Discover Antwerp’s Art, Architecture and Cosmopolitan Spirit

Antwerp is the real urban deal, a refreshingly down-to-earth cosmopolitan destination, blessed with magnificent architecture, fashionable shop fronts, beer-washed pubs, dazzling monuments, jazzed-up clubs, inspired artworks, and restaurant tables piled with plates of superb Belgian and multicultural food. Antwerp tours will not only take you to a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, but are also full of refreshing nature spots and urban haunts. Its culture, history, vibrant nightlife and world class shopping are all within easy reach. Travel to Antwerp, a pocket-sized metropolis.

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Description

Antwerp, with its roots stretching back to the Middle Ages, has long been a hub of commerce and culture. Founded around the 4th century, it rose to prominence in the 16th century as one of Europe's leading ports. Throughout the ages, Antwerp has been a witness to prosperity and hardship, playing pivotal roles in the Age of Exploration, the Spanish Fury, and the diamond trade, affirming its economic and cultural significance. Today, Antwerp offers visitors a blend of historical marvels and modern vibrancy. From the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, housing works by Rubens, to the bustling diamond district, the city is a treasure trove of artistic and architectural wonders. Contemporary attractions, such as the cutting-edge MAS Museum, complement its rich history. With its fashion-forward mindset, underscored by the influence of the Antwerp Six designers, the city is a fashionista's paradise. Whether strolling through the charming Zurenborg district, exploring the cobbled lanes of the old town, or savouring the Belgian culinary delights, Antwerp invites visitors to experience its unique heritage and dynamic present.

Useful information

Population:

The city: 536,079 The municipality: 1.23 million

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

All emergencies: 112
Medical emergency service/fire brigade: 100
Police: 101
Doctor on call: +32 900 10 512
Belgian poison control: +32 70 245 245

Opening Hours:

Shops are open from Monday to Saturday 10am–6pm. Large department stores stay open longer.

Do & See

Antwerp Diamond Bus

Hop on the Antwerp Diamond double-decker bus and visit Antwerp’s best-known hotspots. It’s a first timers’ ideal introduction to the city. Daily departures from April until November, the other months ... Read More

Antwerp Zoo

The Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843, which makes it one of the oldest zoos worldwide and the oldest in Belgium. About 5,000 animals from 950 species call this zoo their home. They live in monumental b... Read More

Cathedral of Our Lady

After 169 years of construction, the cathedral of Antwerp finally dominated Antwerp’s skyline in 1521 with a height of 123 metres. It was and still is the biggest Gothic building of the Benelux. The C... Read More

Central Station

Antwerp's Central Station is a magnificent architectural feat with its steel canopy over the platforms. Architecturally inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the station was inaugurated in 1905. In 2007, ... Read More

FOMU — Fotomuseum

FOMU, Antwerp's photography museum, offers a deep dive into the world of photography, spanning its inception to contemporary works. With a vast collection of images, books, and equipment, the museum f... Read More

Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain

At Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands as a striking centrepiece amidst the historic architecture of Antwerp's central square. This celebrated monument is based on the legendary tale of Brabo, a lo... Read More

Het Steen

Het Steen is Antwerp's medieval fortress and its oldest building. Today, it houses a Visitor Centre, a cruise terminal, and The Antwerp Story exhibition. This historic site offers a deep dive into the... Read More

KMSKA — Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Explore seven centuries of art at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Home to masterpieces from Flemish Primitives to Expressionists, it boasts extensive collections of James Ensor and Rik Wouters.... Read More

Dining

À L'infintiste

À L'infintiste is a tiny restaurant with a special concept. You bring your own aperitif, wine or soft drinks and coffee or tea. Every day, the chef creates refined 6-course menus a fixed price.

Aahaar Delux

Aahaar is an authentic Indian restaurant which only serves vegetarian dishes. Go à la carte or choose the buffet formula and enjoy a nice selection of traditional Indian dishes. The restaurant is loca... Read More

Au Vieux Port

Au Vieux Port exudes a nostalgic bistro atmosphere. Belgian/French classics are expertly prepared here in accordance with proven traditional methods. Some dishes are even carved right before your eyes... Read More

woman in a summer dress enjoying a steak

B23

B23, near Antwerp's MAS, serves refined dishes like oysters, truffle-accented plates, and supreme steaks. Enjoy their extensive wine list and a cosy terrace. A top choice for fresh, quality dining wit... Read More

Balls & Glory

Predictably, the speciality of this casual eatery are their gloriously delicious handmade meatballs with a different filling each day, served with mashed potatoes or a salad. The meat is carefully sou... Read More

Bier Central

Bier Central offers more than 300 bottled beers and over 30 on tap. The menu features typical Belgian dishes like mussels, baked endive and stew cooked with local beer.

Bistrot du Nord

Just a stone's throw from Park Spoor Noord is Bistrot Du Nord — a relaxed, cosy restaurant with a straightforward brasserie fare. The menu primarily features meat dishes, but the fish options will als... Read More

Brasserie Appelmans

Brasserie Appelmans, located close to Antwerp’s Cathedral, offers a perfect mix of traditional and modern. Known for serving excellent food with Belgian highlights, like a stew made with local De Koni... Read More

Cafés

Caffe Mundi

Follow the smell of freshly roasted coffee to Oude Beurs near Grote Markt, where you will find Caffe Mundi. Guaranteeing its customers only the best quality, the owners have come up with a new and ori... Read More

Caffènation

“One Drug, One Café, One Caffènation” is the slogan of Caffènation. Once over the threshold, you almost stumble over the sacks of house blend coffee. Inside is a pleasant, no-nonsense atmosphere, typi... Read More

Chocolatier Del Rey

For over 60 years, Antwerp chocolate lovers have found their way to Del Rey. Every day master chocolate makers craft delicious pralines, biscuits, pastries and ice cakes here. You can also have lunch ... Read More

Esco*bar

Need a break while shopping? Then head to Esco*bar, where you can choose from a range of coffees and teas, or enjoy some breakfast or lunch. Weather permitting, the large garden doors are opened for s... Read More

Me & My Monkey

Me & My Monkey (named after a song by The Beatles) is the successor of La Chascona. The interior matches the antique feel of the Kloosterstraat. The menu is full of decadent coffee drinks, sweetened w... Read More

white ceramic cup on green and yellow knit textile

Mokkakapot

Mokkakapot is a creative coffee bar in Borgerhout’s fast changing Moorkensplein, only a stone’s throw from Central Station. There is art on the walls, a store selling clothes, jewellery and books as w... Read More

Normo

At Normo, the jute sacks of raw coffee beans are displayed on pallets on the floor. Owner Jens Oris has put an authentic coffee roaster in the middle of his business, and roasts the beans during norma... Read More

Revista

Revista combines coffee, free wifi and a whole array of international magazines and newspapers — the holy trinity for bloggers and fashion students. Revista also offers soups, filling salads and sandw... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

Barman hands pouring a lager beer in a glass.

Bar Paniek

Bar Paniek, an eclectic hub created by the Time Circus collective, offers an industrial grunge vibe in an artistically repurposed warehouse by the Kattendijkdok. With its unique decor of salvaged mate... Read More

BelRoy’s at Nine

Next to Antwerp’s Cathedral, you can enjoy great cocktails in an amazing setting. The building is over 200 years old! On a hot summer night you can have a seat in the inner courtyard. In winter, gathe... Read More

Cafe Beveren

Cafe Beveren is a cosy, unpretentious bar by the Scheldt river. It's a decidedly local place; there's no flashy facade to attract the tourists. However, this dive bar features a unique Decap dance org... Read More

Café Hopper

This jazz cafe has been named after the American painter, Edward Hopper and is widely known in Antwerp. The cafe has been hosting small live music events since its doors opened in 1991.

MAS Museum aan de Stroom Museum by the Stream

Café Storm

If you need to contemplate on your visit to the MAS museum, then you don’t have to go far. Located in the MAS building, Café Storm is the ideal place to relax and enjoy your drink. If you can, try to ... Read More

De Muze

De Muze is a monument of Antwerp's nightlife and jazz scene. Enjoy the numerous performances that take place here.

De Vagant

In De Vagant, you can sample a wide range of Belgian jenevers: more than 200 types! The café is located on an atmospheric, picturesque street with a beautiful view of the Cathedral.

Den Engel

Den Engel, just metres away from the city hall, is one of the most typical cafés in Antwerp. The history of the building dates back to the 14th century. The pints poured here are enjoyed by both young... Read More

Shopping

Around Central Station

Did you know that Antwerp has been the world's largest diamond centre for over 550 years? Hundreds of diamonds are traded here daily. More than 80% of all rough diamonds in the world pass through here... Read More

De Meir

The Meir is a pedestrianized shopping street that connects the central station to the historical centre of Antwerp. Here, international chains jostle for attention with small Antwerp designer boutique... Read More

Fashion District

The Modenatie building on the corner of Nationalestraat and Drukkerijstraat is the centre of this district, housing the Fashion Museum and the Fashion Academy. The area around Kammenstraat, Lombardenv... Read More

Het Zuid

South of the centre, between Amerikalei and the river, is the district known as het Zuid. Art and culture are the assets of this area, with important museums, numerous art galleries and renowned aucti... Read More

Historic City Centre

There is nowhere better to begin a shopping trip to Antwerp than in the traditional heart of the city — the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. The Grand Bazar Shopping Centre links Eiermarkt and Schoenmarkt... Read More

Kloosterstraat

Kloosterstraat remains Antwerp’s most compelling paradox. It's a street where 17th-century guildhouses jostle with avant-garde boutiques, and the scent of aged wood from antique shops mingles with esp... Read More

Kringwinkel

Antwerp has plenty of opportunities to shop second hand items, from clothing and books to furniture and interior design items, and everything in between. Kringwinkel is a long-standing charity shop, a... Read More

Quartier Latin

In Quartier Latin, also known as Theaterbuurt, you'll find the most upscale boutiques and specialty stores, antique and interior design shops. The Bourla on Graanmarkt and Stadsschouwburg theatre stil... Read More

Tourist Information

Italian passport pages with a lot of visa stamps

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Belgium, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Cana... Read More

Airports

When travelling to Antwerp from afar, you are most likely to fly to Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Airport (officially Brussels South Charleroi Airport, CRL). Belgium’s biggest and most important... Read More

Public Transport

Antwerp is a pocket-sized metropolis: compact and easy to navigate, even on foot. You can easily explore the city on foot. About 20% of the historic centre is car-free, and during many summer events, ... Read More

Taxi

In Antwerp, all official taxis have a permit from the City of Antwerp. You can recognise them by an illuminated taxi sign on the roof and a red license plate on the front. You pay a uniform tariff set... Read More

Electricity

In Belgium, power plugs type C and E are the official standards. The electrical plugs are compatible with type F plug with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 Volt and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Telephone

Country code: +32 Area code: (0)3

Velo

Since 2011, you can explore Antwerp with one of the thousand red-and-white city bikes, called Velos. Wherever you are in the city centre, there is always a Velo station within walking distance. You ca... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Antwerp?

The best time to visit Antwerp is during the spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city hosts various cultural events. Summer is also popular, but it can be crowded with tourists.

How many days should I plan to stay in Antwerp?

A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal to explore Antwerp's main attractions, including its historic center, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. This duration allows you to enjoy the city's art, architecture, and culinary scene without feeling rushed.

What are the must-see attractions in Antwerp?

Antwerp offers a range of attractions, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Antwerp Zoo, and the MAS Museum. Don't miss the Rubens House, the historic Grote Markt, and the bustling Meir shopping street.

How can I get around Antwerp?

Antwerp is well-connected by public transportation, including trams, buses, and trains. The city is also very walkable, and renting a bike is a popular option. Consider purchasing an Antwerp City Card for unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on attractions.

What local foods should I try in Antwerp?

In Antwerp, be sure to try local specialties such as Belgian waffles, Antwerpse Handjes (hand-shaped cookies), and stoofvlees (a Flemish beef stew). Pair your meals with Belgian beer, as Antwerp has a rich brewing tradition.

Are there any unique festivals or events in Antwerp?

Antwerp hosts several unique events, such as the Antwerp Pride in August and the Winter in Antwerp festival, which features Christmas markets and ice skating. The city also celebrates Rubensmarkt, a historical market event, in August.

What are some recommended day trips from Antwerp?

Consider day trips to nearby cities like Ghent and Bruges, both known for their beautiful medieval architecture. Alternatively, visit the Mechelen for its historical sites or the picturesque town of Lier, just a short train ride away.

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