Best Things To Do in Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the most popular tourist sites in Belgium, especially thanks to its medieval architecture, its beauty as a riverside city and its cultural contribution, which you can see in the art museums, in its traditional neighborhoods and on guided tours.

Some of the best things to do in Antwerp include visiting the Cathedral, discovering the architecture of the Central Station, visiting the De Reede Museum, walking through the Vlaeykensgang alley and getting lost in the Diamond District, one of the most fascinating places in Europe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp is an example of the Gothic style and one of the most representative postcards of the city. Its construction lasted more than a century but allowed this religious building to reach 123 meters high, which makes it the tallest church in Belgium. Here you can learn about the influence of Gothic architecture, but also its history marked by fires and restorations.

The interior of the cathedral houses a collection of religious art, including Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece known as The Elevation of the Cross, which captures the attention of visitors with its drama and refined technique. The building also features altarpieces, sculptures and stained glass windows that reflect the devotion and art of the time, deeply rooted in the spiritual.

Near the cathedral, which is located in the old part of the city, you will find other tourist attractions, such as the Cathedral Square, the Rubens House Museum, located in the former residence of the painter, and the Zurenborg neighborhood, known for its picturesque Art Nouveau houses. This is why this church is often featured when booking a guided tour of Antwerp.

If you want to see another of the traditional buildings of the Antwerp landscape, you can't miss the Central Station, which is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. This structure, of eclectic style, combines elements of neoclassicism, renaissance and art nouveau, being its facade adorned with a series of ornamental details that make it an unavoidable place for tourists.

Also, another of the highlights of the station is its entrance hall, characterized by its dome and the use of glass and metal. The train platforms, meanwhile, also offer a visual spectacle with a design that combines the platforms of the golden age of railroads with the adaptations of recent times so that the station could receive high-speed trains and become a global hub.

The location of the station makes it easy to visit or walk through it on one of the city tours. It is very close to the Antwerp Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. And nearby there are also breweries where you can take a tour on your own or participate in a guided tour with beer tasting.

The De Reede Museum is a fascinating cultural space dedicated to the city's history and revisiting its rich maritime heritage. Part of Antwerp's network of museums, it is housed in a former 17th-century building and its main exhibition focuses on life and work in the local port, which was one of Europe's most important harbors for centuries.

At this museum you can explore diverse collections ranging from ship models to navigational tools and artifacts related to port life. Exhibits include information on the trade, shipbuilding and fishing activities that have been central to Antwerp's economic development. In addition, booking tickets for the De Reede Museum also gives you access to interactive activities.

One of the main reasons why this exhibition is so popular with visitors is because of its strategic location. Situated close to other tourist attractions, such as the Antwerp Cathedral and the Main Square, it is an ideal stop for those who wish to combine their visit with a broader tour of the city.

Vlaeykensgang is one of Antwerp's hidden gems and one of the city's best kept secrets. This narrow, picturesque alley dates back to the 16th century and originally served as a thoroughfare for merchants and craftsmen working in the area. Over the years, Vlaeykensgang has maintained its medieval character, becoming a quiet haven amidst the modern hustle and bustle.

The name of the alley translates into English as "Peasants' Road", reflecting its original use and its connection to the daily life of medieval Antwerp. In its early days it was part of a workers' quarter, and the low houses that now house restaurants and bars were once the homes of laborers.

Along Vlaeykensgang Road you'll find jagged cobblestones, brick facades and colorful gardens that intermingle with cafes and art galleries with cocktail bars once the sun goes down. On the other hand, the alley leads directly to the Antwerp Cathedral and nearby is also the Plantin-Moretus Museum.

Vlaeykensgang is usually not included in the main circuit of guided tours, but if you choose to book a private guided tour of Antwerp you can design your own itinerary and include it in the list of sites to visit.

The Great Market Square, which is surrounded by historic buildings, is popular for its well-preserved architecture, including the flagship Town Hall, a magnificent example of Flemish Renaissance style. In the center of this square you will see the Brabo fountain, which represents the legend of the local hero who defeated a giant that terrorized the city and is a symbol of local resistance.

Brabo is currently one of the most photographed places in Antwerp and contributes to the fame of the square, which is the epicenter of the Belgian beer culture, a drink that you can taste in the nearby bars and also in the breweries located in the area. It is also the meeting point for some of the city's most eclectic experiences, as you will find when you book the Antwerp Mysteries and Legends tour.

Likewise, the Great Market Square is, throughout the year, home to markets, fairs and celebrations, making it a focal point of Antwerp's social life. If you want to learn about local traditions or participate in the daily life of the city, you can come to this site and discover first-hand the pulse of this destination.

The Rubens House is one of the city's most significant cultural attractions, offering visitors a unique insight into the life and work of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. This residence was built in the 17th century and reflects the wealth and lifestyle of the artist in his time. The house is a testament to his success, both as a painter and as a merchant, and has been restored to preserve its original beauty and artistic legacy.

At the Rubens House you can visit the various rooms and appreciate the collection of artwork, which includes some of the most iconic paintings by the artist and his contemporaries. The house houses a series of paintings, sketches and engravings that illustrate his evolution as an artist and his influence on European art. In addition, the museum offers an interactive experience that allows visitors to delve deeper into the technique of his work.

The museum not only focuses on Rubens' work, but also explores his surroundings, showing how life in Antwerp and the city's history influenced his art. Also, in its gardens and courtyards you will find sculptures and landscape elements that reflect the lifestyle of the 17th century.

Easily accessible because it is close to the city center, you will see that when you book the Antwerp hop on-hop off tour bus one of the stops is named after the painter.

The MAS Museum is one of the main cultural attractions in Antwerp. In addition, the building that houses the exhibition is known for its innovative architecture and its focus on the history, art and culture of the city and the world. Opened in 2011, the museum structure stands on the banks of the Scheldt River, offering not only a rich collection of exhibitions, but also panoramic views of Antwerp from its terrace.

The MAS houses a vast exhibition spanning half a million objects, ranging from art and textiles to historical and archaeological items. Among its permanent exhibits you will find documents that tell the story of Antwerp's history as an important trading port, as well as objects that reflect the cultural diversity that has distinguished the city since its founding.

The museum presents themes that include daily life, navigation and trade, allowing visitors to explore how these stories have shaped Antwerp's identity over the centuries. In addition to its permanent collection, the MAS also organizes temporary exhibitions that address contemporary and relevant topics, making it a dynamic and constantly evolving space.

One of the best alternatives you can consider for your travel plan is to combine the museum tour with booking a bicycle tour of Antwerp on the same day, which will allow you to get to know the riverside area from a different perspective and in a fun way.

The Diamond District is an indescribable site that reflects the history and importance of the city in the diamond trade. Since the 15th century, Antwerp has established itself as a world center for the diamond industry, and this district is the mecca of that tradition.

The city's strategic location, combined with its development as a major trading port, made it an ideal place for the exchange of precious gems. Over the years, the district has seen the arrival of traders and artisans from all over the world, which has contributed to its flourishing. Today, it is considered that about 80% of the diamond trade passes, directly or indirectly, through Antwerp.

As you stroll through this district you can explore jewelry shops, workshops and auction houses that display a variety of diamonds and their derivatives. This district is not only a paradise for jewelry lovers, but also a place where you can observe up close the art of diamond cutting, a process that requires exceptional skill. In that regard, many of the workshops allow visitors to watch the artisans in action.

The Diamond District also houses exhibits dedicated to the history and industry of diamonds. One of the highlights is the Diamond Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the history of this trade in Antwerp, as well as exhibits on the mining, cutting and sale of this mineral.

If walking through the most distinctive neighborhoods of the places you visit is your thing, then in Antwerp you can't avoid Eilandje, which is one of the most intriguing and vibrant areas of this destination. Located along the banks of the Scheldt River, it was originally a port district, but has become a cultural hotspot that combines medieval maritime history with a modern ambiance, making it ideal for strolling and exploring.

With its mix of restored old warehouses and new architectural developments, Eilandje offers a very palpable contrast between the old and the contemporary. Also, due to its proximity to the port of Antwerp, which has been crucial to the city's development over the centuries, this neighborhood is home to the Marine Museum and the Museum aan de Stroom building.

Eilandje's popularity also lies in its lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The area has a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes offering both local and international cuisine, making it an ideal place to enjoy dinner or a drink while gazing at the river scenery. On the other hand, during the warm summer months, the open-air terraces are the perfect place to watch the maritime traffic.

One of the most representative attractions of Antwerp's medieval heritage is Steen Castle, which was built in the 13th century and sits on the banks of the Scheldt River. It originally served as a fortress to protect the city from possible attacks and invasions, although later it was also used as a presidential residence and now houses a small museum.

At the castle you can explore its sturdy walls and towers, which offer an insight into the architecture of the Middle Ages and the defensive strategies of the time. The castle is designed in a Romanesque style, with Gothic elements that give it a unique character. On the other hand, from the top of this building you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a privileged perspective.

The Steen Castle Museum also offers exhibitions on the history of the site and the evolution of Antwerp. This museum presents a collection of historical and cultural objects from the Middle Ages to modern times, allowing visitors to better understand the role of the castle in the history of the city.