Visit Antwerp in a day or two

On 22 June 2025, Annabelle Thorpe named in The Guardian our hometown of Antwerp in Belgium as one of the ‘Five of the best European city breaks for summer‘. Thank you for that shoutout. But ask myself. How to visit Antwerp? And how long?

The other cities named are Riga in Latvia, Bolzano (Bozen) in South Tyrol in Italy, Gothenburg in West Gothland (Västergötland) in Sweden, and Geneva in Switzerland.

View from the Left Bank: the cathedral and the Boerentoren.

What does Thorpe has to say about Antwerp?

“Anyone who thinks Belgium is a bit boring has never been to Antwerp – an artsy, quirky city packed with cocktail bars, coffee shops and independent art galleries that sparks into alfresco life in summer. On sunny weekends, Sint-Anneke beach (on the left bank of the River Scheldt) fills up with locals dipping their toes in the water and lunching on mussels at one of the many bistros that line the riverbank. Parks and open spaces become venues for street theatre, circus acts and open-air cinema, particularly during the Zomer van Antwerpen arts festival (19 June to 31 August)”, Thorpe writes.

“To get an idea of the city’s rich history, visit MAS, an architecturally striking museum on the river, with each floor charting Antwerp’s history as a global trading port, topped with a huge rooftop terrace that gives spectacular 360-degree views.”

“Antwerp runs on its stomach, with microbreweries, chocolate shops and moules frites on every corner. The latest addition is Wolf, a food market with 10 restaurants. Pick up a picnic to eat in the gardens of Middelheim Museum’s world-class sculpture park. It features six zones exploring the relationship between humans and nature through abstract installations and strikingly innovative pieces, such as Erwin Vurm’s boat curving off a jetty, ‘Misconceivable‘.”

Predictable choices

While highlighting the Museum Aan de Stroom, Thorpe is being quite original by mentioning the Summer of Antwerp, St. Anne’s Beach and the Middleheim Museum.

The Zomer van Antwerpen might be a bit hard for the casual tourist. Many activities are to be booked in advance and are Dutch-spoken.

I applaud her for keeping clear of the (tired) clichés of fashion with “shopping” and fashion museum MoMu, the even more tired cliché of Antwerp as diamond city – you can visit diamond, gold, silver and jewelry museum DIVA – and by not mentioning the Rubens House. It’s being transformed.

What does Visit Antwerpen has to say?

Visit Antwerpen, the City of Antwerp tourism board, has two and more pages dedicated to visiting the city. But two are particularly interesting. ‘A day in the Historical Centre‘ and ‘Top 10 attractions for an unforgettable visit to Antwerp’.

A day in the Historical Centre

Antwerp’s Historical Centre is steeped in centuries of history. Around every corner, from narrow cobbled streets to the grand expanse of the Grote Markt, traces of the city’s storied past remain visible in the architecture. The area is also home to a variety of traditional cafés and refined restaurants that contribute to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The ideal starting point for a visit is Het Steen, the oldest preserved building in Antwerp. Positioned on the banks of the Scheldt, this medieval fortress once guarded the city’s entrance and now serves as a visitor centre.

Through ‘The Antwerp Story‘, an interactive exhibition within the building, visitors can learn about the city’s history and receive practical tips for exploring it further. From the rooftop, a panoramic platform offers sweeping 360-degree views across the city skyline.

From Het Steen, the walk continues into the heart of the old town. The Grote Markt, framed by the 16th-century town hall and a row of elaborate guild houses, serves as the central square.

At its centre stands the Brabo Fountain, commemorating the legendary tale of how the city got its name. On sunny days, the surrounding terraces are popular spots for a drink, whether it’s a locally brewed Triple d’Anvers at Den Engel or a coffee at Caffe Mundi, known for beans roasted by neighbouring Cross Roast.

A short walk from the square lies DIVA, the museum dedicated to diamonds, jewellery, gold, and silver—highlighting Antwerp’s long-standing reputation as a global diamond hub.

Hidden just off the Oude Koornmarkt is one of the city’s most atmospheric locations: the Vlaeykensgang. Tucked behind number 16, this alleyway dates to the 16th century and once housed the city’s shoemakers and poorest residents. Today, the restored lane offers a glimpse into the past, lined with antique shops, galleries, and elegant dining options such as the restaurant Sir Anthony Van Dijck.

The Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the skyline and remains one of the most significant Gothic buildings in the Low Countries. Inside, visitors can view an impressive collection of artworks, including masterpieces by Rubens.

Behind the sacristy, the former chapel of St John now houses De Plek, a quiet bistro with a view of the cathedral’s garden. Just outside, the Handschoenmarkt is a lively square lined with boutiques, and features a statue of Nello and Patrasche—characters from a 19th-century tale that remains popular in Japan and South Korea.

A walk through the picturesque Wijngaardstraat leads to the Hendrik Conscienceplein, one of Antwerp’s most charming squares. The square is home to the baroque St. Charles Borromeo Church, closely associated with Rubens.

Adjacent to it is the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. Its Nottebohm Hall, rarely open to the public, contains thousands of historic volumes and is worth visiting if the opportunity arises.

Even within this historic setting, shopping remains a key attraction. The Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping boulevard, is lined with both international chains and striking architecture. A highlight is the Stadsfeestzaal, a former ballroom transformed into a luxury shopping centre.

Just off the Meir, on the Wapper, stands the Rubens House—once the home and studio of the city’s most famous painter, Pieter Paul Rubens. This former city palace now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Top 10 of Antwerp

Arrive at one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. Antwerp-Central Railway Station, often referred to as the railway cathedral, is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Its monumental entrance hall, ornate façade and immense steel platform roof are architectural highlights. Visitors can take the escalators to the top levels for a better view of the entire structure. Adjacent to the station is Antwerp Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoological parks, offering a peaceful green escape in the heart of the city.
Picnic on the roof of a museum. The MAS towers over the old docks and houses exhibitions exploring the city’s maritime, cultural and global history. Each of its nine levels offers a different perspective, culminating in a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across Antwerp and beyond. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the terrace. At the museum’s base, Café Storm provides a relaxed setting for food and drink, complete with a spacious, sunlit terrace.
Travel back in time. Vlaeykensgang, a narrow 16th-century alleyway hidden behind a small gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16, offers a glimpse into Antwerp’s past. Once home to the city’s poorest residents, the alley now hosts antique dealers, art galleries and a few secluded restaurants. Visitors are encouraged to pause on one of the benches and enjoy the quiet, historic atmosphere. The French-Belgian restaurant ’t Hofke is located here and is known for its tranquil setting.
Admire fine art at the KMSKA. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), recently reopened after a major renovation, showcases works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Van Eyck, and Fouquet’s celebrated ‘Madonna‘. Ten modern galleries display the world’s largest collection of James Ensor, alongside works by Magritte, Modigliani, Rik Wouters and others. Visitors can enhance their experience with virtual reality tours or guided visits. The on-site Madonna Grand Café offers coffee, cocktails, and snacks in a refined setting.
Walk Under the Scheldt to a stunning skyline. The St. Anne’s Pedestrian Tunnel, nearly a century old, allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross under the River Scheldt. Accessed via original wooden escalators, it provides a unique journey beneath the water. Emerging on the Left Bank (Linkeroever), visitors are rewarded with expansive views of Antwerp’s skyline. A walk north leads to Sint-Anneke beach, which is lined with relaxed cafés and restaurants.
Meet Nello & Patrasche. At the foot of the Cathedral of Our Lady stands the statue of Nello and Patrasche, characters from ‘A Dog of Flanders‘, a 19th-century novel popular in Japan, Korea and beyond. The story tells of a poor orphan boy and a rescued dog whose lives, marked by hardship, end tragically. Their tale of resilience and loyalty has become part of the city’s cultural identity.
Shop for a new outfit in a city palace. The Stadsfeestzaal, once a grand ballroom and now a luxurious shopping centre, brings glamour to retail with its gilded vaults, mosaic flooring and sweeping staircases. It is located on the Meir, Belgium’s premier shopping street. Alongside international fashion chains, the Meir is lined with historic buildings and connects to several other shopping districts.
Taste Local flavours at PAKT and the De Koninck Brewery. PAKT, situated just outside the city centre, is a redeveloped industrial site that now houses sustainable businesses, rooftop gardens and culinary hotspots. Visitors can enjoy locally sourced food and drink in an urban green oasis. Nearby, De Koninck City Brewery offers an interactive tour exploring Antwerp’s beer heritage. The site also includes artisanal producers of cheeses, chocolates and other specialities. Caffénation, Standard, Racine and Camionette are among the standout dining options.
Explore the Museum of Book Printing. The Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the home and workshop of 16th-century printer Christophe Plantin. It houses the oldest surviving printing presses, a remarkable art collection and a peaceful courtyard garden. The museum offers insight into early publishing and European intellectual history. Just outside, the Vrijdagmarkt square invites visitors to relax at one of its many terrace cafés.
Visit the city’s oldest building. Het Steen, located on the Scheldt waterfront, has stood since the early Middle Ages, originally as part of a fortified settlement. Today, it houses ‘The Antwerp Story’, an interactive exhibition introducing the city’s history and major attractions. The rooftop offers stunning views of the river and cityscape. After your visit, stroll along the revitalised Scheldt Quays, an ideal location for catching the sunset over the water.

Some good ideas

I’m happy to see Visit Antwerp suggests more than sights, activities and addresses in the Historic Centre.

When I host visitors, I show them that Historic Centre, and I would take them to either De 7 Schaken or De Bomma for Belgian cuisine. If there’s a table left.

Antwerp in a day?

If Danny and I were to explore Antwerp as tourists, we would give in a full day and a night. You can easily add a second day. But, obviously depending your interests and how fast you travel and roam, a day or two is enough to catch the essence of Antwerp.

Trip By Trip

Visit Antwerp in a day or two