Antwerp, what to see in the city of Flanders: places of interest

In our guide, you will find useful information about the city, its history, and its culture. A valuable aid to better organize your trip, knowing what to do and what to see in Antwerp.

When planning your trip, knowing where Antwerp is located will help you understand the best way to approach this city. Located right in the center of Europe, it has had various influences thanks to its position that make it very unique compared to many other European cities.

There are many things that will surprise you about this city and, through this guide, we want to give you some advice on how to best organize your days, illustrating what to do in Antwerp: what to see and what to visit.

What to see in Antwerp: places of interest

During your trip to Antwerp, Belgium, you must not miss these places, among the most beautiful in the city.

1 Cathedral of Antwerp

The Cathedral of Antwerp is known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp and is one of the most visited monuments in the city. Entirely in Gothic style, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is certainly one of the first things to include on the list “Antwerp: what to visit”.

2 Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the heart of the Old Town. A little curiosity about this place: the buildings that surround it are faithful reconstructions of the originals, destroyed in a fire in the 1800s.

3 The Antwerp City Hall

The Antwerp City Hall: a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Northern Europe.

4 The Port of Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe, it is navigable and definitely worth visiting. To be included in the list “Antwerp things to see”.

5 Rubenshuis

Rubenshuis is the villa where the painter Peter Paul Rubens lived. Inside you can find many of his works perfectly preserved over time.

5 The Church of Saint Charles Borromeo

The Church of Saint Charles Borromeo is truly evocative, also thanks to the works carried out by the painter Peter Paul Rubens. It is located in Hendrik Conscienceplein square, very nice, where the Antwerp nightlife also takes place. It is undoubtedly to be included in your list “What to visit in Antwerp”.

6 Antwerp, diamonds

Antwerp is known as the “diamond city” (Diamondland). It is here that artisan workshops work this precious stone. In the list “Antwerp, things to do” we recommend including a visit to the diamond district, currently mainly inhabited by Indian and Jewish communities.

To make your visit complete, we suggest also visiting the following Museums of Antwerp.

• MoMu: the Antwerp museum dedicated to fashion.
• Fine Arts Museum: it houses almost 8,000 works, including several paintings by the painter Peter Paul Rubens. The museum is currently under renovation and will be until 2019.
• Plantin – Moreus Museum: this is a museum dedicated to typography.
• Mayer van der Bergh Museum: it is based on a single collection of almost 1000 pieces and this makes it the first in the world. It was created by the mind of an art enthusiast, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh. 

Antwerp in brief: how to get around, how to arrive, where to stay, what to eat

7 Antwerp, getting around

Most areas of Antwerp are pedestrian zones, so the best way to get around during your holiday will be on foot. Alternatively, you can use the city’s urban services: buses and trams. By purchasing the Antwerp City Card you can use all public transport.

8 Antwerp, how to get there

From the airport of Antwerp, Antwerp Airport Brussels, you can reach the city by train in less than 45 minutes. On site you will find various means available, including taxis that have a good price ratio.

9 Where to eat in Antwerp

Antwerp, where to eat: there are many typical local places in Antwerp. If you prefer fish, we suggest the port; to taste the traditional cuisine, we recommend the central area of the city. Among the unmissable dishes remember: Moules et frites or mussels with fries; Carbonade, meat stew flavored with beer, onions, and spices. For the sweetest there are Antwerpse handjes, typical chocolate hands from Antwerp.

10 Where to sleep in Antwerp

For choosing your hotel in Antwerp, we suggest the most characteristic area, namely the city center. Hotels and accommodations in Antwerp and the rest of Belgium are of good quality and often you can also find affordable lodgings, especially non-hotel ones.