Antwerp city Travel Guide

Welcome to Antwerp, the bustling capital of the Province of Antwerp and the second-largest city in Belgium. Located near the picturesque river Schelde and boasting one of the largest ports in Europe, Antwerp has been an important economic and cultural hub for centuries. With a diverse population of 170 nationalities, Antwerp is the world’s second most multicultural city, offering a unique blend of cultures and traditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you explore the charming streets, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine that make Antwerp a must-see destination.

A brief history of Antwerp

Antwerp, the capital of Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region, is the largest city in Belgium by area. Its history can be traced back to Gallo-Roman times, as evidenced by excavations on the right bank of the Schelde in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. In the 4th and 5th centuries, the region was occupied and Germanized by Franks and possibly Genoese, who were later succeeded by the dukes of Brabant. As one of the duchy’s capital cities, Antwerp grew in the 15th century to become the mercantile metropolis of western Europe, succeeding Bruges in Flanders. With the economic preeminence of Antwerp over Bruges evident by the end of the 15th century, the city grew wealthy on the profits of its port, trading in diamonds, priceless works of art, and luxury goods. Today, Antwerp is globally known as the hub of the world’s diamond trade.

Getting to & around Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the best-connected cities in Belgium, easy to reach by train from anywhere in the country and from several major European cities. Once you arrive, the compact city centre means you can cover most attractions on foot.

Arriving by train

Antwerp has three railway stations:

• Antwerpen-Centraal — the main station, serving both national and international trains. The station itself is worth a visit for its stunning neo-baroque architecture. Located next to Antwerp Zoo.
• Antwerpen-Berchem — serves local and some international trains. A 10-minute tram ride from the city centre.
• Antwerpen-Zuid — serves local trains only.

International trains

National trains

Belgium Public Transport Guide

Read the complete Belgium Public Transport Guide

Discover Antwerp

Best things to see & do in Antwerp

Antwerp is a city that rewards slow exploration. From its medieval city centre to its cutting-edge fashion scene, here are the top things to see and do:

Grote Markt

The grand square — Grote Markt in Flemish — is the beating heart of Antwerp’s historical city centre. The City Hall dominates one side, flanked by 28 flags representing every EU nation and surrounded by beautifully preserved guild houses. At the centre stands the Brabo Fountain, depicting the Roman soldier who, according to legend, slew the giant Antigoon and hurled his severed hand into the Scheldt — giving the city its name: hand werpen, “throwing a hand.”

• 💡 Tip: Visit after dark — the illuminated guild houses are especially photogenic.
• 📍 Location: Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Outdoor square, open 24/7. City Hall interior: Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00
• 💶 Cost: Free

The Cathedral of our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kathedraal)

Rising 123 metres above the city, Antwerp’s Gothic cathedral is the tallest in the Low Countries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior houses four major paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens, including his masterpiece The Descent from the Cross. Outside the cathedral, look for the statue of Nello and his dog Patrasche — characters from the Victorian novel A Dog of Flanders, beloved in Japan and South Korea.

• 📍 Location: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00 | Sat 10:00–15:00 | Sun 13:00–17:00
• 💶 Cost: €6 adults / €4 seniors & students / free under 12
• 💡 Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Rubenshuis to get the full Rubens experience.

Antwerp Train Station

Regularly voted one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, Antwerpen-Centraal is a monument in its own right. Built between 1895 and 1905, its neo-baroque stone façade gives way to a soaring iron-and-glass dome inside. Even if you’re not catching a train, it is absolutely worth stepping inside to admire the architecture.

• 📍 Location: Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Open daily from early morning until midnight
• 💶 Cost: Free to enter the station
• 💡 Tip: The station sits next to Antwerp Zoo — look for combination tickets.

Rubenshuis (Rubens House)

Baroque master Pieter Paul Rubens designed and built this stunning mansion himself in 1610, living and working here until his death in 1640. Today it is a museum displaying an outstanding collection of his works alongside pieces he collected during his lifetime — Raphael, Titian, and other Old Masters. The Italianate garden is a hidden gem.

• 📍 Location: Wapper 9–11, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 | Closed Monday
• 💶 Cost: €12 adults / €10 seniors / free under 18
• 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance — queues can be long in summer.

MAS — Museum aan de Stroom

Antwerp’s striking red sandstone and glass tower on the waterfront is impossible to miss. The MAS (Museum on the River) tells the story of Antwerp’s relationship with the world, from its Golden Age merchant empire to its modern port. Each floor spirals upward to a free rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city and the Scheldt.

• 📍 Location: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00 | Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00 | Closed Monday
• 💶 Cost: Museum €12 / Rooftop free
• 💡 Tip: The rooftop is free and open until 22:00 in summer — great for sunset views.

Het Steen

Antwerp’s oldest surviving building, Het Steen (The Stone), is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 9th century, sitting on the banks of the Scheldt. After a major renovation in 2022, it reopened as a visitor centre dedicated to Antwerp’s history and its role as a global port city. The riverside promenade around it is one of the city’s most pleasant walks.

• 📍 Location: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00
• 💶 Cost: €12 adults / €8 students / free under 12
• 💡 Tip: Start your Antwerp walk here and follow the Scheldt promenade north to MAS.

The Diamond Quarter

Antwerp handles roughly 80% of the world’s rough diamond trade, and the Diamond Quarter around Central Station is where it all happens. The DIVA museum (Diamond & Jewelry Museum) is the best way to explore this story, combining the history of the global diamond trade with a dazzling collection of historical jewellery. The Hoveniersstraat is lined with diamond dealers and jewellers if you’d like to browse.

• 📍 DIVA Location: Suikerrui 17–19, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ DIVA Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
• 💶 Cost: DIVA €12 / Diamond Quarter free to explore
• 💡 Tip: The Diamond Quarter is particularly busy on weekday mornings when dealers are at work.

MoMu — Fashion Museum Antwerp

Antwerp is one of Europe’s most important fashion capitals, home to the famous Antwerp Six — the group of avant-garde designers who redefined fashion in the 1980s. MoMu is the city’s fashion museum, housing an extraordinary archive of Belgian and international fashion with constantly changing exhibitions. The Royal Academy of Fine Arts next door continues to produce world-class designers today.

• 📍 Location: Nationalestraat 28, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 | Closed Monday
• 💶 Cost: €15 adults / €12 students & seniors / free under 12
• 💡 Tip: Check MoMu’s website for current exhibitions — the temporary shows are often outstanding.

Antwerp Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in the world, Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843 and is located right next to Central Station. It houses over 5,000 animals across 950 species, with a strong focus on conservation. The historic 19th-century buildings within the zoo — including the Egyptian Temple and the Art Deco Nocturama — are attractions in themselves.

• 📍 Location: Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerp
• ⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00 (seasonal variations)
• 💶 Cost: €34 adults / €28 seniors / €26 children (3–11) / free under 3
• 💡 Tip: Book online for a small discount, and look for combination tickets with the train station café.

The ‘t Zuid Neighbourhood

South of the city centre, the ‘t Zuid (the South) is Antwerp’s most fashionable neighbourhood — a grid of 19th-century boulevards lined with galleries, concept stores, wine bars, and excellent restaurants. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), which reopened after a major renovation in 2022, anchors the district with a world-class collection of Flemish Masters and Modernism.

• 💡 Tip: The KMSKA contains over 7,000 works — give yourself at least 3 hours.
• 📍 KMSKA Location: Leopold de Waelplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp
• ⏰ KMSKA Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (Thu until 21:00)
• 💶 Cost: €20 adults / free under 26

Antwerp Tourist Map

The Antwerp Tourist map below contains the best sights in Antwerp along with the best things to do. Don’t forget to save it, so you can use it later on your smartphone as your Antwerp city travel guide.

Antwerp Tours & Excursions:

There are also many guided tours and excursions that you can join to discover Antwerp in a more immersive way. Some of the most popular ones include bike tours, food tours, and beer tasting tours.

Local Specialties

• Belgian Fries – Belgian fries, also known as “frites,” are a popular street food in Antwerp. These fries are made from high-quality potatoes that are first blanched and then fried twice to achieve the perfect texture. They are often served with a side of mayonnaise or other sauces.
• Stoofvlees – Stoofvlees is a hearty beef stew that is popular throughout Belgium, but particularly in Antwerp. It is made with tender beef that is slowly simmered in a rich, savory sauce made from beer, onions, and spices. It is often served with fries or mashed potatoes.
• Mosselen – Mussels are a popular seafood dish in Antwerp, and they are often served steamed in a pot with white wine, garlic, and herbs. They are typically accompanied by a side of Belgian fries or bread.
• Bolleke – Bolleke is a type of beer that is brewed in Antwerp by brewery De Koninck. It is a light, golden beer that has a slightly sweet and malty flavor. It is typically served in a distinctive, rounded glass that is known as a bolleke.
• Elixir d’Anvers – Elixir d’Anvers is a popular herbal liqueur that has been produced in Antwerp since 1863. It is made from a blend of 32 herbs and spices, including juniper berries, orange peel, and vanilla. It is often served as an aperitif or digestif.
• Filet d’Anvers – Filet d’Anvers is a type of cured meat that is similar to beef jerky. It is made from thinly sliced beef that is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices, and then air-dried. It is often served as an appetizer with bread or crackers or as a sandwich filling.
• Antwerpse Handjes – Antwerpse Handjes, which translates to “Antwerp Hands,” are a type of cookie that is shaped like a hand. These cookies are made from a buttery dough that is flavored with almonds and sugar, and they are often dusted with powdered sugar.

Antwerp Nightlife

Antwerp has one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Belgium — and arguably in the Benelux. The city’s mix of creative industries, students, and international residents fuels a diverse and energetic after-dark culture, from intimate jazz bars to internationally recognised techno clubs. Nights out in Antwerp typically start late (bars fill up after 21:00) and run into the early hours.

Bars and pubs in Antwerp

The city centre and ‘t Zuid neighbourhood have the highest concentration of bars, but each area has its own character.

The Pharmacy Bar — Best for: creative cocktails in a designer setting
A cocktail bar in ‘t Zuid inside a beautifully preserved old pharmacy. Inventive seasonal cocktails, an elegant space, and a slightly more grown-up atmosphere than the city-centre pub circuit. 📍 Volkstraat 31 | ⏰ Tue–Sun 18:00–02:00

Den Engel — Best for: classic Belgian beer café atmosphere
One of Antwerp’s most beloved traditional bruinen cafés (brown cafes), right on the Grote Markt. Order a Bolleke De Koninck — the unofficial beer of Antwerp — in the iconic rounded glass. A true local institution since 1668. 📍 Grote Markt 3 | ⏰ Mon–Thu 10:00–01:00 | Fri–Sun 10:00–02:00

Kulminator — Best for: serious Belgian beer lovers
A legendary Antwerp beer bar with one of the most extraordinary bottle lists in the world — over 700 beers, including rare vintages and bottles dating back decades. Low-key, idiosyncratic, and completely unpretentious. 📍 Vleminckveld 32 | ⏰ Mon 20:00–00:00 | Tue–Fri 11:00–00:00 | Sat 17:00–00:00 | Closed Sun

De Muze — Best for: jazz and live music in a cosy setting
A warm and intimate jazz bar tucked into a side street near the Grote Markt. Live jazz most evenings, a good Belgian beer selection, and a distinctly un-touristy atmosphere despite its central location. 📍 Melkmarkt 15 | ⏰ Daily 11:00–03:00 | Live jazz typically from 22:00

Bar Paniek — Best for: alternative / indie crowd, cheap drinks
A fixture of Antwerp’s alternative scene for over 30 years. Loud music, affordable drinks, a mixed young crowd, and a no-nonsense attitude. One of those bars that hasn’t changed and doesn’t need to. 📍 Oudevaartplaats 12 | ⏰ Daily from 20:00

Clubs and music venues in Antwerp

Café d’Anvers — Best for: house, techno, and electronic music in a legendary venue
One of Europe’s most iconic clubs, operating since 1990 inside a converted 19th-century church in the red-light district. Café d’Anvers helped put Antwerp on the international electronic music map and still draws top-tier DJs. Expect long queues on weekends — arrive early or check the guestlist. 📍 Verversrui 15 | ⏰ Fri–Sat from 23:00 | 💶 Entry €10–€20

Ampere — Best for: cutting-edge electronic music and local underground acts
Antwerp’s premier venue for underground electronic and experimental music. Three floors, excellent sound, and a programming policy that prioritises interesting music over commercial appeal. Part of the Muziekcentrum De Bijloke ecosystem. 📍 Museumstraat 8 | 💶 Entry €10–€18 depending on event

Petrol — Best for: eclectic programming — disco, soul, hip-hop, electronic
A beloved Antwerp club with a more relaxed door policy than Café d’Anvers and a broader musical range. Regular themed nights including retro disco and soul. Popular with a slightly older (25–40) crowd. 📍 Desguinlei 25 | ⏰ Fri–Sat from 22:00 | 💶 Entry €8–€15

Trix — Best for: live concerts — rock, pop, indie, alternative
Antwerp’s main mid-size live music venue, hosting both Belgian and international touring acts. Capacity around 1,500 — large enough for big names, small enough to feel intimate. Check their agenda for upcoming shows. 📍 Noordersingel 28 | 💶 Ticket prices vary by show | 🌐 trixonline.be

Het Bos — Best for: avant-garde, experimental, and art-adjacent events
A multi-disciplinary arts centre hosting concerts, club nights, theatre, and art events. Programming leans toward the experimental and politically engaged. A favourite of Antwerp’s creative community. 📍 Ankerrui 5–7 | 💶 Entry usually €5–€12 | 🌐 hetbos.be

Conclusion

Antwerp is a city that truly has it all, from its rich history and stunning architecture to its lively culture and delicious food. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and exciting destination to explore, Antwerp is sure to impress. So why not plan your visit today and discover all that this hidden gem of Belgium has to offer?