Best Things To Do in Antwerp

Antwerp is one of Belgium's most popular tourist attractions, especially thanks to its medieval architecture, its beauty as a riverside city and its cultural contribution, which can be seen in art museums, traditional neighbourhoods and 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 metres in height, making 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 points of tourist interest, such as the Cathedral Square, the Rubens House Museum, which is located in the painter's former residence, and the Zurenborg district, known for its picturesque Art Nouveau houses. This is why this church often takes centre stage 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 eclectic-style structure combines elements of neoclassicism, renaissance and art nouveau, and its façade is adorned with a series of ornamental details that make it a must-see for tourists.

Another of the station's highlights is its entrance hall, characterised 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 the railway with the adaptations of recent times so that the station could receive high-speed trains and become a global hub.

The station's location means that you can easily visit it or pass through it on one of the city tours. It is very close to Antwerp Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. Nearby there are also breweries where you can take a tour on your own or join a guided brewery tour with beer tasting.

The De Reede Museum is a fascinating cultural space dedicated to the history of the city and revisiting its rich maritime heritage. Part of Antwerp's network of museums, the museum 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 the most important ports in Europe for centuries.

At this museum you can explore a variety of collections ranging from ship models to navigational tools and artefacts related to port life. Exhibits include information on the trade, shipbuilding and fishing activities that have been central to Antwerp's economic development. Booking tickets for 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 Antwerp Cathedral and the Main Square, it is an ideal stop for those wishing to combine their visit with a more extensive 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 the merchants and craftsmen who worked in the area. Over the years, Vlaeykensgang has retained its medieval character, becoming a quiet haven amidst the modern hustle and bustle.

The name of the alleyway translates into English as "Peasants' Road", reflecting its original use and its connection to everyday life in medieval Antwerp. It was originally part of a workers' quarter, and the low houses that now house restaurants and bars were once the workers' homes.

Along Vlaeykensgang Road you'll find jagged cobblestones, brick facades and colourful gardens that intermingle with cafés and art galleries with cocktail bars once the sun goes down. The alleyway also leads directly to Antwerp Cathedral and nearby is the Plantin-Moretus Museum.

Vlaeykensgang is not usually included in the main guided tour circuit, 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 see.

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 centre of the square is the Brabo Fountain, which depicts the legend of the local hero who defeated a giant that terrorised the city and is a symbol of local resistance.

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

The Great Market Square is also home to markets, fairs and celebrations throughout the year, making it a focal point of Antwerp's social life. If you want to learn about local traditions or take part in the daily life of the city, you can come here 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 works of art, 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 environment, showing how life in Antwerp and the history of the city influenced his art. Sculptures and landscape elements reflecting 17th century lifestyle can be found in the gardens and courtyards.

Easily accessible due to its proximity to the city centre, you'll find that when you book the Antwerp hop on-hop off bus tour, one of the stops is named after the painter.

The MAS Museum is one of Antwerp's main cultural attractions. 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 are 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 foundation.

The museum presents themes including everyday life, shipping 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 organises temporary exhibitions that address contemporary and relevant themes, making it a dynamic and constantly evolving space.

One of the best alternatives to consider for your travel plan is to combine the museum tour with booking a bike tour of Antwerp on the same day, allowing you to get to know the riverside area from a different angle and in a fun way.

The Diamond District is an indescribable site that reflects the city's history and importance in the diamond trade. Since the 15th century, Antwerp has established itself as a world centre for the diamond industry, and this district is a 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 craftsmen from all over the world, which has contributed to its flourishing. Today, it is estimated that about 80% of the diamond trade passes, directly or indirectly, through Antwerp.

Strolling through this district you can explore jewellery shops, workshops and auction houses displaying a variety of diamonds and their derivatives. This district is not only a jewellery lover's paradise, but also a place where you can get a close-up look at the art of diamond cutting, a process that requires exceptional skill. In that sense, many of the workshops allow visitors to watch the craftsmen 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 the diamond trade in Antwerp, as well as exhibits on the mining, cutting and sale of the mineral.

If walking around the most distinctive neighbourhoods 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 River Scheldt, it was originally a port district, but has become a cultural hotspot that combines medieval maritime history with a modern ambience, 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 neighbourhood is home to the Marine Museum and the Museum aan de Stroom building.

Eilandje's popularity also lies in its lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The area has a variety of restaurants, bars and cafés offering both local and international cuisine, making it an ideal place to enjoy dinner or a drink while overlooking the river. During the warmer summer months, the open-air terraces are the perfect place to watch the boat traffic.

One of the most representative attractions of Antwerp's medieval heritage is Steen Castle, which was built in the 13th century and stands on the banks of the river Scheldt. It originally served as a fortress to protect the city from attack and invasion, but was later used as a presidential residence and now houses a small museum.

At the castle you can explore its sturdy ramparts 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. Moreover, 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.