14 Essential Things to See and Do!

Located in FlandersAntwerp (or “Antwerpen” in Dutch) is the second largest city in Belgium. A historic city, Antwerp has managed to preserve a large heritage from the 16^e century when it was one of the most prosperous cities in Europe. Today, the city offers its visitors a multitude of most interesting visits and a magnificent traditional architecture of the region. It is also known for being the second largest commercial port in Europe behind Rotterdam. Before your next trip to Belgium, take the time to discover the essential places to visit Antwerp.

#1 Antwerp Market Square

First essential to visit Antwerp, the Grand Place or Grote Markt in Dutch is located in the historic center. Dating from the 16^e century, this square presents magnificent architecture between the town hall and the typical houses of Flanders. Gothic and Renaissance style, Antwerp city hall is indeed one of the most beautiful buildings in town. At the heart of the square, the Brabo fountain tells the legend of the creation of the city with the famous Roman legionnaire who would have defeated the giant. We therefore advise you to take your time to admire the Grand-Place from different points of view. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the square's terraces to enjoy a Belgian beer or a delicious waffle with a view.

#2 Antwerp city center

With his superb architecture and his pedestrian streetsthe center of Antwerp is ideal place to stroll as you wish. So take the time to admire all the architectural details of the houses and buildings, to go shopping, to enter a chocolate factory, to eat fries or even to stop at one of the many terraces. During your visit to the center, you will inevitably discover Groenplaatsa huge central square with a statue of Rubens in the middle. Don't miss also finding the place Hendrik Conscienceplein which houses the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library as well as the Saint-Charles-Borromée church. Then take the time to enter the church which is as beautiful inside as it is outside. Last must-see, a little more hidden in the heart of the historic center, the Vlaeykensgang is a small pedestrian crossing which dates from 1591.

#3 Notre-Dame Cathedral in Antwerp

In Gothic style, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Antwerp is one of the most impressive in Belgium. Started in the middle of the 14^e century, the construction of this architectural treasure took almost 170 years. Located in the heart of the pedestrian streets of the historic center, you will not be able to take a long view of the building but you will have the possibility of taking its imposing tower as a landmark almost anywhere in the city. For your budget in Antwerp, be aware that entry to the cathedral requires a fee. Inside, however, you will have the chance to admire magnificent works, numerous stained glass windows and several paintings by Rubens. On the square in front of the cathedral, you finally cannot miss the statue representing Nello and Patrache which pays homage to the novel “A Dog of Flanders” by Ouida.

#4 The Plantin-Moretus museum

Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the Plantin-Moretus museum is a old printing house and publishing house dating from the Renaissance. Housed in a remarkable building, this printing works, now converted into a museum, will allow you to immerse yourself in the era of the beginnings of printing in Europe. During a fascinating visit, you will discover a large collection of vintage printing equipment and you will learn more about printing techniques. You will also be able to admire a sublime library, precious books including a copy of a Gutenberg Bible and works of art including a painting by Rubens.

#5 The Meir

For a shopping trip in Antwerpwe advise you to head towards the Meir, the city's most important shopping street. You will find all the big classic brands there which are installed in beautiful buildings. Beyond shopping, the Meir is indeed worth the detour to the architecture of its buildings. Don't miss, for example, the Royal Palace which was at one time the residence of the Belgian royal family and even Napoleon Bonaparte among others. For those with a sweet tooth, enter the Chocolate Line boutique where you can of course taste Belgian chocolate but also watch the work of the chocolatiers. Another must-see on the Meir, we advise you to enter the Stadfestsaal shopping center for the beauty of its architecture.

#6 Rubens’ house

Near the Meir you can discover Rubens' house. As you walk around Antwerp, you will quickly realize that the famous painter is very present in the city. Inspired by Italian palaces of the Renaissance era, the painter's house and studio is therefore one of the must-see places to visit in Antwerp. In this museum, you will discover works by Rubens but also a richly decorated house.

#7 Antwerp Central Station

Another must-see for visiting Antwerp, its central station is quite simply considered to be one of the most beautiful stations in the world. If you are not arriving by train for your trip to Antwerp, we really suggest you take a look at the central station. Built at the beginning of the 20^e century, it presents remarkable architecture and offers a good dose of baroque splendor to amaze its travelers.

#8 Antwerp Zoo

Located just behind the central station, Antwerp Zoo is a superb animal park. Created in 1843, this zoo is historic and allows you to discover more than 950 species who come from the four corners of the planet. For a family trip, this activity is one of the essential places in Belgium to take your children. Note that when leaving the zoo, you will find the Antwerp Ferris wheel. If you want to continue your day with a family attraction, you can plan to get up above the city.

#9 Het Steen

An emblematic building in Antwerp, Het Steet is a ancient fortified castle. Built in the 13th^e century, it is even the oldest building in town. Located on the banks of the Scheldt, this castle today houses the tourist office. Whether or not you want to learn about Antwerp, we recommend entering the castle to enjoy its architecture. On a day when the weather in Antwerp is pleasant, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the river from the castle terrace.

#10 The Aan Museum in Stroom

The Aan de Stroom Museum or MAS is one of the major cultural buildings to visit in Antwerp. With permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the most variedyou can learn more about the history of the city but also on many themes depending on the sections you choose to visit in this museum. Note that even if you do not want to visit the museum, we advise you to go to the terrace of the building. For your budget in Belgium, access to the terrace is free and you will benefit from a 360° panorama on the port of Antwerp and the city.

#11 The Eilandje district

For a nice walk on a sunny day in Belgium, we suggest staying in the Eilandje district after your visit to the MAS. In the oldest port district of Antwerpyou can stroll along the boats and take a step back from the architecture of the Aan de Stroom Museum. To reach this district, note that you can take the Red District of Antwerp or walk along the banks of the Scheldt. If you are traveling with children, we strongly advise you to take the second option.

#12 The Vleeshuis Museum

Among Antwerp's notable buildings, the Vleeshuis Museum is located in the former house of the butchers' guild. Today, this museum is dedicated to music and dance. By visiting it, you will be able to see a beautiful collection of old musical instruments. Note that even if you don't visit the museum, the exterior architecture of the building is worth the detour.

#13 The Sainte-Anne Tunnel

Classified as a historic monument, the Sainte-Anne tunnel is one of the curiosities of the city of Antwerp. Inaugurated in 1933, this underground tunnel is reserved for pedestrians and bicycles and connects the two banks of the Scheldt. During your visit to Antwerp, take its old wooden escalator or even its elevator if you are by bike for a unique experience under the city's river.

#14 The Beguinage of Antwerp

For a moment of tranquility during your visit to Antwerp, you can finally visit the beguinage. In the student district, the Antwerp beguinage is a little haven of peace which today no longer houses beguines. However, these small houses remain inhabited, its church is intact and its small park offers a most pleasant setting.

And you, what are the essential places to visit Antwerp that are on the program for your next trip to Belgium? Before leaving for Antwerp, do not hesitate to read our advice for preparing a trip to Belgium. We also suggest you discover our articles on visits to Brussels, the must-sees in Bruges and places to see in Lièges if you wish to continue your exploration of this beautiful country after your visit to Antwerp.