Why Visit Antwerp?
Antwerp mesmerizes as Belgium's creative capital where 17th-century Baroque masterpieces hang in churches, diamonds glitter in the world's trading center, Antwerp Six fashion designers pioneered deconstructionist fashion, and reborn docklands buzz with museums and waterfront terraces. This Flemish port city (pop. 530,000) on the Scheldt River preserves Renaissance grandeur while nurturing cutting-edge design—Rubens' legacy is celebrated at the Rubenshuis site (historic house closed for restoration until ~2030, but new visitors' building and garden open), Cathedral of Our Lady houses four Rubens altarpieces ($9), and MAS Museum's 10-story tower offers free panoramic views from its rooftop.
The Diamond District processes 80% of the world's rough diamonds—visit for window shopping more than bargains. Fashion hunters browse Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat boutiques showcasing Belgian designers (Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten), while Het Zuid neighborhood offers antique shops and art galleries. Grote Markt's guildhalls and Brabo Fountain create picture-perfect squares, while Centraal Station's neo-Gothic magnificence earned 'railway cathedral' nickname.
The food scene celebrates Belgian specialties: Fritkot fries with dozens of sauces, fresh mussels, chocolate pralines from Del Rey, and craft beers at De Koninck brewery. Nightlife buzzes in trendy Eilandje docklands and student bars on Oude Koornmarkt. Museums span from Rubens House to contemporary M HKA, while Plantin-Moretus printing museum (UNESCO) preserves Gutenberg-era presses.
Visit March-May or September-October for 12-20°C weather perfect for walking. With English widely spoken, compact center, excellent Belgian beers, and fewer tourists than Brussels or Bruges, Antwerp delivers Flemish culture with creative edge.
What to Do
Historic Center
Cathedral of Our Lady
Stunning Gothic cathedral (1352–1521) with Belgium's tallest church tower at 123m. Entry $13 for adults (reduced $11; under-18s and Antwerp residents free). Open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm, Sun 1–4pm. Houses four Rubens masterpieces including 'Descent from the Cross.' The stained glass and intricate architecture are breathtaking. Allow 45–60 minutes. Tower climb (scheduled tours only) offers city panoramas. Best light for interior photos is mid-morning.
Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain
Antwerp's main square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and Renaissance Town Hall. Free 24/7. The Brabo Fountain depicts the legend of a giant's severed hand (Antwerp = 'hand-throwing' in Dutch). Perfect for photos—best light late afternoon. Surrounded by cafés for people-watching. Christmas market transforms the square December. Less touristy than Brussels' Grand Place but equally beautiful.
Centraal Station
Dubbed the 'Railway Cathedral'—one of the world's most beautiful train stations. Neo-Gothic facade and stunning marble interior hall. Free to enter and photograph. The multi-level structure combines old grandeur with modern design. Take the escalators up to see the full perspective. Art Nouveau details throughout. Even non-train travelers should visit—5 minutes from center.
Art & Museums
MAS Museum (Museum aan de Stroom)
Striking 10-story red sandstone tower in the revitalized docklands. Museum entry $11–$13 (exhibitions vary). Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm, closed Mon. BUT the rooftop panorama deck is FREE—360° views over Antwerp and the Scheldt River. Take the escalators through the building (exhibitions on each floor) to reach top. Sunset views are spectacular. Takes 2 hours to see exhibitions, 20 minutes for just rooftop.
Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
The historic Rubens House where the master lived and worked 1610–1640 is currently closed for a long-term restoration (reopening planned for ~2030). However, the new visitors' building and Rubens Experience, along with the historic garden and library, are open—check the official site for current tickets and hours. The immersive experience showcases Rubens' life and work while the original house undergoes its transformation. Essential for art lovers—Rubens defined Baroque painting and spent most of his life in Antwerp.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
UNESCO-listed printing museum in a 16th-century printing house—oldest printing presses in the world still in their original location. Entry $13 for adults, $9 concessions, free for under-18s. Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm, closed Mon. See Gutenberg-era printing technology, beautiful courtyard, and Baroque library. Fascinating even if you're not into printing—it's about Renaissance innovation. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Shopping & Neighborhoods
Diamond District
Four-square-block area processing 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds. Hover Vest, Rijfstraat, Schupstraat streets. Free to walk. Hundreds of shops—mostly wholesale but some retail. More for window shopping unless you're serious buyer. The train station area can feel less polished than other parts. Diamond Museum ($11) explains the industry. Prices aren't necessarily better than elsewhere—know what you're buying.
Het Zuid & Fashion District
Trendy south neighborhood with art galleries, antique shops, and designer boutiques. Walk Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat for Antwerp Six fashion designers (Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten). MoMu (Fashion Museum) when it reopens showcases Belgian fashion history. Sunday morning antique market on Kloosterstraat. Hipster cafés and brunch spots. More local vibe than tourist center—good for afternoon exploration.
De Koninck Brewery
Antwerp's signature beer—City Brewery interactive experience with tasting. Entry from $17 per person including tastings. Tours daily (self-guided interactive), booking recommended. Exhibits explain brewing process, rooftop terrace has city views, and you get beer tastings. 'Bolleke' is the local favorite—amber ale served in distinctive glass. Takes 1.5 hours. Good rainy-day activity. Located near museums in Het Zuid.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: ANR
Best Time to Visit
May, June, July, August, September
Climate: Cool
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 4°C | 9 | Good |
| February | 10°C | 4°C | 19 | Wet |
| March | 11°C | 3°C | 13 | Wet |
| April | 18°C | 6°C | 4 | Good |
| May | 19°C | 8°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 22°C | 13°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 21°C | 13°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| August | 25°C | 16°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| September | 21°C | 12°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 9°C | 17 | Wet |
| November | 12°C | 6°C | 10 | Good |
| December | 8°C | 3°C | 13 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: May, June, July, August, September.
Practical Information
Getting There
Antwerp International Airport (ANR) is small—mainly European flights. Brussels Airport (BRU) 45km away is main hub—trains to Antwerp every 30 min ($13 40 min). Antwerp-Centraal is magnificent railway station—trains from Brussels (50 min, $9), Amsterdam (1h$5032+), Paris (2h$3038+).
Getting Around
Antwerp center is compact and walkable. Trams and buses cover wider areas (single ticket $3 day ticket $10). Velo Antwerp bike-share available. Most attractions within walking distance from Centraal Station to waterfront (2km). Taxis available but unnecessary. Antwerp is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted. ATMs plentiful. Tipping: not required but rounding up or 10% for exceptional service appreciated. Service often included. Prices moderate—more affordable than Brussels.
Language
Dutch (Flemish) is official. English widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas. French less common (Flemish pride). Signs bilingual. Learning basic Dutch (Dank u = thanks) appreciated. Communication easy.
Cultural Tips
Fashion-conscious city—locals dress stylishly. Chocolate culture: pralines from Del Rey, Burie. Beer culture: hundreds of Belgian brews, try local De Koninck. Food: frites with mayo or andalouse sauce mandatory. Meal times: lunch 12-2pm, dinner 6-9pm. Antwerp has Flemish pride—Dutch spoken, less French than Brussels. Sunday shopping limited except in December. Museum passes available for multiple sites. Bikes everywhere—watch when crossing bike lanes.
Perfect 2-Day Antwerp Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Antwerp
Day 2: Waterfront & Fashion
Where to Stay in Antwerp
Oude Stad (Old Town)
Best for: Grote Markt, cathedral, historic core, hotels, restaurants, shopping
Het Zuid
Best for: Art galleries, antiques, trendy cafés, KMSKA museum, bohemian vibe
Eilandje (Docklands)
Best for: MAS Museum, waterfront dining, modern architecture, nightlife, reborn area
Fashion District
Best for: Boutiques, Belgian designers, Nationalestraat shopping, MoMu fashion museum
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Antwerp?
What is the best time to visit Antwerp?
How much does a trip to Antwerp cost per day?
Is Antwerp safe for tourists?
What are the must-see attractions in Antwerp?
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Antwerp
Ready to Visit Antwerp?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
