Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
Are you looking for the best things to do in Antwerp, Belgium?
Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium, although it’s not the capital (Brussels is.) However, Antwerp has been historically important since the Middle Ages, known for being a hub for trade and commerce.
Even today, you can see that wealthy merchant influence in the grand architecture of the city. Antwerp is also known for being a major center for art and design, as well as its Diamond District.
Here are the top things to do in Antwerp, Belgium:
Admire the Grote Markt
Start your visit to Antwerp by walking around the Grote Markt, which is the city’s main square. During the Middle Ages, this square was used for markets and trade. Later on in the 16th century, Antwerp’s impressive City Hall was constructed here. Part of the ground floor of City Hall is open to visitors.
Other notable aspects of the Grote Markt include the guild houses lining the square, which are excellent examples of Flemish Renaissance architecture, and the Brabo Fountain in the center of the square, which depicts a young hero named Brabo running away with the head of a giant he has killed.
Take a walking tour
A walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and learn more about its history. Antwerp is a very walkable, pedestrian-friendly city so exploring on foot is a good way to see a lot.
I recommend this walking tour of Antwerp which has morning and afternoon departures. On this two-hour tour, you’ll discover the historic center of the city and learn about Antwerp through the ages.
Visit Rubenshuis
Peter Paul Rubens is one of the most famous artists from Belgium. He’s known for being the master of the Flemish Baroque tradition, and he spent most of his life living in Antwerp until his death in 1640.
The Rubenshuis is the top museum I recommend visiting to learn more about the life and works of this artist. The museum is located in Rubens’ former home and workshop, and it contains much of his own art as well as other Flemish Baroque works. You can also visit the garden behind his home.
You can see ticket information here.
Stroll along the Meir
The Meir is Antwerp’s main shopping street. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is a great place to go for a stroll. If you want to go shopping, you’ll find plenty of familiar brands and stores here.
However, it’s mainly the likes of H&M, Zara, and Primark, and not so much independent boutiques or designer stores. If you’re looking for more high-end shopping, consider the Antwerp Six…
Go window shopping
The Antwerp Six is a group of six fashion designers who all studied at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the early 1980s. It includes famous designers like Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester.
You can find boutiques of the Antwerp Six located throughout the city. Fashion and design are a big part of Antwerp’s impact on the world, and window shopping at these stores can be fun.
Visit Het Steen
Het Steen is one of the oldest structures in Antwerp. This medieval fortress was constructed in the 13th century along the Schedlt, the river that flows through Antwerp. The location of the city along the river is what made it such an important port — the Scheldt flows directly out to the North Sea.
Entry to Het Steen is free, but if you want to visit the small museum inside that is dedicated to Antwerp’s history, you’ll have to buy a ticket. Personally, I don’t think you need to visit the museum. The highlight of Het Steen is the viewpoints from around the fortress offering great views of the city and the river.
See the Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful Gothic church that was constructed in the 16th century. However, it’s not free to visit, which is my biggest annoyance when it comes to visiting churches.
There’s a very steep entry fee of €12 to visit this church, but you can join a free guided tour which might make the cost more worth it to you. Otherwise, you can attend a service at the church for free.
Take a bicycle tour
Antwerp is a bike-friendly city and exploring the city on two wheels in a fun, unique experience. This two-hour bicycle tour of Antwerp is a great option to get a different perspective of the city.
You’ll visit areas within the historic center of the city, but you’ll also be able to cover more ground and get outside the center to check out areas like the trendy old port area and the impressive MAS.
Discover a hidden alley
One of my favorite spots in Antwerp is Vlaeykensgang, a picture-perfect hidden alley. This little alley is tucked away near the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt, but it’s easy to miss.
There are several entrances to the alley, but the easiest one to find is at 16 Oude Koornmarkt. Inside the alley, which was once home to shoemakers and other tradesmen during the 17th century, you will find a couple of cool art galleries and restaurants. It’s definitely worth stopping by to take a look here.
Visit the MAS
The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) is a modern museum in Antwerp that is located along the river. This large museum is dedicated to the art, history, and culture of Antwerp and has a large collection.
You can see ticket information here.
Although entry to the museum exhibits is paid, you can visit the rooftop terrace at the MAS for free. This is a great place to go for panoramic views over the city and the surrounding port.
Eat a Belgian specialty
Another thing you have to do in Antwerp? Try some Belgian food! My first stop in Antwerp was to get a delicious fluffy Belgian waffle with some ice cream on top. Aside from waffles, there are other foods to try.
For example, did you know French fries are not actually French, but Belgian? You’ll see lots of places selling cones of fries, often with delicious toppings. Belgium is also famous for its beer and chocolate.
Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum
Finally, one of the best things to do in Antwerp is visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum. This museum has actually been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique cultural legacy.
The museum is housed in a 16th-century printing house and is focused on the life and works of printers Christophe Plantin and his son-in-law Jan Moretus. This was the premier printing house in Antwerp, and the city was known for being the leading center of book publishing in Europe at the time.
You can see ticket information here.
Best Things to Do in Antwerp
This guide showed you the best things to do in Antwerp, Belgium.
Antwerp is a great city that is definitely worth a visit. I recommend two full days in Antwerp to really experience the highlights of the city. It’s a must-visit destination on any trip to Belgium.
Enjoy your trip to Antwerp!
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