15 best things to do in Antwerp: fun tips for you visit

Looking for the best things to do in Antwerp? Here are the sights and places you shouldn’t miss in this charming Belgian city.

Antwerp has a special place in my heart

Antwerp is one of my favorite cities in Belgium, and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve visited more times than I can count, and I can mostly find my way around without Google Maps these days. I still discover something new every time, though. It was actually one of my first trips abroad without my parents, which is why the city holds such a special place in my heart.

As far as I’m concerned, Antwerp has everything you need for a great few days: a beautiful historic center, a lively harbor, world-class museums, great shopping, and outdoor cafes where you can sit back with a Belgian beer.

In this article, I’ll share my top things to do in Antwerp, based on years of visits, from the classic sights to some of the hidden gems I’ve discovered along the way.

The best things to do in Antwerp

Antwerp isn’t big, but it’s packed with things to see. Here are the sights and places you really shouldn’t miss.

Central Station

As soon as you arrive in Antwerp by train, you’re already at the first attraction: the Central Station itself. This is no ordinary station. It’s a historic building from the early 20th century with a massive glass dome and marble floors, grand enough to feel like a royal palace. I’m impressed by it every single time I walk in. Take a moment to look around and soak in the details before heading into the city.

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is perhaps the most beautiful spot in Antwerp, and I make sure to stop by at least once every visit. On three sides stand magnificent guild houses, and on the fourth is the impressive city hall. In the center stands the statue of Brabo, the legendary hero who defeated the giant Druon Antigoon and threw his hand into the Scheldt river. According to legend, this is where the name Antwerp comes from: “hand werpen” means “throwing a hand” in Dutch.

There are several terraces on the square. Having a beer here is definitely worth it, despite the touristy prices. On the corner you’ll find two famous cafés side by side: Den Engel and Den Bengel. The names mean “the angel” and “the rascal” in Dutch, so choose one based on your mood. Both are classic Belgian brown cafés. I love them!

Cathedral of Our Lady

Next to the Grote Markt stands the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), the largest Gothic church in the Benelux. Its 123-meter tower dominates the Antwerp skyline and is impossible to miss. Inside, you’ll find works by Peter Paul Rubens, including his famous triptych The Descent from the Cross. Even if churches aren’t really your thing, it’s worth stepping inside for a moment. The space alone is impressive.

Admission is €12. Check the official website for opening hours.

Vogeltjesmarkt (Bird Market)

On Sunday mornings, the Vogeltjesmarkt is held on Theaterplein, and it’s a truly authentic Antwerp experience. Despite its name, you won’t find just birds there, but all sorts of things: secondhand goods, clothing, plants, souvenirs, and all kinds of curiosities. A great spot if you enjoy browsing. This is where I once bought my first ring, and I now have five. That memory makes the market extra special to me.

The Vrijdagmarkt, one of the city’s oldest markets, is also worth a visit if you’re in town on a Friday or Saturday.

🎫 Tip: Get an Antwerp City Pass – Planning to visit several museums and attractions? The Antwerp City Pass gives you access to the cathedral, the MAS, the MoMu (Fashion Museum), and more, plus unlimited public transportation. The pass is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours and activates on your phone. A great way to save if you’re planning a packed itinerary.

Rubens House

A long time ago, I took a minor in arts and culture management, and as part of that I had to give a presentation on an artist. Thanks to my love for Antwerp, I chose Peter Paul Rubens as my subject. Antwerp is, after all, Rubens’s city, and his former home and studio are now a museum.

The Rubens House is a remarkably well-preserved 17th-century city palace with a beautiful garden and an impressive collection of paintings. It’s only here that you really get a sense of just how large his paintings were. I loved exploring it. It’s not the biggest museum, but the combination of the historic building and the artworks makes it one of the most enjoyable in the city.

Good to know: the Rubens House is currently closed for renovation and will reopen in 2030 at the earliest. You can still visit the garden, the library, and the Rubens Experience. Check the official website for more information.

Stadspark (City Park)

The City Park is Antwerp’s largest park and within walking distance of the city center. I stayed at a hotel right next to it a few times, and the route through the park was the quickest way to the city center and back. What I liked most about it: it felt like a moment of calm after all the hustle and bustle of the center. Benches, ponds, beautiful trees. Exactly what you need in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing.

MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)

The MAS is one of Antwerp’s most striking buildings: a ten-story tower of red sandstone and glass, right on the waterfront of the Willemdok. The museum tells the story of Antwerp as a port city and its connections with the rest of the world. I found the exhibitions themselves a bit hit-or-miss, but the building alone is worth seeing.

One thing you really should do: take the elevator up to the rooftop terrace. The view over the harbor and the city is fantastic. And the rooftop is free to access, even without a museum ticket.

Antwerp Zoo

The Antwerp Zoo is located right next to Central Station and is one of the oldest in the world. I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour once, and it was truly special. You get to see a completely different side of the zoo than the average visitor. A regular visit is well worth it too, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The proximity to the station makes it very convenient: just hop off the train and head straight in.

Buy your ticket to Antwerp Zoo here.

The Beguinage

If you want to escape the crowds for a moment, head to the Beguinage (Begijnhof). This historic courtyard is tucked away from the bustle and feels like a completely different world: quiet alleys, low-roofed houses, and a peaceful inner courtyard. I found it completely empty when I visited, which only made it more beautiful. The Beguinage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Antwerp’s hidden gems.

The Harbor and the Eilandje

The Port of Antwerp is one of the largest in the world, and even if container ships aren’t your thing, it’s a special place to explore. The port district known as the Eilandje, the area around the MAS and the Willemdok, has been transformed in recent years and has a completely different feel to the historic center. Think trendy cafés, galleries, and a great mix of old and new architecture. A lovely spot for a walk, with plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite.

De Meir and the Stadsfeestzaal

The Meir is Antwerp’s main shopping street, and during the sales it’s one big party. I used to go shopping here regularly, and the crowds are just part of the experience. Halfway down the Meir you’ll find the Stadsfeestzaal (literal translation: city party hall), an impressive 19th-century building with a stunning glass roof and beautifully decorated hallways. These days it’s a luxury shopping center, but the building itself is the real attraction. Stepping inside is free and well worth it.

🚲 Tip: Explore Antwerp by bike! A great way to see the city’s highlights is with a guided bike tour. You’ll cycle past the historic center, Het Steen, the cathedral, and the Eilandje, with a guide who’ll tell you all about the city. Perfect if you want to get to know Antwerp quickly, or just enjoy being outside.

Het Steen

Het Steen is the oldest building in Antwerp, sitting right on the banks of the Scheldt. This medieval castle dates back to the ninth century, making it one of the oldest buildings in Belgium. In front of the entrance stands a large statue of Lange Wapper, the giant from Antwerp folklore who, according to legend, used to lurk along the river. I always enjoy making a short detour here for a breather and a view over the Scheldt.

Inside you’ll find the visitor center (Visit Antwerp) and an interactive attraction called The Antwerp Story, a fun way to learn more about the city’s history.

Eating and drinking in Antwerp

Something that always goes hand in hand with Antwerp for me: good food and drink. That’s what I always look forward to when I visit the city. When I go there with my best friend, we almost always eat mussels. They’re on just about every menu at the restaurants around the cathedral and on the Handschoenmarkt. Yes, it’s more touristy and a bit pricier than elsewhere, but the food is good and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

And of course, you can also enjoy some seriously good fries and Belgian beers while you’re here. You’ll never go hungry or thirsty in this city.

🍽️ Tip: culinary walking tour. Want to really get to know Belgian cuisine? On this two-hour culinary walking tour, you’ll stroll past some of the city’s most beautiful spots and sample five Belgian specialities along the way, from chocolate to fries and a Belgian beer. A fun way to explore the city and eat well at the same time.

Book your trip to Antwerp

Ready to visit Antwerp? Here are a few practical tips to help you plan your trip.