Greatest things to do in Antwerp
Drinks & Nightlife
Oldest Jazz Café from Antwerp with live music.
This venue oozes coolness and hosts all manner of musicians, from beginners to established professionals. Most concerts typically start from 10 pm and can get very crowded afterward, as it is one of the most popular jazz venues in the City, so try to head there early to avoid hassles. If you decide to pay a visit to Jazzcafe De Muze, have the complete experience by ordering a Belgium beer, and then savor it while enjoying the live music.
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De Muze
15 MelkmarktOldest Jazz Café from Antwerp with live music.
This venue oozes coolness and hosts all manner of musicians, from beginners to established professionals. Most concerts typically start from 10 pm and can get very crowded afterward, as it is one of the most popular jazz venues in the City, so try to head there early to avoid hassles. If you decide to pay a visit to Jazzcafe De Muze, have the complete experience by ordering a Belgium beer, and then savor it while enjoying the live music.
Pakhuis is a huge brewpub that stretches over two floors of an old warehouse. The cavernous interior has bare brick walls and a parquet floor. The Spartan central bar has tiled sides with no barstools. The ground floor houses the stainless-steel brewing vessels, which rest against one wall. They have not made it hard to guess the building’s former function: it still retains all the intimacy of a warehouse. It is like drinking on a railway station concourse. Everything at ‘t Pakhuis is very trendy and modern, but it may not be the first choice of drinking location when in town.
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Stadsbrouwerij - Brasserie 't Pakhuis
76 VlaamsekaaiPakhuis is a huge brewpub that stretches over two floors of an old warehouse. The cavernous interior has bare brick walls and a parquet floor. The Spartan central bar has tiled sides with no barstools. The ground floor houses the stainless-steel brewing vessels, which rest against one wall. They have not made it hard to guess the building’s former function: it still retains all the intimacy of a warehouse. It is like drinking on a railway station concourse. Everything at ‘t Pakhuis is very trendy and modern, but it may not be the first choice of drinking location when in town.
Cargo Club
11 Lange SchipperskapelstraatClub in centre of Antwerp
Underground basement club in the heart of Antwerp - check their website for upcoming parties!
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Club Vaag
4 RijnkaaiUnderground basement club in the heart of Antwerp - check their website for upcoming parties!
Hessenhuis - Ambassy of freedom: going out, food, drinks, cocktails, terrace, lounge,..... - LGTBQ+
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Café Hessenhuis
79 FalconruiHessenhuis - Ambassy of freedom: going out, food, drinks, cocktails, terrace, lounge,..... - LGTBQ+
Entertainment & Things to do
Visit the Ruien, is a truly unique attraction. You can walk through Antwerp's former canals and sewers. During this adventurous and astonishing underground walk, you'll discover some of Antwerp's exciting and rich history.
Try to make a reservation as soon as possible (!!!)
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De Ruien
21 SuikerruiVisit the Ruien, is a truly unique attraction. You can walk through Antwerp's former canals and sewers. During this adventurous and astonishing underground walk, you'll discover some of Antwerp's exciting and rich history.
Try to make a reservation as soon as possible (!!!)
Antwerp Zoo is the oldest animal park in Belgium and one of the oldest in the world. A visit to the zoo is the perfect way to escape the hustle and the bustle of the city, while at the same time being right in the heart of town.
Tip: in winter, Antwerp zoo hosts a beautiful light festival. It's amazing, especially in the evenings.
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Antwerpen dýragarður
20-26 Koningin AstridpleinAntwerp Zoo is the oldest animal park in Belgium and one of the oldest in the world. A visit to the zoo is the perfect way to escape the hustle and the bustle of the city, while at the same time being right in the heart of town.
Tip: in winter, Antwerp zoo hosts a beautiful light festival. It's amazing, especially in the evenings.
This segway organisation offers different nice tours
- Red Light Tour
- City Centre tour
- Brewery De Konicnk Tour
- Linkeroever Tour
Handschoenmarkt 3
3 HandschoenmarktThis segway organisation offers different nice tours
- Red Light Tour
- City Centre tour
- Brewery De Konicnk Tour
- Linkeroever Tour
Brouwerijcafe De Seefhoek
21 IndiestraatVery nice, small personal Brewery. Worth visiting!
Het Elfde Gobod (= the 11th Commandment) can be found on the Northern side in the shadow of the Cathedral and is worth a short stop for a drink.
The 11th Commandment has a spectacular interior filled with saints, angels, pulpits, etc. and has kept its authenticity for over 40 years.
You will find many traditional Belgian beer here, including the local Antwerp De Koninck beer ('t Bolleke), the famous Trappist beers and many more.
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Elfde Gebod
10 TorfbrugHet Elfde Gobod (= the 11th Commandment) can be found on the Northern side in the shadow of the Cathedral and is worth a short stop for a drink.
The 11th Commandment has a spectacular interior filled with saints, angels, pulpits, etc. and has kept its authenticity for over 40 years.
You will find many traditional Belgian beer here, including the local Antwerp De Koninck beer ('t Bolleke), the famous Trappist beers and many more.
If tourists visit just one museum in Antwerp, they usually choose the Rubens House. World-famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens lived in this palazzo with his family. He created many of his paintings in this house, in the center of Antwerp.
The museum has an interesting collection of Rubens' works but also shows how the master lived and worked. It doesn't require much time and it's really worth a visit.
You can also see lots of Rubens' paintings inside the Antwerp Cathedral.
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Rubens hús
9-11 WapperIf tourists visit just one museum in Antwerp, they usually choose the Rubens House. World-famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens lived in this palazzo with his family. He created many of his paintings in this house, in the center of Antwerp.
The museum has an interesting collection of Rubens' works but also shows how the master lived and worked. It doesn't require much time and it's really worth a visit.
You can also see lots of Rubens' paintings inside the Antwerp Cathedral.
If you like history and somewhat unusual museums, you'll enjoy a visit to Plantin Moretus Museum. It's the only museum on the Unesco World Heritage list and is the only remaining printing workshop and publishing house in the world, dating back to the 16th century. You can admire the beautiful buildings, the richly-decorated interior of this mansion, see an impressive library and the printing house. You also learn so much about the art of book printing. This is such a fascinating place!
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Plantin-Moretus safnið
22 VrijdagmarktIf you like history and somewhat unusual museums, you'll enjoy a visit to Plantin Moretus Museum. It's the only museum on the Unesco World Heritage list and is the only remaining printing workshop and publishing house in the world, dating back to the 16th century. You can admire the beautiful buildings, the richly-decorated interior of this mansion, see an impressive library and the printing house. You also learn so much about the art of book printing. This is such a fascinating place!
Right next to Het Steen, You find another Antwerp attraction - The View Antwerpen, aka Giant Ferris Wheel. A ride on the Antwerp Giant Wheel gives you a different perspective of the city - with the river on one side, the historic old town right at your feet, and Antwerp harbor in the distance.
Steenplein
SteenpleinRight next to Het Steen, You find another Antwerp attraction - The View Antwerpen, aka Giant Ferris Wheel. A ride on the Antwerp Giant Wheel gives you a different perspective of the city - with the river on one side, the historic old town right at your feet, and Antwerp harbor in the distance.
The modern red building of the MAS museum in the new trendy "Het Eilandje" district has quickly become one of the landmark, must-see place in ANtwerp. Mas has many interesting expositions, but the interior of this modern building is just as impressive. Make sure to go all the way to the top of the building (free of charge!). The rooftop terrace of MAS has one of the best 360° views of Antwerp. When you are at the top, searh for the skull on the floor of the square downstairs.
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MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
1 HanzestedenplaatsThe modern red building of the MAS museum in the new trendy "Het Eilandje" district has quickly become one of the landmark, must-see place in ANtwerp. Mas has many interesting expositions, but the interior of this modern building is just as impressive. Make sure to go all the way to the top of the building (free of charge!). The rooftop terrace of MAS has one of the best 360° views of Antwerp. When you are at the top, searh for the skull on the floor of the square downstairs.
Red Star Line Museum is a trip back in time with the stories of people who sailed from here to find a new life in North America. You can also climb to the top of the tower for nice views of 't Eilandje district and the harbor.
A visit here is very touching and eye-opening. You'll never look at emigration with the same eyes after visiting this.
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Red Star Line Museum
3 MontevideostraatRed Star Line Museum is a trip back in time with the stories of people who sailed from here to find a new life in North America. You can also climb to the top of the tower for nice views of 't Eilandje district and the harbor.
A visit here is very touching and eye-opening. You'll never look at emigration with the same eyes after visiting this.
Chocolate Nation is the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world. This new museum is interactive and of course, you get to taste delicious chocolates.
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Súkkulaði þjóð
7 Koningin AstridpleinChocolate Nation is the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world. This new museum is interactive and of course, you get to taste delicious chocolates.
Cinema Cartoon's has been an established name in Antwerp city life since 1978 and still opts for a varied selection of films. This is a small (only 3 small rooms) and cosy cinema in the center of Antwerp. They offer a small range of alternative movies from all over the world (don't expect any blockbusters playing here). Downstairs, there's a winebar.
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Cinema Cartoon's
4 KaasstraatCinema Cartoon's has been an established name in Antwerp city life since 1978 and still opts for a varied selection of films. This is a small (only 3 small rooms) and cosy cinema in the center of Antwerp. They offer a small range of alternative movies from all over the world (don't expect any blockbusters playing here). Downstairs, there's a winebar.
Getting Around
With a one day pass you can take bikes for short distance (max 30 min) in the entire city.
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Velo Antwerpen
With a one day pass you can take bikes for short distance (max 30 min) in the entire city.
Neighborhoods
Within a stone's throw of the Antwerpen-Berchem railway station, you ll find Cogel-Oysylie, one of Belgium's most attractive streets and a sample of the eclectic Belle Epoque architecture. Here you can immerse yourself in the elegance of art nouveau. It can be interesting to look for a guide
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Cogels Osylei
Cogels-OsyleiWithin a stone's throw of the Antwerpen-Berchem railway station, you ll find Cogel-Oysylie, one of Belgium's most attractive streets and a sample of the eclectic Belle Epoque architecture. Here you can immerse yourself in the elegance of art nouveau. It can be interesting to look for a guide
Antwerp has been know as the diamond capital of the world since 1447 and it still is today.
RIght next to the central station is the famous diamond of Antwerp, the place where rough and polished diamonds are traded. You can't really visit the trading markets, but there are plenty of shops selling diamond jewelry... I bet you have never seen so many diamonds and jewelry in one place.
TIP: if you want to buy diamonds, make sure to bargain. Negotiating the price is normally not done in Belgium, but in Antwerp's diamond stores are an exception on the rule.
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Diamant
Antwerp has been know as the diamond capital of the world since 1447 and it still is today.
RIght next to the central station is the famous diamond of Antwerp, the place where rough and polished diamonds are traded. You can't really visit the trading markets, but there are plenty of shops selling diamond jewelry... I bet you have never seen so many diamonds and jewelry in one place.
TIP: if you want to buy diamonds, make sure to bargain. Negotiating the price is normally not done in Belgium, but in Antwerp's diamond stores are an exception on the rule.
The Meir shopping area encompasses the streets surrounding the area from the Catheral aal the way to the central station.
Meir is a prime shopping destination in Belgium, but there is more to it than the shops. Thanks to its historic architecture and prestigious character, the Meir makes shopping feel special.
Don't miss Antwerp's Stadsfeestzaal, an exclusive shopping center in the beautifully restored city festival ahll. It's on of the hidden gems of Antwerp that most tourists don't know about.
If you are interested in shopping, then you will also love the Schuttershofstraat and the huidevetterstraat. Here, you can find some of the world's most luxury boutique stores like Hermès, Channel, Louis Vuitton, ....
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Meir
MeirThe Meir shopping area encompasses the streets surrounding the area from the Catheral aal the way to the central station.
Meir is a prime shopping destination in Belgium, but there is more to it than the shops. Thanks to its historic architecture and prestigious character, the Meir makes shopping feel special.
Don't miss Antwerp's Stadsfeestzaal, an exclusive shopping center in the beautifully restored city festival ahll. It's on of the hidden gems of Antwerp that most tourists don't know about.
If you are interested in shopping, then you will also love the Schuttershofstraat and the huidevetterstraat. Here, you can find some of the world's most luxury boutique stores like Hermès, Channel, Louis Vuitton, ....
Antwerp's Green Square is the perfect place for those who want to laze around on a warm summer's day under the sun and enjoy watching the city from the comfort of a cosy café.
Most of the time, there will we something to do at the Groenplaats: flower market, Christmas market, performances, ...
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Groenplaats
GroenplaatsAntwerp's Green Square is the perfect place for those who want to laze around on a warm summer's day under the sun and enjoy watching the city from the comfort of a cosy café.
Most of the time, there will we something to do at the Groenplaats: flower market, Christmas market, performances, ...
Food
Yust Restaurant - very nice restaurant with vegan option. You can have all dishes in a meat/fish or Vegan version.
YUST
6 CoveliersstraatYust Restaurant - very nice restaurant with vegan option. You can have all dishes in a meat/fish or Vegan version.
Camionette
1 Regine BeerpleinVegeterian/Vegan restaurant
Brasserie Appelmans
1 PapenstraatjeGreat food, cocktails and absint!
De Arme Duivel
1 Armeduivelstraattypical Belgian food! Must do but make sure you make a reservation
This is the restaurant where I used to work as student. Really great Asian/Japanse kitchen. Not the traditional Asian kitchen! Much better. Fair price for great food
Tang's Chinese Kitchen
36 Kasteelpleinstraat This is the restaurant where I used to work as student. Really great Asian/Japanse kitchen. Not the traditional Asian kitchen! Much better. Fair price for great food
Fiera means “the better fair” in Italian and refers to our magical location: The magical Schippersbeurs and Handelsbeurs in Antwerp. Here you'll have a unique experience: a journey thanks to our honest cuisine with influences from all over the world, a cosmopolitan decor and atmospheric music. $$$
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Fiera Antwerp
14 Lange NieuwstraatFiera means “the better fair” in Italian and refers to our magical location: The magical Schippersbeurs and Handelsbeurs in Antwerp. Here you'll have a unique experience: a journey thanks to our honest cuisine with influences from all over the world, a cosmopolitan decor and atmospheric music. $$$
Umami Antwerp
6 LuikstraatAsian dining in a trendy atmosphere. After dining you can stay to part
Raapstraat20
20 RaapstraatGreat Bistrot/restaurant in the historical town. One of my favorite restaurants
Sight seeing
The Central Station of Antwerp is one of the world's most beautiful train stations. The building's exterior is very impressive, but to truly appreciate it, you have to see it from the inside. The most impressive is the main hall (main entrance on the side of Koningin Astridplein) and also the big hall with the clock as seen from the ground level.
Centraal Station Antwerpen
27 Koningin AstridpleinThe Central Station of Antwerp is one of the world's most beautiful train stations. The building's exterior is very impressive, but to truly appreciate it, you have to see it from the inside. The most impressive is the main hall (main entrance on the side of Koningin Astridplein) and also the big hall with the clock as seen from the ground level.
Saint Charles Borromeo Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Antwerp. It's slightly hidden and our of sight, located on a charming little town square, "Hendrik Conscienceplein".
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Karolus Borromeus kirkja
Hendrik ConsciencepleinSaint Charles Borromeo Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Antwerp. It's slightly hidden and our of sight, located on a charming little town square, "Hendrik Conscienceplein".
Vleeshui (literal translation "the meat house, also know as Burcher's house) is the oldest guildhall in Antwerp. The 500-year-old building is very impressive from the outside and is worth seeing if you are in the area.
Inside, you can find a museum featuring all kinds of musical instruments. This is a great place to learn about the centuries-old history of music and dance in Antwerp
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Museum Vleeshuis
38 VleeshouwersstraatVleeshui (literal translation "the meat house, also know as Burcher's house) is the oldest guildhall in Antwerp. The 500-year-old building is very impressive from the outside and is worth seeing if you are in the area.
Inside, you can find a museum featuring all kinds of musical instruments. This is a great place to learn about the centuries-old history of music and dance in Antwerp
The Steen is Antwerp's oldest building. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century and served as a city fortress. This impressive castle lies on the Scheldt river and is just an short walk from the Grote Markt.
In the past, Het Steen was home to the Maritime Museum, later - a child-friendly meeting space with all kinds of workshops for kids.. Next to it you can find the new visitor center where you can learn everything about the history of Antwerp
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Hetsteen
1 SteenpleinThe Steen is Antwerp's oldest building. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century and served as a city fortress. This impressive castle lies on the Scheldt river and is just an short walk from the Grote Markt.
In the past, Het Steen was home to the Maritime Museum, later - a child-friendly meeting space with all kinds of workshops for kids.. Next to it you can find the new visitor center where you can learn everything about the history of Antwerp
Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. It's an iconic building, but also a treasury with an impressive collection of major artworks, including several paintings by Rubens.
You can join the guided tour of the Cathedral or explore it at your own pace.
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Dómkirkjan okkar frú
21 GroenplaatsAntwerp Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. It's an iconic building, but also a treasury with an impressive collection of major artworks, including several paintings by Rubens.
You can join the guided tour of the Cathedral or explore it at your own pace.
Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp and is one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. The magnificent 16th-century city hall (Stadhuis) dominates the square surrounded by the beautiful Guild Houses.
You cannot overlook the Brabo Fountain, right in the center of the square. According to the legend, Brabo killed a giant who demanded a high toll for each ship that wanted to enter the city. If the ship's crew wouldn't pay the toll, their hands were cut off. The little Brabo fought the giant, cut his hand, and threw it in the river. The fountain's statue depicts this story that is used to explain the origins of the name of the city - Anwerpen: HAND - WERPEN meaning "to throw a hand"
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Grote Markt
Grote MarktGrote Markt is the main square of Antwerp and is one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. The magnificent 16th-century city hall (Stadhuis) dominates the square surrounded by the beautiful Guild Houses.
You cannot overlook the Brabo Fountain, right in the center of the square. According to the legend, Brabo killed a giant who demanded a high toll for each ship that wanted to enter the city. If the ship's crew wouldn't pay the toll, their hands were cut off. The little Brabo fought the giant, cut his hand, and threw it in the river. The fountain's statue depicts this story that is used to explain the origins of the name of the city - Anwerpen: HAND - WERPEN meaning "to throw a hand"
St. Paul's Church is impressive both from the outside as well as from the inside. The 18th-century Calvary with 60 life-sized statues is not to be missed. But also inside the church, there are hundreds of statues and lots of masterpieces by famous Flemish painters such as Rubens, Van Balen, and Van Dyck.
The crush is only open in the afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM and only in the high season (summer and Christmas)
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Sint-Pauluskerk
22 Sint-PaulusstraatSt. Paul's Church is impressive both from the outside as well as from the inside. The 18th-century Calvary with 60 life-sized statues is not to be missed. But also inside the church, there are hundreds of statues and lots of masterpieces by famous Flemish painters such as Rubens, Van Balen, and Van Dyck.
The crush is only open in the afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM and only in the high season (summer and Christmas)
Uit eten
Super gezellige plek voor een gezellige koffie, high tea met lekkerste taartjes van Chocatelier Delrey. Reserveren is aangeraden
Salon de Thé Claude
18 Hendrik ConsciencepleinSuper gezellige plek voor een gezellige koffie, high tea met lekkerste taartjes van Chocatelier Delrey. Reserveren is aangeraden