Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium's port city: diamonds, fashion, Rubens, a spectacular railway station and a river walk with great views. We stayed here during our winter trip in February 2025.

Where to Sleep?

We stayed at the Astoria Hotel Antwerp.

Tip: The prices and opening hours here are the ones we noted when we planned the trip. Check them before you go.

1. Antwerp Central Station

Known as the railway cathedral, and one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Don't miss the main hall, entering from Koningin Astridplein, or the great hall with the clock.

2. City Park and the Meir

A small park on the way from the station to the old town, and then the Meir, Belgium's most famous shopping street. Go inside the Stadsfeestzaal, a shopping center in the restored city festival hall, with a gold leaf glass dome, mosaics and marble.

3. Groenplaats

Antwerp's Green Square, full of cafés, at the foot of the cathedral.

4. The Cathedral of Our Lady

The biggest Gothic church in Belgium, with paintings by Rubens. At its foot is the statue of Nello and Patrasche, from the story A Dog of Flanders.

5. Het Elfde Gebod

A café in the shadow of the cathedral, filled with statues of saints and angels. Worth a stop for a drink.

6. Vlaeykensgang

A hidden alley from 1591, where the city's poorest once lived. Today it has antique shops, galleries and restaurants. Look for the little gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16.

7. Grote Markt

The main square, one of the most beautiful in Europe, with the 16th-century City Hall, the guild houses and the Brabo Fountain in the middle.

8. Hendrik Conscienceplein and St Charles Borromeo

A charming little square with the Hendrik Conscience Library and St Charles Borromeo, one of the most beautiful churches in Antwerp.

9. St Paul's Church

A Gothic church with a Baroque interior and paintings by Rubens.

10. The Port House

The port authority's headquarters: an old fire station topped by a huge glass 'diamond ship' designed by Zaha Hadid. It is a bit out of the center, so a bike helps.

11. MAS

The Museum aan de Stroom, a red stone tower by the docks with a free rooftop and a 360 degree view of Antwerp.

12. Het Steen

A riverside castle, the oldest building in the city, now an interactive museum with a panoramic roof terrace. Entrance was €7. Walk along the Scheldt quays afterwards, especially at sunset.

13. The St Anna pedestrian tunnel

Almost a hundred years old, with its original wooden escalators. Walk under the Scheldt to the Left Bank for the best view of the city skyline.

14. KMSKA and PAKT

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts (€20), and PAKT, an old industrial site turned into a hub of creative businesses and restaurants with rooftop gardens.

15. Chocolate Nation

The world's largest Belgian chocolate museum, interactive and full of tastings. Tickets were €19.90.

Where to eat

• Normo, for coffee.
• Perruche.
• Kaffeenini.
• Falafel Tof.
• 't Hofke, in Vlaeykensgang, for French and Belgian food.
• Amadeus, for spare ribs, in a beautiful old room full of bookshelves.

Tip: Ask for a Bolleke, Antwerp's local beer, at any café.