Antwerp feels like a step back in time, yet also a leap forward. As you stroll over the cobblestones of the old city, you hear stories that have withstood the test of time: from prosperous merchants in the Golden Age to the contemporary art and culture scene.
You look up to see the spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady, walk along the Scheldt River that has attracted traders and travelers for centuries, and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Grote Markt.
Don’t want to miss a single detail? Start your day with the guided bike tour in Antwerp, a tour that takes you past both iconic and the most beautiful spots in the city.
This way, you not only get to know Antwerp but also truly understand it. And if you’re interested in other unique locations like Het Steen, the Rubens House, or the MAS, you can reserve your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times.
Which Antwerp attractions should I not miss?
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- The historic Grote Markt
- Het Steen
- The Scheldt River
- Central Station
- Plantin-Moretus Museum
- Het Eilandje
- Red Star Line Museum
- MAS
- The Diamond District
- The Rubens House
Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady boasts the tallest church tower in the Benelux. With its 123-meter height, it stands out as a highlight among Antwerp attractions. The interior features elements from various periods due to multiple renovations. During the iconoclasm, the church suffered significant damage, leaving little of the original decor. However, the cathedral houses works by the world-renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens.
The Grote Markt
The late medieval character of the Belgian city is evident in the unique guild houses found at the Grote Markt. This square reflects the grandeur of the city during its golden 16th and 17th centuries, making it one of the top Antwerp attractions.
The beating heart of the Grote Markt is the town hall. In front of the entrance, you’ll find the bronze fountain statue of Brabo. Brabo was the city hero who cut off the hand of the giant Antigoon, threw it into the Scheldt, and thus saved the city. According to legend, this is also how the city got its name: handwerpen.
Visiting the Grote Markt during the Christmas season? You’ll find charming Christmas stalls and decorations that are part of the annual Christmas market in Antwerp.
Fun spoiler: the bike tour in Antwerp ends with a visit to this attraction!
Het Steen
Het Steen, one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in Antwerp, has served many purposes over the years and has now been fully transformed into the city’s modern visitor center. This historic castle, built in the 13th century on the Scheldt, once served as a defense tower, prison, and museum, but since its 2021 renovation, it has become a dynamic starting point for visitors to Antwerp.
What can you expect when visiting Het Steen?
The building now offers a modern gateway to the city, with facilities such as a tourist information center, interactive displays, and “The Antwerp Story” — a multimedia trail that guides visitors through Antwerp’s rich history, including iconic neighborhoods and cultural hotspots. The panoramic rooftop terrace is a highlight, offering stunning views over the Scheldt and the city, making it an excellent spot for photos and a unique perspective on Antwerp.
Additionally, there’s a shop for fun Antwerp souvenirs and local specialties. For families and children, Het Steen is extra accessible with multimedia, workshops, and philosophical assignments that engage with art and science, making the historic building appealing to younger visitors in an interactive way.
Practical information and visit planning
Het Steen is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and its central location near the Grote Markt and Groenplaats makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Antwerp. For more information or to plan your visit, check the official Visit Antwerp website.
Scheldt River
Antwerp’s growth into a large and prosperous city is thanks to the Scheldt River. This river provides access to the North Sea, making Antwerp logistically ideal for trade activities. On weekends, you can take a river cruise that lasts about an hour, allowing you to see a lot in a short time. There are also various attractions and charming spots along the Scheldt worth visiting. The Sint Anna beach, the Port House, and the antique harbor cranes are definitely worth a look!
Antwerp Central Station
The Central Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe and perhaps even in the world. This makes it one of the key attractions. Taking the train from Amsterdam to Antwerp takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If you are driving, it’s useful to know how best to visit Antwerp for a day by car.
Locals often refer to the building as the Middenstatie or the Railway Cathedral. It has earned its cathedral status for a reason: architecture enthusiasts will be amazed by this stunning gem.
The architect is Louis de la Censerie, who constructed it between 1899 and 1905, drawing inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome. Between 2000 and 2009, the building underwent a complete renovation and is now even more beautiful than it was!
Plantin-Moretus Museum
The Plantin-Moretus family dominated the printing world for centuries. In Antwerp, you can find the former printing press, bindery, and residence of Christoffel Plantin. Together, these three form the modern-day museum where you can explore the library and view printing presses from the 16th century. This museum is definitely worth a visit when you’re in Antwerp.
Het Eilandje
Het Eilandje is a popular district in the north of Antwerp, located along the River Scheldt. The area has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and has become a trendy and hip neighborhood. There are plenty of charming cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as historical buildings like the Red Star Line Museum and the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom).
Het Eilandje is also home to Antwerp’s marina, where you can admire impressive boats. Take a stroll along the water or enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace of the MAS.
The Red Star Line Museum
The Red Star Line Museum is an impressive museum in Antwerp that tells the story of the millions of Europeans who emigrated to America via Antwerp in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum offers an interactive exhibition and multimedia experience that takes you on a journey through history.
The museum is housed in the historic building of the Red Star Line shipping company, where thousands of migrants began their journey. You can see original objects, photos, and documents that provide a unique insight into the lives of the migrants.
MAS
The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) is a spectacular museum located on the River Scheldt in Antwerp. The museum is an architectural masterpiece with ten floors and offers a panoramic view of the city. The MAS has an extensive collection that showcases the history and culture of Antwerp and its connection to the rest of the world.
Here, you will find both ancient and modern art, ethnographic objects, and maritime artifacts. The museum is interactive and offers a unique experience where visitors can discover, learn, and be amazed.
The diamond district
The diamond district is a neighborhood in Antwerp known for its diamond industry. It is a historic area with narrow streets and numerous jewelry stores and diamond museums. The diamond district is one of the largest diamond centers in the world and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
You can learn all about the craft of cutting and polishing diamonds here. It’s also a great place to shop for jewelry, whether you’re looking for a classic piece or a unique design. In summary, the diamond district is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of diamonds and jewelry.
The Rubens House
The Rubens House is a famous museum in Antwerp. It was once the home of the renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens. The museum boasts a large collection of paintings and art objects from the 16th and 17th centuries. The building itself is also very impressive, with a beautiful garden and courtyard.
The Rubens House is a popular destination for tourists interested in art and history. The museum also offers tours and educational programs for schools and groups. Visitors can see Rubens’ studio, where he created his paintings, and view some of his famous works, including “The Descent from the Cross” and “The Adoration of the Magi.” A true Antwerp attraction!
What to do in Antwerp?
After admiring many of the static Antwerp attractions, it’s time to get active! Below are some examples of activities you can really dive into.
See the animals at ZOO Antwerp
The Antwerp Zoo is located right in the city center and is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in all of Europe. The zoo features various sections representing different continents. In total, there are about 5,000 animals spread across nearly 1,000 different species. You can find elephants, penguins, hippos, lions, and many other fascinating animals. Being centrally located, it’s very easy to visit.
Admire the masterpieces at Museum De Reede
Museum De Reede in Antwerp is a unique museum dedicated to graphic art. The museum boasts an extensive collection of works by artists such as Francisco Goya, Edvard Munch, and Félicien Rops. The collection mainly includes etchings, woodcuts, and lithographs that depict human emotions and experiences.
The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and offers a unique perspective on the history and evolution of graphic art. Museum De Reede is a must-visit for art lovers and a great addition to Antwerp’s cultural offerings.
With your ticket to Museum De Reede, you gain access to an excellently curated museum that sheds new light on three distinctive masters with a highly representative collection.
Visit the shopping street the Meir
If you love shopping, then the Meir in Antwerp is the place to be. It is a long shopping street with more than 250 stores, ranging from designer boutiques to budget-friendly shops. The Meir is also a popular tourist attraction, with many historical buildings and architecture.
It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and much more. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area where you can enjoy a bite and a drink. During the holiday season, the Meir is beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas decorations, making shopping even more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to browse, the Meir has something for everyone.
Dine out
Antwerp has many different restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious meals. There are traditional Belgian dishes, as well as cuisine from other countries. The city is known for its tasty food like mussels, fries, waffles, and chocolate. There are many cozy restaurants and cafes with beautiful views of historic buildings and squares.
You can enjoy a romantic dinner in a restaurant or have a nice meal in a brasserie or bistro. There are also trendy bars and restaurants in the city’s hip neighborhoods. In short, dining out in Antwerp is a feast for your taste buds and a fun way to explore the city.
Explore the breweries
Antwerp has a rich beer history and is home to many renowned breweries. If you’re interested in beer, visiting these breweries is a must-do during your stay in the city.
One of the most famous breweries in Antwerp is De Koninck, located in the south of the city. Here you can take a tour and learn more about the brewing process and the history of beer. After the tour, you can of course enjoy a nice beer in the cozy bar.
Another popular brewery is the Het Pakhuis brewery, located in the historic center of the city. Here, various types of beer are brewed, from light pilsners to strong Belgian tripels and quadrupels. Het Pakhuis also offers tours and has a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a beer.
In addition to these breweries, there are many more to discover in Antwerp. You can also visit De Koninck City Brewery, Seefbier Brewery, or the Antwerp Brewing Company.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just interested in the history and culture of Antwerp, exploring the city’s breweries is definitely worth it. Cheers!
Take a bike tour with Baja Bikes
During the Antwerp Highlights Bike Tour, you will pass by all the attractions of Antwerp in just 3 hours! The tours are led by expert guides who can tell you everything about the history, culture, and culinary traditions of the Belgian capital. With Baja Bikes, you can discover Antwerp in a fun and informative way in just one day, while staying active and admiring the beautiful surroundings. So if you really want to get to know the city, this is the solution! The tour includes the following highlights:
- Het Steen
- Het Eilandje
- The old harbor district, now a trendy neighborhood by the water
- MAS: the museum by the river
- The Cathedral of Our Lady
- The historic center
- The monumental Central Station
- The Grote Markt
- and much more!
Map with the best attractions in Antwerp