Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium, is known as the diamond capital of the world. It’s home to more than 100 diamond enterprises, and half of all rough diamonds sold globally pass through the city. However, Antwerp has much more to offer than just diamonds (though it does have several museums that are worth visiting). Here are things to do in Antwerp that will make the most of your visit to this historical city:

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Visit the Magnificent Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum sits in the former warehouses of the day’s largest shipping company. The museum has passenger sailing ships that brought Europeans to North America between 1873 and 1934. The museum’s exhibits focus on the journey itself, with many models, photographs, documents, and scale models. Today, the Red Star Line Museum depicts the narrative of these passengers, from Belgian aristocrats to slaves and commoners. If you enjoy ships, this is the place to go in Antwerp, Belgium.

Shop at Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre

Antwerp’s Stadsfeestzaal is a commercial area in a historic conference hall used for music and entertainment. The shopping center contains 40 shops, including big names like H&M and Zara. You can even catch a movie at the Pathé Cinema, which is right next door. Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre is near the middle of Antwerp, making it easy to visit. This shopping center houses a variety of domestic and foreign stores, including Urban Outfitters and Delifrance.

Explore the Historic Mas Museum

The Mas Museum is Antwerp’s largest museum, housing around 10,000 works of art. The Museo de Arte de Antwerpen features works by Belgian and Dutch painters. This museum is based around a sculpture garden that contains a large number of sculptures, including busts and bronzes. The collection concentrates on the visual arts created in Belgium but also includes examples from other countries as well.

The museum is a must-see in Antwerp. Permanent exhibits of over 500,000 museum collection pieces and temporary exhibits present a unique vision of Antwerp and its centuries of global contact. Depending on when you go, there will be a different temporary exhibition that you can see. Simply go to the MAS Museum’s Facebook page for further information.

Visit the iconic Antwerp Town Square

The Guild House, a Gothic edifice on the town square, contains Museum De Hallen, a permanent city display. The Stopera Tower stands at one end of this square, dominating it like a lighthouse. The River Scheldt flows through this square, where students at the Royal Academy Shipyards and townspeople enjoy the day. Around the town square are small cafés, international restaurants, and tea houses for lunch or tea before touring the city. Antwerp Town Square is free to explore after viewing another attraction.

Marvel at the Architecture of Antwerp Central Station

Antwerp Central Station is a beautiful building that dates back to 1885 and is located right in the center of Antwerp, Belgium. The station’s architecture was inspired by the Beaux-Arts style, which gives it a distinctive look. Inside the station, you will find the beautiful Hall of Arts and the Bookseller’s Hall. While there, take a moment to look outside at its unique railway stations, which are constructed from iron and glass.

It is a popular Antwerp tourist attraction and was voted the number one travel attraction in Europe by Lonely Planet. You will not want to miss this beautiful site when visiting Antwerp. There are numerous photo options, whether it’s with the stunning stained glass ceiling or one of the towering ancient boulders that support the massive structure of the building. The view of Antwerp that you get from this railway station is beautiful, as it takes in the city’s famous architecture.

Taste Belgian Beer at De Koninck

It is an Antwerp brewery that makes several different Belgian beers. The brewery was founded in 1881 and produced beer, witbier, and lambic. The brewery’s products are sold in Belgium and exported to other countries. De Koninck is located right near the station, so you can easily visit this beautiful Antwerp tourist attraction. This is the best venue in Antwerp to sample Belgian beers. This brewery sells De Koninck Original, Tripel D’Anvers, and Wild Blond Jo. If you want to try traditional Belgian beers at one of Antwerp’s oldest breweries, this is the place to go. You can take one of their brief tours to learn about beer making in Antwerp, Belgium.

Check out the Jewelry at Diva Antwerp Home of Diamonds

Antwerp’s Diva Antwerp Home of Diamonds sells diamond jewelry. You can find some fabulous jewelry here, from engagement rings to necklaces to bracelets. This family-owned company uses the latest technology and machinery to cut diamonds. If you are looking for a great place to shop in Antwerp, Belgium, this is the place to go. It is a beautiful store with many different kinds of diamonds, including emeralds, rubies, and more.

Diva Antwerp Home of Diamonds is a business that takes great pride in its products and fine jewelry. This business prioritizes quality craftsmanship and customer service, so you can find the best exquisite jewelry in Antwerp. This museum shows gemstones, diamonds, gold jewelry, and silver items and also organizes workshops where you can build your bespoke jewelry.

Learn about the process of printing at Museum Plantin

In the late 16th century, the printing industry began in Antwerp. The city was a leader in this process, as well as being a center of trade in Europe. Napoleon moved all of France’s lithography presses to Antwerp in 1811, and plantin-moretus chronicles this era. The museum is in the Plantin-Moretus complex, the world’s oldest printing establishment. This museum helps visitors understand lithography, painters, engravers, and the entire print business.

You’ll learn how printing started, how it’s changed, and how to preserve it. This is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves history and wants to learn more about printmaking in Antwerp. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in literature or the history of the printing press. The museum focuses on Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus, two 16th-century printers who helped spread books and literature.

Visit the animals in Antwerp Zoo

Located on the eastern side of Antwerp, Antwerp Zoo is a beautiful zoo that accommodates more than 2,500 animals from 750 species. The animals range from gorillas to meerkats and from orangutans to rhinos. The zoo has wide regions where animals can wander and attractions like the Giraffe Pavilion. “Travel + Leisure” magazine named Antwerp’s zoo the world’s best.

This museum is a great experience for those who love animals, as well as those who enjoy an educational experience. Antwerp Zoo is a popular place for school outings, and youngsters learn about the animals through daylong programs. Antwerp Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon or a full day in the sun amid intriguing animals. This is a great place for kids to learn about and interact with animals.

View the exhibits at the Rockox House

The Rockox House is a historic building in Antwerp and the oldest residential house in Belgium. It was built in 1516, rebuilt after war damage, and renovated again in 2007. This antique house is located on the Rockoxstraat off the Meir. The Landscape section of Rockox House contains a variety of sculpture exhibitions of famous Belgian roses such as Anonyma, Flanders pink, Yellow rose, and numerous other varieties. The house also hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of different topics. The museum also includes a garden, and there is also a café that you can visit.

Many tourists visit Antwerp and want to learn more about the history of Belgium, so this is the perfect place to go. It is easy to get to from the Central Station in Antwerp, and it offers lots of interesting temporary exhibitions. You will enjoy your time at Rockox House. Visitors can now see the house’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture, engravings, and paintings, as well as visit the herb garden to savor some distinctive scents and learn more about various local herbs used in cuisine.

Visit the Cathedral of our Lady

The Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful cathedral located in the center of Antwerp. It is one of the most important cathedrals in Belgium, and it was built in 1119. The cathedral of our Lady was originally constructed by a group of monks led by Robert, Count of Flanders. The church was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1951. This cathedral is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and also for its pointed archway on the western front, which stands out compared to other cathedrals because it is unique. The cathedral is a beautiful and unique experience for anyone visiting Antwerp.

The architecture of the cathedral of Our Lady is part of the city’s identity and makes this a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Antwerp. The cathedral features many different styles of architecture, including Gothic and Baroque, which combined make the church unique compared to other churches in Belgium. The special architecture makes the church an important landmark in Antwerp, as well as a popular tourist destination for both tourists and locals. If you are looking for a unique and historical cultural experience, the cathedral of Our Lady is the absolute best place to visit.

Relax with some Soothing Jazz at De Muze

The music venue de Muze is one of the most popular jazz clubs in Antwerp. Located on the Zuidkruiskade, it hosts numerous concerts every week that are free to the public. The club also has a restaurant named ‘t Kaboutershuis, which serves French and Belgian food and a variety of dishes that can be enjoyed while listening to some local and international jazz. The popular musician Django Bates performs there regularly with his band and other famous artists such as Ron Blake and Jim Mullen.

De Muze is a great spot to see and listen to live jazz. You will hear everything from smooth and soothing music to raunchy jazz that will get you moving, as well as traditional jazz from the 1970s and 1980s. De Muze has excellent food, great drinks, and a unique atmosphere that every music lover should experience. The club is open every night until 2:00 AM, and it hosts live music several nights of the week. De Muze is one of the best places to go at night to hear good music, meet locals, and enjoy some good food.

Tour the stunning Ruben’s House

This historic house located near the Port of Antwerp is a remarkable example of Art Nouveau architecture and is, therefore, a popular spot for travelers. The house was built in 1900 by Louis Rubens, and it has been beautifully restored. The building was originally designed as the home of Louis’ father-in-law, Charles Emile Jules Muret, who was an important figure in the history of Belgium. The exterior of the house has recently been restored with a traditional design, and the architectural style reflects Muret’s taste.

The interior of the house has been separated into small rooms, each with its decorative flourish, and this helps to preserve the original interior design. This is a great place to visit because it gives you an interesting look into the life of this important figure in Belgian history. The house is located in the city center, so it is easy to get to from everywhere in Antwerp. The house has earned a reputation for being one of the most beautiful houses in all of Belgium. This historic house is a unique experience for visitors coming to Antwerp, and it makes this a must-see attraction for anyone who visits the city.

The Art Nouveau architecture reflects Muret’s taste and makes this a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Antwerp.

Buy Authentic Diamonds from Antwerp’s Diamond

The Diamond District is a popular tourist attraction in Antwerp. The district has been shaped by the natural gas that lies beneath the city, which led to coal being mined here as long ago as the 17th century. It was during this time that diamonds were discovered, and they were sold as early as 1685. The area saw a sudden boom in demand for diamonds when it was discovered that diamonds could be used to make brilliant cutting tools and industrial applications, such as armor plating or soldering schemes, which made them very profitable.

The Diamond District is a popular place to visit when shopping for diamond jewelry, and there are many different stores located here, all of which sell famous brands such as Brioni, Cartier, and Harry Winston. The Diamond District is also a great place to visit if you simply want to see diamonds that have been shaped by nature and made into beautiful pieces of jewelry. There are plenty of stores selling stunning jewelry in the district, so don’t miss this unique experience.

Take some Photos at Het Steen

The Steen is a popular place for tourists looking for unique and different photo opportunities in Antwerp. The Steen was originally the name of a mill owned by the Dukes of Brabant, which was located on the banks of the Scheldt canal. The history of the abbey-museum and church complex can be traced back to 1083 when it was founded by bishop Hedwig and was established as a place where books were stored between religious periods. The church was named after the first ruler of the Kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, by his sister Marie-José. From 1833 to 1838, the abbey was transformed into a museum after being used as a museum since 1773.

Nowadays, the Steen is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, and it is where you can see paintings from important artists in Belgium, such as Antwerp masters Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, and Bouts. The complex is also home to a Roman temple and a 14th-century tower which was used as a fortress. There are many different monuments to see at the Steen, making it a great place to visit if you want some unique photo opportunities in Antwerp.

Enjoy french fries at Frites Atelier

Frites Atelier is one of the best places in Antwerp to enjoy a plate of fries and some good Belgian beer. The restaurant serves one of the most delicious ways to eat French fries with various toppings that can be combined in any way you choose. The restaurant also serves a variety of different beers, which makes it a great place to go if you just want to enjoy a traditional Belgian meal and some drinks with friends or family.

Check out the Contemporary Art at Extra City Kunsthal

Extra City is a contemporary art gallery that has been showcased in Antwerp since 2000. The location of the gallery is in a very central position, which makes it easy to visit if you want to see some art. Extra City is a great place to visit if you are looking for both national and international contemporary art exhibitions. Some of the famous artists that have had their work displayed here include Sophie Calle, Louise Bourgeois, Mike Kelley, and Robert Rauschenberg. The gallery also has a wide range of different paintings from both Belgian and international artists, which makes it a popular place for visitors coming to Antwerp for any reason. You can learn more about each show and express your interest on their Facebook page.

Appreciate nature at Antwerp City Park

Antwerp City Park is a beautiful place for anyone interested in nature. It is the largest park in Belgium and it used to have a lake, but the lake has since been drained so that the park could be restored. The park has experienced a recent major revival with new trees being planted and ponds being created, which gives it a completely different appearance.

There are plenty of different plants that can be found here, making this a great place to visit if you are looking for some green spaces to spend time in. It is also a great place to visit if you want to walk around and enjoy nature, as the park covers 1.6 km². The park also has a variety of different sports centers that are open to the public and it is home to many events throughout the year including cinema under the stars, music concerts, and exhibitions. It is also possible to rent one of the many calm spaces in the park to hold your events such as company meetings or weddings.

Visit the beautiful Saint Carolus Church

Saint Carolus Borromeus is one of the most beautiful churches in Antwerp. The church was built between 1470 and 1520 and it is located in a very beautiful area that has been restored. There is also a very interesting museum, which contains great pieces of art from artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt. The church is currently home to an important baroque organ dating from 1665, which has been restored and is now in working order.

The church is open for public viewing and it is a very popular location for tourists since it has been used as the location for many films. It is also possible to hear wonderful concerts and the organ can be heard every Tuesday at ten in the morning. This is the place to go if you want to learn more about the Jesuit faith and its history in Antwerp. Otherwise, Saint Carolus Borromeus Building is still an incredible destination worth seeing if you are interested in the church’s unique old-world design and want to grab a gorgeous image of the church for the ‘gram.

Go boating from Antwerp Harbour

The Antwerp Harbour is one of the main attractions in Antwerp. It is a great place to go boating if you would like to see some beautiful views of the city from the Scheldt river. You can also rent boats if you are an experienced sailor, which is an activity that many people enjoy doing when visiting Antwerp.

The harbour has been used for centuries for both cargo and passenger ships and it is a very popular attraction for tourists visiting the city. It is also possible to go swimming here, which is a great way to relax in the summer since it’s only a short walk from the centre of Antwerp.

This is the place to go if you want to learn more about the Jesuit faith and its history in Antwerp. Otherwise, Saint Carolus Borromeus Building is still an incredible destination worth seeing if you are interested in the church’s unique old-world design and want to grab a gorgeous image of the church for the ‘gram.

Delve into the World of Chocolate at Chocolate Nation

A visit to Antwerp is not complete without learning more about the city’s famous chocolate brand. There are many chocolate shops throughout the city, and each one has a slightly different flavour. Chocolate Nation is one of the most popular places to buy handmade chocolate in Antwerp. They sell many products that are all made by their master chocolatier and they have a much wider range of chocolates than you can find at any other store in Antwerp. They also sell handmade marzipan and handmade biscuits which are very popular. The tunnel’s main attraction is its original wooden escalators, which are popular with both visitors and residents looking for a unique photo opportunity.

Check out the Old-fashioned Escalators

St. Anna’s pedestrian tunnel is a tunnel that goes under a road in Antwerp, connecting two neighbourhoods. The tunnel is known for its old-fashioned escalators. These are not the traditional metal escalators that you find in most modern buildings, but they are wooden escalators with metal steps. The escalators in St. Anna’s tunnel are made out of a special kind of wood that only grows in the area around Antwerp. This is how they were able to add them to an old tunnel in the heart of the city without making it look like it belonged elsewhere.

The tunnel has been used by people for many centuries, no one knows how far back, but it is said that there was a small chapel inside the tunnel at some point because there is a stone near the entrance commemorating its past. The tunnel’s biggest draw is its original wooden escalators, which are popular with both visitors and locals looking for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity.

Sample the delicacies at The Jane

The Jane is a small garden located in the centre of Antwerp. It is a perfect place to go for a walk and enjoy the calm atmosphere of the city at the same time. There are many different types of plants growing around the small garden, with all kinds of colours and scents. The Jane is also known for its large variety of flowers which attract many different types of butterflies to the garden. The Jane also has a small fenced-off area with all kinds of birdfeeders.

You are sure to be able to see lots of different birds in the garden, either resting on the flowers or flying around. It is well-known among the top echelons of Belgian society for its 14-course meal containing high-quality ingredients. Even if you’re just looking for a quick and refreshing drink after a long and enjoyable day of sightseeing, The Jane’s bar on the second level of the restaurant dishes up numerous fantastic wines, beers, and spirits for you to enjoy.

Dine at Falafel Tof

Falafel Tof is located in the heart of an old warehouse. The restaurant is known for its authentic falafel and shawarma, made with high-quality ingredients. They also sell burgers and vegetarian dishes. Falafel Tof was opened in 2005 by a group of young entrepreneurs who wanted to bring a taste of their home country to Antwerp. This trendy restaurant has become a popular place for students from the nearby university to go and enjoy good food after class. Falafel Tof is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a nice, quick lunch during your trip to Antwerp. If you are health-conscious or simply want a good yet healthy dinner while on vacation, this is the place to go.

Pray at St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church is a beautiful baroque church built in the 1800s in Antwerp. It is located on the banks of the Scheldt river, so it’s a popular place for visitors who are going to see the city from a new perspective. The reason why this church is so popular with visitors from outside of Belgium is because of its historical significance, as it was originally built in 1765 as an Anglican prayer hall for British soldiers who were stationed in Antwerp at the time. The church is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm, so it’s a popular place for tourists and locals to visit throughout the day. The church has many different services and masses available daily for you to attend, including English and Spanish masses for tourists.

Explore Musical Instruments at Museum Vleeshuis

Museum Vleeshuis (The Flea House) is a small museum located in the center of Antwerp. It focuses mainly on the history of musical instruments, but it also has some other weird and wonderful exhibits for you to enjoy. It is home to over 50 antique musical instruments from various times throughout the world, including several flutes, a wooden harp, and even 3 ancient cat-o-nine-tails made out of iron that was used to punish criminals during the Middle Ages. If you are a musical instrument enthusiast or a history buff, this museum is the perfect place for you to visit. It also has some great exhibits on other things such as comics and patents. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, so it’s the perfect place for a quick yet interesting visit for anyone visiting Antwerp.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Meir Shopping Street

Meir Shopping Street is a popular shopping area located in central Antwerp. It is known as the most important shopping street in the city and is home to lots of different high-end stores as well as some independent boutiques. It also has several small shops and cafes where you can grab a quick drink or bite to eat while you are shopping. The Meir Shopping Street is not just an ordinary shopping street; it stretches over 2 kilometres and passes various buildings. It was named after the Meir river, which is located in the northern part of Antwerp and passes under the street. The name is derived from the Dutch word “meren”, which means “seas”. This shopping street has been popular with shoppers since 1863 and is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Antwerp.

Party at Ampere

If you are looking for a wild night out while on holiday in Antwerp then Ampere is the place to be. This legendary nightclub is located in the heart of Antwerp’s popular entertainment district, near the Scheldt river. This nightclub is a favourite among tourists and locals alike for its great atmosphere and fantastic music. It was built in 2013 and has been one of the most popular nightclubs ever since. Ampere regularly hosts various big-name DJs from around the world and it has even featured in some cool music videos. It is located in the most famous area of Antwerp, so it’s a great place to have a good time if you are looking for a cheap yet fun night out. The club also has a restaurant where you can enjoy drinks and other tasty dishes while you enjoy the music and atmosphere.

The Rubens House

The Rubens House was built in 1755 by the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. The house is located in the middle of Antwerp on a quiet street behind Saint Catherine’s Hospital. It was built to be a place for Rubens to enjoy himself and escape from his hectic work life. This is where he would paint, listen to music and write. It is the only place where he lived and worked in the city of Antwerp, so it’s a pretty important building when it comes to Ruben’s studies. It is open throughout the week from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and on weekends from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Rubens House also offers guided tours of Ruben’s atelier during certain times of the day.

Grote Markt

The heart of Antwerp is the Grote Markt, a large square in the city’s historic core. If you only have time to see one thing in Antwerp, make it this plaza. You may find a lot of great places to dine and drink, as well as some stunning homes, the city hall, and the like in this area. The city’s 16th-century city hall and the shining guild houses create a picturesque backdrop.

Grote Markt in the summer is a great place to people-watch. Weekends and certain times of the year are when local markets, such as the world-famous Antwerp Christmas market, take over the space. After window-shopping or taking in the sights to your heart’s content, stop in at one of the numerous neighboring restaurants or cafes.

Antwerp is a great place to visit with lots to see, do and eat. All of the things on this list are very popular among tourists and locals alike, so they are guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience. As Antwerp is one of the most popular cities in Belgium, expect it to be full of people all the time. However, for those staying for short periods, planning will allow you to avoid the long waiting lines that can occur during the peak tourist season from May through September.