Things to Do in Antwerp, België / Belgique / Belgien

Antwerp, Belgium's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and contemporary sophistication. Known as the diamond capital of the world and the birthplace of renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens, this Flemish city offers visitors a rich tapestry of art, history, and culture. The city's stunning architecture ranges from Gothic cathedrals to modern museums, while its bustling port has been a center of international trade for centuries. The historic city center, dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady and the ornate Grote Markt with its guild houses, creates an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. Yet Antwerp is far from being stuck in the past – it's a vibrant hub for fashion, design, and nightlife, with world-class museums, trendy boutiques, and an exceptional culinary scene. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, allowing visitors to easily discover hidden courtyards, sample local specialties like Belgian waffles and craft beer, and experience the warm hospitality of the Flemish people.

Top Things to Do in Antwerp

Cathedral and Historic Center Tour

Explore Antwerp's magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, home to masterpieces by Rubens, and wander through the picturesque Grote Markt surrounded by ornate guild houses. The historic center showcases centuries of architectural evolution, from medieval buildings to Renaissance facades. Don't miss the impressive City Hall and the charming cobblestone streets that lead to hidden courtyards and local cafes.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available daily (tip-based, €10-15 suggested). Cathedral entry costs €8 for adults. Book guided tours in advance during summer months (€20-30 per person). Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Diamond District Experience

Discover why Antwerp is considered the diamond capital of the world with a visit to the famous Diamond District. Learn about the cutting and trading processes that have made this city central to the global diamond industry for over 500 years. Visit specialized museums, workshops, and showrooms where you can witness master craftsmen at work and understand the journey from rough stone to polished gem.

Booking Tip: Diamond museum entry is €10 for adults. Guided diamond district tours cost €25-40 per person and should be booked 24 hours in advance. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics and only buy from certified dealers if purchasing. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sundays and Jewish holidays.

Art Museum and Rubens House Visit

Immerse yourself in Flemish art at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and visit the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens. The Rubens House offers insight into the life of the Baroque master, featuring his paintings, sculptures, and the beautiful garden where he entertained guests. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning from medieval to contemporary art, including works by Van Dyck, Jordaens, and modern Belgian artists.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €12-15 per person. Rubens House entry is €8. Consider the Antwerp City Card (€28 for 24 hours) which includes museum entries and public transport. Audio guides are €4 extra but highly recommended. Wednesday afternoons offer reduced crowds at most museums.

Belgian Beer and Food Tasting

Experience Belgium's legendary beer culture with tastings of Trappist ales, lambics, and local brews paired with traditional Flemish cuisine. Learn about brewing techniques that have been perfected over centuries while sampling specialties like carbonnade flamande, moules-frites, and artisanal chocolates. Many tours include visits to historic breweries and traditional brown cafes (bruine kroegen) where locals gather.

Booking Tip: Beer tours range from €35-65 per person including 4-6 beer samples and snacks. Book evening tours for the best atmosphere in traditional pubs. Food and beer pairing experiences cost €45-80. Look for small group tours (max 12 people) for more personalized experiences. Some tours include brewery visits outside the city.

Port and Maritime Heritage Tour

Explore one of Europe's largest ports and discover Antwerp's maritime heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Visit the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of millions of emigrants who departed from Antwerp to America, and take a harbor cruise to see the massive container terminals and historic docks. The MAS Museum offers panoramic city views and exhibitions about Antwerp's connection to the world through trade and migration.

Booking Tip: Harbor boat tours cost €15-25 per person and run April-October (weather dependent). MAS Museum entry is €10 with free rooftop access. Red Star Line Museum costs €8. Combined tickets save €3-5. Book harbor tours online for guaranteed spots during summer weekends. Tours available in multiple languages.

Getting There

Antwerp is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The city's Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), considered one of the world's most beautiful train stations, connects directly to Brussels (45 minutes), Amsterdam (1.5 hours), and Paris (3.5 hours via high-speed rail). Brussels Airport is about an hour away by train or bus, while Antwerp International Airport handles smaller aircraft and charter flights. For those driving, Antwerp is well-connected via European highways, with the E19 linking to Brussels and the Netherlands, and the E17 connecting to Ghent. The city also serves as a major cruise port, with many river cruises along the Rhine and Scheldt rivers stopping here.

Getting Around

Antwerp's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient public transport network of trams and buses run by De Lijn, with day passes costing €7 and single tickets €3. Bicycles are popular and can be rented from various locations for €10-15 per day, with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Taxis are available but more expensive, while ride-sharing services operate normally. The Antwerp City Card includes unlimited public transport plus museum entries. For longer distances or day trips, the excellent train network connects to other Belgian cities and neighboring countries from the magnificent Central Station.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Grote Markt area)

Diamond Quarter

Het Zuid (South District)

Zurenborg (Belle Époque architecture)

Eilandje (Modern waterfront)

Central Station area

Food & Dining

Antwerp's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Flemish cuisine with innovative contemporary dining. The city center offers everything from cozy brown cafes serving hearty stews and local beers to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. Don't miss trying local specialties like Antwerpse handjes (hand-shaped cookies), fresh mussels, and the famous Belgian fries served with dozens of sauce options. The trendy Het Zuid district has become a foodie haven with international restaurants, while traditional eetcafes throughout the old town serve authentic carbonnade flamande and waterzooi. For the ultimate experience, visit during lunch when many restaurants offer excellent value set menus, and always pair your meal with a local beer – the selection is extraordinary and waiters are knowledgeable about perfect pairings.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Antwerp is during late spring through early fall (May to September) when the weather is mild and perfect for walking the historic streets and enjoying outdoor cafe terraces. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days, but also bring larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide excellent weather with fewer tourists and beautiful seasonal colors in the city's parks and along the Scheldt River. Winter can be charming with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions, though expect shorter days and frequent rain. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, with summer bringing outdoor concerts and cultural events, while the holiday season transforms the city center into a magical wonderland of lights and seasonal markets.

Insider Tips

Visit the free rooftop terrace of the MAS Museum for the best panoramic views of the city – you don't need to pay for museum entry to access the top floors and viewing platform.

Many of Antwerp's best local bars and restaurants are hidden in small side streets and courtyards off the main squares – don't be afraid to wander and explore beyond the obvious tourist areas.

The Antwerp City Card is worth buying if you plan to visit 3+ museums and use public transport – it pays for itself quickly and includes discounts at restaurants and shops throughout the city.

Things to Do in Antwerp