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Belgium is a beautiful country, with a range of attractive sites. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Antwerp may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
A Antwerp blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Antwerp.
In my opinion, 4 days in Antwerp is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Antwerp and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. The Rubens House
The Rubens House is a museum dedicated to one of the most prominent personalities of the city.
The home has been preserved as a museum to provide a glimpse into his life. And even if are clueless about the person, you can still appreciate the magnificent house and its garden.
Quick Facts:
- The house museum was built somewhere around 17th-century.
- Also worth seeing here include the paintings and sculptures collection by the great artist.
- The house museum follows the Renaissance architecture style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
- The house museum is dedicated to Peter Paul Rubens.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
2. Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is an old Cathedral located in the Antwerp city.
Another highlight of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is its crypt, accompanied by sculptures on either sides, it is a resting place for prestigious noblemen. The Church’s front façade is comprised of majestic stone columns and beautiful sculptured sculptures of holy figures.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes a tall spire and Baroque art pieces done by Rubens.
- Pieter Appelmans, Jan Appelmans are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
A natural crowd puller, Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is right up there in the list of best things to do in Antwerp.
Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
3. Museum aan de Stroom
For anyone interested in Antwerp’s historic background, this museum is an ideal place to visit.
Quick Facts:
- It is housed in a stunning modern building, and was opened in May 2011.
- The highlight of the place includes great panoramic city views from its roof.
- Willem Jan Neutelings, Michiel Riedijk are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
4. ZOO Antwerpen
A popular zoo in Antwerp, ZOO Antwerpen shelters a variety of animals.
The enclosures’ design has been carefully considered, giving animals as much room to wander as possible.. Start with the educational center, it has a wealth of information on some of the top residential animals of the zoo.
Quick Facts:
- While sea lion shows and penguin feeding sessions constitutes the highlights of zoo, established conservation program is also worth a look.
- It was in 1843 when it was established.
- The zoo is located near the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station.
- Easy to get to ZOO Antwerpen is located in central Antwerp.
- Some of the most popular exhibits that can be seen here are Moorish Temple, Great Apes, Aquarium.
Without a doubt this wonderful zoo is one amongst the top things to do in Antwerp.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
5. Plantin-Moretus Museum
Plantin-Moretus Museum is a museum with unique collection situated in Antwerp.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes some of the most oldest printing presses in the world.
- Plantin-Moretus Museum is housed in a 16th-century building.
- The niche museum’s collection include a range of antiques, old books and beautiful tapestries.
- The niche museum was opened on 1877.
Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22-23, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
6. Grote Markt
Grote Markt is the central plaza, the heart of the beautiful city of Antwerp.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Grote Markt features include the magnificent city hall.
- Easy to get to Grote Markt is located in the old city quarter.
An incredible sight, Grote Markt scores high in the list of the best things to do in Antwerp.
7. Antwerp City Hall
Antwerp City Hall is a historic town hall located in the old town of Antwerp.
The Antwerp’s town hall stands as the centerpiece of the old town’s architecture.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt, town hall is a classic example of fine Renaissance architecture with influences of Italian and Flemish styles.
- The town hall is located on the western side of Antwerp’s Grote Markt.
Address: Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
8. Meir
Meir is a popular shopping street in the downtown area of Antwerp.
. And when you are tired by the long shopping excursion rest your legs at one of the street’s fine cafe.
Quick Facts:
- a great place to buy souvenirs specially chocolates.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Antwerp trip.
9. Museum of Modern Art
Located in a popular district in Antwerp, Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to collecting the best of modern art.
Those who like modern art will not be disappointed as the collection includes works by a wide variety of twentieth-century artists. The museum’s diverse collection of artworks span from abstract paintings, b&w photography and expressionism.
Address: Leuvenstraat 32, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
10. St. Charles Borromeo Church
St. Charles Borromeo Church, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Antwerp’s most gorgeous churches.
The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Antwerp are buried. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- Done in Baroque and Gothic Revival architecture style, it was Pieter Huyssens, François d’Aguilon who designed it.
- The church was opened on 1626.
Add it to your Antwerp trip if you have time.
Address: Hendrik Conscienceplein 11, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
11. Brabo Fountain
Located in the historical part of Antwerp, Brabo Fountain is a circular spring water fountain.
Rambling through the streets of Antwerp, it is impossible to miss this. Ornate sculptures made with lots of small details decorate Brabo Fountain.
Quick Facts:
- The historic fountain was built somewhere around the 18th century.
- The historic fountain was opened on 21 August 1887.
Address: Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
12. Photo Museum of Antwerp
A photography gallery with an unique, inspiring collection.
Add it to your Antwerp trip if you have time.
Address: Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
13. Park Spoor Noord
Park Spoor Noord is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Antwerp.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
Park Spoor Noord provides the visitors with a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of Antwerp. The Park Spoor Noord is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure.
Address: Ellermanstraat, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium
14. Port of Antwerp
If you are interested in seeing a working port in action you are at the right place.
Quick Facts:
- Antwerp portAuthority worldportsource.com is the port authority that runs it.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Antwerp trip.
Address: Zaha Hadidplein 1, 2030 Antwerpen, Belgium
But beyond the famous attractions in Antwerp, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Antwerp travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Antwerp but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Antwerp. So what are Antwerp sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.