Antwerp
is cobbled lanes and quaint architecture
Welcome to Antwerp
Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers in Dutch/French) is Belgium’s second city, biggest port and capital of cool. It has long been a powerful magnet for everyone from fashion moguls and club queens to art lovers and diamond dealers. In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens – as many a museum will regularly remind you. Despite many historical travails thereafter, and severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive cathedral. Today, however, Antwerp’s top drawcards are its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its startling architectural and cultural contrasts.
Top experiences in Antwerp
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $18.19
Antwerp activities
Antwerp Half-Day Tour from Brussels
After a convenient pickup from your Brussels hotel, hop aboard your air-conditioned coach to begin the journey to Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city. Once home to famous 17th-century painter, Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp is a beautifully preserved city with many characterful buildings and a rich heritage to discover. First, head to the National redoubt of Belgium — Antwerp’s ancient fortress — and begin a walking tour through the city. Stroll along the ancient streets with your guide and take in highlights such as the Butcher’s Hall and Market Square. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady (entrance fee included) and marvel at ‘The Elevation of the Cross’, ‘The Descent from the Cross’, ‘The Ascension of the Virgin’ and ‘The Resurrection of the Virgin’ — four famous paintings by Rubens himself. At the conclusion of your walking tour, enjoy a little free time to explore Antwerp at your leisure. Continue on to Antwerp's main railway station, finished by 1905, and marvel at its outstanding architecture and grandeur. Head onward to the port, where the new MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom) museum and Diamond Pavilion await. Here, gain valuable insight into the complex role Antwerp has played in the world over the centuries and learn of the lifecycle of a diamond from rough stone to twinkling beauty. Enjoy panoramic views out over the port from the ninth floor of the MAS then, when it’s time to leave Antwerp behind, hop back aboard your coach for the return journey to Brussels.
Brussels City Sightseeing Tour and Antwerp Half-Day Trip
Brussels Half-Day City Tour Take a stroll to Brussels’ beautiful Grand Place and see the famous Market Square. Then, board a luxury coach and drive past the magnificent St Michael’s Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church built in 1047. Make your way to the National Basilica of Koekelberg, famous for being inspired by Paris’ Sacred Heart Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Coeur). Next, continue to the world-famous Atomium, Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower, famous for its collection of Japanese and Chinese ceramic. Passing the Royal Residence of Laeken and St Mary’s Church, explore the Sablon district with its countless antique shops. See the impressive Court of Justice, the Royal Palace and the European district with the Europian Parliament and Council of Ministers. In Jubilee Park, marvel at the monumental Triumphal Arch and Art Nouveau houses. Passing the Royal Park and the Belgian Parliament, return to the city center, where your morning tour ends. Antwerp Half-Day Trip from Brussels Spend your afternoon in Belgium’s second-largest city! Antwerp is known as the City of Rubens, named after the world-famous 17th-century painter who lived there. See the well-preserved historical character of the city and admire buildings from both past and present. On board your coach, journey to the ancient fortress of the city. Here, start your guided walking tour to the Market Square with its ancient houses and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which boasts treasures including four of Rubens’ masterpieces, such as The Raising of the Cross. Continue your tour with a lovely walk through the city center and enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Antwerp is also known as one of the world’s epicenters for diamonds. Visit a diamond center and learn about diamonds from your expert guide.
Private Antwerp Highlights with Unique Stories 3-Hour Tour
Start your trip in Antwerp with this highlights tour with your private guide Etienne. During the tour you will get to see the best architecture buildings, local street and hear interesting answers to some peculiar questions. Start your tour at the Grand Market Place, following a stop here you will get to discover in mini-alleys where you get to escape the crowds and take in relaxing vibe of this beautiful city. You'll also get to enjoy the water as you'll be visiting the riverside and the castle in Antwerp. Here is a great opportunity for you to compare new architecture with old architecture and neo-architecture. Your host will let in to little secrets of the city and give you the answers to some interesting questions, such as: where were they hiding the poor people in the earlier days?If you want to see Antwerp in a nutshell, this is the tour for you. Let your guide Etienne know if you want to see anything in particular, he'll be happy to create a personalized tour for you. Here is your itinerary: 10:00 - Central Station discovery11:00 - Cathedral of Our Lady12:00 - Explore the old Castle 'Steen'12:30 - Coffee & Chatting Stop About Etienne: Is passionate about his city as been a city guide for 3 years. A keen basketball coach among many other hobbies.
3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour
Experienced local bicycle tour guides will meet you at our shop at Antwerp's Central Station, and take you on a nice ride around the city's main attractions. At each stop, your guide will provide ample historical and current daily living information. Over the course of this comprehensive, 3-hour bike tour you will ride through parks, along the Scheldt river — and even through an impressive pedestrian tunnel underneath the river. You'll discover the lofty neighborhood surrounding the Museum of Fine Art ('t Zuid), the winding streets of Antwerp's historical center, and the up-and-coming waterfront neighborhood to the north. The price of the tour includes the cost of your bicycle rental, your helmet rental, and luggage storage. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack to keep you fueled up during the tour.
Antwerp Bike Tours
Classic Tour: During this 3-hour tour we cycle through old and new parts of the city, experience the uniqueness of different neighborhoods, from medieval buildings to Art Nouveau. Enjoy the rooftop view on The MAS or stroll along the dockyards. The most complete and therefore ideal tour to start discovering the beautiful city of Antwerp. Kids Tour: A family fun tour. Discover the highlights, admire the view from upon the MAS-rooftop and cycle at 101 ft (31 m) below surface during this light and easy 2.5 hour tour, included time to play. Early Birds Tour: In this short version of our Classic Tour you will sense the atmosphere of Antwerp awakening. During this 2,5-hour ride we cycle along beautiful squares and historical buildings. The perfect start for an unforgettable weekend in the city. The Koninck Tour: The perfect tour for epicureans. Discover the city highlights combined with a visit to the Beer Experience Center of City Brewery De Koninck. Cycling tour, visit and beer tasting included. Burie Chocolate Tour: Our ‘chocolate-lovers’ tour. Discover the city highlights and enjoy the fabulous chocolate creations of chocolatier Burie. In this tour you’ll find out the story of chocolates and taste some delicacies accompanied by a coffee, tea or a homemade chocolate milk. Chocolate gift to take home is included. Bike & Boat Tour: Combine the best of our Classic Tour with a 'Beer & Chocolate Cruise'. After an hour of biking in the old town you'll get on board of the nostalgic Flandria 24.
1 Hour Antwerp Citytourbus
From central station, diamond district, zoo, chinatown, aquatopia, central park, war memorial, botanical garden, opera, shopping district, Rubens house, old city with cathedral, fashion district with fashion museum, tropical institute, river monument, fine arts museum, Art deco houses, lambermont square, palace of justice, water gate, museum of contemporary arts and museum of photography, river scheldt.Pedestrian tunnel under the river, antique district and market, market square, city hall, brabofoutain and castle, river cruises, meathall, redlight district, old harbour, MAS museum, RED STAR LINE museum, and back to central station by the Rooseveldtsquare.Hop-on hop-off system : duration 1 hour : departure every hour.