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DutchReview is tripping and we’re visiting Antwerp! 7 tips for a great trip to ‘Antwerpen’

It’s summertime and that means that DutchReview is tripping over the border again. Not that we need an excuse to travel, because, like most other Dutchies and internationals, we love any good trip.

Staying close to home this time as we’re visiting Antwerp, just a wee hour away from Rotterdam (!), making it a perfect day trip or weekend trip from Rotterdam. We present you 7 tips for a weekend trip to Antwerp, taking you a bit off the beaten path (well, I hope).

Disclaimer:  Given the current coronavirus situation, take all necessary safety precautions and plan ahead in order to anticipate any potential problems.

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Antwerp for a great weekend!

“Tell me more about Antwerp DutchReview!”

Compared to Mechelen, Leuven or Brugge – Antwerpen is a massive city which doesn’t go for that ‘village-charm’ that these other Belgian towns have. With over 500K inhabitants, Antwerp has a port which is one of the biggest in the world and it’s diamond and chocolate qualities enjoy international fame (more about that chocolate later).

I keep writing Antwerpen, which is the Dutch name for Antwerp. It’s in Flanders so they predominantly speak Dutch there (well, Flemish, which is a bit softer). I was wondering where Antwerpen (pardon me) got its name from as it translates into something weird, more or less, ‘pre-hurling’. Sometimes the name ‘Antigoon’ popped up, and the name-origin story from Wikipedia was too good not to share here:

“According to folklore, notably celebrated by a statue in front of the town hall, the city got its name from a legend about a giant called  Antigoon  who lived near the  Scheldt river. He extracted a toll from passing boatmen, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river. Eventually, the giant was killed by a young hero named Silvius Brabo , who cut off the giant’s own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, from Dutch hand werpen, akin to Old English hand and wearpan (to throw), which has evolved to today’s warp”

Anyways, now that we’ve equipped you with this fun-dinner-fact, let’s hop to the first tip for visiting Antwerp so that your trip is well worthwhile.

Visit Antwerp and take the train

It’s just an hour away from Rotterdam by car. But you might be better off with taking the train, as the ‘ring’ around Antwerp is notorious for its traffic and the train takes you there in an hour from Rotterdam Central and under 2 hours for Amsterdam to Antwerp Central. But 2 hours is not that long, making it the perfect day trip or weekend trip from Rotterdam.

This is the NS international train , which directly takes you to Antwerp without any transits. The Thalys is quicker, but also more expensive. A big plus is that you actually arrive in Antwerp’s heart, it’s the central station, conveniently located for a city trip.

Also, take the time to gaze at its magnificent architecture. The station is massive and the old details are truly stunning with the central hall and clock being its absolute centrepiece.

Enjoy the many museums Antwerp offers

If you’re looking for culture and museum to enjoy then you took the train to the right city. Antwerp can boast a rich offering of museums, it was sunny and we only had a day and a half to enjoy the city so we missed out on really interesting looking museums such as Plantin-Moretus, the Rubens house or the Museum of Fine Arts – which is closed for renovations until 2020. We did visit these 3 fine museums though:

The photography museum of Antwerp, FoMu, is located near the Scheldt river and it’s a slick and minimal experience. It has 4 floors, each with a particular exhibition going on, it’s best to check at their website (that Moon expo starting from the 28th of June is looking amazing) if all 4 floors are having something on before visiting.

It’s a tranquil experience, and we really digged the permanent expo on Belgium’s history and photography.

Museum of Modern Art (M HKA)

Just a few meters from FoMu you’ll find this post-modernistic highlight. For some reason, Flanders appreciates the gift of the Dutch language more than us Dutchies. So they proudly carry the name ‘Museum voor Hedendaagse Kunst’ which is Dutch for ‘museum for modern art’.

It’s an interesting building, with some thought-provoking stuff on display, and in this case, it’s better to let the pictures do most of the description.

Also, don’t expect a massive museum, kind of expected it to be bigger – but it was still a good visit.

Museum aan de Stroom

This one is the absolute cultural and architectural highlight of any visit to Antwerp since it’s opening in 2011. It’s big, diverse and an absolute must-visit of the Belgian port-town.

You can enter and visit for free, but most of the interesting exhibitions on it’s 12 (!) massive floors require you to buy a ticket (which is relatively cheap, highly recommend it). Topics of the expos are diverse, any culture and any field of art could be featured, so there’s always something there to your liking.

The building itself is also the star of any visit, with tons of interesting and surprising corners and twists.

The absolute high-point (pun intended) of it was it’s awesome panorama rooftop, offering sweeping views of Antwerp, making it a worthwhile visit.

Pro-tip: Get the Antwerp city card If you’re there for say, 48 hours, you might want to get the Antwerp City Card . It will allow you to visit all these nice museums for free. It’s worth it because you don’t have any stress on if you should visit a museum or not and we well got our money’s worth (just 35 euro’s for a 48-hour pass, that’s good value)

Discover Antwerp on bicycle: Velo Antwerpen

So Antwerp is not Brugge or Gent, it’s a big city, more comparable to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. So you can walk everywhere, but it will take time and get you tired feet. You can take public transport, but you’ll have to wait for it and figure out the routes and all. So as Dutchies, we started looking for their public biking option.

And boy was it good, just a few minutes through their website was enough to get a 24-hour pass (four euros for 24 hours, first half-hour for free, need a credit card though). Stations with bikes were available throughout the city and at every hotspot. The bikes worked like a charm and we didn’t have any problems unlocking it.

It truly made the trip for us and we’re just left wondering why this isn’t working in the Netherlands, to get you in the mood – this is what Velo Antwerpen brought us instead of dark buses and tube traffic:

Chocolate and a visit to Chocolate Nation

You can’t miss out on all that chocolate when you’re Belgium. So while this may sound a bit cliche, there’s actually a brand new chocolate attraction/museum/experience to enjoy in Antwerpen: Chocolate Nation! And yes to your question of ‘ OMG – Can I stuff my face there with chocolate?!’

Just a few meters north of the Central Station of Antwerp is Chocolate Nation. Pay 16 euro something and you can enjoy an hour + of walking through their chocolate museum/experience. Interactive displays and art will tell you everything about how the nation of Belgium makes its famed chocolate. It’s fun for all and it was genuinely interesting at times.

And yassssss people, you do get a taste of it all. At the beginning it’s wise to stuff your face with their chocolate pearls and at the end of it all you’ll get a little spoon and you can take unlimited sips of their various chocolate fountains.

Enjoy Antwerpen’s fine food and nightlife

A trip or visit to Antwerpen wouldn’t be complete without some good food and a little fun. Antwerpen is a bit more cosmopolitan than other Belgian cities, so you’re getting 3 area’s from us which are guaranteed to get you some good food and fun:

The square around Monument Schelde Vrij This round square is easy-going and different than any other Dutch squares. Enjoy a drink and watch the people cycle, walk or drive past. We loved the atmosphere here and all spots and terraces looked appealing.

We dined at Fiskebar that night, a chilled out place renowned for it’s creative and high-class takes on seafood. As you can see we enjoyed it very much:

Bocadero – it’s at the beach (but not really)

The Scheld river is the lifeline of Antwerp, and Bocadero is where everything is at fun&drinks wise. All the young and pretty flock to this area with tons of restaurants and bars all sporting a beach theme. Sit down, enjoy a cocktail – enjoy two cocktails and go dancing.

The area around the MAS museum

If you’re going to ‘Museum aan de Stroom’  in Antwerp then be sure to hit up the surrounding area. With a marina and tons of different bars and restaurants, there’s always something to your liking there. We had lunch at ‘Roest’, which you really need to check out if you’re into hip garden-esque interiors:

Enjoy the multiculturalism of Antwerp

I loved Brugge, Gent, and Mechelen. They’re really nice classic Belgian towns to visit. But Antwerp is a port city, bigger and a multicultural city at its heart. Multicultural could have a negative connotation as well and I’m sure that somewhere in the politics of Flanders this phrase has different meanings, but when we were there – a hot Summer weekend – we thoroughly enjoyed all the cultures present!

There’s a big Jewish community, something you don’t see that much for sad reasons in Europe, which was interesting. There were Latin-like street bars playing Latin-music, making life better. Many museums and cultural projects paid attention to Belgium’s colonial past, again really interesting. There were restaurants and bars present from every corner of the world, and different cuisines are always something to celebrate. And then there’s the big street market of Antwerp, the ‘ vogeltjesmarkt ‘, which had people from all over the planet visiting it and hosting their wares:

All in all, we really dug the international vibe and it truly makes a trip to Antwerp a cosmopolitan experience!

De Grote Markt, the picturesque center, Belgian beers!

But in the end, one can still taste the good Belgian life in Antwerp. Head into the cosy streets of the city centre and enjoy some Belgian beers. Marvel at their classic buildings. Go to the ‘Grote Markt’ and wonder why they’re doing that centre-square thing so much better than many Dutch cities. In the end, there’s something to everyone’s taste in Antwerp!

Hope you enjoyed this episode of ‘DutchReview tripping’! Catch you the next time!

Oh, and if you’re planning a trip to Antwerp, make sure to head over to visit Antwerp . The city has an excellent website with tons of helpful tips for a visit to Antwerp !

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One perfect day in Antwerp: A self-guided walking tour with the best things to do in Antwerp

October 8, 2018 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

Antwerp is one of my favorite Belgian cities.  As I live nearby, I regularly visit Antwerp just for the sake of it, so this post is a compilation of my favorite things to do in Antwerp, some cafes/restaurants, and beer cafes that you’ll want to stop off at.

• 1 Included in this guide list of things to do in Antwerpen + where to stay 
• 2 Where to stay in Antwerp
• 3 Start off your day at Antwerp Centraal
• 4 Glimpse into the Diamond District
• 5 Breakfast in Antwerpen
• 6 Meir shopping
• 7 Waffle time
• 8 Plantin – Moretus Museum
• 9 Belgian chocolate
• 10 Vlaaikensgang
• 12.1 Het Elfde Gebod 
• 13 Cathedral of Our Lady
• 14 Het Steen
• 15 Views over Antwerp from MAS
• 16.1 Otomat 
• 17.1 Billie’s Bier Kafetaria
• 17.2 Cafe Kulminator
• 18 Have you been to Antwerpen? Let me know your favorite thing to do!

Included in this guide list of things to do in Antwerpen + where to stay 

• Antwerpen Centraal
• Diamond District
• Breakfast at a popular cafe in Antwerp

Meir shopping

• Belgian waffles
• Plantin-Moretus Museum
• Rubens House
• Secret street: Vlaaikensgang

Grote Markt

• Elfde Gebod
• Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp
• Dinner at an Antwerp hotspot
• Belgian beers in Antwerp *Map at the very bottom.*

Where to stay in Antwerp

I’ve visited many times and always paid out of pocket for myself. The best place that I’ve stayed in Antwerp was Catharina at Friday hands down .  This cozy apartment with two bedrooms and amazing views is footsteps from the Plantin Moretus House and walking distance from everything you need: cafes, beer bars, museums, and Grote Markt. 

For somewhere unique, consider staying in a former cathedral  or a modern boutique hotel with a special touch .  For those on a budget, there’s a nice hostel right by Grote Markt with a lovely cafe. Check hotel and hostel prices in Antwerp now!

Start off your day at Antwerp Centraal

The train system in Belgium is actually really great–and I’ve often just taken the train to/from Antwerp.  One of the highlights of visiting Antwerp is the moment that you step into the stunning main hall of Antwerpen Centraal, the train station.   In case you needed a reminder: European trains are amazing.  The train station dates back to the late 1800s and the grand building is considered to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Glimpse into the Diamond District

As soon as you leave Antwerp Centraal, you’ll pass through the Diamond District.  This district of Antwerp is one of the largest diamond districts in the world although it’s actually quite small (one square mile). 

The majority of the world’s diamonds pass through this area at some point as a Belgian was the one who developed one of the best tools to cut diamonds with. If you’re thinking of buying, make sure that your diamond comes from a conflict-free area.

Breakfast in Antwerpen

Esco*Bar is one of the top brunch places in Antwerp.  This cozy coffee bar with a healthy breakfast is right on your way from the station to the city center !

In case you forgot something, Meir is one of the main shopping streets in Antwerp.  After my shoes ended up bothering me, I picked up a new pair here! 

Waffle time

Stop off at the restaurant  Desire de Lille  for a delicious Belgian waffle. Although many associate Brussels with waffles, Antwerp has fantastic waffles too!  Be sure to sit down to enjoy this delicious delicacy, so save a little room at breakfast…

Plantin – Moretus Museum

Depending on which museum you’re more into, be sure to visit one of Antwerp’s fantastic museums.  As a literature and history geek, I’m very partial to the Plantin-Moretus Museum .  This museum with a stunning courtyard is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site for its role in creating early literature using print presses.  It’s really cool seeing the original presses in their original environment.  The actual museum is fairly large and a delight to walk around.

If you only have one day in Antwerp, you need to decide which museum you’re visiting.  Many people also really enjoy visiting the Rubenshuis , the former home of Belgian painter Peter Paul Rubens.  He lived in a sprawling palazzo with a stunning courtyard.  Inside, you can view paintings from the era and imagine his life spent in the house. Personally, I prefer the Plantin-Moretus Museum, but most people I know prefer the Rubens House.

Belgian chocolate

Although most people head to Brussels for chocolate, Antwerp has great chocolate too.  Be sure to step into  Sjokolat,  a cozy little chocolate shop just around the corner from Vlaaikensgang.  

Vlaaikensgang

What is a city without some secrets?  Be sure to visit the Vlaaikensgang, a medieval alleyway dating back to 1591.  This beautiful secret street, which is accessed via a door (Oude Koornmarkt 16) that does not stand out so much, is a quiet hidden place that many tourists don’t know about.

People still live here, so it’s paramount to be considerate.  Be sure to admire the locks, some of which were designed to make it easier to fit the key in after a lot of Belgian beer…

If you’re interested in trying some Belgian specialties at a nicer lunch, head to  Het Nieuwe Palinghuis  for Belgian seafood and fish. The specialty is here is smoked eel, which is surprisingly delicious, although you can’t go wrong with mussels.

For a vegan-friendly meal, head to Greenway Antwerpen  for a delicious veggie burger at a reasonable price.  

How can you miss the Grote Markt in Antwerpen? The buildings, including 16th-century guild houses, are extremely extravagant.  The house with the horse on top dates back to 1580 and is called Het Pand van Spanje although the exterior refers to St. George. Even if you stop here just for a few moments, admire the town hall, which dates back to the 1560s.

Het Elfde Gebod  

…When was the last time you were at church? You might be ready for the confessional or a delicious honey beer after stepping into Elfde Gebod, one of the most  unique cafes that I’ve visited.  Their housemade beers, especially the Elfde Gebod Honing/Honey, are good.  We had snacks, including fries and trappist bitterballen here, which were delicious.

Elfde Gebod was first recommended to me by a friend who considers this one of his favorite places to get a beer in Antwerp.  I usually tell friends who are visiting Antwerp for the first time that you just need to go in–to believe it.  The cafe is full of religious statues and crazy religious art and it’s an experience sitting down for a beer.  Arrive early as it’s popular.

Cathedral of Our Lady

It’s very hard to miss the main cathedral of Antwerpen as it’s one of the best things to see in Antwerp.  The Cathedral of our Lady stands out amidst the skyline of Antwerp and dates back to 1521. Constructing this beautiful building took over 160 years, however, one might say that it was worth it.  The belfry of the church is listed among the UNESCO recognized belfries of Belgium.  It costs six euros to visit although you can admire it for free from the outside.

Walk by Het Steen.  This castle dates back to the early medieval period and it was intended to protect the city from invasions. The castle served as the city port and prison for many years.  We were told to skip touring it, however, it makes a great photo op!

Views over Antwerp from MAS

MAS is one of Antwerp’s main museums, but there’s a secret at the top.  At the top of MAS, you’ll find a free viewpoint over Antwerpen that you’ll want to check out.  I liked it as the walk to MAS involved seeing a neighborhood outside of the city center with a lot of cool cafes and restaurants.  

Otomat 

For a delicious dinner, head to Otomat for great beers and great pizzas (including vegan pizzas!).  They stock quite a few local craft beers for all my beer lovers.

One of the perks of staying in Antwerp is that you can properly experience its amazing nightlife and Belgian beer culture without having to worry about your train back.

Billie’s Bier Kafetaria

For a more modern beer experience, head to Billie’s Beer Kafetaria for a great section of beers, knowledgable bartenders, great music, and all you could want in a Belgian beer bar.  Their sampler (shown above) is a steal and on our recent trip to Antwerp, we spent the entire night until closing . 

Cafe Kulminator

A bit outside of the city center of Antwerp, you’ll find my favorite beer bar, Cafe Kulminator.  It’s far from the typical bar experience although this Belgian beer cafe has been named the best beer cafe in the world and their selection is unparalleled. 

Expect classical music, a thick book full of beers, a charming couple that owns it (and knows every beer), and a sublime experience for any beer lovers.  I encourage you to arrive early as they don’t like to go down to the basement when it’s past a certain hour.

Have you been to Antwerpen? Let me know your favorite thing to do!

More posts about Belgium

• Four days in Belgium
• Doel, an abandoned day trip from Antwerp
• Seafood in Zeeland, the Netherlands (short drive!)
• Brussels chocolate tour
• A week in Belgium
• A weekend in Brussels

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

May 31, 2019 at 8:29 am

Hello, great suggestions from you! I am thinking to make a day trip from Amsterdam to Antwerp in late June as I only have a day for Belgium. What will you recommend the best way to travel there from Amsterdam? If it’s train, just about how long will it take and is it safe?

May 31, 2019 at 1:01 pm

Hi Sean, I have another article about a weekend in Antwerp. I’d recommend taking the train as traffic can be an issue. It’s 2ish (?) hours and safe although best booked in advance!

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Must-see attractions in Antwerp

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…

Red Star Line Museum

Over two million passengers sailed from Antwerp on Red Star Line ships between 1873 and 1934, the great majority of them immigrants bound for America…

Antwerp’s historic brewery is both a temple to the city’s favourite beer and an evocative example of early-20th-century industrial architecture. Self…

On a riverside knoll, Het Steen is a dinky but photogenic castle dating from 1200 and occupying the site of Antwerp’s original Gallo-Roman settlement…

M HKA is considered to be one of Belgium's best contemporary galleries. Its exhibitions focus on work produced since the 1970s by both Belgian and…

Antwerpen-Centraal

With its neo-Gothic facade, vast main hall and splendidly proportioned dome, the 1905 Antwerpen-Centraal building has been rated as one of the five most…

Closed for renovation until late 2020, Antwerp's fashion museum has a rich avant-garde collection and typically produces exhibitions highlighting the…

De Vier Seizoenen

Four matching corner houses face off across a Zurenborg junction, with glaze-brick exteriors enlivened by fine mosaic work and triangular protruding box…

Presiding over the vast Grote Markt, the 1565 stadhuis has a palatial facade blending Flemish and Italian styles in an innovative departure from the…

St-Jacobskerk

The tomb of Rubens is the reason most visitors come to St-Jacobskerk. Located in a small chapel behind the high altar, the tomb is adorned with Our Lady…

St-Carolus-Borromeuskerk

Rubens turned interior designer as part of the team that created this superb 1621 baroque church, designed to give worshippers a very visceral foretaste…

An astounding 80% of the world's uncut diamonds are traded in Antwerp. Four dour exchange buildings lie along heavily guarded Hoveniersstraat and…

Antwerp Zoo

Founded in 1843, Antwerp Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and best-respected zoological parks. Enclosures in the 10-hectare site are state of the art and…

Graffiti Streets

Close to the art nouveau glories of Zurenborg, contrastingly forbidding Krugerstraat and Minckeleresstraat are so festooned in graffiti that they are…

Antwerp Port

Beautiful it ain’t. But its sheer jaw-dropping scale makes driving through the world's fourth-largest port complex an unforgettable experience.

Help U Zelve

Help U Zelve has arguably the city's most beautiful and harmonious art nouveau facade. Built in 1901 by architects Van Asperen and Van Averbeke as the…

Part of a 1901 town house called De Vijf Continenten (The Five Continents), ’t Bootje has a fabulous wrought-iron lamp but is named for its little ship…

St-Pauluskerk

Strangely easy to miss despite its towering bulk, this church was consecrated in 1571 as part of a Dominican monastery, and thoroughly rebuilt after a…

De Twaalf Duivelkens

The architectural delight of the Zurenborg suburb goes well beyond art nouveau, as you'll see at this humorous 1900 chalet-style house designed by Jules…

This excellent museum of photography has a regularly changing roster of exhibitions from historical themes to no-holds-barred work by contemporary photo…

This 'water gate' dates to 1624 and is said to have been designed by Rubens.

Sunflower House

This exquisite private house has a white facade picked out with small black iron swirls and two gilded sunflowers. It's the most striking of several side…

Handelsbeurs

The beautiful building that served as Antwerp's stock exchange from 1531 to 1997 fell into severe disrepair over two decades, but since 2016 has been…

Vlaeykensgang

This picturesque passage dates to 1591 and was originally a street of shoemakers.

Stadsfeestzaal

If walking between Antwerpen-Centraal station and the town centre, do peep inside this exuberant shopping mall within a 1908 neoclassical exhibition hall…

Sint-Annatunnel

Original escalators and 1930s tilework add interest to this 572m-long pedestrian and bicycle tunnel that cuts beneath the Scheldt River. You emerge at the…

Van Dyck Statue

Standing in the middle of the road, the great painter is dressed in britches and hose, holding a floppy plumed hat and gazing into space, apparently…

Brabo Fountain

Piled with symbols in a refreshing fountain spray, this baroque sculpture's uppermost figure depicts Brabo, hero of Antwerp’s giant-killing, hand-throwing…

Waterloostraat

If you're strolling Zurenborg looking for art nouveau gems, don't miss house numbers 11 and 30 on this street, which have mosaic work commemorating the…

This private, commercial space for contemporary art moved in 2012 to impressively large premises in a former milk-processing factory on an unlikely…

Scheldt Riverbank

A raised southern promenade links Het Steen to St-Jansvliet, a tree-shaded square where a lift descends to the Sint-Annatunnel.

Maagdenhuis

This attractive historic building was an orphanage and child refuge from 1553 to 1882 and houses some fascinating objects from this time, along with a…

Justitiepaleis

Designed by Richard Rogers, famous for the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Antwerp’s 21st-century law courts have a distinctive series of gleaming titanium …

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 29, 2024

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 city tours:

• 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, the tickets are quite expensive. So if you only have one day in Antwerp, you may find that other places are worth your time and money more. But if you have 2-3 hours to spare in your itinerary (or if you are traveling with children), this historic zoo is well worth a visit.

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

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.

Good to know: At the moment of the last update, the Rubens House is undergoing renovation. While the main house of the master will be closed for a few years, the gardens and the interactive Rubens Experience will reopen from 30 August 2024. 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 has 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, especially because you get a close view of the impressive facade of the Central Railway Station.

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:

• Why Antwerp is Worth Visiting
• 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!

Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? Find Out Now!

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: February 11, 2024

Categories Europe

You may be wondering, “Is Antwerp worth visiting?” Well, spoiler alert, it is!

Sure, it has been long overlooked in favor of its more famous brother, Brussels. But, Antwerp has a lot to offer. So much so that I am always left coming back for more.

It’s a stunning, coastal city that is filled with incredible history, amazing architecture, and delicious food.

Just step out into the train station and you’ll quickly see why Antwerp is so hella amazing.

But, if you need a bit more convincing and are still asking, “Is Antwerp worth a visit?” then give this article a look.

It details twelve epic reasons why you need to visit Antwerp right now. So, stop what you’re doing and give this article a look.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. Beautiful Architecture

Firstly, is Antwerp worth visiting for architecture?

Let’s just say, if you go weak at the knees over guild houses, can’t resist sneaking a peek into church naves, and are blown away by modern designs, you’ll be happy in Antwerp.

See, Belgium’s second city has a strong base of stunning buildings dating from the 16th century, which makes planning at least one day in Antwerp essential to your Belgium itinerary.

Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Modernism are all represented in this photogenic, highly walkable, port city.

Feast your eyes on the splendid Antwerp Central Train Station. Constructed in 1905, it’s one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Next, wander over to the medieval fortress of Het Steen. Once used to keep watch for invaders, its sole purpose now is to dazzle travelers.

Then there is Het Bootje which is one of the kookiest buildings in the city. This Art Nouveau beauty has a wooden ship poking out of the side.

I love looking at the architecture here because it’s also one of the best free things to do in Antwerp .

2. Fascinating History

Hungry for history? Or just enjoy snacking on new trivia while on the road?

In either case, Antwerp is worth visiting for history.

Back in the 16th century, Antwerp was the epicenter for commercial goings-on and trade in Europe. It is still the second-largest port city in Europe and the diamond capital of the world.

Later, Antwerp flourished as a hub for creativity, crafts, and intellectual pursuits.

However, you can get a great overview of Antwerp’s role in history at the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS). Each exhibit is like it;s own mini-museum and spotlights a different period or movement.

Seeing the oldest printing presses in the world at the Plantin-Moretus Museum is another one of the top things to do in Antwerp for history lovers.

Plus, you can learn about the city’s musical lineage at the Museum Vleeshuis. Even better – you’ll get to play with the instruments on display at this immersive museum.

3. Marvel at Art Through the Ages

Is Antwerp worth visiting for arts and culture? Well, you can rest assured that any European city delivers the goods when it comes to culture – this is why you need at least 2 days in Brussels .

Now, Peter Paul Rubens is the most famous Flemish painter of the 17th century. He called Antwerp home and left more than doodles behind.

Much of his work is exhibited at his former lodging, now the Rubens House Museum, and in various other institutions around town.

That includes Antwerp Cathedral where Rubens was commissioned to depict the Assumption of the Virgin on the altarpiece.

There’s also the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA). Here he’s joined by fellow old masters.

However, contemporary art lovers should go to the Museum of Modern Art (HKA). Visit for the roof terrace even if you’re not an artsy traveler.

Furthermore, you’ll find vibrant street murals dotted all around the city center.

So, Antwerp is one gigantic open-air art gallery with traditional museums that you’ll love visiting on a rainy day. Talk about an epic win.

4. See the Hands of Antwerp

A little peeing boy is the symbol of Brussels – and a must-see during any 24 hours in Brussels .

In Antwerp, it’s a pair of hands. The story behind the motif is reason enough to make Antwerp worth a visit.

Supposedly, a young boy chopped off the hands of a giant who was causing trouble. Then, he threw them into the river.

Hence, “hand werpen” – to throw a hand – became Antwerpen.

A statue (Brabofontein) in honor of Silvius Brabo stands in tribute in front of City Hall. Furthermore, there are depictions of hands all over the city.

And, this also explains why you’ll see so many hand motifs in tourist shops while you’re shopping for incredible Belgian souvenirs .

5. Affordable Diamonds

Now, this is a nice tidbit for you. Antwerp is the world capital of diamonds.

And, if you’re a budget traveler – you should note that they’re pretty cheap. You know, for diamonds.

Diamonds first sailed through Antwerp at the end of the 15th century.

See, the strategic location is why the city became a financial hotbed and is also why most of the mined diamonds passed through this spot.

Today, around 85% of the world’s rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds pass through Antwerp.

Psst – the rough diamonds are a little cheaper. That’s because they haven’t undergone the full cutting and polishing process. As such, all that natural beauty shines through.

Again, diamonds in Antwerp aren’t cheap cheap. But, they’re much more wallet-friendly than anywhere else.

However, do be mindful of scams and only buy them at reputable shops.

6. Premium Belgian Chocolate

Wait, do you go to get the best Belgian chocolate in Brussels ?

No – the entire country is awash with chocolate ateliers where you can pick up the creamiest, most velvety pralines.

Many stores are located off Reyndersstraat. That includes Neuhaus. FYI, this is the company that launched the humble praline!

Elsewhere, the minimalist-style Sjokolat is a good pick if you want to create a gift box filled with different flavored chocs.

Plus, Elisa’s is the number one provider of bonbons and Mads is where you can go for posh boxes of chocolate.

Just don’t forget to grab a cup of delicious hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s day in Antwerp.

7. Boutique and Designer Shopping

Now, if you’re not in the market for bling, you still have plenty of other options for spending your hard-earned dough on in Antwerp.

All in all, the city is a cosmopolitan spot where you’ll find a mix of high-street fashion brands and designer goods.

If you’re looking to reboot your closet, head to the Fashion District.

Essentially, this includes the streets around the Fashion Museum (MoMu). Here, you’ll even find a couple of thrift stores such as Think Twice.

The Other Shop is also a cool place to browse books, gadgets, and gifts.

8. Bolleke Beer and De Koninck Brewery

Belgium is the realm of beer. In Antwerp, Bolleke is the beer to order.

See, it’s brewed right in the heart of the city. Now, you can visit De Koninck Brewery and sample it straight from the barrel or buy it in literally any other bar or restaurant.

Now, tours operate at the brewery and their museum explains the history of Bolleke-brewing in relation to the development of Antwerp.

The tasting room also has a variety of fruity, hoppy, and crisp beers that include IPAa, APAs, blondes, sours, and more.

So, if you’re partial to a beer, Antwerp is worth a visit purely to satisfy your tastebuds.

9. Diverse Food in Antwerp

Is Antwerp worth visiting for food?

That’s a yes. This city is a treasure trove of traditional Belgian, European, and international restaurants.

Therefore, if you want to spend more time in the city while cruising around Diamond District, you can enjoy all kinds of cuisines and find your personal faves in this cosmopolitan city.

Check out Sonseveria for casual, health-conscious dining. FYI, this is a rad spot to know about if you’re a vegetarian.

Stop for epic brunch in Belgium at Goodie Food where the menu includes pancakes and bagels. They even have awesome sidewalk tables too.

Black Smoke is where to go for grills and steaks and they get brownie points for an awesome rooftop terrace.

But, be sure to stop by De Troubadour for Belgian-French fusion eats.

And for a special occasion, book a table at the fine dining restaurant De Harmonie where the food looks almost too beautiful to eat.

10. Belgian Frites

They’re known to the world as French fries. But, technically, they’re Belgian fries.

Politics aside, eating frites is a rite of passage to any traveler in Belgium, and Antwerp is no different.

Now, you’ll find frites on the menu at any restaurant. However, you’ll want to order them from a frituur.

These are kiosks that sell only frites (plus a few other fast food staples for larger appetites) and you can find them in Antwerp as well as some of the best frites shops in Brussels .

And, they’re easy to find. See, you’ll be able to detect the fried, crunchy potato smell wafting through the streets.

There are a couple of frituur kiosks scattered around the cathedral. Otherwise, you can pick up posh frites with artisanal toppings at the sophisticated Frites Atelier .

11. Outdoor Terraces

Of course, we naturally think of Mediterranean Europe for al fresco dining.

However, Antwerp has muscled in on this trend and you’ll find scores of outdoor terraces all over the city.

These are epic for a morning coffee in a Belgian cafe as the city wakes up, a cheeky glass of wine with lunch, and a cold beer to toast to a fun day out in Antwerp.

Sure, these places can feel a bit “touristy” but nothing compares to eating outside when the weather is warm and the sun is high.

However, do check out the prices and check for sneaky service charges before grabbing a seat.

But, Brasserie De Zon is a reliable choice near the cathedral with loads of beers and a mix of European and North American dishes.

12. Excellent Coffee

Last but in no way least, is Antwerp worth visiting for coffee?

Absolutely! The streets run amok with tasty coffee shops where you can find a classic cup of Joe and specialty brews.

This port city has the largest coffee storage facility in the world! However, those beans are off-limits.

Anyway, it’s hard to go wrong when searching for the best cafes in Antwerp. However, do check out the Yellow Window Coffee House for cozy vibes.

Tartoer is a neat spot to sit out on the terrace and people-watch over a latte.

And, Kaffeenini is an old-timer with an experimental and expansive menu. Order the cookie crumble cappuccino.

Is Antwerp Worth Visiting FAQs

Is it better to go to brussels or antwerp.

Go to Antwerp if you like a vibrant city with lots of energy. Enjoy all of the unusual things to do in Brussels if you like a historically, culturally, and politically important city.

Should I go to Ghent or Antwerp?

If you like a small, picturesque city then visit Ghent. However, if you prefer big cities with lots of things to do then try visiting Antwerp.

How Many Days Do You Need in Antwerp?

If you’re short on time then you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Antwerp in just two days.

However, if you really want to experience all that this magical city has to offer than plan to spend between three and four days her.

Which is Better to Visit Antwerp or Bruges?

Go to Bruges if you want to visit a city that feels like a fairytale. It’s a pretty place where you can explore the canals (very much like the canals of Amsterdam ) and the stunning Old Town.

In contrast, go to Antwerp if you like a port city with amazing architecture and lots of cool things to do.

That concludes this guide on the many reasons why you need to visit Antwerp.

You now know the answer to the question, “is antwerp worth visiting”, if you enjoyed this guide, join our email list and facebook group for even more awesome travel advice..

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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.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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.

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A local’s guide to Antwerp, Belgium: high art, gritty graffiti and great coffee

From Rubens and van Eyck to cutting edge street murals and fashion, art is at the heart of the Flemish city, says local guide Tim Marschan g. The beer and cocktails are decent too

Antwerp runs on coffee and my favourite haunt is Tartoer , a tucked-away coffee shop near Grote Markt in the old town. It has great homemade cakes and vintage Vespa memorabilia. My other favourite is Coffeebar Zulma in my home neighbourhood of Merksem – it serves the best chocolate cake in Antwerp.

The Little Island district offers good-value, all-day dining with views across the harbour to the landmark Museum aan de Stroom . Bar Paniek is an old warehouse on the waterside, with an arty vibe, while Otomat Pizza has a uniquely Belgian take on pizza, with unusual toppings and local beers.

Inspiration

The reopening of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts this autumn is huge for the city, bringing the Flemish masters back to the people after 11 years of closure for refurbishment. You’ll find classical art by Rubens and Jan van Eyck alongside more modern works – the redesigned galleries arranged thematically rather than chronologically – plus a new wing devoted to the Ostend-born artist James Ensor.

It coincides with this month’s (8 October 2022) reopening of MoMu, the Fashion Museum , with a new gallery to house its permanent collection, plus bimonthly Saturday fashion walks.

Antwerp has a classical tradition, but I love its street art. If Rubens were working today, he would be creating art on the streets. We now have more than 400 examples of murals and graffiti around the city, and new urban-art stars like Zenith and Roa are Antwerp’s answers to Banksy. I lead walks around the northern district of Merksem, a huge open-air art museum available to all. That’s the new creative spirit of Antwerp.

Neighbourhood

Berchem is just 10 minutes south by train from Central Station but relatively undiscovered. It combines art nouveau architecture with reasonably priced places to eat around Dageraadplaats, such as Zeezicht .

My walks around this part of town always end at the Summer Factory, which has more than 4,000 square metres of murals. The series of streets, built around a creative arts centre and cafe-bar, feature work by artists from across the world as part of an annual street-art festival. It’s remade each year and each mural now has a QR code, linking to the artist’s profile. It’s rumoured the whole area could be knocked down to make way for housing, so see it while you can.

Green space

In the city centre, I like walking through Munthof, one of the city’s original street-art spaces. It used to be a gritty district, but has now been gentrified. Graffiti started as the art of rebellion here in the 1990s, but the new scene is more about quality.

My favourite green space is Park Spoor Noord , reclaimed railway land transformed into a public space between the port and the regenerated Little Island district, 15 minutes by tram from the city centre.

For beers in the old town, my pick is Paters Vaetje . It’s what we call a proper “brown cafe”, a spot lost in time with old furniture and a huge selection of beers. My other favourite is Quotes Antwerp for small plates and cocktails – I’ve got a thing for their Moscow mule.

Any big night out finishes at Frituur No 1, the old town’s stalwart snack bar. It’s a meeting place for all walks of life, open until 4am and serves my go-to favourite: currywurst and fries.

The A-Stay Hotel (doubles from €125 B&B), near Central Station, features huge murals of exotic animals by local artist Charlotte De Cock, taking inspiration from nearby Antwerp Zoo.

Yust (doubles from €114 room-only), near the De Koninck brewery in Berchem, is a boutique bolthole with family rooms and female-only dorms among other options. Tim leads Antwerp street-art tours on Sundays, priced €20pp; visitantwerpen.be is a good source of further information

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A Guide to Antwerp, a City of Avant-Garde Fashion and Art Nouveau Architecture

Five locals — including three of Belgium’s most influential designers — share their favorite stores, museums, restaurants and more.

By Gisela Williams

T’s monthly travel series, Flocking To , highlights places you might already have on your wish list, sharing tips from frequent visitors and locals alike. Sign up here to find us in your inbox once a month, and to receive our weekly T List newsletter. Have a question? You can always reach us at [email protected] .

In the 16th century, Antwerp, Belgium, with its busy docks along the river Scheldt, was a booming center of trade and one of Europe’s most influential cities, attracting artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. In 1576, Christophe Plantin ran a prestigious printing business (one of the continent’s largest) in the center of the city, a half-mile from where, a few decades later, the painter Peter Paul Rubens would build his own studio and semicircular sculpture hall, modeled after the Pantheon. Over the years, while other long-established port cities like Venice and Barcelona evolved into throbbing tourist centers, Belgium’s second city largely kept far away from the spotlight, yet it’s always quietly maintained a reputation as a place for innovation and creative expression. In the 1980s, it became an important fashion hub with the emergence of the Antwerp Six: a group of young designers, including Ann Demeulemeester, who had been educated at the city’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

Even now, despite its relatively small size (the population is about 545,000), Antwerp is still home to a cluster of people at the top of their creative fields, including the visual artist Luc Tuymans and Pieter Mulier, the creative director of the fashion brand Alaïa. “I can see the port from one side of my apartment and Antwerp’s historic center from the other side,” says Mulier. “Those views allow me to understand the richness of this city, not just financially but culturally.” Lately, there has been a renewed sense of dynamism in Antwerp, with a slate of recently opened restaurants, bars and hotels, including Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a luxury resort housed in a converted monastery, as well as ambitious new architectural projects underway in the southern part of the city led by Tokyo’s Shigeru Ban and others. The art scene is also getting a boost now that KMSKA, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, has reopened after its decade-long renovation. Here, Mulier and four other notable locals share some of their favorite spots in the city, from beloved relics to new diversions.

The Insiders

The Costa Rican Cuban painter Ileana Moro lived in New York City, Los Angeles and Mexico City before moving to Antwerp in 2022.

The fashion designer Pieter Mulier , the creative director of Alaïa, divides his time between Antwerp and Paris.

Karen Shu , the chef and owner of the plant-based restaurant And/Or and a former chef de cuisine at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen in New York, moved to Antwerp in 2021.

The architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen , who founded his firm in Antwerp in 1989, has designed a number of buildings and interiors in the city, including those of the hotel August in 2019.

The interior designer, gallerist and antiques dealer Axel Vervoordt is known for prominent design projects throughout his hometown, as well as international ones.

Illustrations by Richard Pedaline

“For a small city like Antwerp to have something as high-end as the Botanic Sanctuary hotel is quite astonishing. The level of everything here, from the restaurants to the service to the rooms, is unbelievable. They took a very long time to do it and had quite an eye for detail. That’s very Flemish. We take a lot of time for things.” (Rooms from about $590 a night.) — Pieter Mulier

“ August was once a military hospital and Augustinian cloister. The high ceilings and old convent windows have so much charm, and I love the way the garden is set away from the street so it feels completely private. It’s perfect for an aperitif or drinks after dinner.” (Rooms from about $190 a night.) — Karen Shu

“ Hotel Julien is a very welcoming and charming townhouse located in the city center. The aesthetics belong to the culture of Antwerp: minimal, elegant and historic, but also modern.” (Rooms from about $225 a night.) — Vincent Van Duysen

Eat and Drink

“ Osaka is a special place — the people, the atmosphere and the design. Inside the surfaces are all stainless steel, very futuristic. The natural-wine list is exceptional, and the oysters are really good. In the summer, people sit outside on the terrace.” — Ileana Moro

“ Tazu is my favorite cocktail bar. It’s gorgeous, and Julian Youssef, the head bartender, is a master cocktail curator and can make you a drink depending on your mood.” — K.S.

“ Restaurant Veranda is very Antwerp, but it also has a bit of a creative Brooklyn feeling. The interiors are simple and understated, and the chef Davy Schellemans makes great seasonal food with the best ingredients. ’t Fornuis is a rustic Flemish place with heavy wood interiors. It’s [an aesthetic] I wouldn’t normally connect with, but the food is incredible. It’s Belgian cuisine with a slightly Mediterranean touch. Sir Anthony Van Dijck is in the heart of the oldest part of the city, where Axel Vervoordt started his career. You have to ring a bell and someone opens the door for you. And then you enter this beautiful place designed by Axel.” — V.V.D.

“ Houben is one of the most iconic multibrand stores in Antwerp. The couple who own it have a very good eye, and the shop has been going since the ’80s, when they were selling Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto. I still visit them regularly.” — P.M.

“Antwerp is very much about fashion, from Ann Demeulemeester to Dries Van Noten, but my favorite exclusive place to window shop is Verso . It’s so chic, with a mix of designers, from Dior to Vince.” — K.S. “ Het Modepaleis is the flagship store of Dries Van Noten, one of my favorite Antwerp designers, who’s also a close friend. His collections are inspired by artworks, the fabrics are very original and distinguished (both for men and women).” — Axel Vervoordt

“I’m obsessed with bed linen. Marie-Marie sells luxurious linens, and there’s no end to the options. It has its own line, which is of an unbelievable quality.” — P.M.

“ Graanmarkt 13 [designed by Van Duysen] is a cabinet of wonders. It’s a place to discover things. Everything that the co-founders Ilse Cornelissens and Tim Van Geloven choose, whether accessories or objects or clothing, is one of a kind.” — V.V.D.

“The art park at the Middelheim Museum is one of the most beautiful sculpture parks that I’ve ever seen. It has an excellent, diverse collection — you can find everything from a Rodin sculpture to an Ai Weiwei, and there’s a nice cafe. Located in the harbor neighborhood Het Eilandje, CASSTL functions as a hybrid of an artist-run space and a gallery. It was founded by Luc Tuymans and the artist duo Carla Arocha and Stéphane Schraenen. They promote noncommercial projects, including performances and installations.” — I.M.

“The Kanaal project — an industrial complex with residences, offices and art spaces [including the Axel Vervoordt Gallery] outside Antwerp — was imagined and developed by Axel and his family; you just get absorbed by their personal taste. It’s a complete universe. You go from one space, such as the Anish Kapoor installation, to another, such as a vast gallery of historic sculptures, and all throughout you travel from dark to light. The whole complex plays with the light of Belgium. The Museum Plantin-Moretus is the house and workshop of the 16th-century printer Christophe Plantin. There’s a beautiful library there.” — P.M.

“If you appreciate architecture and want to discover Antwerp from another era, you have to walk through the Zurenborg neighborhood . I love the Art Nouveau buildings.” — K.S.

“Peter Paul Rubens contributed to the decoration at St. Charles Borromeo Church . It’s from the early 1600s, and the interiors are exquisite. Sometimes I go there by myself. It’s walking distance from the city center. You follow small, narrow streets and then suddenly it opens up to a square, one of my favorites in the city. Everything about it is very poetic. KMSKA , or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp , has an incredible collection of Belgian painters and a very nice grand cafe. Also, I love the water sculpture at the front of the museum that was created by the artist Cristina Iglesias. The bottom of it is a bas-relief of a bed of leaves in cement, and the water goes in and out like a tide.” — V.V.D.

These interviews have been edited and condensed.

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Visit Antwerp, Belgium

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Rubens, diamonds, a thriving port and 16th-century architectural glory, all in Belgium’s second city, Antwerp

Blending historic charm, a modern downtown and one of Europe’s biggest ports, Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city, yet is often overlooked by visitors. With a legacy of artists like Peter Paul Rubens, a wealth of 16th-century architecture and a world-renowned diamond industry, this city sparkles in more ways than one.

You can take walking tours while tasting some of Belgium’s signature dishes, visit dozens of museums and enjoy boat rides on the Scheldt River. We can also arrange day trips to World War II memorial Fort Breendonk, or bike rides along the heritage railway at Sint-Amands.

Things to see and do in Antwerp

Grote markt.

Grote Markt, or Market Square, is the central point of Antwerp’s historic district. The cobblestone plaza is surrounded by 16th-century guildhalls with their characteristic step-gabled roofs, most now housing shops, restaurants and cafés. The Renaissance city hall building predominates, its tall tower decorated with gilded coats of arms and three statues depicting Prudence, Justice and the Virgin Mary.

In front of the city hall, you’ll see a statue depicting a legend that folklore states is the origin of Antwerp’s name. It includes a warrior named Brabo holding a large severed hand aloft, having turned the tables on the toll-taking giant of the Scheldt River, who’d cut off the hands of those who refused to pay and throw them in the river. The Dutch word ‘handwerpen’, meaning ‘hand throwing’, morphed into the city’s Dutch name: Antwerpen.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Just south of Grote Market, you’ll find the monumental Cathedral of Our Lady. The largest cathedral in the Low Countries, its construction was halted in 1521 and has never been finished. Its uneven towers, originally intended to be of equal height, make the Gothic sandstone church one of the more distinctive in Europe. The single spire has such a detailed, delicate construction that Charles V commented it should be kept under glass.

The cathedral’s also known for its altarpieces, painted by native son Peter Paul Rubens, whose triptychs The Raising of the Cross and Descent from the Cross were taken by Napoleon but returned to the cathedral in the 19th century. A third painting, Assumption of the Virgin Mary , serves as the high altarpiece, and you can admire numerous other artworks, including sculptures and stained glass, which adorn the soaring white interior.

Antwerpen-Centraal

Built between 1895 and 1905, the station’s gray-stone and white-marble entry hall boasts enormous arches, iron-laced half-moon windows and gilded ornamentation. Through one of the gates, the old structure connects directly to the massive, intricate latticed-steel dome that arcs over the train platforms, where you might embark to numerous other European destinations.

The former home of the Belgian artist Peter Paul Rubens, the Rubenshuis or Rubens House has been converted to a museum where you can see many of Rubens’ works as well as those of other Belgian artists.

A businessman as well as an artist, Rubens purchased the property in 1610, then extended the original old Flemish house, ultimately creating multiple galleries in an Italianate style, reminiscent of a palazzo. The house became a museum in 1946, and you might find his studio, gardens and portico are as much a highlight as the artworks themselves.

Historical walking-and-tasting tour

Like much of Belgium, Antwerp is known for its local and artisanal food scene. We can arrange a walking tour  that lets you see the highlights of the historic district while tasting some of the city’s most quintessential dishes.

Your guide will tell you about the history and culture of the area as you walk, and you’ll pause at several places to sample Belgian staples like waffles, frites, chocolates and charcuterie. You can also try some of the local spirit, genever — a spirit distilled with herbs, not unlike gin.

Diamond District

It’s estimated that 90% or more of the legal diamonds in the world pass through Antwerp at one point or another, whether to be cut, polished or sold. The Diamond Quarter does over €15 billion worth of business each year, and its dozen or so streets are filled with brokers, traders and artisans.

You can take a tour of the district  to learn more about this exclusive industry and its history in Antwerp. Alternatively, browse on your own in the many shops and displays, where you can buy a stone or just learn more about the history of the industry and the process of making a ready-to-wear diamond.

Zuid District, Museum of Modern Art, fashion street

You can also see modern art collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art, with its sharp black-and-white-painted exterior housing a free permanent collection. The Photo Museum of Antwerp, or FOMU, features one of Europe’s foremost photo and photo equipment collections and showcases internationally known photographers in temporary exhibitions.

Best time to visit Antwerp

March to May and September to November are the best times to visit, as temperatures are comfortable and cultural events are in full swing, though the city feels busy. June through August has fewer visitors as many Europeans head to beaches instead. December is lively as the Christmas Market attracts people from all over the world. January and February are quiet, but many museums and attractions are closed.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Antwerp by contacting one of our Belgium specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Antwerp

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Antwerp, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg self-drive tour

9 days from $3,780pp

Cruising the Dutch & Belgian waterways

10 days from $8,295pp

Map of Antwerp

Places & hotels on the map, places near antwerp.

• Brussels 26 miles away
• Ghent 35 miles away
• Bruges 51 miles away
• Liège 65 miles away

Photos of Antwerp

Accommodation choices for Antwerp

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Antwerp. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Hotel 't Sandt

Ideas for experiencing antwerp.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Antwerp, and which use the best local guides.

Diamond District tour & diamond cutting workshop

Explore Antwerp’s legendary Diamond Quarter, a stopover for 86% of the world’s legal raw diamonds, on this three-hour walking tour. Your guide will take you to a workshop where you can watch the gemstones be cut, shaped and polished.

Bruges old town tour & canal cruise

Spend a few hours with a guide exploring Bruges’ historical highlights, where you’ll see artwork by Michelangelo, Gothic cathedrals and a towering belfry. Then, spend an hour cruising the postcard-worthy canals and see step-gabled houses and stone bridges.

Private canal cruise with champagne & charcuterie

See a world-renowned altarpiece, a bird’s-eye view of the city, a medieval castle and lively market squares on a walking tour of Ghent. Then explore the city’s waterways on a boat tour of the canals, where you’ll be served local delicacies and Belgian beer.

Culinary walking tour of Antwerp

Get to know Antwerp’s history and try some of its best cuisine on this guided walking tour. You’ll see the city’s oldest building and busiest square, and get to try frites, artisanal chocolates, waffles and beer.

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Six reasons why Antwerp is worth visiting

Missy Cahill

• Why Antwerp is worth visiting

Antwerp is one of those underrated gems of a city. So often travellers head straight to Brussels, Bruges or Ghent on their visits to Belgium, and in reality, they skip over one of the best kept secrets in Western Europe.

Antwerp is a port city with an incredible history. Thanks to its proximity to the water, Antwerp grew throughout the middle ages and became a city of enlightenment. Now you can find an ethnically diverse and vibrant city with a fantastic history.

1. The diverse food

Antwerp is home to over 150 different nationalities, making it an incredibly diverse and ethnically rich city. Thanks to its incredible diversity, it is home to delicious ethnic food and restaurants. Antwerp has an incredible culinary scene, ranging from Ethiopian to Nepalese and much, much more. Bogerhout is home to a large Moroccan population and is a must when trying to find authentic Arabic food - and the dessert shops are unreal.

2. The beer

Belgium has a lot of things that it is famous for but perhaps its beer is a front runner. Antwerp has a f antastic beer scene. The De Koninck Brewery and Museum is an absolute highlight for any visit to Antwerp.

Located in Berchem, you get to drink your free ‘Bolleke’ as you tour around the museum and learn about the brewing process. It’s highly interactive and hilarious. Admission also includes three tasters in the bar at the end of the tour.

3. Outdoor terraces

Belgium is not known for its glorious weather. Usually, the forecast is for grey overcast skies and a bit of rain. Welcome to Western Europe! But just because the weather is rubbish, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go out and enjoy a nice cold beer.

Antwerp has terraces strewn all over the city, usually under large umbrellas and heaters, and even the occasional blanket. Finding the perfect terrace is a matter of preference, but my favourite has always been at Bourla Theatre under the canopy of large oak trees.

Chips or fries are a staple in Belgium. As some who is Irish, and therefore an automatic connoisseur of potatoes, I rank Belgian Frites very high on the potato scale. The difficulty is trying to find your favourite frituur (aka chip shop).

One of the best frituurs was created by Dutch chef, Sergio Herman who established Frites Atelier . Here, you can find your fries loaded with artisanal toppings that take your frites experience to a whole new level. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop thinking about them.

5. Chocolate

I never thought that I would be pretentious enough to have my own favourite chocolatier. But it’s true about living in Europe, you start collecting favourite cheese shops, bakeries and now chocolatiers. Like Swiss chocolate, Belgium is notorious for its delicious chocolates that can be found everywhere. The praline was invented in Belgium, so you know you are in safe hands when trying to find your favourite chocolatier.

When exploring the area around MAS, you will have to drop into IN CHOC by Tom Coosemans and thank me later. Tom has created the most incredible chocolates I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. He uses unique flavours like Yuzu and Kalamansi and creates art. Opening a box of chocolates by Tom is like Christmas arriving early. Unforgettable.

Did you know that Antwerp holds the most coffee beans at any one time than anywhere else on earth? This is due to Antwerp port where thousands of tonnes of coffee pass through on a weekly basis.

The coffee scene in Antwerp is fantastic. One of the best coffee shops is a small franchise called Caffenation which has two locations in Antwerp and one in Amsterdam. It’s safe to say that I am wholeheartedly addicted to Caffenation and my bank app likes to ask me on a regular basis if I know how much money I am spending there. It truly is phenomenal.

Planning a trip to Antwerp? Stay at Hotel FRANQ , a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

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Author - Missy Cahill

Missy Cahill is a travel blogger and former school librarian. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, she took a very healthy dose of wanderlust and has lived in China, Laos and Belgium.

Last Updated 20 April 2024

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Belgium Brussels vs. Antwerp for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

• Pros & Cons
• Attractions
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Brussels or Antwerp?
• Which is Cheaper, Brussels or Antwerp? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Antwerp?

• When to Visit Brussels or Antwerp?

Should you visit Brussels or Antwerp?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp is a cultural, historical, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Active nightlife
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Good public transit
• Big city activities
• Public transit not as usable

Is there more to do in Brussels or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Antwerp. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its nightlife. Brussels is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Brussels different from Antwerp?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antwerp and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brussels or Antwerp?

Both Brussels and Antwerp have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Is the Food Better in Brussels or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brussels . While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Brussels and Antwerp.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Antwerp?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Antwerp and Brussels.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Known for shopping, Antwerp draws large crowds to its stores. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Antwerp is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Students?

Brussels and Antwerp are high quality places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Antwerp is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Is Brussels or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Brussels or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Brussels and Antwerp both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Antwerp is a very walkable city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Brussels?

How long in brussels or antwerp.

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Antwerp . Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Antwerp. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Brussels, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Antwerp. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brussels that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Antwerp if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Brussels.

• How many days in Brussels or Antwerp? Ideal Length of Stay Brussels 1-5   Antwerp   1-3

One day in Brussels or Antwerp?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The port city of Antwerp offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Antwerp?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Antwerp?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium , The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium , The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium , and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels .

Which place is cheaper, Antwerp or Brussels?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Brussels Prices Belgium Prices Antwerp Prices Belgium Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Brussels € 137 Antwerp € 123

The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €137, while the average daily cost in Antwerp is €123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brussels and Antwerp in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Brussels € 73 Antwerp € 71
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Brussels € 146 Antwerp € 142

Compare Hotels in Brussels and Antwerp

Looking for a hotel in Brussels or Antwerp? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Brussels

Hotels in Antwerp

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Brussels € 17 Antwerp € 12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:

• Subway Pass € 4.50
• Atomium train ticket (2) € 8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

• Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
• Airport Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $82
• Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
• Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
• BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $150
• BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $128
• Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $130
• Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $492
• Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport): $106
• Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $104
• Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
• Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $107

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antwerp

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antwerp:

• Antwerp Shuttle Transfer <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
• Arrival Private Transfer Antwerp Airport ANR to Antwerp by Sedan: $68
• Private Arrival Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $163
• Private Departure Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $86
• Private Transfer from Antwerp to Bruges or ZeeBrugge By Luxury car: $141
• Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Car: $274
• Transfer from Antwerp Airport ANR to Antwerp by Luxury Car or Van: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Antwerp?

Prices for flights to both Antwerp and Brussels change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Brussels € 38 Antwerp € 39

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:

• Ice Cream & Macaroons € 4.60
• Dessert (Turkish Delights) € 4.75
• Cheese € 5.60
• Olives and Snacks € 6.98
• Waffle € 3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.

• Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
• Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
• City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
• Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
• Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
• Secret Food Tours Brussels: $137
• Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $163

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antwerp

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antwerp.

• 2-Hour Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $71

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Brussels € 23 Antwerp € 8.21

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
• Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
• Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
• The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.26
• BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.35
• A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
• 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
• City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
• City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
• Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
• Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.49
• A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Antwerp

Here are a few actual costs in Antwerp for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Historical Walking Tour in the Old City: $3.20
• Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp: $3.26
• Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp: $3.27
• Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
• Antwerp Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.09
• Antwerp In App Audio Tour : Belgian Port City (EN, DU): $7.59
• Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
• Walking Tour with Audioguide App: $8.02
• Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
• Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp: $16
• Walking Tour Big five Rubens' churches (audio): $16
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Brussels € 13 Antwerp € 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:

• Bottle of Wine € 10
• Beer € 6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

• Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
• Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Antwerp

Also in Antwerp, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Antwerp Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
• City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour: $17
• Tour and Tasting if alcoholic Ginger-beer in a gluten-free nano-brewery: $62
• Antwerp Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $65
• Pub Crawl in the Historical City: $96

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Antwerp, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive? .

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Antwerp, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Brussels or Antwerp?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Brussels 18°C (65°F)   Antwerp   17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Brussels 12°C (54°F)   Antwerp   12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. Brussels is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Brussels 3°C (38°F)   Antwerp   3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Antwerp. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the spring, Brussels is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Brussels 10°C (49°F)   Antwerp   8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Brussels

Related articles for brussels, related articles for antwerp.

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Antwerp or Brussels — Which city should you visit?

Antwerp vs. Brussels: the battle of the Belgian titans. International travellers in Belgium often find their way to Brussels and Bruges. But you may want to discover whether the Belgian capital is really the best city for you. Today, I’ll tell you all about the two biggest cities in Belgium: Brussels and Antwerp. Which one will you visit?

Skip ahead for specific sections:

• Solo travel
• Things to do
• Architecture

Solo travel in Antwerp vs. Brussels

If you’re travelling solo , you’ll have a great time in Belgium. It’s safe, there are plenty of things to do, and English is widely spoken around the country.

But if you only have a few days to spend in Belgium, you may be looking for the best places to visit. I personally love big cities, so Antwerp and Brussels are logical choices.

While it’s true that Antwerp is a city less discovered by international travellers, I believe Brussels will give solo travellers more bang for their buck.

The winner : Brussels. The capital is more fit for solo travellers, but Antwerp is a close second for those who want to discover lesser-known cities.

Antwerp vs. Brussels: things to do

In terms of activities, attractions, and historic sights, I would dare to say that Antwerp and Brussels are an even match. Here’s an overview of the most important things to do in Brussels and Antwerp:

What to do in Antwerp

• Admire Antwerp Central Station
• The Cathedral of Our Lady
• Grote Markt (incl. City Hall and Guild Houses)
• Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
• Antwerp Zoo
• Diamond District
• Hendrik Conscienceplein
• Have a drink on the riverside
• Visit independent bookstores

More free things to do in Antwerp:

Top 10 Free Things To Do in Antwerp (Belgium)

What to do in brussels.

There’s a reason why so many international travellers flock to Brussels when visiting Belgium. That reason? There are plenty of things to do.

• Grand Place
• Notre Dame Du Sablon
• The Royal Palace
• Manneken Pis (and Jeanneke Pis)
• Parc Du Cinquantenaire
• Discover culture in and around Flagey
• Dansaert neighbourhood
• Mont des Arts
• Take a cartoon walk in the Marolles area

The winner : It’s a tie. The choice between Antwerp and Brussels depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a city with a rich heritage and historical and political importance, go to Brussels. If you prefer a city with a vibrant atmosphere and lively energy, Antwerp is your best bet.

Architecture in Antwerp and Brussels

Now, I’m going for a bit of a hot take here: besides a few exceptions, the architecture in Brussels is nothing to write books about.

And before you come at me in the comments mentioning Grand Place, the Atomium, or La Monnaie: I know. I’m not saying you should skip the Belgian capital because of its lack of architectural beauty. All I’m saying is I personally prefer the more modern and eclectic architectural heritage of Antwerp.

The winner : Antwerp.

Where can you find the best food in Belgium?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rick |📍Nijmegen (@schaft_zonder_spijt)

Belgium may be known for its beer, waffles, and chocolate. But the country’s cuisine has much more to offer to travellers willing to venture beyond the basics.

Here’s a few of my favourite Belgian dishes you may not know:

• Stoofvlees — a sweet and sour stew with beef and dark ale, often served with French fries;
• Boulets à la Liégois — meatballs with a sweet, dark brown sauce;
• Fries — the fries and snacks served at the typical Belgian frituur ( friterie in French) is probably nothing like the fries you’re used to;
• Steak tartare — a dish made from raw, minced beef steak and plenty of spices, onions, pickles, and more;
• White sausage — a sausage made from pork and milk, delicious on the grill.

Whether you want to taste a few of these local delicacies or find the best exotic restaurants in town, both Brussels and Antwerp are stellar choices.

That being said, I live in Antwerp, so I’ve spent much more time here. In other words: I know which restaurants to recommend and which to avoid. Here’s an overview:

Best Restaurants In Antwerp: The Ultimate Foodie Guide

The winner : It’s a tie. Both cities have a wide range of excellent restaurants, both for solo travellers and groups of people.

Antwerp nightlife vs. Brussels nightlife

When comparing the nightlife in Antwerp vs. Brussels, it’s necessary to say that both cities can give you an experience you won’t soon forget.

Antwerp boasts an impressive range of vintage cafés, jazz bars, and places where you can have a delicious cocktail or a fresh pint of Belgian ale.

If you’re looking for nightclubs as greasy as they come — in the best way possible — head to one of the following areas:

• Stadswaag (‘t Waagstuk, Barbier, Klimax)
• Mechelseplein (Izzy Maze, K. Zeppos, Pallieter)
• Miscellaneous: Ampere, Club Vaag, Plein Publiek

Unlike Antwerp and other major Belgian cities (like Ghent ), the nightlife in Brussels is not concentrated in one central area. The best bars and clubs in Brussels are sprawled around the city, giving people something worth experiencing in every neighbourhood.

Here are a few local favourites:

• Plein Publiek
• L’Athénée
• O’Reilly’s
• LGBTQ+ friendly: The Agenda, Chez Maman, Cabaret Mademoiselle, Bonnefooi
• Other fun nightlife areas: Flagey, Zavel, Place Sainte-Catherine

The winner : Antwerp. I’ve gone out in both cities multiple times, and I generally enjoy the nightlife in Antwerp more than I do in Brussels.

Friendliness of locals

In my personal experience, travellers in Belgium often only find their way to Brussels and Bruges. They don’t usually take the time to discover other Belgian cities , like Antwerp and Ghent .

While this inevitably means that Brussels will be more crowded with fellow travellers, it also means that the capital is more dependent on international tourism than other cities in Belgium — like Antwerp.

In other words: you’re more likely to be greeted rudely, scammed, or ripped off in Brussels — especially if you’re staying in the popular areas of the city around Grand Place.

The winner : Antwerp. If you’re looking for a Belgian city with welcoming, friendly locals, Antwerp is your best bet.

Is Antwerp cheaper than Brussels?

The comparison in cost of living in Antwerp and Brussels is very different for locals and visitors.

It’s true that Brussels is a more expensive city to live in than Antwerp (e.g. rent, utilities, childcare, etc.). However, this is compensated for by higher consumer prices in Antwerp (e.g. groceries, restaurants, activities, etc.).

That being said: you can find plenty of ways to save money in both cities — including free things to do, cheap public transport, affordable accommodation, and more.

The winner : Brussels. If you’re staying in the city for just a few days, Brussels will give you more for the same amount of money than Antwerp.

Conclusion: should I visit Antwerp or Brussels?

Let’s add up the points and answer the question, once and for all: “Should I visit Brussels or Antwerp?”

• Solo travel : Brussels
• Things to do : tie
• Architecture : Antwerp
• Nightlife : Antwerp
• Friendliness of locals : Antwerp
• Prices : Brussels

Brussels puts up a hell of a fight, but Antwerp claims victory in this battle of the Belgian cities .

Photo credit:

• Photo by Emran Yousof on Unsplash
• Photo by Alex Vasey on Unsplash

My daughter and her friend have has just been to Antwerp and described it as an absolute shit hole! it truly was the dud city of their travels, she said the people were disgustingly rude, it’s was expensive and excruciatingly boring, the only thing going for it was it was ‘pretty’ they literally couldn’t wait to get away, prior to this they were in Paris which they loved and adored and now Rotterdam/Amsterdam which has been AMAZING and has made up for the nightmare of Antwerp, I’ve since spoken to a friend based in London who absolutely agreed, she described it as a shockingly racist city and a horrible place to visit, whereas she said Bruges is a totally different vibe and hard to believe the two could be so different given they are both in Belgium. The upshot is in Antwerp they don’t like or welcome tourists (especially of colour) so no-one should waste their precious time or money going there.

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Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces Historic Advancements in Long-Term Care to Support the Care   Economy

Actions are the latest in a series of steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to improve safety, provide support for care workers and family caregivers, and to expand access to affordable, high-quality care

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have access to quality care. That’s why, today, Vice President Harris is announcing two landmark final rules that fulfill the President’s commitment to safety in care, improving access to long-term care and the quality of caregiving jobs. Ensuring that all Americans, including older Americans and people with disabilities, have access to care – including home-based care – that is safe, reliable, and of high quality is an important part of the President’s agenda and a part of the President’s broader commitment to care. Today’s announcements deliver on the President’s promise in the State of the Union to crack down on nursing homes that endanger resident safety as well as his historic Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers , which included the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has taken to improve care for millions of seniors and people with disabilities while supporting care workers and family caregivers.

Cracking Down on Inadequate Nursing Home Care

Medicare and Medicaid pay billions of dollars per year to ensure that 1.2 million Americans that receive care in nursing homes are cared for, yet too many nursing homes chronically understaff their facilities, leading to sub-standard or unsafe care. When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom, and meals – and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency. Understaffing can also have a disproportionate impact on women and people of color who make up a large proportion of the nursing home workforce because, without sufficient support, these dedicated workers can’t provide the care they know the residents deserve. In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Biden pledged that he would “protect seniors’ lives and life savings by cracking down on nursing homes that commit fraud, endanger patient safety, or prescribe drugs they don’t need.”

The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized today will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day). This means a facility with 100 residents would need at least two or three RNs and at least ten or eleven nurse aides as well as two additional nurse staff (which could be registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, or nurse aides) per shift to meet the minimum staffing standards. Many facilities would need to staff at a higher level based on their residents’ needs. It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide skilled nursing care, which will further improve nursing home safety. Adequate staffing is proven to be one of the measures most strongly associated with safety and good care outcomes.

To make sure nursing homes have the time they need to hire necessary staff, the requirements of this rule will be introduced in phases, with longer timeframes for rural communities. Limited, temporary exemptions will be available for both the 24/7 registered nurse requirement and the underlying staffing standards for nursing homes in workforce shortage areas that demonstrate a good faith effort to hire.

Strong transparency measures will ensure nursing home residents and their families are aware when a nursing home is using an exemption.

This rule will not only benefit residents and their families, it will also ensure that workers aren’t stretched too thin by having inadequate staff on site, which is currently a common reason for worker burnout and turnover. Workers who are on the frontlines interacting with residents and understanding their needs will also be given a voice in developing staffing plans for nursing homes. The Biden-Harris Administration also continues to invest in expanding the pipeline of nursing workers and other care workers, who are so essential to our economy, including through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Improving Access to Home Care and the Quality of Home Care Jobs

Over seven million seniors and people with disabilities, alongside their families, rely on home and community-based services to provide for long-term care needs in their own homes and communities. This critical care is provided by a dedicated home care workforce, made up disproportionately by women of color, that often struggles to make ends meet due to low wages and few benefits. At the same time, home care is still very inaccessible for many Medicaid enrollees, with more than threequarters of home care providers not accepting new clients, leaving hundreds of thousands of older Americans and Americans with disabilities on waiting lists or struggling to afford the care they need.

The “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” final rule, finalized today, will help improve access to home care services as well as improve the quality caregiving jobs through its new provisions for home care. Specifically, the rule will ensure adequate compensation for home care workers by requiring that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care services go to workers’ wages. This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care. Higher wages will likely reduce turnover, leading to higher quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation, as studies have shown. States will also be required to be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how they set those rates, increasing the accountability for home care providers. Finally, states will have to create a home care rate-setting advisory group made up of beneficiaries, home care workers and other key stakeholders to advise and consult on provider payment rates and direct compensation for direct care workers.

Strong Record on Improving Access to Care and Supporting Caregivers

Today’s new final rules are in addition to an already impressive track record on delivering on the President’s Executive Order on Care. Over the last year, the Biden-Harris Administration has:

• Increased pay for care workers, including by proposing a rule to gradually increase pay for Head Start teachers by about $10,000, to reach parity with the salaries of public preschool teachers.
• Cut child care costs for low-income families by finalizing a rule that will reduce or eliminate copayments for more than 100,000 working families, and lowering the cost of care for lower earning service members, thereby reducing the cost of child care for nearly two-thirds of children receiving care on military bases. Military families earning $45,000 would see a 34% decrease in the amount they pay for child care.
• Supported family caregivers by making it easier for family caregivers to access Medicare beneficiary information and provide more support as they prepare for their loved ones to be discharged from the hospital. The Administration has also expanded access to mental health services for tens of thousands of family caregivers who are helping veterans.

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Create and add an email signature in Outlook

In Outlook, you can create one or more personalized signatures for your email messages. Your signature can include text, links, pictures, and images (such as your handwritten signature or a logo).

Note:  If the steps under this New Outlook tab don't work, you may not be using new Outlook for Windows yet. Select Classic Outlook  and follow those steps instead.

Create and add an email signature

On the View tab, select   View Settings . 

Select Accounts > Signatures .

Select    New signature , then give it a distinct name.

In the editing box below the new name, type your signature, then format it with the font, color, and styles to get the appearance you want.

Select Save when you're done.

With your new signature selected from the list above the editing box, go to  Select default signatures and choose whether to apply the signature to new messages and to replies and forwards.

Select Save again.

Note:  If you have a Microsoft account, and you use Outlook and Outlook on the web or Outlook on the web for business, you need to create a signature in both products.

Create your signature and choose when Outlook adds a signature to your messages

If you want to watch how it's done, you can go directly to  the video below .

Open a new email message.

Under Select signature to edit , choose New , and in the New Signature dialog box, type a name for the signature.

Under Edit signature , compose your signature. You can change fonts, font colors, and sizes, as well as text alignment. If you want to create a more robust signature with bullets, tables, or borders, use Word to create and format your signature text, then copy and paste it into the Edit signature box. You can also use a pre-designed template  to create your signature. Download the templates in Word, customize with your personal information, and then copy and paste into the Edit signature box. 

You can add links and images to your email signature, change fonts and colors, and justify the text using the mini formatting bar under Edit signature .

You can also add social media icons and links in your signature or customize one of our pre-designed temlates. For more information, see Create a signature from a template .

To add images to your signature, see Add a logo or image to your signature .

Under Choose default signature , set the following options. 

In the E-mail account drop-down box, choose an email account to associate with the signature. You can have different signatures for each email account.

You can have a signature automatically added to all new messages. Go to in the New messages drop-down box and select one of your signatures. If you don't want to automatically add a signature to new messages, choose (none). This option does not add a signature to any messages you reply to or forward. 

You can select to have your signature automatically appear in reply and forward messages. In the  Replies/forwards drop-down, select one of your signatures. Otherwise, accept the default option of (none). 

Choose OK to save your new signature and return to your message. Outlook doesn't add your new signature to the message you opened in Step 1, even if you chose to apply the signature to all new messages. You'll have to add the signature manually to this one message. All future messages will have the signature added automatically. To add the signature manually, select Signature from the Message menu and then pick the signature you just created.

Add a logo or image to your signature

If you have a company logo or an image to add to your signature, use the following steps.

Open a new message and then select Signature > Signatures .

In the Select signature to edit box, choose the signature you want to add a logo or image to.

To resize your image, right-click the image, then choose Picture . Select the Size tab and use the options to resize your image. To keep the image proportions, make sure to keep the Lock aspect ratio checkbox checked.

When you're done, select OK , then select OK again to save the changes to your signature.

Insert a signature manually

If you don't choose to insert a signature for all new messages or replies and forwards, you can still insert a signature manually.

In your email message, on the Message tab, select Signature .

Choose your signature from the fly-out menu that appears. If you have more than one signature, you can select any of the signatures you've created.

See how it's done

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Note:  Outlook on the web is the web version of Outlook for business users with a work or school account.

Automatically add a signature to a message

You can create an email signature that you can add automatically to all outgoing messages or add manually to specific ones.

Select Settings   at the top of the page.

Select Mail >  Compose and reply .

Under Email signature , type your signature and use the available formatting options to change its appearance.

Select the default signature for new messages and replies.

Manually add your signature to a new message

If you've created a signature but didn't choose to automatically add it to all outgoing messages, you can add it later when you write an email message.

In a new message or reply, type your message.

If you created multiple signatures, choose the signature you want to use for your new message or reply.

When your email message is ready, choose Send .

Note:  Outlook.com is the web version of Outlook for users signing in with a personal Microsoft account such as an Outlook.com or Hotmail.com account.

Related articles

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Is Southwest about to end its free-for-all seating?

The company says it is ‘very seriously studying’ alternatives to its signature open-seating system.

Southwest Airlines fans know the drill: Check in to your flight exactly 24 hours in advance and secure your spot in line to board the plane. What seat you’ll end up in? That’s a mystery until the last minute.

A puzzle to some and an invigorating challenge to others, Southwest’s unique boarding process and one-class cabin are now under the microscope as the airline looks for ways to prop up its financial performance. In a call with investors Thursday, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said executives are “very seriously studying” seating and the way passengers board the planes.

“It’s been several years since we last studied this in-depth, and customer preference and expectations change over time,” Jordan said. “We are also studying the operations and financial benefits of any potential change.”

Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn’t have a premium section on its planes that commands higher fares. Where other carriers might charge extra for a cushy seat in the first few rows or an extra-legroom option near the front, Southwest customers can grab whatever seat is open. A spot near the front won’t come with any additional frills, however.

In a news release announcing quarterly earnings, a conference call discussing those results and an interview with CNBC , representatives said they were taking a deep look at customer preferences around seating and boarding. The current open-seating system was put in place when airliners were generally less full, the company said, noting that preferences change as planes fill up.

“There’s no decision, there’s nothing to report other than we are seriously looking at this,” Jordan said in response to a question about seating. “But early indications both for our customers and for Southwest look pretty darn interesting.”

While Southwest has contemplated the possibility of assigned seating for nearly two decades at least , the review has accelerated over the past six months, the CEO said. Jordan said the company will say more during an event for investors in September. The company has also recently said that it is preparing to add red-eye flights in the next couple of years.

Today, Southwest passengers can pay more to end up in a better seat, even without picking that seat in advance. Upgrades that provide priority boarding and early check-in give customers the first pick of spots. The airline makes “hundreds of millions of dollars” from those upgraded boarding options, executives said last year.

“They’re in kind of a pickle regarding revenue generation, so they’re looking at everything,” said Robert W. Mann, a consultant and former airline executive. “I think what they have seen is that when they’ve tweaked their existing cattle call … they find it to be very lucrative.”

He said that if the airline could deliver a more “pleasant” boarding process, or seat selection for a fee, it would probably be attractive to travelers.

“There’s nothing about their boarding process that they couldn’t improve,” Mann said.

Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group , said he did research more than a decade ago that found a large number of people avoided Southwest because it did not offer extra-legroom seats, assigned seats or a premium business-class cabin. He said that the airline could make “an enormous amount of money” by adding assigned seating — and that travelers would probably welcome knowing what seat they would end up in.

“I think it could be an incredibly positive thing for the airline, but I recognize that Southwest has a more-than-50-year history of being egalitarian, of having open seating and being different from other airlines,” he said.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.