Antwerp

Antwerp is a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt, with history dating to the Middle Ages. In its center, the centuries-old Diamond District houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. Antwerp’s Flemish Renaissance architecture is typified by the Grote Markt, a central square in the old town. At the 17th-century Rubens House, period rooms display works by the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Ready to plan your trip to Antwerp? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Antwerp

Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station
1. Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station
4.4
(1778)
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Casual hotel with a gym & free breakfast, plus a streamlined restaurant/bar & railway station views.
Slide 1 of 8
Great hotel and location to center and train station. Very quite. Morning breakfast was great and accommodating especially for gluten free options had to ask but they delivered. Could leave luggage while you wait for your room 3pm.
Absolutely the best. I got such a nice room with a great view to the station. Spacious and superclean room. Friendly and very helpful front desk staff. Excellent breakfast. Only complain I might have would be the smokers on the front entrance due to close proximity of the bus stop.
Very good hotel right opposite the Antwerp train station. I’ve given it 5* for location as I wanted to be close to the station. It is about a 15 minute walking into the ‘old town’ Rooms very comfortable and modern. Staff were incredibly helpful and kind Decent included breakfast.
Hampton by Hilton Antwerp is in a very convenient location—just steps away from Central Station. The hotel is quite good and up to standard. The in-room amenities are complete, the place is clean, and the service is great. Jesse, the front desk staff we met on the first day, was cheerful and provided us with a lot of helpful information. Breakfast was decent.
We had a fabulous stay at the Hampton Hotel Antwerp. The location is right across ghe road from the train station which makes exploration of Belgium so convenient. The staff was super friendly and attentive to all our needs. Sorry that I do not know all their names but Lesley stands out as a great example of great service and for caring about his guests. Highly recommended
Great Diamond member recognition. Nice staff, specious room and happy atmosphere. The best part of the hotel is the unbeatable location. Near to the central station, restaurants, supermarkets and zoo. Perfect for family with kids.
Not a great hotel for families. Rooms very dated. Carpets in the rooms and nasty stains all over them, feels very dirty. Bed like a block of wood and pillows with filling all knotted and bunched in places. No sound proofing at all so can hear people in the hallways, and very busy train station right outside so very loud. Parking very far, so if coming with a car avoid this hotel at all costs, if not for the reasons above anyway. Arrived at 11pm with 2 very tired children, 2 and 4 years old. No parking at all outside, risked parking in the road for a few minutes while unloading the bags. Asked wife to go and check in so I could park the car. Parking is 15/20 minutes away including walk back to hotel. Asked my wife to check in and go to the room. Her purse and phone was in the car in the hurry. When I got to the hotel they were still at reception and was told receptionist wouldn’t give the key because the tourist tax had to be paid. I asked the receptionist why couldn’t you give my wife and kids the room key as I was coming back and it’s 11pm for a 2 and 4 year old who were very restless and making it difficult for wife to look after. Fee was only €5 and all she said is I can’t give it, there’s cameras all over watching me. It’s such a stupid excuse, and doesn’t care about customers at all and their struggles. Wife was struggling for 20 minutes with 2 children who were rolling around the floor while she just watched on. They could have been in bed, and all for €5 which we were obviously going to pay anyway, along with the parking costs at the reception. Had to come back to pay that after anyway for a parking garage which was a while away. I then asked if the request we made for a cot in the room was seen and if there was a cot. She said I can see your request so there will be a cot in the room, and if there isn’t just let us know. She didn’t care at all. Surprise surprise no cot in the room, so waited another 20 minutes with the kids for the cot to be bought up. Wished we never booked this hotel, staff with no empathy or care for customers. Avoid at all costs.
I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station for six nights to participate in a technical meeting that was held nearby at A Room with a ZOO. The hotel was an excellent value, well-located, and offered traveler-friendly services. Breakfast in the morning and the house bar at night were highlights.
Cathedral of Our Lady
2. Cathedral of Our Lady
4.6
(12377)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
A landmark spire tops this Gothic-style cathedral, known for its Baroque masterpieces by Rubens.
Slide 1 of 8
A magnificent and grand cathedral with a rich and fascinating history – an absolute must-visit if you’re in Antwerp. The architecture is breathtaking, both inside and out, showcasing intricate details, stunning stained glass windows, and towering spires that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. Walking through the cathedral, you're immediately struck by the atmosphere – peaceful, majestic, and full of stories from the past. It's not just a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of art and heritage. You’ll find masterpieces by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, adding even more depth to the experience. Every corner offers something unique, from beautifully carved altars to quiet chapels and historical artifacts. The cathedral leaves a lasting impression and gives a real sense of the cultural and spiritual heart of Antwerp. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a moment of calm in the city, this cathedral delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended – a true highlight of any trip to Antwerp.
This place is incredible. Such beautiful ornate details and awe inspiring architecture. I am constantly fascinated by these old world buildings and love to visit them. This is one of the biggest cathedral’s I’ve seen with many spaces to worship, walk around and see beautiful art and sculptures. Highly recommended when you visit Antwerp.
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is incredibly beautiful. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, featuring masterpieces by Rubens. Please note that entry is not free.
Nice place to visit. A historic Gothic cathedral with a distinctive spire, famous for its collection of Baroque works by Rubens. Ticket to the church is 12 euro for adults. If you want to only see small part, you can visit shop only.
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, stands as one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and a symbol of the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Construction began in 1352 and spanned nearly two centuries, resulting in an awe-inspiring structure that dominates Antwerp’s skyline with its soaring 123-meter spire, the tallest church tower in the Low Countries. Inside, the cathedral is a treasure house of sacred art, most notably the world-renowned altarpieces by the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, whose works infuse the space with drama, color, and devotion. The interior’s vast nave, intricate stained glass, and delicate stone carvings reflect the craftsmanship and ambition of medieval builders. Despite fires and conflicts that damaged the cathedral over the centuries, it remains a living monument of faith, culture, and resilience. Today, it continues to inspire worshippers and visitors alike as the beating heart of Antwerp’s historic center.
4rth time in Antwerp, fourth visit in the Cathedral. Just unique! The paints of Rubens and De Vries are breathtaking! The cathedral is so impressive.
This cathedral is one of a kind, a historical icon of Antwerp’s religious heritage. A calm place to revisit the past and view it from today’s perspective. It tells a timeless story of the struggle of Virgin Mary. I recommend going and seeing what is inside, it only costs €12.
The cathedral is incredibly impressive, but the €12 entrance fee is a bit too much in my opinion. Inside are lots of beautiful stained glass windows.
MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
3. MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
4.5
(19852)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Striking red sandstone museum with high-tech exhibitions exploring Antwerp's place in the world.
Slide 1 of 8
This museum is located in the outstanding red-brick building near the river. The museum is quite pricey, but getting to the rooftop for the views is free of charge. Getting to the top requires you to take the escalators to the 10th floor. There you will see a 360-degree panorama views of the city - from the city centre to the industrial area. It’s incredible, to be fair. There are some sitting spaces inside on some floors with the views as well. Great for a tired tourist to sit and enjoy. One of the must-visits in Antwerp and is truly great.
There are two version of the ticket. Museum has a ticket. However, to go on the top floor, there is no ticket, It’s free and worth the view of the city. It’s little walk to the museum from city center/train station. But walk is enjoyable to the museum from the city center as you go through the historical places and shopping district.
An outstanding building not to be missed when visiting Antwerp! Although we could not visit the museum as we arrived too late, we found out that we can still enter the building and go up the terrasse to see a great panorama of the city. By the generosity of the city, it was open, and we discovered the wonderful building clad in red stone and glass. Amazing piece of architecture, a block in spiral almost rising from the water. We took the escalator and we admired floor after floor the sights of the harbour and the city at sunset. Must return for visiting the museum, the permanent collection and many exhibitions!
An amazing building ten floors high with an open roof. I had tickets for all the private exhibitions which I would recommend. The curved glass exterior is a marvel in itself. The rest is built in a red brick tile on much of the ceilings and walls inside and outside. A must see.
An outstanding building for architecture and for views over Antwerp. Each floor of this museum presents either temporary exhibitions, a selection from the permanent collection or other services as the building is a hub for visitors coming for a meal or to enjoy the viewing platform. I spent time in two temporary exhibitions and was so impressed with the curation. I learnt so much! The entire site around the museum is also fantastic - the water, the cafes and the gift shop. The entire site is a work of art. Catch the tram from town. This destination is a must in Antwerp.
Very cool, fantastic modern building with great views over the low-rise city. We did not see the exhibition (we were there mainly for the architecture and views), but you can enjoy the surrounds and view for free! Highly recommended.
A must-visit cultural landmark in Antwerp. the building itself is architectural marvel and worth the visit. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully curated and unique collection that spans diverse themes — from local maritime history to global trade, and even an impressive section on World War II that offers powerful insight on the city’s history under occupation. What sets MAS apart is the way it connects Antwerp’s local story to global narratives. The exhibits are visually engaging and often interactive, making the experience enriching and accessible. Don’t miss the free rooftop panorama terrace — it offers stunning 360° views of the city and port, perfect for a relaxing end to your visit. Whether you're into history, architecture, or just looking for a great viewpoint, MAS delivers on all fronts.
I was ready to skip this stop in Antwerp, but glad we didn't. Impressive building with very interesting collections. I wasn't very sure what the overarching theme was, but it appears to just be 'Antwerp' through several themes/lenses. Fairly inexpensive as far as museums go! Backpacks are apparently not allowed? Although they didn't bother to tell me until I got escorted out of the 3rd gallery we entered!
Grote Markt
4. Grote Markt
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Town square surrounded by Antwerp City Hall & ornate 16th century guildhalls, plus eateries.
Zoo Antwerpen
5. Zoo Antwerpen
4.4
(24960)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
City zoo with daily penguin feedings & sea lion shows, plus an established conservation program.
Slide 1 of 8
Absolutely wonderful zoo! I had a ton of fun, the animals are beautiful. I took over 500 photos, luckily I brought an extra battery for my phone! I’d suggest that you bring your own food, it’s a bit overpriced imo, but I’m not super familiar with Belgian prices, so maybe it’s okay.
We had such a great time at this zoo! At first, I thought it would be just another boring zoo, but it turned out to be a really fun experience. We loved seeing all the different animals and fish, and the park itself is very clean and well maintained. It also made for a lovely date with my husband. I’d definitely recommend this place as a date spot.
This zoo looks very nice, animals have a lot of space for a zoo in the city center. It is a great place to spend a day in nature in the city as the zoo looks like a big garden. You can see koalas!
Visited during the Ocean themed light festival. Great experience for my 2 years old and honestly for us parents too. Ve also enjoyed lunch at the restaurant by the flamingo.
Excellent zoo in the heart of the city. It is easily accessible since it is located right next to the Central Station. You can spend half a day walking through the animal park. There are several food stops and 2 restaurants where you can sit properly to eat a full meal. There are enough lavatories throughout the zoo in case you are visiting with children. The souvenir shop is at the entrace and is also where you can purchase your tickets.
We had a great day here! We went in the day time to see the animals, though a load was under construction unfortunately. We also went at night to the magic ocean event, which was amazing!! Pricey, but very very well done. Enjoy the many photos I took! :)
Beautifully maintained zoo with happy animals who are the closest ive ever seen of any zoo in the world. Kids and adults will equally enjoy this place and it should not take more than 2-3 hrs to fully complete. It's right next to the must see train station and across the chocolate nation museum. Together it's a full day of fun!
Beautiful zoo within the city centre of Antwerpen. Few of the zoo buildings have beautiful historic architecture which makes the zoo unique. Lots of healthy and well taken care of animals. They have the typical big four of a safari. They have different theme on each location and a well thought out sequence of path to follow. The butterfly sanctuary is one the most beautiful I've seen and within a historic building. Touring the zoo will take at 2 to 4 hours. Check for the zoo schedule beforehand such as the lion feeding and scuba diving show in the aquarium. Perfect place to bring your family.
Rubenshuis
6. Rubenshuis
4.4
(6786)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum in Rubens' 17th-century home, showcasing his paintings, plus sculptures & tapestries.
Slide 1 of 8
Unfortunately the house is under renovation (the artworks are currently housed in KMSKA), but you can still see the garden. It's really lovely this time of the year, with all the different varieties of tulips. We got in with the museum pass, but the standard ticket is a bit pricey perhaps. Still, a nice quiet spot.
Rubens' house, unfortunately, the interior is not accessible to tourists. The garden is wonderfully arranged. In the basement, which is part of the entrance to the garden, there are interactive facts from Rubens' life. Tickets are purchased in the entrance itself, as well as souvenirs.
This review is for the Garden since the house is still undergoing renovation. The garden, however, is beautiful and the view of the house from the back is much more charming than from the street side. Also important to note that the garden is CLOSED on Wednesdays. If you glance at the open times briefly you might miss that important piece of info (as I did).
A chance to walk around Ruben's beautiful garden and enjoy the Ruben's interactive 'experience' both are well worth a visit. Sadly the house was under renovation at the time of our visit, which was a little disappointing, but the venue is still very much worth visiting if you are in Antwerp.
A Remarkable architecture A Lovely garden An interesting multimedia experience If you are Rubens fan you will enjoy { it's rather an entertaining focused thing — instead of the detailed museum feeling}
This is a Must See in Antwerp. One of my favorite artists, I had no idea how prolific his works were!! What an incredible home JJ Ruebens built for his first wife and family. How amazing it must have been to work among the artizans and aprentices in his onsite factory. The gardens are my favorite. Could spend all day sitting and looking at the many, many details in everything he made. Ask for Hans at the front desk for some inside stories about this incredible place. 💙💙💙💙💙
Beautiful garden and housing complex. Original presentation on multi-screens in the basement of the small museum. Public library on the 1st floor.
The garden is an oases of rest. II was pleasantly by the Rubens experience. It is worth a visit!!
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Other notable attractions

De Koninck - Antwerp City Brewery
Brewery
Food & Drink
Modern brewery offering self-guided interactive tours, tasting sessions & a courtyard terrace bar.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Museum
History Museums
Mansion museum housing the world's oldest printing presses, plus books, antiques, tapestries & art.
Meir
Notable street
Neighborhoods
Well-known street with shops, historic residences, a neoclassical theater & an ornate train station.
Red Star Line Museum
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum exhibition based on the 3 million who emigrated to America using this historic shipping line.
Antwerp City Hall
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Stately Renaissance building with an elaborate facade, flags & art, with guided tours.
Sint-Annatunnel
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Het Steen
Historical place
Museums
Landmark city center medieval fortress & Antwerp's oldest building set along the riverfront.
Cogels-Osylei
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Featured on many city walking tours, this ornate street is lined with turn-of-the-century buildings.
Port Authority of Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Government office
Sights & Landmarks
Port house integrating an old fire station with a diamond-shaped structure designed by Zaha Hadid.
St Paul's Church
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
This restored Gothic church with a Baroque tower houses works by Antwerp painters Rubens & van Dyck.

Top searches in Antwerp

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Antwerp?

Get inspired for your trip to Antwerp with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Q&A about Antwerp

Definitely have Granita con Brioche in Sicily! Arancino is also a great snack!
A
Abby Buckridge
View 2 responses

Weather in Antwerp

Here's the historical average temperature in Antwerp over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Antwerp in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Antwerp
Ready to plan your trip to Antwerp?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Antwerp