- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Antwerp
Antwerp's Golden Age (16th century) left a rich architectural legacy, blending Gothic and Baroque. Discover the guild houses on Grote Markt, or venture into the less-explored Vleeshuis district. This Antwerp travel guide highlights our UNESCO sites.
Situated on the Scheldt River, Antwerp offers green spaces like Stadspark. Explore the KMSKA for art, then stroll the pedestrian-friendly waterfront. For an authentic evening, try a "bolleke" at a historic brown café. It's one of the best reasons to visit Antwerp.
What is Antwerp famous for? Its culinary scene extends beyond waffles. Sample "handjes" (local biscuits) or "stoemp" in a traditional eatery. Seek out a jenever proeverij in the Vlaeykensgang for a unique taste of the city's heritage.
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- AntwerpBelgium
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, busy attractions
- Wintercold, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #Umbrella
- #PortableCharger
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with nearby cities visits
- Euro (€)
- Dutch & French
- English commonly spoken in tourist areas
- #CathedralOfOurLady
- #AntwerpZoo
- #GroteMarkt
- #MuseumAanDeStroom
- #RubensHouse
- #MeirShoppingStreet
- Explore diamond district
- Taste Belgian waffles
- Visit Antwerp's port
- Bike along the Scheldt River
- Attend a local beer tasting
Recommended Hotels in Antwerp by Experience
Things to do in Antwerp
Discover
Explore things to do in Antwerp, like the Cathedral of Our Lady, Museum aan de Stroom, and Rubenshuis. Popular Antwerp attractions include the historic city square and stunning architecture along the Scheldt River.
Experience
Engage with cultural activities by attending concerts at the Antwerp Opera, visiting art galleries, and participating in lively festivals. Discover what to see in Antwerp through various culinary and sporting events throughout the year.
Cathedral of Our Lady
Gothic cathedral featuring stunning art and architecture.
Museum aan de Stroom
Iconic museum exploring Antwerp's history and culture.
Rubenshuis
Former home of painter Rubens with impressive art.
Antwerp Zoo
Historical zoo with diverse wildlife and gardens.
Antwerp Fashion District
Famous area showcasing local fashion designers.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Antwerp, fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) then take an express train to Antwerp Central Station (35 min, €15). Or, from Antwerp International Airport (ANR), an Antwerp shuttle bus (De Lijn bus 51, 52, 53) reaches the city center quickly.
Getting Around
Public transport in Antwerp includes trams and buses; buy a 'Lijnkaart' or day pass from De Lijn. Velo bike-sharing is great for shorter distances. Walking is ideal for the city center. Taxis are available but pricey.
Local Essentials
Driving in Antwerp's low-emission zone requires registration, impacting car rental in Antwerp. For trains, buy tickets via SNCB app to save time. Carry small cash for local markets. Explore the pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt for unique city views.
Where to Stay in Antwerp
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Traditional food features stoofvlees, Flemish carbonade, and mussels with fries. Street fry stands, historic brown cafés, and Michelin spots near Het Zuid and the old port shape dining and help visitors find the best restaurants in Antwerp.
Enjoy
For a taste of local favorites, try The Jane for a refined dining experience. It's recommended to book ahead. Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere at Elfde Gebod for traditional dishes. For coffee, visit Grand Cafe Horta, among the top cafes in Antwerp.
The Jane
Fine dining with creative seafood dishes, reserve early.
Elfde Gebod
Lively gastropub offering Belgian classics.
Meat Factory
Steakhouse serving grilled dishes in a stylish setting.
Bourla
Central European dishes in a historic atmosphere.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Discover Antwerp's traditions: witness the Ommegang procession, experience local celebrations like the Zinneke Parade, reflecting Antwerp's cultural identity. These events offer a glimpse into what to see in Antwerp, connecting past and present.
Enjoy
Explore Antwerp's outstanding modern events like the colorful Antwerp Baroque festival and Jazz Middelheim. Contemporary art exhibitions and immersive theater productions are frequent Antwerp cultural activities.
Zinneke Parade
Biennial community parade with art and music in nearby Brussels.
Jazz Middelheim
International jazz festival in August.
Christmas Market
Festive market with lights, food, and gifts in December.
Open Monuments Day
Free entry to museums, often in spring.
Antwerp Port Night
Illuminated ships and activities at Europe's second-largest seaport.
Flanders Technology Festival
Showcases innovation and tech in Antwerp.
Antwerp totally won me over
The fashion scene here is something else. The Meir is great for shopping but the side streets are where the real finds are. Cool independent boutiques everywhere.
A city that really delivers
Antwerp has so much going on. The Cathedral of Our Lady is stunning and totally free to walk around outside. The diamond district nearby is wild - didn't expect it to be so accessible. Food options everywhere, great fries too.
Loved every bit of it
The Grote Markt is seriously impressive. The guild houses are beautiful and the square has a great energy day and night. Belgian beer is a must here - so many options and all good. People were super friendly and helpful when I got a bit lost.
Great city for a long weekend
Compact enough to walk most things but with loads to see. The MAS museum view from the rooftop is free and gives you the whole city spread out in front of you. Chocolate shops on every corner - dangerous! Really solid trip overall.
Really cool city break
Stayed in the old port area near the Eilandje neighborhood and it had a really cool feel - old warehouses turned into bars and restaurants. The architecture is gorgeous throughout the city. Worth spending a couple of days just walking around.
Christmas in Antwerp is something special
The Christmas market around the Grote Markt and Groenplaats was absolutely packed with things to eat, drink and buy. Glühwein was flowing and the lights made the whole old town look magical. One of the best festive city trips I've done.