Destination · Province of Antwerp
Antwerp
Rubens masterpieces, a cathedral that dominates the skyline and one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Antwerp is the confident, creative port city of Flanders.
Province
Antwerp
By train from Brussels
About 45 minutes
Ideal stay
2 nights
Best for
Art, fashion, shopping
Antwerp in short: Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders and has one of Europe’s biggest ports. Arrive at Antwerp-Central station, walk down the Meir shopping street to the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady, and save time for the Rubens House, the MAS museum and the fashion boutiques. Direct trains from Brussels take about 45 minutes.
History
The golden age of a world port
According to legend, the giant Antigoon demanded a toll from every ship on the river Scheldt and cut off the hand of anyone who refused. The Roman soldier Brabo defeated him and threw the giant’s hand into the river. You can see the scene in the Brabo Fountain on the Grote Markt, and Antwerpers love to say that is where the name comes from: hand werpen, “to throw a hand”.
In the 16th century Antwerp was the richest city in Europe. Spices, silver and textiles passed through its port, and the world’s first purpose-built stock exchange opened here in 1531. In the 17th century Peter Paul Rubens made the city a capital of Baroque art.
Antwerp later became the world centre of the diamond trade, and since the 1980s the “Antwerp Six” designers have made it a fashion capital.
Top sights
What to see in Antwerp
Antwerp is bigger than Bruges or Ghent, but the historic centre, the river and the main museums are all walkable.
01
Cathedral of Our Lady
The largest Gothic church in the Low Countries, with a 123-metre tower and four paintings by Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross.
02
Grote Markt & City Hall
A Renaissance city hall, the Brabo Fountain and richly decorated guild houses make this one of the finest squares in Belgium.
03
Antwerp-Central station
Often called one of the most beautiful stations in the world, with a grand stone hall and an iron-and-glass train shed.
04
Rubens House
The home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, with his paintings and a Baroque garden. Check for renovation updates before your visit.
05
Museum Plantin-Moretus
A UNESCO-listed printing house with the oldest surviving printing presses in the world.
06
MAS & Het Eilandje
The red-stone MAS museum tells the story of the port. Its free rooftop offers a panoramic view of the city.
Eat & drink
Fries, beer and fine chocolate
In Antwerp you should try fries with mayonnaise from a frituur, a glass of De Koninck, the local amber beer (locals order a “bolleke”), and Antwerpse handjes, hand-shaped biscuits and chocolates.
The city also has a strong restaurant scene, from traditional brown cafés to modern seafood and international kitchens.
Local tip: order “een bolleke” at any café to get De Koninck in its round glass, and visit the Antwerp City Brewery De Koninck for a tasting tour.
Flemish cuisine · €€
De Groote Witte Arend
Classic Flemish dishes and Belgian beers in a former 15th-century convent with a courtyard, close to the Grote Markt.
Reyndersstraat
Fries · €
Frituur No.1
Well-loved frituur near the cathedral, serving fresh fries with a wide choice of sauces.
Hoogstraat
Café · €€
Het Elfde Gebod
Atmospheric café filled with statues of saints, right next to the cathedral.
Torfbrug
Brewery · €€
De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery
Experience centre and brewery of the city’s own beer, with tours, tastings and a restaurant.
Mechelsesteenweg
Seafood · €€€
Fiskebar
Popular seafood restaurant with Scandinavian touches in the Zuid district.
Marnixplaats
Chocolate · €€
The Chocolate Line
Daring chocolates by Dominique Persoone in the royal palace on the Meir shopping street.
Meir
Opening hours and menus change. Check the venue’s own website or Google Maps before you go, and book ahead for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Antwerp
The old town around the cathedral is the most atmospheric. Het Zuid is great for restaurants and museums, and the area around Antwerp-Central is practical for train travellers.
Luxury · €€€
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
A five-star hotel in a former monastery and hospital next to the botanical garden, with a spa and several restaurants.
Luxury · €€€
Hotel Franq
Elegant hotel in a 19th-century former bank in the heart of the old town.
Boutique · €€
Hotel Julien
Intimate boutique hotel close to the cathedral, with a quiet patio and spa.
Mid-range · €€
Hotel Indigo Antwerp City Centre
Modern design hotel in a historic building, within walking distance of Central station and the Meir.
Budget · €
Pulcinella Youth Hostel
Large, modern hostel in the fashion district, with private rooms available.
Practical · €€
Near Antwerp-Central
Many hotels within a few minutes’ walk of the station and the Antwerp Zoo.
FAQ
Antwerp: good to know
Is Antwerp worth visiting?
Yes. Antwerp has the most beautiful station in Belgium, Rubens masterpieces, excellent shopping and a lively food scene. It feels more like a real city than a museum.
How many days do you need in Antwerp?
One day covers the cathedral, Grote Markt and the station. Two days give you time for the Rubens House, Plantin-Moretus, the MAS and the fashion district.
Is Antwerp walkable?
The historic centre is very walkable. For longer distances, trams and shared bikes are easy to use.
Can I visit the diamond district?
You can walk through the diamond district next to Antwerp-Central station. For background, visit DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver.
Plan your trip
Not sure how many days you need?
Tell us when you are travelling and what you love. We reply with honest, personal tips for Antwerp and the rest of Flanders. Free, no strings attached.
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