26 Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium, Antwerp, Belgium
When you think of Belgium, the first thoughts that probably come to mind are chocolates, waffles, and maybe Brussels or Bruges. But there’s a gem that should absolutely be on your travel radar: Antwerp.
There are so many great things to do in Antwerp that we couldn’t fit everything in on our long weekend there.
Belgium’s second-largest city offers a beautiful old town, museums, and loads of fab bars and pubs to have a Belgian beer or two.
The author: we spent 6 days in Antwerp, which was our second holiday in Belgium. We managed to do over 150,000 steps in total, and sampled… more than a few Belgian beers! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or anything you think we’ve missed!
The Grote Markt is the heart of Antwerp’s historic city centre. Surrounded by beautifully ornate 16th-century guildhalls, the square is also home to the City Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the centre of the square is the Brabo Fountain, depicting the legend of Silvius Brabo, who is said to have defeated a giant who terrorised the Scheldt River. Look for the water squirting from his cut-off head and hand!
The square is perfect for a short walk at any time of day, with its cobblestone streets and charming cafes. If you like Christmas markets then consider visiting during December, when Grote Markt turns into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink too. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
There are so many great things to do in Antwerp that we couldn’t fit everything in on our long weekend there.
Belgium’s second-largest city offers a beautiful old town, museums, and loads of fab bars and pubs to have a Belgian beer or two.
The author: we spent 6 days in Antwerp, which was our second holiday in Belgium. We managed to do over 150,000 steps in total, and sampled… more than a few Belgian beers! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or anything you think we’ve missed!
The Grote Markt is the heart of Antwerp’s historic city centre. Surrounded by beautifully ornate 16th-century guildhalls, the square is also home to the City Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the centre of the square is the Brabo Fountain, depicting the legend of Silvius Brabo, who is said to have defeated a giant who terrorised the Scheldt River. Look for the water squirting from his cut-off head and hand!
The square is perfect for a short walk at any time of day, with its cobblestone streets and charming cafes. If you like Christmas markets then consider visiting during December, when Grote Markt turns into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink too. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: 26 Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
Guide Location: Belgium » Antwerp
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Tim Shaw
Read it on Author's Website: https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-antwerp/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Belgium » Antwerp
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Tim Shaw
Read it on Author's Website: https://travelsoffthecuff.com/best-things-to-do-in-antwerp/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Grote Markt
- City Hall
- Brabo Fountain
- B&B Suites FEEK
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Astoria Hotel Antwerp
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- Vlaeykensgang
- Het Steen Castle
- Antwerp Central Station
- De Ruien
- Sint-Annatunnel
- Begijnhof
- Rubenshuis
- Museum aan de Stroom
- Red Star Line Museum
- Nello and Patrasche
- DIVA museum
- Plantin-Moretus Museum
- Antwerp Fashion Museum
- Museum Mayer van den Bergh
- FoMu
- Middelheim Museum
- Rockox House
- Letterenhuis
Insider Tips for Antwerp, Belgium
Visiting Antwerp for The First Time
I wrote this guide to visiting Antwerp for the first time after visiting Antwerp for the second time ?
My first visit to Antwerp was on a day trip from Brussels. That was a few years ago, and I realised that one day in Antwerp wasn’t quite enough.
You can definitely see quite a few things in one day, but there’s a lot more to do and see in Antwerp.
My first visit to Antwerp was on a day trip from Brussels. That was a few years ago, and I realised that one day in Antwerp wasn’t quite enough.
You can definitely see quite a few things in one day, but there’s a lot more to do and see in Antwerp.
15 Essential Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
When I lived in Belgium as a young kid, Antwerp was the nearest big city to us. We were in a small town so Antwerp felt enormous in comparison. As it turns out Antwerpen is actually that large, being Belgium’s 2nd largest metropolitan area after the capital, Brussels.
Let Rubens Guide You in his Hometown Antwerp
What better way to discover Antwerp than to follow in the footsteps of its greatest master, Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)! Admire his artwork, visit his house, meet his friends and discover the places he frequented during the Golden Age of the harbour city on the Scheldt River.
Discovering the Authentic Essence in Antwerp
When it comes to exploring new destinations, tourists are often enticed by the prospect of visiting renowned museums, indulging in local culinary delights, or even getting their hands on precious gemstones. However, what if I were to tell you that there is more to Antwerp than these usual attractions? Antwerp, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Belgium, holds an authentic charm that goes... view more
Monumental Highlights in Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium’s port city. The city is known for the historical landmarks, architectural masterpieces and cultural events. From medieval cathedrals to guild houses, the city’s skyline tells a story of its past as a centre of trade, art and innovation. In this article I will take you through the best monumental highlights in Antwerp. From the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady and the historic... view more
Antwerp, Belgium, by Lorelei
The last leg of our trip was to go to Antwerp before heading back to Brussels to hop on our plane. Antwerp is just another big city but it has, in my opinion, a lot of French style buildings.
Insider Tips Overview
