The 12 things to do in Antwerp

Are you about to travel to the Flanders in Belgium? So discover the essential things to do or see in the beautiful city of Antwerp!

Located in Flanders, Antwerp or Antwerpen in Flemish is the second most populous agglomeration of Belgium, after Brussels . This historic city is the archetype of the bourgeois-marchan city of the Lower Middle Ages (or late Middle Ages). It was thus the centre of international trade and finance throughout the 16th century.

Even today, Antwerp is a city of major economic importance, concentrating many financial activities. The port of Antwerp is even the second commercial port of Europe after that neighbor of Rotterdam The Netherlands! But visiting Antwerp will be the opportunity to discover an exceptional architectural, historical and cultural heritage. Thanks to its past and current importance, the city has drained illustrious architects and artists. It is home to beautiful museums, art galleries, buildings and churches! So what do you do in Antwerp during your stay? What must you absolutely see or discover in the beautiful Flemish city?

To help you enjoy a great trip, we have listed for you the 10 things you need and more to visit in Antwerp!

1. The Antwerp-Central Station

What about Antwerp? Whether you're coming by train or not, your first step to visit Antwerp should be his famous train station ! Located on Queen Astrid Square near the centre of Antwerp city, it is considered one of the most tedious monuments in all of Belgium and one of the most beautiful stations in the world.

2. The Zoo d’Anvers

Behind the central station you will find the Historical zoo of Antwerp, one of the most important in Belgium. Founded in 1843, the zoo now houses more than 950 species from all over the world, such as manchots, cats or sea lions! It is a great space to visit in Antwerp, whether at the beginning of your trip or at the end, when you are tired of museums.

3. The House of Rubens

House of Rubens , in Dutch the Rubenshuis, is the old residence and the workshop of the painter Pierre Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Designed by the artist in person, she is inspired by the Italian Renaissance palaces. Today, his home houses a museum, which includes furniture from the 17th century, works by Rubens and his students and friends!

4. The Meir and the Palais du Meir

From the Central Station, to the House of Rubens, extends the wide avenue De Keyserlei, which will lead you to The Meir the largest shopping street in the city. There you will find many small shops, large clothing shops and various shops, all housed in beautiful historic buildings – making the charm of these avenues. On the way, do not hesitate to admire the magnificent Palais du Meir . Designed in the second half of the 18th century by architect Jan-Peter van Baurscheit, it was purchased by the Emperor Napoleon who wished to stay there, before serving as a secondary residence to the Belgian royal family.

5. The Museum Plantin-Moretus

Visit Antwerp is also discovering its many museums! Among them, Museum Plantin-Moretus is a must. This former printing company became a museum in 1877 and is even now listed in Unesco World Heritage! The visit will allow you to discover old maps, some of the oldest presses in the world, an important library that even has a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, as well as some Rubens paintings.

6. Notre-Dame Cathedral

What to do in Antwerp during your stay? Admire and visit one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country should be included on your itinerary! Located between the Meir and the Grand Place d’Anvers, the Notre Dame Cathedral is in any way unavoidable. Immense, she impresses both outside and inside. Outside, you will be able to admire its sublime northern tower that is swaying towards the sky. Inside, the richness of the details can only let you panic in front of this treasure of Gothic architecture. Beginning in 1352, it took 169 years to finish this Catholic cathedral, today one of the most visited and appreciated monuments of the city of Antwerp.

7. The Grand Place d’Anvers

Dating from the 16th century, the Grand-Place d’Anvers (Grote Markt in Dutch) is a must-see place to visit in Antwerp. It houses the second most emblematic monument of the city: the Hotel de Ville, Renaissance and Gothic style. You can also admire on the square the Brabo fountain, with its statue of the legendary Roman soldier killer of a giant. Around the square, you can marvel at the beautiful garlic houses.

8. The Aan Museum of Stroom (MAS)

If you plan to visit Antwerp, then know that Museum aan de Stroom , also known as MAS Museum, is certainly one of the most interesting museums in the city. Because the MAS includes superb marine, folklore and ethnographic collections, as well as applied art and antiquities in the city of Antwerp. For a dive in Antwerp’s history and beyond, you can’t dream better!

9. Delecting gastronomy and local beers

What to do in Antwerp? Drink beers and eat delicious fries, of course! Enjoy your visit to this charming Belgian city to taste typical dishes, accompanied by local beers like De Koninck, brewed in Antwerp (you can also visit the Antwerp brewery to the passage). The gourmets can also order a delicious waffle to accompany their walks in the city centre. It’s also visiting Antwerp!

10. The Het Steen

If you have planned to visit Antwerp, then you should take a tour in this old fortified castle located on the right bank of the Escaut! It is the oldest building in Antwerp, built around the years 1200 – 1225. His nickname " Het Steen means "the rock", because it was the first stone construction of the city! The amateur photographers will only enjoy this gigantic stone giant, and the amazing statue that sits on its feet.

11. The Red Star Line Museum

Are you still wondering what to do in Antwerp? The Red Star Line Museum can only interest history lovers. Standing in the hangars of the former shipping company, it houses collections presenting the stories of the many migrants who have left Belgium for America, via the huge Red Star Line boats! Cake on the cake: at the end of your visit, a ship chimney-shaped tower will take you to a platform where you will have a wonderful view of the city.

How to get to Antwerp?

To get to Antwerp, you can use the plane, train, bus or car. From France, it is easy to reach Antwerp thanks to its various means of transport.

• By plane

By plane, you will often have to count a stopover before you reach the Flemish city. It is easier to reach Brussels by plane and then to get to Antwerp by bus or train. To find the best prices and connections, you can consult our partner's website Ulysses .

• By train

From France, you can also use the train or bus to visit Antwerp. By train, count 2H30 from Paris with Thalys for example. By bus, count at least 5 hours to reach Antwerp with the Flixbus or Ouibus companies.

• By car

You can also join and visit Antwerp with your own vehicle. From Paris, the journey takes 4 hours, 2 hours from Lille and 7 hours from Lyon. You can use it site Blablacar to find carpoolers or a carpool to the beautiful Flemish city.

Where to stay in Antwerp?

If you want to visit Antwerp, you should know that there are plenty of housing options. There are charming people neighborhoods where to sleep in Antwerp , like the historic center, the hipster district of Sint-Andries or the central station district, convenient if you come to the beautiful city by train! For your accommodation in Antwerp, you will only have the embarrassment of choice, regardless of your budget. Hotels - the cheapest ones to find on this Compare hotels – to guest houses by way of Airbnb or hostels, there is only one to decide!