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Living in Utrecht, it is not even an hour and a half drive to Antwerp, so it was about time that I would visit Belgium’s second important city! As I have just come back from a weekend in Antwerp, one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. And it is also just about time that I create a blog post around it. So here are some of the best things to do in Antwerp.
📱Looking for data in Belgium? I’d recommend this Airalo E-SIM for Belgium, or you can also get one covering multiple European countries!
🏨Where to stay in Antwerp? I stayed at Hyllit Hotel which was nice. For a more budget-friendly option, check out Yust Antwerp.
10 Best Things to do in Antwerp, Belgium
Of course, there is more to see than just the activities listed below, but here are some of the best 10 things to do in Antwerp, Belgium.
1. Free Walking Tour of Antwerp
I always like to start of a visit in a new city with a free walking tour! So I highly recommend doing the same when you visit Antwerp. The tours are a great way to get a first impression of a new city, learn about it’s highlights and history and often you leave with a lot of new ideas and recommendations of things to do and see in Antwerp.
I would recommend this tour, which takes around two hours and happens almost every day. But don’t forget, of course, that the tours aren’t completely free but tip based.
2. Free 360° view of Antwerp
For a free view of the city, head to the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), just a 15-minute walk away from the main square (Grote Markt). Even after the museum is closed, you can still make your way to the top floor and enjoy some beautiful views of the city of Antwerp. And the best thing, it’s free!
From the harbour right in front of it you can also join a harbour and tour including drinks and snacks.
3. Chocolate Nation
If you love chocolate (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), then I would highly recommend a visit to the chocolate museum. Chocolate Nation is the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, and should be included in any Antwerp itinerary.
Learn all about the production and history of Belgium chocolate in this interactive museum, and end the experience with a chocolate tasting. Audio guides are included in the ticket. This place was much more fun than I had imagined, so definitely worth a visit.
The museum is open every day from 9:30AM and costs €19.90 per adult.
4. Grote Markt
The grote markt, is the heart of Antwerp: a big square in the old town of the city. If there is one place that you should see when travelling to Antwerp, it would have to be this square. Here you can find beautiful houses, the city hall, restaurants, and bars.
👉 Want to explore the old town with a guide? Join a free walking tour here to learn about Antwerp’s rich history and hidden gems.
5. Antwerp Zoo
The Antwerp zoo can be found right next to the train station, it is one of the oldest animal parks in the world. Antwerp zoo is open every day, in the summer months, from 10.00 to 18:00. It is rather pricey though, the entry fee is €34.5 per person.
6. The Antwerp Central Station
Probably the most beautiful train station I have ever seen! Trains still had delays, but at least you get to spend time looking at this impressive building while waiting for your train.
7. Het Steen fortress
Het Steen (in English: The rock) is a fortress near the port and right by the water in Antwerp. It is also only a short walk away from the old town and the main square. The castle is Antwerp’s oldest building, and while there isn’t much to see inside, it is still worth it, paying a visit to the fortress.
8. Den Botaniek
Since most places in Antwerp are located very close to each other and everything is walkable, you might as well also have a quick look at the botanic garden. You can spot a variety of different plants and entry to the gardens is free!
9. Port of Antwerp (Portopolis)
The Port of Antwerp is located right next to the museum aan de Stroom, which is where you can visit the free viewing platform, that I talked about earlier. Here you can find a free interactive visitor centre.
You can get a 360° tour of the harbour with the help of VR glasses, and you can pick up a tablet at the entrance to receive more information about the harbour.
10. Visit the Antwerp Christmas Markets
If you visit Antwerp during winter, then one of the best things to do in Antwerp is to visit the Antwerp Christmas markets. Enjoy some mulled wine, eat Christmas market food, while taking in the beauty of the lit up Grote Markt in the city centre.
Here you can find the main Christmas market, but there are multiple Christmas markets all throughout the Antwerp city centre.
Where to stay in Antwerp?
I stayed at the Hyllit Hotel, a modern 4-star stay right by the train station and zoo. The location was perfect—close to everything and ideal for a short trip.
Travelling on a budget? Then check out Yust Hostel with has both stylish dorms and private rooms.
Where to eat in Antwerp?
Here are just all the places that I happened to eat at, and since I liked them all, I might as well mention them. Might give you an idea of where to eat in Antwerp.
Bubble waffle café
This place (unsurprisingly) sells bubble waffles, but if you are feeling like something less sweet, then they also serve brunch food such as avocado toasts, bowls or bagels. The cool thing about this place was that you could just order and pay directly on your phone, and then they would bring out the food. Never seen that before!
Adress: Wijngaardbrug 2, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Marolus
Another cute lunch place, basically just around the corner from the place I had mentioned before. The ice coffee was good, and they also serve toasts and cakes. They also do high tea, however, for that you need to reserve beforehand.
Adress: Hendrik Conscienceplein 14, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Little Beirut
This Lebanese restaurant was great! They had an option on the menu where you get like 16 small dishes to share, which we tried! It was a lot of food, but very fun to try lots of different dishes.
Adress: Kribbestraat 18, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Libanezza
Since I love Lebanese food, we also decided to eat Lebanese food on our second day in Belgium, but this time at a place that was a little less pricey. This restaurant is located close to the main square and the food was amazing! It was even better than the restaurant we went to the night before!
Adress: Hoogstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
🍻 Want to taste more of Antwerp?
If you love discovering new beers, then Antwerp is the place to be. Join a local beer tour, to get to try some of the most delicious Belgium beers!
And here were some of the best things to do in Antwerp and some of my Antwerp restaurant recommendations. Are you planning a trip to Antwerp yourself?
Talk to you later
