Antwerp walking tour & city guide
Rubens, diamonds, fashion and a grand railway station.
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Antwerp, Belgium's second city and one of Europe's largest ports, has been a hub of trade, art and style for centuries. It was home to the painter Peter Paul Rubens, it handles most of the world's rough diamonds, and its fashion academy has produced some of the most influential designers of recent decades.
Grote Markt and the cathedral
The Grote Markt is surrounded by richly decorated guild houses and the Renaissance City Hall. In the middle stands the Brabo Fountain, showing the legendary hero throwing the hand of a giant into the river, the story said to give the city its name.
Nearby, the Cathedral of Our Lady, with its 123-meter spire, is the tallest church in the Low Countries and holds four great paintings by Rubens. Rubens' own house and studio, a Flemish-Italian palace, is now a museum a short walk away.
Central Station, diamonds and the waterfront
Antwerp Central Station, with its stone dome, marble halls and iron-and-glass train shed, is often called one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The streets beside it form the Diamond District, where thousands of traders work behind heavily secured doors.
On the river Scheldt, the MAS museum, a tower of red stone and glass, has a free rooftop with views over the port. The Het Steen castle on the riverbank is the oldest building in the city.
Fashion and practical tips
The streets around the Nationalestraat are lined with designer boutiques, while the Meir is the main shopping avenue. The historic Zurenborg neighborhood is known for its eclectic Belle Époque houses.
Trains from Brussels take about 40 minutes, and Antwerp is also an easy day trip from Amsterdam. The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Top sights in Antwerp
- 1
Antwerp Central Station
A grand domed railway station from 1905.
- 2
Grote Markt
Guild houses, City Hall and the Brabo Fountain.
- 3
Cathedral of Our Lady
The tallest church in the Low Countries, with works by Rubens.
- 4
Rubens House
The painter's home and studio.
- 5
MAS museum
A city museum with a free rooftop view.
- 6
Het Steen
A riverside castle, the oldest building in Antwerp.
Food markets & where to eat in Antwerp
Vogeltjesmarkt
A large Sunday market on the Theaterplein with food stalls.
Grote Markt
Terraces and traditional cafés around the square.
Zuid
A lively district of cafés and squares in the south of the city.
Food to try in Antwerp
Antwerpse handjes
Hand-shaped biscuits and chocolates, the city's symbol.
De Koninck
Antwerp's local amber beer, served in a round 'bolleke' glass.
Elixir d'Anvers
A local herbal liqueur.
Belgian fries
Served with mayonnaise or a stew sauce.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Antwerp
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in AntwerpCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Antwerp.
- eSIM for BelgiumStay online from the moment you land.
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