It’s often said that a country’s second city is like the cool younger sister – stylish, quirky, and full of fun – think Glasgow, Porto, and Rotterdam. Antwerp, the second city of Belgium is no exception to that rule. It keeps all the necessary Belgian tradition but manages to find its own style through unique history, interesting quirks and flashes of modernity throughout the city.
This weekend guide to the best things to do in Antwerp will take you through everything you need to know before visiting this Belgian gem. You’ll find all my recommendations for things to do in Antwerp, as well as cool things to see, places to eat and drink, and where to stay in Antwerp.
If you’re visiting Belgium soon, I have lots more content to help you plan your trip! You might like Where to Get the Best Belgian Fries in Brussels or my Dinant Day Trip Travel Guide.
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Antwerp Key Info
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch (Flemish), easy to get by with English
Where is Antwerp?
Antwerp is a city in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is in the north of the country, near the border with The Netherlands, and is easily reached from many Belgian and Dutch cities, including Brussels, the Belgian capital.
How to Get to Antwerp from Brussels
Antwerp is one of the best cities to visit from Brussels. The easiest way to travel between Brussels and Antwerp is by direct train. It takes roughly 45 minutes from either of the three main stations in Brussels (Brussels North, Brussels Midi and Brussels central). Tickets cost around €7,50 each way.
Top Tip: SNCB trains in Belgium are 50% off on the weekend, making weekend trips much more affordable!
Although taking the train from Brussels to Antwerp is the easiest mode of transport, it is also possible to drive. The E19 motorway takes you out north of Brussels and into Antwerp.
How to Get to Antwerp from Other Cities
Direct trains to Antwerp also run from a few other Belgian cities, including Ghent and Bruges. Check out Belgium’s national rail service, the SNCB, for all train routes and times.
Given Belgium’s close proximity to the Netherlands, it’s easy to visit Antwerp from cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The best way to check transport options from the Netherlands to Antwerp is using Omio. You can easily search for bus and train transport.
The Best Things to Do in Antwerp
Wander the Antwerp Docks
Antwerp’s port is the second largest in Europe and has played an integral role in Antwerp’s success as a city today. The north side of the city houses the functioning port and the docks that branch off from it. The port itself is a very industrial area but the docks are definitely worth exploring.
I recommend exploring Willemdok. This dock provides a lovely area to wander, as well as many cafés and restaurants to sit by the water and enjoy the atmosphere.
MAS Museum
In the middle of Willemdok is Antwerp’s city museum. The Museum Aan de Stroom, commonly shortened to the MAS museum, showcases Antwerp’s history and its connection to the world today. It also boasts an impressive panoramic view over Antwerp from the rooftop. MAS is Antwerp’s biggest museum and is widely regarded as one of the best in the city, so it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Antwerp.
Tickets to visit the MAS start at €10 for the permanent exhibition, increasing to €12 if you’d like to visit the temporary exhibitions as well. There are various discounts that can be found on the museum website, and entry is free for under-18s.
It’s possible to visit the museum’s panoramic floor for free. It’s open outwith the museum hours, from 9:30 am-10 pm, but you may find it closed during bad weather.
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
The gothic cathedrals of Europe rarely disappoint, and the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is no exception. Found right in the centre of the city, the huge cathedral dominates from all angles.
The cathedral houses numerous works of art, most notably several pieces from famous Flemish artist Rubens. It’s possible to visit the cathedral to see the interior and the art collection, with tickets costing €8 (free admission for under-18s and Antwerp residents).
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm; Sat 10 am-3 pm; Sun 1 pm-5 pm
Grote Markt
One of the best things to do in Antwerp, and any Belgian city for that matter, is to find the beautiful town square that no Belgian city is complete without. Antwerp’s Grote Markt is just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp and is home to the impressive town hall and many typical ornate Flemish buildings.
The Grote Markt is always bustling with life, and this is a great place to relax with a coffee or a drink.
DIVA Diamond Museum
The Diamond industry forms a huge part of Antwerp’s identity, and they are still one of the world leaders in the diamond trade. The Diamant district in the east of the city houses many diamond traders, but to delve into the history and importance of the diamond trade in Antwerp, visit the DIVA Diamond museum in the centre.
Tickets to the Diamond Museum cost €12, with discounts for under-25s and free entry for under-18s.
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am-6 pm (Closed Wednesdays)
Cross the Sint-Annatunnel
Take a step back in time by visiting the Sint-Annatunnel, or St Anna’s Tunnel, that connects the left and right sides of the city.
The true attractions of this tunnel are the wooden escalators on either side, which are still intact from the tunnel’s inauguration back in the 1930s. There is not much to be seen on the other side of the water, except a wonderful view over Antwerp, but it’s still worth making the crossing for the experience. The tunnel is nearly 600m long, so if you don’t feel up to this, you can still visit the escalators on one side and then head back up.
Location of the Entrance (Right side) (Left Side)
Opening Hours (when escalators are running): 6 am-8 pm weekdays; 9 am-9 pm weekends
Plantin-Moretus Museum
The Plantin Moretus Museum is an incredibly unique space showcasing former printing works, the Plantin Press. Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus were pioneers of industrial printing and their press was one of the most important in Europe.
In the museum, you can find a huge collection of printing tools, including the oldest printing presses in the world, and an extensively stocked library. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful and peaceful courtyard.
Full-price tickets for the Plantin-Moretus Museum cost €12. Tickets for 18-25-year-olds cost €8, and entry is free for those under 18 and other concessions (see the full list of ticket prices here). On the museum website, you are recommended to book your tickets online before your visit and note that if you do plan to buy your tickets at the museum, payment is cashless.
Accessibility Note: Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues can only access the ground floor
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm
Ride the Ferris Wheel
Like most of Belgium, Antwerp is very flat, meaning there aren’t many places to go to see the city from above. With that in mind, any chance to get up high will make it on to a list of the best things to do in Antwerp. On the banks of the river Scheldt, just down the road from Grote Markt, there is a large Ferris Wheel that gives you the chance to look down over Antwerp.
According to the Facebook page of the Ferris Wheel, called The View, the wheel is open every day from 11 am-11 pm. Tickets cost €8 for adults and €5 for children. It’s not clear if the Ferris Wheel is open year-round, so I recommend checking the Facebook page before your visit for the most up to date information.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 am-11 pm
Antwerp Central Station
Antwerp’s main train station could easily fall into any list of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, if not the world. If you’re travelling to Antwerp by train, you’ll be lucky enough to see this wonder as soon as you arrive in the city, and again when you leave, but even if you’re travelling another way, a visit to the station is well worth your time.
However undeniably grand and ornate, Central Station lacks a clear architectural style, thanks to the eclectic mind of designer Louis Delacenserie. The left hall is the grandest, with sweeping staircases and a domed roof that has led to the station’s affectionate nickname ‘railroad cathedral’.
Being a functional railway station, Antwerp Central is open most hours of the day and is free to enter.
Check out some more fun things to do in Antwerp
Cool Things to See in Antwerp
On top of all the fun things to do in Antwerp that we’ve already discovered, the city is full of cool things to see. From street art to unique sculptures and statues, there is no shortage of quirks here.
One of the best ways to discover Antwerp is by taking a walking tour. Walking tours are a fantastic way to get a feel for the city, and get an in-depth insight into the history and story of each attraction.
Nello and Patrasche
Nello and Patrasche are the two main characters from an 1872 novel set in Antwerp. The tale follows orphan Nello and stray dog Patrasche and their bond and friendship throughout their struggles with poverty. At the end of the story, the two find the door of the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp open and sleep there, and the statue outside its doors commemorates this.
The statue of Nello and Patrasche is built into the ground and features the two characters sleeping under a ‘blanket’.
Parkbrug
The north side of Antwerp, where you’ll find the docks, is naturally more modern and industrial than the rest of the city. Parkbrug is a great example of this. Designed by Ney & Partners, the bridge was installed in 2016. It’s made of steel is covered by teardrop-shaped cutouts that create some really cool shadow and light effects when the sun is shining.
The bridge may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re interested in cool architecture then I’d recommend popping by while you’re visiting Antwerp’s docks.
Of course, the bridge serves a purpose, and that’s to connect Park Spoor Noord, a large and popular park in Antwerp that is well worth a visit on a sunny day if you have the time.
Street art on Kopstraatje
Every city has cool street art hidden away somewhere, and Antwerp’s is found in the stylish shopping district. Much like Ghent’s Graffiti Street, one of the coolest street art spots in Antwerp is found on Kopstraatje. The buildings are covered in cool designs and art pieces – some of my favourites were the octopus/tentacle monster and the giraffe.
The House of the Five Continents
Belgium is known for its prominence in the Art Nouveau sphere, and the House of the Five Continents is probably one of the most notable and exceptional in the country, let alone just in Antwerp.
The most prominent feature of this unique building is a balcony emerging from the corner of the building that resembles the front of a ship. You’ll find the House of the Five Continents on an unassuming corner between Schilderstraat and Plaatsnijdersstraat.
Vlaaikensgang
Antwerp’s cutest alleyway is hidden in plain sight on busy streets just around the corner from Grote Markt. You can enter from three spots (look out for the signs advertising the restaurant ‘t Hofke) but the most beautiful spot is definitely at the entrance on Oude Koornmarkt. The other entrances are on Hoogstraat and Pelgrimstraat.
Take a little wander through the beautiful cobbled alleyway for a beautiful step back in time, and why not visit the lovely ‘t Hofke bistro tucked away in the alley.
Madonna Statues on Antwerp Street Corners
Without a doubt Antwerp’s most unique quirk, the city boasts countless street corners with statues of the Virgin Mary. Legend gives many reasons for the presence of so many of these statues, including the avoidance of public light taxes, simple devotion to catholicism, and art school projects.
If you book an Antwerp walking tour you’ll be able to ask an informed guide what they think the origin of the statues is, and they might even be able to point some out to you!
Where to Eat and Drink in Antwerp
Burgerij
Burgerij is a lovely dinner spot for some lovely handmade burgers and fries. They do the classics really well, and also offer some unique creations if you’re looking for something a bit different. You’ll find it in the north, right in the middle of the docks. If the weather permits, I recommend sitting outside for a lovely view over the docks and the MAS museum.
address website (with menu) Price: $$
Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Café Den Uilenspiegel
One of the best things to do in Antwerp, in true Belgian fashion, is to drink beer! Café Den Uilenspiegel is a cosy little bar just off Grote Markt that has a broad range of drinks, especially beers, to try.
We got stuck in a thunderstorm during our first evening in Ghent and ducked in here for shelter. They have a large terrace which kept us dry, and when it’s not pouring rain, it would be great to sit outside and watch the world go by around the busy centre.
Café Den Uilenspiegel is a great place if you want to try some new Belgian beers, as the staff are really well-informed about their menu and always happy to recommend something to you. I discovered my love for Kriek here and never looked back.
Frituur ‘t Stad
Much like the beer, a trip to any Belgian city is not complete without eating some fries. Frituur ‘t Stad is right in the centre of Antwerp, and so is the best place to head in the middle of a busy day of exploring, or after a night drinking at Grote Markt’s many bars.
Address Price: $
Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Some veggie options, however Belgian fries are rarely veggie friendly as they are fried in beef fat; vegan unlikely
Frites Atelier
If you’re a frites aficionado, you might want to check out Frites Atelier. They offer up some seriously gourmet loaded fries with delicious flavour. They are a bit more expensive than you’d usually expect from a friterie but the flavour combinations more than makeup for it, and this is a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit more than just a regular cornet of fries with sauce.
Fries lover? Check out Where to Get the Best Belgian Fries in Brussels
Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Unlikely, Belgian fries are rarely veggie friendly as they are fried in beef fat
‘t Hofke
Mentioned before as the restaurant that sits in the Vlaaikensgang alley, ‘t Hofke is a truly idyllic bistro with a gorgeous courtyard adorned with plants and fairy lights.
The menu looks just as warming and inviting as the ambience, with the likes of steak, stroganoff, and croquettes on offer, as well as some homemade desserts.
Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes; Vegan unclear
Bia Mara
Bia Mara is a fresh and modern seafood restaurant that started in Dublin before expanding to several locations in Belgium, including Antwerp. You’ll find classic fish and chips, as well as fish tacos, burgers, and more, and it’s always amazing quality.
If you’re not a fan of fish, you can find some chicken options as well as some vegetarian dishes too.
Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes; Vegan no
Where to Stay in Antwerp
Antwerp is a small and very walkable city, so finding a good location to stay in is easy. For a short trip, I recommend staying right in the centre to be in the heart of the action, or up by the city docks.
Options were fairly limited when I visited Antwerp and I ended up staying in the Holiday Inn Express next to Willemdock. It is a simple hotel, but it has a great location and ended up being a great choice for the trip. I recommend booking/requesting a room with a harbour view. Another great option by the docks, with a bit more personality, is the Prizeotel.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this post you’re all ready for a weekend in Antwerp, armed with all the best things to do in Antwerp, as well as cool things to see, where to eat and drink and where to stay! Keep this guide saved for extra inspiration during your trip, and you’re guaranteed to love visiting Antwerp.
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