37 Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
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Antwerp is a city in Belgium that pays excellent homage to its past. Traces of its rich history of art and trade can be found in random places, from churches to parks, and markets. Anywhere you go, you’d feel like walking in a large open-air museum.
SUMMARY: Antwerp is famous for its legacy of fine arts. The top attractions you shouldn’t miss are the Grote Markt, the Cathedral Of Our Lady, and the Antwerp Central Station. Visit them independently or on a guided walking tour.
I went to university in Antwerp and lived in the city for 8 years (first in Linkeroever/Left Bank; later in the multicultural neighbourhood of Borgerhout). So, if you’ll allow me, let me walk you through the beautiful and art-filled streets of Antwerp, Belgium.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the iconic sites of Antwerp and how you can best experience them the way the locals do. From visiting world-famous museums to scoring deals on local markets, I guarantee your trip will be far from ordinary.
With that said, here are the 37 best spots and activities in Antwerp that will make your Belgium travel experience exciting and memorable!
Best Things To Do in Antwerp
1. Enjoy the beauty of Antwerp Central Station
Kicking off our “What to do in Antwerp” list is the sublime Antwerp Central Station. Widely considered one of the most beautiful train stations globally, everything about this train station gives off regality and human ingenuity.
The central station Antwerp features intricately carved stones that form the exterior. Meanwhile, the large entrance hall resembles something from Hogwarts rather than a train station in our non-fictional world, perfect for taking magical-looking travel photos!
With diligent maintenance work over the years, the station remains safe and fully functional, standing today as one of Antwerp’s most famous tourist attractions.
Practical Information
- Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen
- Daily from 04:00 to 01:00 (Main Hall)
- Entry is free
2. Discover its diverse ecosystem at Antwerp Zoo
Home to more than 5,000 animals across more than 1,000 species, the Antwerp Zoo is one of the most diverse wildlife parks in Europe.
The zoo is vast, and there are a lot of exhibits for everyone to explore! You can watch various species of penguins and seals roam in Vriesland or check out the Reptile House, hosting a myriad of lizards, snakes, and turtles. Another most visited exhibit is the Nocturama, which features exotic animals, including owl monkeys, Philippine mouse deer (think of it as a squirrel with little deer legs), and tamanduas.
Stay close to this destination by selecting the Antwerp hotels near the zoo and other spots. Know more about the ideal places to rest in the best hotels in Antwerp!
Practical Information
- Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00
- Prices: €35,50 (standard), €33,50 (12-17y, 60+y, & students), €32 (PWDs), €28,50 (3-11y), free (0-3y)
- Guided Tour: €100 per 25 persons
3. Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the Roman Catholic cathedrals in Antwerp. It is a fantastic example of the late Gothic style of architecture.
Antwerp has somewhat of a law regarding building regulations that no building may be taller than this magnificent 123-meter Cathedral of Our Lady.
It is one of the most famous destinations here in Antwerp, and the locals are proud to consider this landmark a beacon and the “world’s most beautiful tower.”
Practical Information
- Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays | 10:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays | 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays
- Closing days: January 1 and on certain occasions. See their opening schedule.
- Prices: €12 (standard), €10 (group of 20+, 60+y, PWDs, students), free (0-18y)
- Guided Tour: €95 per session
💡 Top Tip: For €15 per visitor, you can book the Guided “Behind The Scenes” Tour and climb the small tower of the cathedral! See more of their guided tours here.
4. Relax at the Green Square
Groenplaats Antwerp, or Green Square, is one of the perfect destinations in Antwerp. Be mesmerized as you gaze upon the Cathedral of Our Lady and its beautiful architecture.
The Green Square used to be a cemetery that was attached to the Cathedral. Although the premises were then converted to a square for town use, the locals still call it Green Place.
Today, the centre of the square is dominated by the statue of the much-loved Flemish painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
5. Learn about Antwerp’s legends at the Grote Markt (town Square) – brabo statue
You’ll never tire of going around Antwerp and learning about its history. Walking tours are also available to help you find your way to the perfect Antwerp itinerary.
The Brabo Statue is located on the triangular, pedestrianized space in front of the Grote Markt, depicting the hero of Antwerp’s giant-killing, hand-throwing foundation legend.
6. Visit the het Steen Castle
Het Steen Castle is one of the castles in Antwerp you must visit. Het Steen means ‘The Stone’ and is located on the east bank of the Scheldt River in the Flemish region of Belgium.
It got its name from the fact that it is one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp built in stone when most houses at that time were made of wood.
In 1549, the Het Steen castle was turned into a prison until 1823. During the 18th and 19th centuries, several restorations took place, and then, in 1824, the castle was bought by the Antwerp city council.
Since 1952, Het Steen has become the place where The National Maritime Museum is.
Practical Information
- Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 | 10:00 to 16:00 on 24 and 31 December
- Closing days: Every December 25 & January 1
- Prices: €7 (standard), €5 (6-17y), free (0-5y & Antwerp city pass holders)
- A-Kaart Holders: €5 | free every first Tuesday of every month
7. Admire the view from the roof of Museum aan de Stroom
One of the top things to see in Antwerp, a city known for its rich art and culture, would be the Museum aan de Stroom.
Since the first opening of its doors in 2011, the museum has been on every visitor’s “What to do in Antwerp” list, and for a good reason.
Even the building itself is considered an attraction. Its facade boasts beautiful hues from the Indian red sandstone, complemented by intricately curved glass panels. It’s perfectly normal to see visitors take extended pictorials outside the museum to capture the “Instagrammable” exterior.
The Museum aan de Stroom is the largest museum in the city. It houses over half a million museum pieces from almost all over the world, and that’s not an exaggeration.
What’s great about this vast collection is that it was curated with Antwerp’s storied history in mind. Regardless of the medium, each piece tells something about Antwerp and its connection to the rest of the world.
Practical Information
- Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 22:00 (boulevard & panoramic rooftop)
- Closing days: Mondays | January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25
- Prices: €12 (standard), €8 (concessions), free (0-18y, PWDs & cardholders)
8. Learn about Antwerp’s rich history at Red Star Line Museum
One of the best things to do in Antwerp, Belgium is visit the Red Star Line Museum. Learn about the rich history of Antwerp and explore the museum, which has many things to offer.
The Red Star Line Museum cherishes and preserves history. You may explore the museum through available tours to learn history designed for kids and adults.
Every first Sunday of the month, visitors, especially families, are considered VIPs at the museum. All ages are welcome during family day. The museum offers many activities every child can do at their own pace.
The Red Star Line museum caters to family-friendly events, so coming here, especially if you have kids, will be absolutely worth it!
Practical Information
- Address: Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
- Closing days: Mondays
- Prices: €10 (standard), €8 (concessions), free (0-18y, PWDs & cardholders)
9. Revel in the master’s decorated sanctuary at Rubenshuis
An absolute must-do in Antwerp, whether you’re staying in the city for two weeks or half a day, is to visit the beautiful house and workshop of Sir Peter Paul Rubens, the aptly named Rubenshuis (literally translates to “Ruben’s House).
An undisputed icon of Flemish art and culture, his beautifully preserved house, as well as the vast collection of sublime artwork within, is a sight to behold.
The Rubenshuis is one of Antwerp’s top attractions, and you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t visit it at least once if you’re in town.
Practical Information
- Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerpen
- Temporarily closed due to renovations. Check their website for updates.
10. Admire the art at Museum De Reede
As one of the newest art museums in Antwerp, the Museum De Reede has quickly established itself as a tourist favourite, thanks to its unique collection.
You won’t see any oil on canvas displays here because this museum exclusively features works on paper, such as lithographs, engravings, etchings, wood prints, and drawings. It houses over 200 works by seven international artists from five different continents.
The city of Antwerp easily became the host of the Museum de Reede because of its rich culture and appreciation of illustrative art. Additionally, the Antwerp Museum prominently features three well-known masters of the medium.
Whether you’re a bonafide artist or a casual admirer of art (as most of us are), the Museum De Reede should be on your list of things to see in Antwerp.
Practical Information
- Address: Ernest van Dijckkaai, 7B-2000, Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Friday to Monday from 11:00 to 17:00
- Closing days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | December 24, 25, 31 & January 1
- Prices: €15 (standard), €10 (PWDs), €5 (students), €3 (13-18y), free (0-13y, assistant of PWDs, Antwerp City Card & Museumpas holders)
11. Stand in awe of St. Paul’s Church (Temporarily closed)
One of the most famous attractions in Antwerp is St. Paul’s Church along the river Scheldt.
Visit this iconic church and witness its beautiful and eerie sculptures and altars with the signature exuberance of the Baroque era. See also the majestic interior of the church that boasts an impressive collection of paintings from great artists like Rubens, Jordaens, and Van Dyck.
If there’s one thing this church is famous for, it’s the combination of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles that are prominent in the church’s exterior and interior, respectively.
On the other hand, perhaps the most infamous attraction of St. Paul’s Church (but one of my favourites!) is the group of statues outside the church called the Calvary. It’s an uncanny yet fascinating sight that features 63 life-size statues deliberately arranged to create this almost theatric experience.
Seeing how beautiful this church is, it’s easily one of the top Antwerp tourist attractions on anyone’s list.
Practical Information
- Address: Sint-Paulusstraat 22, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Daily from 14:00 to 17:00 (April 1 to October 31) | Saturdays & Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00 (November 1 to March 31) | Visit their news page for changes in schedule.
- Prices: €5 (standard), €3 (students, groups of 15+), free (0-18y, assistant of PWDs, ICOM-members, Antwerp City Pass & A-kaart holders)
💡 Tip: Visit to the church is free for everyone during religious ceremonies, Catholic holidays, the first Tuesday of every month, and Saint Paul-related cultural events!
12. Rent a bike and explore the beauty of the city
Antwerp is a bicycle-friendly city, so exploring the city doesn’t always have to be done on foot.
In front of the Antwerp Central Station, the square has a free underground parking space for 1000 bicycles. Moreover, bicycle paths are spread across the city, custom-made with red asphalt for ideal cycling conditions.
If it’s your first time in Antwerp, you’ll probably wonder why so many bikes look the same — those are rental bikes! Antwerp has numerous bike-sharing systems, and you can avail yourself of daily, weekly, and even annual passes. With these tickets, you can use shared bikes stationed all over Antwerp at your convenience.
If you are looking for a quick way to explore the city, check out some companies like Cyclant, which offers bike tours in both English and Dutch.
You can also try these bike tours and learn about famous and lesser-known city attractions in a short period of time.
13. Visit the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum
For the uninitiated, Belgium is famous for three things: Antwerp FC, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Belgian chocolate.
While you might be a fan of the “Muscles from Brussels,” I’m pretty sure you enjoy Belgian chocolate (I may be biased, but can you really blame me?).
An absolute no-brainer to include in your Antwerp What to Do list is visiting the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, Chocolate Nation.
Through 14 thematic rooms spread out across 4000 square meters, you will go on a journey to discover just how they make the universally loved chocolate. You will witness everything from harvesting the cocoa beans at the equator to the processes that give Belgian chocolate its velvety taste and texture.
It’s far from your run-of-the-mill museum that only displays stationary objects with their names and descriptions.
The Chocolate Nation is a treat to your senses, mixing animation, lights, and sounds for an immersive learning experience. That explains why more than 130,000 people from 50+ countries visit Chocolate Nation every year.
After the tour, you can also take home some treats and goodies from the shop. It features a wide variety of Belgian chocolate brands, as well as Chocolate Nation originals.
Practical Information
- Address: Koningin Astridplein 7, 2018 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Tuesday from 9:30 to 18:30 and Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 20:00
- Prices: €19,90 (standard), €18,50 (12-17y, students, groups of 15+), €14,50 (4-11y) free (0-3y)
14. Feast your eyes on the brilliant stones displayed in DIVA
Antwerp is a city rich in valuable commodities. At this point, you may have noticed that they are not shy about putting them on display.
One of the more eye-popping museums in this city, full of noteworthy attractions, is the DIVA Museum for diamonds, jewellery, and silver.
Antwerp is the world’s diamond capital. More than 80% of rough diamonds and more than 50% of cut diamonds pass through the city, making it a hub for local and international traders.
In DIVA, the proud craftsmanship of jewellers is on full display. This haven of gemstone and metalware is divided into six spaces full of unique and precious artefacts.
Visiting DIVA may be one of the best things to do in Antwerp for kids because the learning experience is second to none!
Practical Information
- Address: Suikerrui 17-19, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 | closes at 15:00 on December 24 & 31
- Closing Days: Wednesdays | January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25
- Prices: €12 (standard), €8 (19-26y, A-kaart holders, groups of 12+), free (0-18y, cardholders)
15. Learn about an important piece of printing history at the Plantin-Moretus Museum
With the abundance of museums, deciding which ones to visit can be tricky. If you’re pressed (pun intended) for time, however, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is definitely one of the places worth your effort. For history buffs, this is easily one of the best places to visit in Antwerp, Belgium.
It’s the first museum to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and also the residence and place of business of the famous Plantin-Moretus publishing family.
The museum houses some of the oldest printing presses in the world and exclusive family portraits painted by Peter Paul Rubens himself.
A tour of the Plantin-Moretus Museum is as close an experience as you’ll ever get to having a time machine. The library displays more than 25,000 works manually printed in the 16th and 17th centuries during the professional prime of Christophe Plantin.
If I had to cut this list down to the top 10 things to do in Antwerp in a day, I would still include the Plentin-Moretus Museum.
Practical Information
- Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 | closes at 15:00 on December 24 & 31
- Closing Days: Mondays (except for Easter Monday & Whit Monday) | January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25
- Prices: €12 (standard), €8 (18-25y, groups of 12+, wheelchair users, A-kaart holders), free (0-17y, cardholders)
16. See one of Europe’s most prestigious photography museums, FOMU
Since its humble opening in 1986, Fotomuseum Antwerp, also known as FOMU, has grown both its collection and reputation to become one of Europe’s most well-respected venues for photography in all its forms.
FOMU’s collection has grown so large (more than 3 million, as of this writing) that it necessitated a pervasive collection plan to ensure that everything is well-maintained and prioritized based on the significance of each piece.
With such a vast collection of old and new works from both local and international photographers, FOMU grants visitors hundreds of thousands of unique points of view, allowing artists to tell their stories and unique interpretations of life through their lenses.
Practical Information
- Address: Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
- Closing Days: Mondays
- Prices: €12 (standard), €8 (groups of 12+, A-kaart holders), €5 (19-26y), free (0-18y, FOMU friends, cardholders)
17. Unwind at the Antwerp City Park
Relax at the largest public green space in the whole city – Antwerp Stadspark.
This over 35 acres of land, designed in the late 1860s by architect E. Van Cuyck, is within walking distance of the Antwerp Central Station. It has its own pond with a white pedestrian bridge, making it more picturesque. More than that, it houses various statues and war memorials.
You can visit the park anytime, although visiting during the day is recommended. Also, since the park is in the city centre, expect the noise of traffic from the nearby roads.
18. Shop at Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre & De Meir Shopping street
Stroll around at Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. It is considered the Belgian equivalent of New York’s 5th Avenue. It connects the Antwerp City Hall with the trains at the central station.
Between 2002 and 2004, it was said to be the most expensive shopping street, and since the opening of Stadzfeestzaal, Meir regained that position.
Speaking of Stadzfeestzaal, which is part of the Meir shopping zone, is also one of the most beautiful and visited shopping centres in Antwerp. From restaurants to clothing shops, eye clinics, supermarkets, jewellery stores, and specialty stops – it is a haven for those who love pampering themselves or their loved ones with great things!
Practical Information
- Address: Meir 78 / Hopland 31, 2000 Antwerp (Stadzfeestzaal)
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 | closes at 21:00 on Fridays
- Closing Days: Holidays and Sundays (except on the first Sunday of every month, which is open from 10:00 to 18:00)
- Prices: Entry is free
19. Drink Famous Belgian Beer
Belgian beer – of course! What is a vacation in Belgium without drinking Belgian beers?
Go around the city and learn about its rich history while enjoying your pint of Belgian beer on this beer tour in Antwerp. This is also a great way to meet fellow travellers and locals during your trip, making your experience a lot more fun and memorable.
20. Stroll Around the Hendrik Conscience square
The next stop is my favourite spot in Antwerp, the Hendrik Conscience Square. It is named after the 19th-century Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience, whose statue was placed on the square.
It became the first car-free square in Antwerp in 1968 after some local artists closed it off with blocks of industrial ice.
Practical Information
- Hendrik Conscienceplein, 2000 Antwerpen
- Entry is free
21. Spot the street art
Street art is everywhere! You’ll spot a lot of street art while walking in Antwerp. From realistic portraits to abstract works, you’ll find tons of impressive art pieces that will surely pique your interest.
If you want to know more about the amazing art in the streets of Antwerp, check this map for better reference. There are available street art walking tours and bike tours, so definitely don’t miss this one!
22. Take a lovely walk at Vlaaikensgang
The Vlaaikensgang, also known as Vlaeykensgang, is a 16th-century alley in Antwerp. The name Vlaaikensgang comes from a pie and waffle house that used to be there.
Shoemakers used to live here, and they were also the ones responsible for ringing the emergency bells of the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Many tourists today visit here to take in the beautiful sight of the alleyway and capture some aesthetic travel photos to post on social media!
23. Buy Common Goods at Vogelmarkt
One of the best attractions in Antwerp is the Vogelenmarkt. The locals more often use the name Vogeltjesmarkt or Vogelmarkt.
However, according to the locals of Antwerp, Vogelenmarkt is the correct name because the word ‘birding’ in the Antwerp dialect is the correct plural form of the word ‘bird.’
Originally, it was a market for songbirds, poultry, and rodents. Today, it functions as a tourist market, but you can still see poultry and rodents sold on Sundays. Apart from the animals, the Sunday market is more regular. I prefer the Exotic Market on Saturdays with crafts and food from around the world.
💡 TIP: Visit my friend An from Kibibi on Saturdays (9:00-16:00). Kibibi is an eco-friendly jewellery brand that collaborates with Ugandan artisans to create unique pieces from recycled materials, supporting their communities and fostering sustainable practices.
Practical Information
- Where: Theaterplein, 2000 Antwerpen
- When: Saturdays (8:00 – 16:00) & Sundays (8:00-13:00)
- Price: Entry is free
24. Enjoy live performances at Arenberg Schouwburg
After spending your afternoon admiring artworks in some of Antwerp’s museums, enjoy a live performance at the Arenberg Schouwburg (literally, ‘theatre’)!
Situated at the heart of the theatre district, it has two performance spaces. The small hall has a 180 seating capacity, while it’s 815 for the large hall. The building also has a dining hall where you can hang out and order food and drinks before and after the shows.
Today, as one of Antwerp’s most established culture houses, it hosts a variety of performances. From local and international comedy acts to plays, poetry readings, and live concerts, there’s never a dull week at the Arenberg Theatre!
Practical Information
- Arenbergstraat 28, 2000 Antwerp
- The ticket desk is open every Wednesday from 13:00 to 17:00
25. Dine in a medieval cellar courtesy of Restaurant Roji
In all my years of travelling and dining around the world, I can say there’s no place quite like Restaurant Roji. It is one of the best restaurants in Antwerp for its exquisite cuisine.
Get a full-on experience that captivates you with more than the delectable dishes they serve! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Antwerp on a Sunday night, you can’t go wrong with Roji.
Everything about this restaurant is of the highest quality, thanks to world-renowned interior designer Axel Vervoordt, who designed the dining area. Vervoordt is the same artist Kanye West and Kim Kardashian hired to design their house.
You can also feast your eyes on the dinnerware exclusively designed by Patty Wouters, a renowned Flemish ceramicist. Once you walk in, you immediately get a sense that nothing is taken for granted at Roji.
Practical Information
- Address: Oude koornmarkt 26, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 18:00 to 00:00 | Saturday and Sunday from 17:00 to 00:00
- Closing Days: Mondays and Tuesdays | December 31
26. Redefine your concept of art by visiting the Middelheim open-air museum
The extraordinary Middelheim open-air sculpture museum started as quite the ordinary Middelheim Park. That all changed after the city of Antwerp decided to host a successful international open-air sculpture exhibition. The one-off event was so successful that they just decided to keep doing it!
Meanwhile, the park’s collection of sculptures, both of local and international origin, grew with each yearly event.
If you want a more structured approach to your visit, you can book a guided tour. With the help of a professional guide’s knowledge and expertise, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience of these magnificent visual arts.
A visit to the Middelheim Museum ranks high on my list of free things to do in Antwerp with family.
Practical Information
- Address: Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: October to March from 10:00 to 17:00 | April and September from 10:00 to 19:00 | May to August from 10:00 to 20:00
- Closing Days: Mondays (except on Easter Monday and Whit Sunday) | January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25 | Ascension Day
- Price: Free
- Guided Tours: €120-130 per 15 persons
27. Visit the Butcher’s house in Antwerp – Vleeshuis (Temporarily closed)
One of the cool things to do in Antwerp this weekend is to visit the butcher’s house, also known as the Vleeshuis.
If you want to learn and explore the house, you can book a guided tour.
This 14th-century Gothic Butcher’s House was originally a meat market, but now, it’s more refined as a music museum. You’ll be able to admire antique musical instruments such as Delftware mandolins.
Practical Information
- Address: Vleeshouwersstraat 38, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 | closes at 15:00 on December 24 & 31
- Closing Days: Mondays (except on Easter Monday and Whit Sunday), Tuesdays, and Wednesdays | January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25
- Price: €8 (standard), €5 (18-25y, groups of 12+, PWDs, A-kaart, Davidsfonds culture card, Knack/Le Vif Club cardholders), free (0-17y, cardholders).
28. Walk underneath the River Scheldt to the Left Bank & admire the view of the city from ‘the other side’
The St Anna Tunnel, also known as the Underpass, is the underground tunnel perfect for biking or simply walking under the Scheldt River.
It’s an old tunnel built around the 1930s with a unique wooden escalator and interior, and it is definitely one of the best things to try out here in Antwerp.
As you reach the other side of the tunnel, admire the beautiful view of Antwerp and taste one of the famous delicacies like traditional fries.
Practical Information
- Sint-Annatunnel, Antwerpen 2000
- Open 24 hours a day
- Entry is free
29. Visit Antwerp’s Beach (Left Bank)
Sint-Anneke, also known as St. Anna Beach, is located on the left bank of Antwerp. It’s a less-known spot in Antwerp, so it’s usually not packed with tourists.
It’s a lovely small beach with white sands near the Scheldt River.
During the summer, locals gather around here as it is a great spot to relax and unwind. Though it is prohibited to swim here because of the ships nearby, it’s a nice place to walk or play with the sand.
Sint-Anneke is an excellent area to stay in as many cafes and restaurants surround it, and it is a good place to go skating or biking.
Practical Information
- Sint Annastrand, 2050 Antwerp
- Entry is free
30. See the Botanical garden in the city centre
Stroll down on one of the unique green havens in Antwerp, the Botanical Garden. It is home to many kinds of trees and shrubs, over a couple of thousand herbs, and foreign plants.
This beautiful garden was built almost 200 years ago beside St. Elisabeth’s Hospital, where a lot of medicinal plants were growing and cultivated.
Practical Information
- Address: Leopoldstraat 24, 2000 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 20:00 during summer | closes at 17:30 during winter
- Price: Free
31. Wander Around the Beguinage (Rodestraat)
One of the hidden gems in Antwerp is the Beguinage. It was a home for women who lived in the community without taking religious vows. As a consequence, they were considered neither laywomen nor nuns.
This place has several houses, a church, a courtyard, and an orchard that you can explore in one quiet afternoon. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, you will surely want to come back!
Practical Information
- Rodestraat 39, 2000 Antwerpen
- Daily from 08:00 to 18:00
- Entry is free
32. Chinatown
Yes! You read it right. There is an existing Chinatown located on Van Wesenbekestraat, a street in Antwerp.
Before the Chinese community settled in Antwerp after World War II, the district housed various Asian cuisine restaurants such as Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Pakistani, Thai, and Nepali. This is by far the largest Asian supermarket in Belgium.
You can also find a Buddhist temple and a school here for mastering kung fu!
Practical Information
- Van Wesenbekestraat, 2060 Antwerp
- Open 24 hours a day
- Entry is free
33. Hobokense Polder
Hobokense Polder is a lovely green landscape filled with polders, swamps, and forests. If you prefer not to get your feet wet, there’s a wooden boardwalk you can walk on.
See lush green forests, beautiful ponds, and even a field with Galloway cows. You can also start a game of spotting rare birds from the observation walls near the ponds, making it a fun experience for kids.
Make sure to wear your waterproof shoes and explore the amazing gem of Hobokense Polder near Antwerp.
Practical Information
- Schroeilaan, 2660 Antwerpen
- Open 24 hours a day
- Entry is free
34. Ride the Falling Tower at the Plopsa Station
If you’re up for some thrills, go to Plopsa Station. This theme park is filled with various fun and exciting rides, like Wickie’s Falling Tower, Tollembeek Tour, The Flying Bikes, and Jomeeke Carousel, that will surely keep the kids entertained throughout the day.
It also has shops, restaurants, and cafes to fill the hungry stomachs of the little kids (and of course the cool parents!) after trying every ride in the park.
Practical Information
- Address: Mediaplein, B-2018 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Varies daily, earliest at 10:00 and latest at 20:00 | See their opening times for the exact hours.
- Closing days: During private events
- Price: €27,50 (standard), €22,50 (evening pass), €20,50 (PWDs), €13,50 (≥ 85 cm – ≤ 99 cm, seniors 70+y), free (< 85cm), €85 (family of 4)
35. Admire the Fine Art at KMSKA museum
Complete your art tour of Antwerp by visiting the KMSKA Museum. This fine art museum and renowned research institution houses countless Flemish artworks, many of which are considered official masterpieces by the Flemish Government.
Some of the displays are the works of several international artists like Fouquet, Modigliani, Alechinsky, and Titian, to name a few. It also boasts the largest collections of Rik Wouters and James Ensor.
There is a lot to see in this museum, including its garden which offers a tranquil space in the middle of Antwerp’s lively city.
Practical Information
- Address: Leopold de Waelplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, closes at 22:00 on Thursdays | Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and Belgian school holidays from 10:000 to 18:00
- Closing days: December 25 and January 1
- Price: €20 (standard), €10 (19-26y), free (0-18y, assisting PWDs, cardholders)
36. Explore the streets of Zurenborg neighbourhood
The Zurenborg neighbourhood is probably one the best smaller-scale representations of Antwerp. The streets of Zurenborg are filled with stately mansions and squares that reflect a mix of Art Nouveau and neo styles, perfect for architecture and history geeks!
One of its most visited squares is the Dageraadplaats, where you can find many restaurants, cafes, pubs, and playgrounds to chill and spend the rest of your day.
The best way you can absorb the beauty of this neighbourhood is by walking or biking around the area. Make sure to bring your camera with you, as there are lots of picturesque spots in this place.
37. Tour inside the De Koninck Brewery
Want to take your Belgian beer tour to the next level? Then, head to the De Koninck Brewery, where you can learn about their process and try to pour beers in the coolest way!
This Belgian brewery was founded in 1833 and is known for its flagship beer, De Koninck.
During the brewery interactive tour, you’ll get to learn and see their own techniques of brewing beers – from open fermentation to aging the beers in oak casks. Then, after the tour, enjoy a few sips of their beers during tastings.
Practical Information
- Address: Mechelsesteenweg 291, 2019 Antwerpen
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:30 (tour) | Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00 (bar), closes at 20:00 on Fridays and at 18:00 on Saturdays
- Closing days: Mondays
- Price: €19,90 (standard), €17,90 (groups of 15+, students, 5-15y), free (0-4y)
Where to Stay in Antwerp
BUDGET | A-STAY Antwerp is a budget-friendly hotel that offers non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and buffet breakfast. It also has a fitness centre, bar, and laundry facilities. It is perfectly situated 400m away from the Antwerp Zoo and offers a 24/7 concierge. Check rates and availability here.
MID-RANGE | Prizeotel is one of the best hotels in Antwerp, which offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Each room has a private bathroom and a private parking space. Every morning, they offer a buffet, continental or vegetarian breakfast for their guests. This property is situated near some tourist destinations such as the Astrid Square Antwerp, Antwerp Zoo, and Antwerp Central Station. Check rates and availability here.
LUXURY | Citybox Antwerp is a luxury hotel with a spacious green backyard and some rooms with a balcony overlooking the city. Each room has its own desks and a private bathroom with a shower. It’s located near Meir Street where you can go shopping, Antwerp Zoo and Astrid Square. Check rates and availability here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antwerp
So, What Are The Best Things To Do In Antwerp?
If there’s one thing Antwerp is best known for, it’s its legacy of fine arts, which is highly noticeable from its beautiful museums, churches, parks, and even street art.
It has several historic facilities and structures, like the Antwerp Central Station and Het Steen Castle, that will leave you in awe. It also boasts world-class museums, such as the Museum De Reede, Plantin-Moretus Museum, and KMSKA Museum that showcase the rich history and art culture of Antwerp.
I hope this blog has convinced you to finally visit the art-filled city of Antwerp. Reach your next travel destination worry-free by learning how to get from Brussels to Antwerp & vice versa!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
