.

Go for a Walk Along the Waterfront

From the museum’s top floor, you should get a good view of the Port of Antwerp, famous for being the second-largest European port. If you feel like it, you can go for a short walk north of the museum to get a closer look. The enormous docks can store almost 3.6 million cubic meters of bulk cargo, a capacity that is often used to the max. The surrounding area is also very popular for recreational activities .

South of the Museum aan de Stroom along the eastern shore of the River Scheldt, past the US Army Monument, you will come across Steen Castle , an impressive medieval fortress locally known as Het Steen or “The Stone”. The castle was completed around 1200-1225, at a time when almost all houses in Antwerp were made of wood exclusively, which is where the castle gets its name from. Today, the castle houses the National Maritime Museum and a youth educational center. It is definitely worth a closer look when you are strolling along the riverbank.

Treat Yourself to a Nice Dinner

After Steen Castle, keep walking south for approx. 150 meters, and then turn left towards the cathedral. You can actually see the cathedral on the other end of the broad, pedestrian-only Suikerrui street. Take your time – feel free to check out the numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants on either side of the street. There are a couple of great eateries nearby in case you decide to sit down and treat yourself to a nice dinner . De Pottekijker is one of them, although you’ll have to return to the Grote Markt to find it.

The charming 16-th century exterior hides real treasures inside, including amazing grill, meat and fish dishes that are well-known throughout Antwerp and beyond. In spite of its enviable reputation, De Pottekijker is still a very humble, calm, and cozy place that will make you feel accepted and welcome as you enjoy some of the best dishes in Antwerp.

If you want to have some more fun after dinner, kick it off with Dogma Cocktails , a snazzy club that mixes great drinks and serves them with a side of attitude that is just the right amount of provocative without being overbearing. While quite classy, Dogma Cocktails is still very welcoming, with a chill vibe, great music, and accommodating service.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANTWERP?

Radisson BLU Astrid Hotel, Antwerp

Koningin Astrid Plein 7, Antwerp District,2018 Antwerp

Located in the heart of the Diamond Area in Antwerp old town, Radisson BLU Astrid Hotel, Antwerp is one of the city’s top properties. The hotel’s convenient location directly across the Antwerp Central Station makes sightseeing a breeze, and the tastefully designed guestrooms provide a welcoming retreat that lives and breathes Antwerp through understated details such as the creative armchairs and the gorgeous old city maps that hang over the headboard. Some of the hotel’s many amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi and an on-site Health Club with a large indoor pool. Additional highlights include the fresh and delicious breakfast and the friendly, helpful staff that goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel ‘T Sandt

Zand 17, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp

A charming property where gorgeous, restored period furniture meets modern design solutions and 21 st -century comforts, Hotel ‘T Sandt stands out with its premier central location and luxurious, yet temperate atmosphere. The spacious, homey rooms all have large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer nice views of the city. You’ll fall in love with the quaint Italian courtyard and the large terrace with a clear line of sight to the cathedral. All of the most important things to see in Antwerp are within easy walking distance .

Hotel Matelote

Haarstraat 11a, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp

Like an unpolished diamond, Hotel Matelote beguiles its guests with its rough-hewn 16 th -century exterior, hiding luxurious individually designed guestrooms inside, each uniquely adapted to fit the room’s location, source of light, and other objectively immutable properties. The hotel’s location is excellent, mere steps away from the Antwerp Cathedral and the River Scheldt. In addition to the modern, quirky rooms, guests were thrilled with the hotel’s excellent breakfast, friendly staff , and the peace and quiet ensured by the hotel’s location in a small side street in the city center.

Antwerp City Hostel

Grote Markt 40, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp

Located in one of the impressive historic buildings overlooking Grote Markt , Antwerp City Hostel is one of the best youth hostels in Belgium. The property has everything you will need during your stay, whether you are looking to tour Antwerp in a day or spend a whole week discovering all of the places to visit in Antwerp. The cathedral is so close that you almost feel like you can touch it through the bedroom window. A fresh, delicious breakfast is available every morning, with both buffet and continental options – all included in the original price, which is very affordable.

DAY TRIPS FROM ANTWERP

While Antwerp itself has plenty to offer, there aren’t too many spectacular day trips from Antwerp. Instead of adrenaline-fueled mountaineering expeditions and breathtaking helicopter tours, in Antwerp, it is all about the simple pleasures. An interesting example is the Legends of Antwerp – Private Tour , a trip back in time with a professional guide whose job is to show you all of Antwerp’s nooks and crannies hiding the exciting, funny, and creepy legends that will make your imagination run wild. Other options include the Antwerp Food/Beer Tour , which needs no introduction, and the private round-trip transfer to Bruges , which will let you explore the UNESCO–listed medieval marvel on your own. To learn more about each of these, check out this article.

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING ANTWERP

In Antwerp, one of the best ways to explore the city is on two wheels. So, grab a bike and start pedaling! The city-wide VeloAntwerpen bike rental scheme is a great option, at a price of only €4 a day/€10 a week.

Be careful when trying Belgian beer – it is at least twice as strong as regular beer, especially the lagers that are mostly served elsewhere.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Antwerp Itinerary, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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Antwerp Belgium Things to Know Before You Visit

• An Antwerp Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery

Belgium is such a beautiful place with so much history and charm. andi Dorfman

Where is Antwerp, Belgium?

Map of antwerp, belgium, antwerp belgium history, the river, at its core, can a city have two golden ages, center of the diamond world, antwerp belgium – interesting facts, top 12 things to do.

• The Most Attractive Features

Dining in Antwerp, Belgium

How do you get to antwerp, where to stay in antwerp, belgium, when to visit and for how long, final thoughts, antwerp belgium photo gallery.

Antwerp (Antwerpen) has a deep and rich cultural heritage that goes back hundreds of years. At its heart is a progressive and vibrant modern city that is magnificent to explore. It is where gothic architecture and modern design have learned how to co-exist beautifully. It is a city that draws luxury travelers, art lovers, history buffs, and gastronomic aficionados.

The region has world-class museums, galleries, art centers, festivals, and events throughout the year. Museums include Flemish Masters Jan van Eyck, James Ensor, and Peter Paul Rubens. Additionally, sculptors, photographers, and people passionate about art will find plenty to immerse themselves in.

The city is known for its lively contemporary fashion scene and avid biking culture. There are 105 Michelin Antwerpen area restaurants , and this region has the highest density of top-class eateries worldwide. One of the best shopping centers in the world is in Antwerp.

Antwerp Belgium is calling you. Let us explore this fantastic city.

Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium, at 78.96 square miles, and the capital of Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. Antwerp Province is the northernmost province in the Flemish Region (Flanders) and Belgium. The city has a population of around 520,000 and is Belgium’s most populous city center. The greater metropolitan population is approximately 1,200,000, making it the second-largest urban region after Brussels.

Antwerp is situated on the River Scheldt and is linked to the North Sea by the river’s Westerschelde estuary. The River Schelde, the Meuse, and the Rhine rivers form the largest estuary in Western Europe. The city is about 25 mi north of Brussels and approximately 9 mi south of the Dutch border.

The Port of Antwerp is the second-largest seaport in Europe and one of the world’s most respected harbors. The city’s harbor installations ballooned after World War II, and as a result, it thrived from that expansion. Initially, the growth occurred only on the right bank of the River Schelde, but in the 1970s, development also began on the left bank.

Archeological excavations have shown that Antwerp was inhabited as far back s the Gallo-Roman period in the 2nd or 3rd century A.D. The city appears to have risen around two settlements: the ‘Antwerp’ (alluvial mound) from which it gets its name, and Caloes, about a 1/4 mile further south.

The city experienced an economic boom in the 12th century when the nearby port of Bruges started filling up with silt. By the first half of the 14th century. Its reputation, primarily based on its seaport and wool market, made Antwerp the most important trading and financial center in Western Europe.

1356 Antwerp, originally part of the Holy Roman Empire, was annexed to the County of Flanders. As a result, Antwerp lost much of its status, and Bruges gained the advantage. Only fifty years later, the economic and political tides turned once again as the Golden Age unfolded. Antwerp became a world-renowned metropolis, described at the time as ‘the loveliest city in the world.’

During the late 16th century, the River Scheldt was closed due to struggles between the Protestant North and the Catholic South (Spain). This was an economic disaster for Antwerp. But somehow, this resilient city continued to prosper in the 17th century due to painters like Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Jordaens, and Teniers, printers such as Plantin and Moretus, and the famous Antwerp harpsichord builders.

However, with the river closed off from 1650 until the 19th century, Antwerp experienced a significant decline. As a result of Napoleon’s fall at Waterloo (1815), Antwerp entered a short-lived period of prosperity. The Belgian Revolution (1830) and the closure of the Scheldt again halted that progress. Finally, the river opened again, this time for good, in 1863, paving the way for Antwerp to become one of the shining cities of the world.

Since the River Scheldt flows again, Antwerp has experienced steady and impressive economic growth. Though the years of the two world wars had a substantial impact, the 20th century brought much status and wealth to the city that continues to prosper into the 21st century.

According to experts, Antwerp has two Golden Ages.

The first Golden Age started in the 16th century when it became a well-known financial center worldwide. Tradespeople from all over Europe visited here to buy and sell their goods. Even the other colonial powers of Europe took advantage of this city’s leading commercial center status and enjoyed the profit from their trade.

Not only were the tradespeople impressed with Antwerp, but even artists were drawn to the booming prosperity of the city. They explored different subjects and experimented with new art styles. For example, Jan Gossaert (a French-speaking painter) was one of the first few artists who lived in Antwerp and worked with new compositions to create a unique, eclectic style.

The second Golden Age of Antwerp is now. 

Today, Antwerp is the world’s biggest diamond hub, and almost everyone is involved in the lucrative diamond business.

In fact, 84% of the world’s mined diamonds land in Antwerp. This is why Antwerp is the center of the world diamond trade. 

This is a relatively new piece of Antwerp’s history. After WWII, trade started to return slowly. In 1945, the government created the Diamond Office in the Antwerp diamond quarter to help regulate the import and export of diamonds from Antwerp. This facility aimed to make the trade of diamonds as smooth as possible, with minimal interference and red tape.

Antwerp’s diamond district is a great example of the current state of the global diamond industry. In the diamond district, Flemish, Jewish Orthodox, and Indian diamond dealers work alongside manufacturers, service providers, buyers, and traders of rough, polished, and processed diamonds from almost every country where diamonds are mined.

There should be no surprise that the world’s most highly skilled diamond cutters are based here. The expertise and sophisticated financial and commercial infrastructure unmatched worldwide back the diamond culture here.

If you are the center of the diamond world, you would expect a museum to follow suit. The DIVA Museum is where you can learn about the Diamond Industry that has put Antwerp on the map.

If you plan a trip to Antwerp, here are some interesting facts that show this place has many more pleasant surprises.

• The official language of Antwerp is Dutch. However, the residents of this city also speak French and German fluently, as they are also the official languages of Belgium.
• The currency in Belgium is the euro.
• Johann Carolus published the first weekly newspaper of Europe (Relation) in Antwerp almost 400 years ago. The local authors recognize it as the first weekly newspaper in Europe, and the World Association of Newspapers accepts it.
• This city also played an essential role in World War I. It became the fallback point of the Belgian Army when they faced defeat in the battle of Liege.
• Nazi Germany occupied Antwerp and its port during World War II after a series of military operations. The port of Antwerp was vital for them as it assisted the allies (the United Kingdom and France) in pushing toward Germany. But, in September 1944, the British troops from the Armored Division liberated the port and the entire city after four years of German occupation.

Some fun facts

• Antwerp also has the world’s largest coffee storage site. The stock is currently sitting in its port and holds more than 250,000 tons of coffee beans, which is enough for more than 27 billion cups of coffee. If you want to taste the world’s best coffee, you can visit famous coffee bars, such as Kaffeenini, Caffenation, and Kolonel Koffie.
• If you are an artist or an art student, you can’t call yourself a professional if you don’t visit the “Royal Academy for Fine Arts.” This academy is also one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. Though founded in 1663, today it is an internationally acclaimed institute for Fine Arts and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs to students.
• Historic and beautiful Antwerp hosted the 1920 Summer Olympics right after World War I. The international community awarded these games to Antwerp to renew its devastated spirit.
• You will find one of Europe’s oldest zoos here. This zoo rubs shoulders with history and impresses you with its overall old construction. It has almost 1,000 species of animals. It is a great family activity. The authorities of Antwerp Zoo are proud of their many breeding programs for endangered species.

If you are visiting Antwerp for the first time, here are the top 12 things to do to capture its fantastic vibe.

1. Visit Ruben’s house, built by Flemish artist Pieter Paul Rubens. Peter Paul Rubens was a brilliant and versatile artist, and you can visit his “palazetto” in the center of Antwerp. The master lived with his family for years and painted with his colleagues and assistants in a studio he designed. There is, of course, a permanent collection and special exhibitions. It is a well-done tour with a fascinating history and audio stories about the artist, his family, and the home’s history. Worth a visit.

2. Explore the Red Star Line Museum as it offers a memorable trip back in time. Over two million passengers sailed from Antwerp on Red Star Line ships between 1873 and 1934, the great majority of these immigrants bound for America. This is a fascinating museum with beautiful exhibits. It deals directly with immigration in an informative and enlightening way everyone should see.

3. Are you interested in artifacts & artwork? Check out the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom or Museum by the Stream ), which is located along the River Scheldt in the Eilandje district of Antwerp. It opened in May 2011 and is the largest museum in Antwerp. The central focus is Antwerp and its connection to the world. It is superb and has lovely views.

Another stunning city in Belgium, Ghent, is a short distance from Antwerp. Check out our blog post on this fascinating city: Ghent Belgium The History Book of Europe, The Ultimate Ghent Visitor Guide, and Photo Gallery .

4. Spend time along the core of what makes Antwerp what it is, the River Scheldt . Feel the energy and vitality of Antwerp’s port-city hub. Though it is industrial and has many massive wind turbines, it is still a sight to behold. The Port Authority building is quite impressive in its own right. An easy way to get there is to take the water bus near the Grote Market. You can tour the port and the Schelde River for a few euros.

5. The Antwerp Zoo is also a great attraction for tourists. It is open 365 days a year in the center of Antwerp next to the Antwerpen-Centraal train station. It is the oldest animal park in the country and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.

6. Visit Steen Castle , Het Steen (which stands for the rock), as it is called in Antwerp, is a medieval fortress in the old city center of Antwerp, Belgium. The surviving structure was built between 1200 and 1225 as a gateway to a larger castle of the Dukes of Brabant. As the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest building. It is a photogenic castle with a fantastic entrance bridge.

For more information on the city, check out the official tourism site for Antwerp, Belgium .

7. Take a trip to De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery. Belgium is known for its beer; visiting this city and not learning about it would be missing part of the city’s pulse. Get fully immersed in the Belgian beer world and discover all its secrets.

There are many breweries, and De Koninck is number one on Trip Advisor. Other breweries worth visiting include Speciale Belge Taproom and Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie.

8. Explore Antwerp by bike . You can rent a bike and ride independently with the many online route guides. There are also many guided bike tours to check out all the city’s significant sites.

9. You are in the Diamond Capital of the World, so take in the DIVA museum, the new diamond museum in Antwerp. The museum’s collection “features over 500 objects that detail the story of Antwerp’s history with diamonds and gemstones.”

10. Do you love railway stations? Well, you are in luck. Antwerpen-Central Train Station is an absolute must-do when in the city. The gorgeous railway station of Antwerp is a sight for sore eyes. It has a kingly presence but also owns some modern industrialist features, which make it more warm and elegant. Even if you aren’t taking a train there, make a point to stop by.

If you want more inspiration and visit other parts of Belgium, check out our Belgium Travel Guide . It will help you plan your trip and save money.

11. Wander in awe in The Cathedral of Our Lady. The Roman Catholic Gothic-style cathedral is in the heart of Antwerp. Construction started in 1352, and although the first stage was completed in 1521, the structure itself has never been ‘completed.’ It contains several significant works by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens and paintings by artists such as Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de Vos. It is stunning both inside and out!

12. Shop to your heart’s content on Antwerp’s Meir . Whether just window shopping or people-watching, it will be quite an experience. Meir is the number one street for shopping in Antwerp and the most prominent shopping street in all of Belgium. It is located in the core of Antwerp and is very pedestrian-friendly. Take a lovely afternoon stroll while viewing the grand window displays of the shops and the ornate Rococo architecture. While shopping in Meir, make sure to visit Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre. The Centre is referred to as the beating heart of Antwerp. It is the place where 6.5 million people a year enjoy a unique shopping experience in a beautifully restored environment (the city’s former event hall) that exudes luxury and grandeur. It draws shoppers from all over the world.

The Most Attractive Feature s

In our opinion, the most attractive features of Antwerp were Steen Castle and The Cathedral of Our Lady.

Steen Castle is the oldest building in Antwerp and exhibits architecture from the Roman Empire. It has a glorious past and is a symbol of art and ancient architecture. This castle was built in the early medieval ages to prevent the incursion of Vikings. Therefore, you will find a lot of history of Europe’s wars here. This castle has 11 rooms. Walking through them, you learn about Antwerp’s history and get a first-hand look at castle life.

After 169 years of construction, the Cathedral of Our Lady has dominated Antwerp’s skyline since 1521, with a height of about 360 feet. It’s the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. The Cathedral is an iconic treasure, with an impressive collection of marvelous art pieces, including a series of paintings by Rubens.

It has been under a twenty-year renovation, and finally, the seven-naved church has been restored to its former architectural self. Some of the most beautiful features include Rubens’ ‘Elevation of the Cross’ and his ‘Descent from the Cross.’ We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and wished we could’ve given it more time.

Antwerp is a culinary hub known worldwide for it is gastronomic excellence. It has over 100 Michelin Antwerpen restaurants alone. However, many superb restaurants are not even listed in the Michelin Guide. We arrived late, and it was not able to enjoy dinner in the city. That was such a disappointment. As a result, we can’t recommend any places.

When we travel, we look at reviews at THE Fork, and here is the link for Antwerp . You can choose from many well-reviewed restaurants.

Foods that are not to miss while in Antwerp.

1. This may sound cliche, but you are in Belgium, so get some local Belgian Waffles. They are a specialty here. A favorite place for waffles in Antwerp is La Gaufrerie, next to the Cathedral of Our Lady.

2. Chocolate – Belgium is famous for its chocolate, so you will see chocolate shops everywhere in Antwerp. There are a lot of world-famous brands in Antwerp, but nothing beats locally-made chocolate.  Sjokolat  was one of these hidden gems for chocolate.

Belgian chocolate is a great gift for family and friends. But don’t forget to bring some home for yourself, too.

From Brussels airport

The largest airport in Belgium is Brussels Airport. You can reach Antwerpen Centraal Station in 36 minutes by train. Take the Intercity Direct to Amsterdam Central.

You can also take a long-distance bus to the Antwerp center, choosing the  Airport Express   or the  BlaBlaBus . You can buy a ticket for this via the websites. The bus stops are directly below the arrivals hall, at level 0.

Taxis and Uber are available from the airport. Remember that the distance between Antwerp and Brussels is more than 25 miles, so the ride cost is steep.

When we traveled to Belgium, we had a rental car. We found the roadways excellent with clear signage, but once in the city, it was a bit more complicated and stressful. Though we did not arrive or leave during rush hour, we heard it can be challenging to get around. Plan to park and walk or take excellent public transportation.

Our hotel provides parking, but we are told parking can be hard to come by, and it is best to reserve a space via Mobypark before your arrival. We did not use this service and can not vouch for it.

Antwerpen Centraal Station is the ideal station to go to if you want to visit Antwerp. You can walk from the station to the Meir Shopping area in minutes. Antwerp has other stations as well. Depending on your destination, you can see which is closest to you.

As we mentioned, we only had one night in Antwerp, but we did stay, in our opinion, in the perfect location. We were at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town. The hotel is in the heart of Old Town, overlooking the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Town square and steps from the waterfront. Shops, restaurants, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum are a short walk from our door. Antwerp Zoo and Antwerp Central Rail Station are within a couple of miles. We loved the Old Town area, and it would be a great choice if you could stay there.

Using Hilton points, we had our stay there for free. Check out our blog post if you want to learn more about traveling for free. Want to travel for free? Let us show you how .

It is important to price out properties on various sites.  Expedia  is a US-based company, whereas  Booking.com   is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so check both. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well.

Booking.com

Summer is a great time to visit Antwerp. The average daily temperature stays at 18 degrees Celsius, and the day lasts, on average, 15 hours.

But the summer is also busy as it’s the tourist season and the residents are often on holiday too.

We recommend spending two days here if you want to get a better feel for this city. It’s an ideal amount of time to check out all the famous attractions of Antwerp. We only spent one night in the town and packed a lot in. That said, we short-changed ourselves. There is so much to offer here, and this city’s food alone is worth many meals.

Due to its historic status, this city oozes power and attracts travelers from all around the world. It is a cosmopolitan city at its core with a diverse international community. It has everything you could wish for in a European city. This city has energy and youth while paying respect to its long, rich history.

We noticed a feeling of community and pride in its people in our short time there. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. It was an easy city to navigate. It felt safe everywhere and was clean and well-kept. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the majesty of Antwerp?

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Squaremouth.com.

Our favorite travel insurance site !

If you book a trip, don’t forget to get travel insurance within 14 days of your first booking. We could not be stronger advocates of being well-insured. Not just for the little stuff but the big things like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Over the years, we have used many sites but have now found our go-to place. Squaremouth.com does a fantastic job; it has a user-friendly interface, uses top-rated and reputable insurance carriers, and most policies cover COVID-19 medical issues and cancellations. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems with your policy.

To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.

MedjetAssist

Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover COVID-related transport as well.

Medjet carries its own policies. These policies are only for transport and do not cover other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Expedia . com  

Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia .  

Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.

We always check Expedia and Booking.com to verify prices. At times, one is sold out of rooms while another at the same place has rooms. We also often find some European hotels, especially smaller ones, on Booking.com but not on Expedia. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.

Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)

Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.

VRBO is now under the Expedia group’s ownership, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network with access to all lodging forms should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family and has had no problems with it.

As the leading marketplace for travel experiences, Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier.

With industry-leading flexibility and last-minute availability, it’s never too late to make any day extraordinary. This one site has it all and has experiences throughout the world. We use them often during our travels, especially for food tours. We especially take the time to read the reviews provided.

An excellent source for travel essentials and guides

We now have our own Amazon Storefront with all our favorite travel accessories and gear in one place. Check out our travel store at the link below.

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.

This is not your ordinary drinkware company. The  HYDAWAY  difference is what their products do when you’re not using them. Practical and portable, HYDAWAY doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your already-packed life or pile up in landfills. We all know that trying to pack light while being environmentally conscious can be difficult. Having the right items can make a world of difference.  HYDAWAY  provides that.

We have used their collapsible water bottle, carrying case for the water bottle, and collapsible insulated drink tumbler. They are all lightweight and durable. A conservation-focused product you can be proud to buy.

Use our Promo Code. WANCOM15, at checkout for 15% off your Hydaway order

Welcome Pick-ups (Airport and sightseeing service)

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Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pick-ups goes above and beyond the standard transfer service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment a traveler arrives at a new destination until they return home, Welcome accommodates all their travel needs (transfers, travel products, things to do, information) as the easiest, friendliest, and most personalized solution.

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When traveling, you often need to apply for official documents such as a passport, ID, and different kinds of licenses or cards. Those applications require a picture that must meet specific conditions to be accepted, depending on the country. Now, it is possible to take this picture at home without the help of a professional photographer. PhotoAiD allows you to take the perfect biometric photo you approve without leaving home.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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Getting around Antwerpen

Planning to travel in Antwerpen? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Antwerpen experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Antwerpen.

Reserve car service in Antwerpen with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Antwerpen. Request a ride up to 30 days ahead, whether you need transportation to the airport, you have plans to visit a restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Antwerpen

Getting around Antwerpen without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Antwerpen.

Choose the best ways to get around Antwerpen

Taxi in antwerpen.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Antwerpen. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in Antwerpen

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Antwerpen by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Antwerpen

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Antwerpen. If bikes are available in Antwerpen, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

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The ship that caused the Baltimore bridge collapse also crashed in a European port in 2016

• A cargo ship collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday, causing it to collapse.
• The same ship was involved in a crash in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016.
• The cause of both incidents was not immediately clear.

The container ship that collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge was involved in another crash in 2016.

The Dali, a Singapore-flagged ship, crashed into the bridge early on Tuesday, knocking its whole span into the Patapsco River.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was hurt or killed, but authorities declared the collapse a mass-casualty event.

It wasn't immediately clear why the Dali crashed.

ABC News, citing US officials, said that the Dali lost propulsion soon before hitting the support pillar. Livestream video viewed by Business Insider showed the ship's lights cutting out shortly before impact.

It is not the first time the Dali has hit something.

The ship was involved in another collision in July 2016, the year after it was built.

Related stories

Maritime blogs, including Shipwreck Log and VesselFinder, posted videos of the stern of the same container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp, Belgium.

The facts here are still murky — but spotting any warning signs or patterns in the ship's past could help explain what went wrong, and how to avoid similar accidents in the future.

VesselFinder reported that the incident was caused by a mistake made by the master and pilot on board. No injuries were reported, however, there was damage to the stern, the blog post said. The aftermath of the collision was shared on YouTube by ZP Videos .

A spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp confirmed to Business Insider that the Dali did collide with the quay there in 2016.

However, the person said they "can't give any information about the cause of the accident."

The ship has appeared to change ownership after the 2016 crash, VesselFinder reported.

In the 2016 video the ship had its home port marked as Majuro in the Marshall Islands.

Its registration later changed to Singapore, as seen in an image taken in 2018.

It is currently owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd. and is managed by Synergy Marine Group, Reuters reported. It had been chartered by the shipping giant Maersk, and its next stop was Colombo, Sri Lanka.

In a statement sent to Business Insider, Maersk said it was "horrified" at the crash. It said the Dali was carrying Maersk cargo but that none of its staff were on board.

Watch: A Diwali celebration in western India turned to tragedy after a deadly bridge collapse

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