15 Best Things to See in Antwerp (Belgium)

Antwerp is a natural choice for visitors to Belgium as it is the country’s second-largest city and home to the nation’s largest port. The city exudes strength and cool, which may have something to do with its illustrious past as the residence of moguls and diamond merchants. The diamond business is significant to Antwerp’s economy and has been for most of the city’s history. Antwerp is renowned as the diamond capital of the world. The city was one of the most significant locations and ports in all of Europe throughout the 16th century. Despite the Second World War’s severe toll on the city, many of its medieval charm and landmarks still exist. The city is known now for its fashion and art. In terms of world-class museums and artwork, stunning architecture, delicious food, and engaging nightlife, Antwerp offers everything a traveler might want from a European city. Here are the top 15 things to do in Antwerp, according to us:

Explore the historic Antwerp Zoo

When you’ve had enough of looking at museums and architecture, the 1843-founded Antwerp Zoo is a terrific place to spend the day. Despite being one of the oldest, the zoo has state-of-the-art enclosures and breeding programs, as well as modern, first-rate facilities. Popular attractions at the zoo include a loved-up koala couple who live together in a thatched cottage, as well as a new reef environment in the zoo’s aquarium.

The Cathedral of Our Lady

The Low Countries’ highest cathedral is one that is beautiful from the exterior and the inside. After 169 years of construction, it was finished in 1521. The spire is visible from many areas of the city and rarely fails to take one’s breath away. The interior is a remarkable fusion of Ruben’s artwork and Baroque furnishings. There is a cost to enter the cathedral, and there are guided tours available.

Het Steen

A little yet charming castle in Antwerp beside the riverside is known by the name of Het Steen. The castle, which was built in the first half of the 13th century, makes for some beautiful pictures. The strange monument of Lange Wapper, a giant peeping tom creature who is showing his collar to onlookers, outside the castle is also worth taking pictures of. The castle itself has nothing to see, but the nearby maritime museum, which has a collection of old barges, is worth visiting while you’re there.

Shop for Diamonds

The “diamond district” of Antwerp, which is west of the Central Train Station, is well-known. Over 30,000 people are employed as a result of the arrival of over 85% of the world’s uncut diamonds. You may learn everything you need to know about diamonds and the local industry at this museum, which is the biggest of its kind in the world. Although affluent Americans and Indians are increasingly influential, traditional Jews still control the majority of the diamond sector.

The home of Rockoxhuis

In 17th-century Antwerp, Nicolaas Rockoxhuis enjoyed a certain amount of notoriety. He was a politician and a lawyer, and his house is still stunning today. The house has commissions from Rockoxhuis’ private collection that haven’t been sold to larger galleries, in addition to a magnificent courtyard and garden. There are still several Rubens and Van Dyck pieces here. This is where the unique and eclectic Golden Cabinet art display is housed.

The Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum highlights the biographies of several immigrants who used Red Star Line ships to emigrate from Belgium, mostly to the United States. The majority of passengers boarded the ship right from the structure that houses the museum. The exhibitions are quite interesting and realistically depict the journey from Belgium to the United States using real photos and other personal items. Great views of the surroundings may be seen from the observation tower, which was previously the chimney of the building.

Tour the city by bike

Like many other European towns, Antwerp is a fantastic city to explore on two wheels. It is possible to rent a bike on your own and map out a route, but going on a guided bike trip is safer. The majority of trips span a few hours and cover all the important attractions in the city, including the cathedral, MAS, and central station. Even if you have already walked all the major attractions, viewing them again on a bicycle is an amazing experience.

Antwerp Central Station

In many cities, taking a look at a train station might not be among the nicest things to do, but in Antwerp, it is an absolute necessity. The Gothic architecture of the building’s impressive exterior will take your breath away, and the main hall is equally splendid. It has been ranked as one of the top five most beautiful train stations in the world and is one of the most beloved sights in the city. The station is much more than just a pretty face, however, and has been fully adapted to operate in the 21st century with its multilevel platforms.

Visit the unique MAS Museum

If you’ve seen all of Antwerp’s historic sites, which are many and well worth visiting, you should see the contemporary MAS museum. The MAS is a museum that examines Antwerp’s history and its significance as a port city while simultaneously showcasing transient, cutting-edge exhibits that are frequently changing. One temporary exhibit that is now on view examines various types of body art. It is highly recommended to take the elevators to the open-top roof when visiting the museum for the mesmerizing city views.

Shop in style

The Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Center in Antwerp’s city center is one of the city’s most fashionable shopping malls. The structure was once on the verge of being destroyed, but because it was listed as a building, it was quickly restored to its ideal state. The architecture, marble staircase, and mosaic floor will keep even the most reluctant shoppers entertained, and if not, there is always the champagne bar to enjoy.

Museum Plantin-Moretus

One of the best in the world used to be this printing press. Since 1876, the location has been the home of a museum, and it is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It may seem strange that a museum has been designated as a World Heritage Site, but you won’t believe it until you see this amazing location. The courtyard and the building itself, which dates back to the Middle Ages, are attractions in and of themselves. You will quickly see why the Museum Plantin-Moretus is so well-known when you consider all of this, as well as a museum that explores the oldest printing press in the world, a library from the 17th century, and a collection of priceless artwork.

Town square

The 16th-century Grote Markt, or town square, in Antwerp, is a stunning example of this era’s architecture. The town hall, which combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, is the focal point. The statue of the mythical giant-slayer Brabo, which is located in the middle of the square, was erected in 1887. Up until the sixteenth century, the historic stock exchange was situated on the adjoining street of Hofstraat.

Ruben’s House

The artist Pieter Paul Rubens once lived in Rubenshuis. The home was built by Rubens himself as both a place to live and also as a studio for him to work in. The building was in a bad way prior to the restorative work that began in 1937, but with some careful work, the building has now returned to its former glory. The residence displays numerous works of the painter’s art in addition to furnishings from the time he resided there.

Drink Beer

It would be impolite to visit Antwerp without trying a few of the cold beers because the Belgians are justifiably proud of their beer. Visiting the Antwerp Brewery is a good place to learn about Belgian beer as well as sample a glass of De Konninck beer at the very site where it was made. If this isn’t enough to satiate your thirst, try Paters Vaetje, which is close to the cathedral and offers more than 100 beers. There will undoubtedly be at least one that you enjoy.

Eat “French” Fries

I don’t want to start a war of nations, but Belgians will claim that they are the ones who created the so-called French fries. Regardless of who created them, Antwerp is a fantastic location to sample Belgian fries. Forget quick food; in Belgium, people calm down and eat fries in frites cafes that are known for serving the best fries in the world.