An Antwerp Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery
Belgium is such a beautiful place with so much history and charm.
andi Dorfman
Antwerp is a city that doesn’t reveal itself all at once.
At first glance, it feels elegant and composed—historic squares, grand architecture, and a quiet sense of confidence. But spend even a short amount of time here, and you begin to notice something more layered beneath the surface. This is a city where history and creativity are constantly in conversation.
Art is at the center of that identity. The legacy of Flemish Masters such as Jan van Eyck, James Ensor, and Peter Paul Rubens is not confined to museums; it’s woven into the fabric of the city itself. Their influence still lingers, shaping how Antwerp sees itself and how it continues to evolve. At the same time, a new generation of artists, designers, and creatives pushes that story forward, giving the city an energy that feels both grounded and current.
Creativity Abounds
That creative spirit extends far beyond galleries. Antwerp has earned its place as one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, known for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. It’s a city where style feels intentional, not performative—where individuality is part of the landscape.
There’s also a rhythm to Antwerp that sets it apart. The city moves with purpose but never feels rushed. Whether you’re walking through its neighborhoods or following the steady flow of cyclists, there’s a sense of connection to place, to culture, and to daily life.
And then there’s the food. Antwerp’s culinary scene is as refined as it is approachable, with an impressive concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants alongside local spots that feel equally memorable. It’s a place where meals are not just part of the day, they are part of the experience.
Antwerp doesn’t try to compete for attention. It doesn’t need to. The more time you spend here, the more it reveals—through its art, its streets, its food, and its people.
It’s not just a city you visit. It’s one you come to understand.
Where is Antwerp, Belgium?
Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium, covering 78.96 square miles, and serves as the capital of Antwerp Province in the Flemish Region. Notably, Antwerp Province is the northernmost province in the Flemish Region (Flanders) and Belgium. The city has a population of around 520,000, making it Belgium’s most populous city center. Additionally, the greater metropolitan area has an estimated population of approximately 1,200,000, making it the second-largest urban region after Brussels.
Geographically, Antwerp is situated on the River Scheldt and is linked to the North Sea by the river’s Westerschelde estuary. Furthermore, the River Schelde, along with the Meuse and Rhine rivers, forms the largest estuary in Western Europe. The city is located about 25 miles north of Brussels and approximately 9 miles south of the Dutch border.
On the other hand, the Port of Antwerp is the second-largest seaport in Europe and one of the world’s most respected harbors. After World War II, the city’s harbor installations ballooned, and as a result, the city thrived. Initially, the growth occurred primarily on the right bank of the River Scheldt; however, in the 1970s, development also began on the left bank.
Map of Antwerp, Belgium
A City Shaped by Trade, Art, and Resilience
Antwerp’s history is one of rise, decline, and remarkable reinvention.
Its story begins along the banks of the River Scheldt, which positioned the city as one of Europe’s most important trading centers as early as the Middle Ages. By the 16th century, Antwerp had become one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in the world—a hub of commerce, finance, and culture that attracted merchants, bankers, and artists from across Europe.
This prosperity did not come without disruption. Political and religious conflicts, particularly during the Eighty Years’ War between Protestant northern provinces and the Catholic Spanish-controlled south, led to significant upheaval. Yet even in periods of decline, Antwerp found ways to adapt.
What makes Antwerp unique is not just its history of success, but its ability to recover and redefine itself. That pattern continues today, as the city remains a global center for trade, creativity, and culture.
The River Scheldt, at its Core
The River Scheldt has always been central to Antwerp’s identity.
In the late 16th century, access to the river was effectively cut off following the Fall of Antwerp in 1585, when the Dutch Republic closed the Scheldt to maritime traffic. This was a devastating blow, cutting the city off from international trade and triggering a long economic decline.
And yet, Antwerp endured.
Throughout the 17th century, the city remained a cultural powerhouse. Artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, and David Teniers the Younger helped define what would become known as the Flemish Baroque tradition. At the same time, the Plantin-Moretus printing house became one of the most important publishing centers in Europe, while skilled craftsmen, including renowned harpsichord builders, continued to shape the city’s reputation for excellence.
Despite this cultural vitality, economic recovery was limited while the Scheldt remained closed. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Antwerp began to regain its position. After the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the port briefly reopened, offering a glimpse of renewed prosperity.
Following Belgian independence in 1830, negotiations over access to the river continued until the Scheldt was permanently reopened in 1863. This marked a turning point. Antwerp quickly reestablished itself as a major international port, setting the foundation for the city’s modern economic strength.
Today, the Scheldt once again flows freely, and with it, Antwerp’s connection to the world. The port remains one of Europe’s largest, and the city continues to build on the momentum that began with its reopening.
Two Golden Ages
Historians often refer to Antwerp, Belgium, as a city of two Golden Ages.
The first took place during the 16th century, when Antwerp stood at the center of global trade. Merchants from across Europe, and beyond, gathered here to exchange goods, finance ventures, and build wealth. The city’s influence extended far beyond its borders, shaping economic networks across the continent.
This prosperity also fueled artistic innovation. Antwerp became a magnet for painters and thinkers who were drawn to its energy and opportunity. Artists experimented with new techniques, compositions, and subject matter, contributing to a cultural legacy that still defines the city today.
The second Golden Age is unfolding now.
Modern Antwerp has reemerged as a global leader in several industries, most notably as the world’s leading diamond trading center, where a significant portion of the world’s rough and polished diamonds pass through the city. But its influence goes beyond commerce.
Today’s Antwerp is also a center of fashion, design, and contemporary culture. It has built on its historic foundations to create something dynamic and forward-looking, a city that honors its past while continuing to evolve.
Heart of the Diamond World
In fact, 84% of the world’s mined diamonds are in Antwerp, which is why it is considered the center of the world diamond trade.
This prominence, however, is a relatively new development in Antwerp’s history. After WWII, the diamond trade began to return slowly. Specifically, in 1945, the government created the Diamond Office in the Antwerp diamond quarter to help regulate the import and export of diamonds from Antwerp. This facility was designed to streamline the diamond trade, making it as smooth as possible, with minimal interference and red tape.
Antwerp’s diamond district is an excellent example of the current state of the global diamond industry. In this district, Flemish, Jewish Orthodox, and Indian diamond dealers work alongside manufacturers, service providers, buyers, and traders of rough, polished, and processed diamonds from almost every country where diamonds are mined.
Additionally, it should be no surprise that the world’s most highly skilled diamond cutters are based here. The expertise and sophisticated financial and commercial infrastructure, which is unmatched worldwide, support the diamond culture here.
Furthermore, if you are the center of the diamond world, you would naturally expect a museum to follow suit. The DIVA Museum is, in fact, where you can learn about the Diamond Industry that has put Antwerp on the map.
TIP
This is a pricey city to visit. One way to keep costs down is to buy an Antwerp City Card. The card offers free museum entry, free public transport, discounted bike rental, free beer, and shopping discounts. Many city cards can be a bust, but this card is worth it. Learn more about the card by clicking here for the link.
Antwerp, Belgium – Interesting Facts
If you plan a trip to Antwerp, Belgium, here are some interesting facts that show this place has many more pleasant surprises.
- The official language of Antwerp is Dutch. However, the residents of this city also speak French and German fluently, as they are also the official languages of Belgium.
- The currency in Belgium is the euro.
- Johann Carolus published the first weekly newspaper of Europe (Relation) in Antwerp almost 400 years ago. The local authors recognize it as the first weekly newspaper in Europe, and the World Association of Newspapers accepts it.
- This city also played an essential role in World War I. It became the Belgian Army’s fallback point after its defeat in the Battle of Liege.
- Nazi Germany occupied Antwerp and its port during World War II following a series of military operations. The port of Antwerp was particularly vital to the Germans, as it helped the Allies (the United Kingdom and France) advance toward Germany. However, in September 1944, British troops from the Armored Division liberated both the port and the entire city after four years of German occupation.
Some Fun Facts
- Antwerp also has the world’s largest coffee storage site. The stock is currently in its port and holds more than 250,000 tons of coffee beans, enough for more than 27 billion cups of coffee. If you want to taste the world’s best coffee, you can visit famous coffee bars, such as Kaffeenini, Caffenation, and Kolonel Koffie.
- If you are an artist or an art student, you can’t call yourself a professional if you don’t visit the “Royal Academy for Fine Arts.” This academy is also one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. Though founded in 1663, today it is an internationally acclaimed institute for Fine Arts and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs to students.
- Historic and beautiful Antwerp hosted the 1920 Summer Olympics right after World War I. The international community awarded these games to Antwerp to renew its devastated spirit.
- You will find one of Europe’s oldest zoos here. This zoo rubs shoulders with history and impresses you with its old-fashioned architecture. It has almost 1,000 animal species. It is a great family activity. The authorities of Antwerp Zoo are proud of their many breeding programs for endangered species.
Top 12 Things to Do
If you are visiting Antwerp, Belgium, for the first time, here are the top 12 things to do to capture its fantastic vibe.
1. Visit Ruben’s house, built by Flemish artist Pieter Paul Rubens. Peter Paul Rubens was a brilliant and versatile artist, and you can visit his “palazetto” in the center of Antwerp. The master lived with his family for years and painted with his colleagues and assistants in a studio he designed. There is, of course, a permanent collection and special exhibitions. It is a well-done tour with a fascinating history and audio stories about the artist, his family, and the home’s history. Worth a visit.
2. Explore the Red Star Line Museum, which offers a memorable trip back in time. Between 1873 and 1934, over two million passengers sailed from Antwerp on Red Star Line ships, the great majority of them immigrants bound for America. This is a fascinating museum with beautiful exhibits. It deals directly with immigration in an informative and enlightening way that everyone should see.
3. Are you interested in artifacts & artwork? Check out the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom, or Museum by the Stream), located along the River Scheldt in the Eilandje district of Antwerp. It opened in May 2011 and is the largest museum in Antwerp. The central focus is Antwerp and its connection to the world. It is superb and has lovely views.
Another stunning city in Belgium, Ghent, is a short distance from Antwerp. Check out our blog post on this fascinating city: Top Things to do in Ghent, Belgium.
4. Spend time along the core of what makes Antwerp what it is, the River Scheldt. Feel the energy and vitality of Antwerp’s port-city hub. Though it is industrial and has many massive wind turbines, it is still a sight to behold. The Port Authority building is quite impressive in its own right. An easy way to get there is to take the water bus near the Grote Markt. You can tour the port and the Schelde River for a few euros.
5. The Antwerp Zoo is also a great attraction for tourists. It is open 365 days a year in the center of Antwerp, next to the Antwerpen-Centraal train station. It is the oldest animal park in the country and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.
6. Visit Steen Castle, Het Steen (which stands for the rock), as it is called in Antwerp, is a medieval fortress in the old city center of Antwerp, Belgium. The surviving structure was built between 1200 and 1225 as a gateway to a larger castle of the Dukes of Brabant. As the first stone fortress in Antwerp, Het Steen is the city’s oldest building. It is a photogenic castle with a fantastic entrance bridge.
For more information on the city, check out the official tourism site for Antwerp, Belgium.
7. Take a trip to De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery. Belgium is known for its beer; visiting this city without learning about it would be missing part of its pulse. Get fully immersed in the Belgian beer world and discover all its secrets.
There are many breweries, and De Koninck is number one on TripAdvisor. Other breweries worth visiting include Speciale Belge Taproom and Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie.
8. Explore Antwerp by bike. You can rent a bike and ride independently with the many online route guides. There are also many guided bike tours to check out all the city’s significant sites.
9. You are in the Diamond Capital of the World, so take in the DIVA museum, the new diamond museum in Antwerp. The museum’s collection “features over 500 objects that detail the story of Antwerp’s history with diamonds and gemstones.”
10. Do you love railway stations? Well, you are in luck. Antwerp Central Train Station is an absolute must-do when in the city. The gorgeous railway station of Antwerp is a sight for sore eyes. It has a kingly presence but also features modern industrial elements, which make it warmer and more elegant. Even if you aren’t taking a train there, make a point to stop by.
If you want more inspiration and visit other parts of Belgium, check out our Belgium Travel Guide. It will help you plan your trip and save money.
11. Wander in awe in The Cathedral of Our Lady. The Roman Catholic Gothic-style cathedral is in the heart of Antwerp. Construction started in 1352, and although the first stage was completed in 1521, the structure itself has never been ‘completed.’ It contains several significant works by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, as well as paintings by artists such as Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de Vos. It is stunning both inside and out!
12. Shop to your heart’s content on Antwerp’s Meir. Whether you are just window shopping or people-watching, it will undoubtedly be quite an experience. Meir is, in fact, the number-one shopping street in Antwerp and the most prominent in all of Belgium. Conveniently located in the core of Antwerp, it is very pedestrian-friendly. Therefore, take a lovely afternoon stroll while viewing the shops’ grand window displays and the ornate Rococo architecture.
Moreover, while shopping in Meir, make sure to visit Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Center. The Center is often referred to as the beating heart of Antwerp. It is, after all, the place where 6.5 million people a year enjoy a unique shopping experience in a beautifully restored environment (the city’s former event hall) that exudes luxury and grandeur. As a result, it draws shoppers from all over the world.
The Most Attractive Features
In our opinion, the most attractive features of Antwerp were Steen Castle and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
The Castle
Steen Castle is the oldest building in Antwerp and features Roman-era architecture. It has a glorious past and is a symbol of art and ancient architecture. This castle was built in the early medieval period to prevent Viking incursions. Therefore, you will find a lot of the history of Europe’s wars here. This castle has 11 rooms. Walking through them, you learn about Antwerp’s history and get a first-hand look at castle life.
The Cathedral of Our Lady
After 169 years of construction, the Cathedral of Our Lady has dominated Antwerp’s skyline since 1521. Standing at about 360 feet, it is, in fact, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. As a result, the Cathedral is an iconic treasure, housing an impressive collection of marvelous art, including a series of paintings by Rubens.
Moreover, it has been undergoing a twenty-year renovation, and the seven-nave church has finally been restored to its former architectural glory. Some of the most beautiful features include Rubens’ Elevation of the Cross and his Descent from the Cross. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and in hindsight, we wish we could’ve spent more time there.
Dining in Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is a culinary hub known worldwide for its gastronomic excellence. It has over 100 Michelin Antwerpen restaurants alone. However, many superb restaurants are not even listed in the Michelin Guide. We arrived late, and we were not able to enjoy dinner in the city. That was such a disappointment. We did look at reviews, and there were many wonderful options to choose from.
Foods Not to Miss While in Antwerp
1. This may sound cliché, but you are in Belgium, so get some local Belgian Waffles. They are a specialty here. A favorite place for waffles in Antwerp is La Gaufrerie, next to the Cathedral of Our Lady.
2. Chocolate—Belgium is famous for its chocolate, so you will see chocolate shops everywhere in Antwerp. There are many world-famous brands in Antwerp, but nothing beats locally made chocolate. Sjokolat was one of these hidden gems.
Belgian chocolate is a great gift for family and friends. But don’t forget to bring some home for yourself, too.
How Do You Get to Antwerp, Belgium
From Brussels airport
Brussels Airport is Belgium’s largest airport. By train, you can reach Antwerp Central Station in 36 minutes. Then, take the Intercity Direct to Amsterdam Central.
You can also take a long-distance bus to the Antwerp center, choosing the Airport Express or the BlaBlaBus. You can buy a ticket for this via the website. The bus stops are directly below the arrivals hall, at level 0.
Taxis and Uber are available from the airport. However, the distance between Antwerp and Brussels is more than 25 miles, so the ride cost is steep.
By Car
When we traveled to Belgium, we had a rental car. We found the roadways excellent with clear signage, but once in the city, it was a bit more complicated and stressful. Though we did not arrive or leave during rush hour, we heard it can be challenging to get around—plan to park and walk or take excellent public transportation.
Our hotel provides parking, but we are told parking can be hard to find, and it is best to reserve a space via Mobypark before your arrival. We did not use this service and can not vouch for it.
By Train
Antwerpen Centraal Station is the ideal station to go to if you want to visit Antwerp. You can walk from the station to the Meir Shopping area in minutes. Antwerp has other stations as well. Depending on your destination, you can see which is closest to you.
Where to Stay In Antwerp, Belgium
As we mentioned, we only had one night in Antwerp, but we did stay, in our opinion, in the perfect location. We were at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town. The hotel is in the heart of Old Town, overlooking the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Town square and steps from the waterfront. Shops, restaurants, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum are a short walk from our door. Antwerp Zoo and Antwerp Central Rail Station are within a couple of miles. We loved the Old Town area, and it would be a great choice if you could stay there.
We stayed there for free using Hilton points. Check out our blog post to learn more about traveling for free. Want to travel for free? Let us show you how.
When planning a trip, it’s always wise to compare accommodation prices across different platforms. Expedia, based in the U.S., and Booking.com, based in Europe, don’t always feature the same properties, so checking both can give you the best range of options. We prefer Booking.com for its user-friendly interface and wide selection, but we always recommend double-checking the hotel or vacation rental’s official website. Sometimes, you’ll find exclusive deals or perks when booking directly.
Click the link below to explore hotels and vacation homes in the area you are planning to visit. Who knows? It might be just the spark you need to start planning your next grand adventure.
When to Visit Antwerp and for How Long?
Summer is an ideal time to visit Antwerp, with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and long daylight hours lasting nearly 15 hours each day.
It is also the busiest season, with increased tourism and many locals away on holiday, giving the city a slightly different pace.
To truly appreciate Antwerp, we recommend spending at least two days. While it’s possible to see the highlights in a shorter visit—we did so in one night—it comes at the cost of depth.
This is a city that invites you to linger. Beyond its landmarks, Antwerp reveals itself through its food, its neighborhoods, and the moments in between.
Final Thoughts
Because of its history and global influence, Antwerp carries a quiet confidence that draws travelers from around the world. It is, at its core, a cosmopolitan city—shaped by centuries of trade, creativity, and cultural exchange. There’s a sense that everything has a place here, from historic landmarks to modern design, from tradition to innovation.
What stands out most is how naturally the city balances its past with its present. Antwerp feels both established and evolving. It has an energy that is youthful without losing its depth, and a respect for history that never feels heavy.
In our time there, what stayed with us most was the sense of community. There is a genuine pride among the people who call Antwerp home. We found the city welcoming, easy to navigate, and comfortable to explore at our own pace. It felt safe, clean, and thoughtfully maintained—details that make a difference when you’re experiencing a place for the first time.
Antwerp doesn’t demand your attention. It earns it.
So, are you ready to experience it for yourself?
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