Magnificent Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Antwerp

August 23, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 5650 Views

Antwerp is the capital of its eponymous province in Belgium, situated on the north-central border of the country facing Netherlands. The city sits on the coast of river Scheldt, which then links to the North Sea. It is home to the second-largest port in Europe. The city is well known for its diamond industry. It is also known as the Diamond Capital of the World. You will see many places to visit in Antwerp concerning the diamond industry.

Antwerp sightseeing is bliss because of the amazing works of architecture spread across the city, both historical and modern. On one hand, you have marvelous churches and fortresses and on the other, you have railway stations and museums. Speaking of museums, this city is home to a variety of museums dedicated to various subjects and people among Antwerp tourist attractions. You can explore art museums, house museums dedicated to artists, museums dedicated to printing and even a museum dedicated to chocolate. All of them are interesting Antwerp attractions in their own way.

The city is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, it is one of the most popular party destinations in Europe. Even besides traditional clubs there are numerous fun things to do in Antwerp at night. The city is known for its fun vibe and even more interesting people. No matter what activities in Antwerp you engage with, take time to get to know the locals and you will find them respond in kind.

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Table of Contents

Explore the Best Tourist Places in Antwerp in 3 Days

Day 1

1. Plantin-Moretus Museum (Plantin-Moretusmuseum)

This museum is dedicated to printing and publishing history in the country. This museum is housed in a 16th century building. It is one of the most insightful things to see in Antwerp. Before being converted into a museum, the building housed a popular and historical bookshop. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

2. Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)

This 14th century Roman Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful Antwerp tourist attractions. The spire of this church are still among the most dominant structures in the city. You will need about an hour to explore this cathedral.

3. Grand Place (Grote Markt)

This central square of the city and one of the most important historical Antwerp attractions. This square is considered to be the heart of the city. You will need about half an hour at this square.

4. Museum by the River (Museum aan de Stroom)

This museum is the epitome of Antwerp sightseeing. The museum is renowned not only for its contents but also for its architecture. It is home to artworks and sculptures. You will need 2 hours at least to explore this museum.

5. Red Star Line Museum

This museum is housed in Red Star Line Port Warehouse. The museum tells the story of people migrated from Antwerp to America. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

6. Antwerp Port

This is the second largest port in Europe. The port sits on the banks of river Scheidt is also known for the iconic architecture of the port authority building. You will need about an hour from Antwerp travel for this port.

Day 2

1. Antwerp Zoo (ZOO Antwerpen)

This zoo is home to more than 5000 animals from 950 species. It is among the best places to visit in Antwerp with families. You will need 2 hours for this zoo.

2. Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal)

It is one of the finest works of architecture in the building. It is the central station of the city and has great historical significance to the it. You will need about half an hour for this railway station.

3. St. James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk)

This 15th church is among Antwerp must see places. It is known for Brabantine Gothic architecture. Even the interior of the church are wonderful sight. You will need about an hour for this church.

4. The Rubens House (Rubenshuis)

This 17th century house was home to one of the most renowned painter Peter Paul Ruben. The museum is dedicated to his life and his famous work. It is among the most interesting places to see in Antwerp. You will need about an hour for this museum.

5. Museum Mayer van den Bergh

This museum features artworks from Gothic and Renaissance period collected by Mayer van den Bergh. You will need 2 hours to go through exhibits of this museum.

Day 3

1. Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum (Beeldentuin Middelheim Museum)

This museum is an elaborate sculpture park and exhibits some of the most beautiful open air museums in Europe. Some of the most wonderful things to see in Antwerp are found in this museum. You will need about 2 hours here.

2. De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery (Brouwerij De Koninck)

De Koninck is a historical beer brand and this is the iconic brewery of the brand. You can take a tour of how the beer is brewed. It is among most popular Antwerp tourist attractions. You will need about 2 hours to explore this brewery.

3. Photo Museum of Antwerp (Fotomuseum Antwerpen)

This museum is dedicated to photographs and photography equipment. It is an interest based Antwerp attraction, but is still quite popular. You will need about an hour for this museum.

4. Museum of Contemporary Art (Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst)

Also known M HKA, this museum has several paintings, artworks, sculptures, art exhibits, contemporary art books, arthouse cinema and more. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

If you plan to visit Antwerp for more than 2 days, check out the section below.

Things to do in Antwerp

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Antwerp

Museum an de Stroom
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
The Rubens House
Plantin Moretus Museum
Museum of Modern Art
Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Middleheim Museum
Red Star Line Museum
Het Steen Fortress
Photo Museum of Antwerp
Museum Mayer Van den Bergh
Mode Museum
Antwerp City Museum
Rockoxhuis House
Brabo’s Museum
Zeno X Gallery
DIVA Museum voor Diamant
Museum Vleeshuis
Saint Charles Borromeo Church
Museum de Reede
Sint Pauluskerk
Tique Art Space
Paleis op de Meir
Maison Guiette Le Corbusier
Nello & Patrache Statue
Letternhuis
D’Ursel Castle
Maagdenhuis Museum
Site Gunfire Brasschaat
Stampe & Vertongen Museum
Callewaert Vanlangendonck Gallery
De Zwarte Panter Gallery
De Ruien Historic Canals
Liefkenshoek Museum
Bunker Museum
Castle Wissekereke Basel
Museum Eugeen Van Mieghem
Fort 5
Ibasho Gallery
Kasteel Ravenhof
Opera Antwerpen
Kasteel Cortewalle
Scheldenlaan Lillo Fort
Statue Peter Paul Rubens
Beguinage of Antwerp
Vlaams Tram en Autobus Museum
Hof ter Saksen Historical Building
Fort 4
St. Andrew Church
Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg
Paviljoen de Notelaer
De Vronte
Artelli Gallery
Fort Steendorp
Kasteel Van Schoten

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Antwerp

Kalmthout Heath
De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide
Stadspark
Hobokense Polder
Nachtegalen Park
Boekenberg Park
Polders van Kruibeke
Antitankgracht
Kasteel Sterckshof
Peerdsbos Park
Oude Landen Reserve
Loopgravenpad Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Antwerp

Zoo Antwerp
Provincial Domain Rivierenhof
De Koninck Brewery
La Nation du Chocolate
Arboretum Kalmthout
Provincial Recreatiedomain de Schorre
Park Spoor Noord
Vordenstein Park
Aspen Skiing
Park deb Brandt
Vrieselhof Park
De Schorre Park
Lago Beveren de Meerminnen Waterpark
Volkssterrenwatch Urania Planetarium

Shopping in Antwerp

Grote Market
Meir Shopping Zone
Quartier Latin Shopping Zone
Graanmarkt 13

Beaches & Island in Antwerp

Sint Annastrand

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Antwerp

Hiking
Skiing

Sightseeing in Antwerp

Meir Street
Port of Antwerp
Boerentoren Building
Cogels Osylei Street
Plantentein Garden Pathway
Dessel Turnhout Schoten Canal
Doel Street Art
Antwerp Red Light District
Antwerp Train Station

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Antwerp

Bar d’Henri
De Godevaart
Simone’s Kitchen
Rooden Hooed
’t Zilte
Bourla
La Bella Vista
Velazquez
Ga Nord
Bites and Wines
The Dirty Rabbit
Simple Emily
La Grappa
Hoffy’s
River Kwai
BOHM en Berkel
Bodrum Palace
Kartini
Cypro
El Bife
Varelli
B23
Chips
Tandoori Pasta
Camino
Black Sugar

Where to Stay in Antwerp?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Antwerp. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Antwerp.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Antwerp

How to Reach Antwerp?

By Air

Antwerp International Airport receives flights from several European cities including Tangier, Ibiza, Split, Murcia, Malaga, Avignon, Nador and Innsbruck. If you are flying in from other cities in Europe or outside Europe, you can also pick Brussels Airport for Antwerp travel. You can get a bus directly from the airport to the city.

By Road

You can get trains and buses to visit Antwerp from several cities in Europe. If you are planning to visit Antwerp by car, you should stick to routes E34, E19, E313, N1, N11, N12 or N70.

By Water

DeWaterbus travels along Schelde river from Antwerp port and is the only water route to reach the city.

Image Reference

Plantin-Moretus Museum (Plantin-Moretusmuseum) – Kotomi_ / Flickr
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) – rchappo2002 / Flickr
Grand Place (Grote Markt) – Klaus with K / Wikimedia Commons
Museum by the River (Museum aan de Stroom) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Red Star Line Museum – Fred Romero / Flickr
Antwerp Port – Laurent Verdier / PixaBay
Antwerp Zoo (ZOO Antwerpen) – Elsemargriet / PixaBay
Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal) – Rudy and Peter Skitterians / PixaBay
St. James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) – ctj71081 / Flickr
The Rubens House (Rubenshuis) – CucombreLibre / Flickr
Museum Mayer van den Bergh – Kotomi_ / Flickr
Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum (Beeldentuin Middelheim Museum) – Jules Grandgagnage / PixaBay
De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery (Brouwerij De Koninck) – Andrew Nash / Flickr
FOMU – Photo Museum of Antwerp (Fotomuseum Antwerpen) – Adams K / Flickr
Museum of Contemporary Art (Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst) – Simon / Flickr