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Antwerp, België / Belgique / Belgien - Things to Do in Antwerp

Things to Do in Antwerp

Antwerp, België / Belgique / Belgien - Complete Travel Guide

Antwerp, Belgium's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication that has been shaped by centuries of maritime trade and diamond commerce. Known as the world's diamond capital, this Flemish port city boasts one of Europe's most stunning historic centers, anchored by the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady and the beautifully preserved Grote Markt with its ornate guild houses. The city's rich artistic heritage is evident everywhere, from Rubens' masterpieces housed in world-class museums to the vibrant street art that adorns contemporary neighborhoods. Today's Antwerp seamlessly weaves together its illustrious past with cutting-edge fashion, innovative cuisine, and a thriving cultural scene. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploration on foot, allowing visitors to discover hidden courtyards, browse vintage boutiques, sample craft beers in historic pubs, and experience the dynamic energy of Europe's second-largest port. Whether you're admiring baroque architecture, shopping for diamonds, or enjoying the city's renowned nightlife, Antwerp offers an authentic Belgian experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

Top Things to Do in Antwerp

Explore the Historic City Center and Grote Markt

Wander through Antwerp's UNESCO-listed historic center, centered around the spectacular Grote Markt square with its ornate 16th-century guild houses and impressive City Hall. The cobblestone streets lead to the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, home to four Rubens masterpieces, and countless hidden courtyards and medieval alleyways. This area perfectly encapsulates Antwerp's golden age as a major European trading hub.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided tours (€15-25) provide valuable historical context. Visit the cathedral early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on Rubens' paintings. Cathedral entry is €8 for adults.

Discover Antwerp's Diamond District

Visit the world's largest diamond trading center, where over 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of polished diamonds change hands. The diamond district offers fascinating insights into this centuries-old trade through museums, workshops, and jewelry stores. You can learn about diamond cutting techniques, the history of the trade, and even purchase certified diamonds directly from dealers.

Booking Tip: Diamond museum entry costs around €10. For purchases, stick to certified dealers and always ask for certificates. Free walking tours of the district are available, or join specialized diamond tours (€20-35) for deeper insights.

Experience Antwerp's World-Class Museums

Immerse yourself in Antwerp's rich artistic heritage at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, featuring the world's largest Rubens collection, and the contemporary MAS Museum with its striking architecture and panoramic city views. The Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the history of printing and publishing. Each museum offers unique perspectives on the city's cultural evolution.

Booking Tip: Museum combination tickets offer good value at €20-30 for multiple venues. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Book online for skip-the-line access during peak season. MAS Museum rooftop is free and offers spectacular views.

Savor Antwerp's Beer and Food Scene

Dive into Belgium's legendary beer culture by visiting traditional brown cafes, modern breweries, and beer specialty shops throughout the city. Pair your brews with local specialties like stoofvlees, fresh mussels, and artisanal chocolates. The city's food scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros and bustling food markets.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €60-80 and include 4-5 stops with tastings. Beer tastings range from €25-45. Book weekend tours in advance as they fill quickly. Many restaurants don't take reservations, so arrive early for popular spots.

Explore the Trendy Zuid District and Fashion Quarter

Discover Antwerp's reputation as a fashion capital by exploring the Zuid district and the fashion quarter, where renowned Belgian designers like the Antwerp Six launched their careers. Browse avant-garde boutiques, vintage shops, and flagship stores while enjoying the area's trendy cafes, galleries, and weekend markets. The contrast between historic architecture and cutting-edge fashion creates a uniquely Antwerp atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Shopping tours cost €30-50 and often include insider access to designer showrooms. Visit on weekends for the best market atmosphere. Many boutiques are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Getting There

Antwerp is easily accessible by high-speed rail, with direct Thalys trains connecting to Paris (3.5 hours), Amsterdam (1.5 hours), and Brussels (45 minutes). The city's Central Station, often called one of the world's most beautiful train stations, is a destination in itself. Brussels Airport is about 45 minutes away by direct bus or train, while Antwerp International Airport handles smaller regional flights. By car, Antwerp is well-connected via European highways, though parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

Getting Around

Antwerp's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The city has an efficient public transportation system including trams, buses, and a small metro line, with day passes costing around €8. Bicycles are popular and can be rented from various shops or through the city's bike-sharing system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be expensive. The city center has limited car access and expensive parking, making public transport or walking the preferred options.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Grote Markt area)
Zuid District (Museum Quarter)
Fashion District (Nationalestraat)
Eilandje (Harbor District)
Antwerp Central Station area
Zurenborg (Art Nouveau Quarter)

Food & Dining

Antwerp's culinary scene brilliantly showcases both traditional Flemish cuisine and innovative contemporary cooking. The city is famous for its brown cafes serving excellent Belgian beers alongside hearty dishes like carbonnade flamande and fresh North Sea mussels. The Zuid district has evolved into a foodie paradise with trendy bistros, wine bars, and several Michelin-starred establishments. Don't miss the local specialties: Antwerp's famous hand-shaped cookies (Antwerpse handjes), pralines from renowned chocolatiers, and the city's unique take on Belgian fries. The Grote Markt area offers tourist-friendly restaurants with outdoor terraces, while locals prefer the authentic eateries in residential neighborhoods.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belgium

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Pasta Divina

4.6 /5
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A L’Angolo

4.5 /5
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Pasta Factory

4.8 /5
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Dolce Amaro

4.7 /5
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Osteria Bolognese

4.7 /5
(680 reviews) 2

La Mamma

4.6 /5
(672 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Antwerp is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is mild and perfect for walking the cobblestone streets and enjoying outdoor cafe terraces. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days, ideal for exploring the harbor and attending outdoor festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Winter can be quite cold and wet, but the city takes on a cozy charm with Christmas markets and fewer crowds, plus museum visits are more comfortable. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable hotel rates, making them excellent times for a more authentic local experience.

Insider Tips

Many shops and restaurants close early on Sundays or remain closed entirely, so plan your weekend activities accordingly
The MAS Museum's rooftop panorama is free and offers the best views in the city, even if you don't visit the museum exhibitions
Antwerp Central Station's upper levels house excellent restaurants and shops, and the architecture is worth admiring even if you're not traveling by train

Explore Activities in Antwerp