Antwerp, Belgium is one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. Known for its majestic architecture, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, Antwerp is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway. From stunning cathedrals to bustling markets, this city has something for everyone. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in Antwerp, Belgium.
Read on to discover all the amazing sights and activities this enchanting city has to offer.
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1) Cathedral of Our Lady – Best Places to Visit in Antwerp
Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwkathedraal) is a must-see for any visitor to the city. As Belgium’s largest Gothic church, it is an impressive sight that dominates the skyline.
However, the Cathedral’s history has not always been easy. It has suffered significant damage over the years due to fires, iconoclasm, and military invasions. Unfortunately, many of the Cathedral’s most precious works of art have been lost or stolen throughout its history, and only a few have been recovered.
Despite these setbacks, the Cathedral’s restoration is ongoing. The exterior stonework is a recent addition, having been restored in the 19th century. Meanwhile, work on the interior started in 1965 and has slowly been restored section by section. The nave was finally completed in 1983, and visitors can now enjoy the stunning restored architecture and artwork.
The Cathedral’s nave and aisles house the finest remaining works of art. Visitors can explore the cathedral treasury, which includes numerous valuable artifacts such as gold and silver relics, liturgical vessels, and tapestries. The cathedral’s art collection also includes masterpieces by renowned artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens.
Overall, the Cathedral of Our Lady is a true masterpiece and a testament to Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage. So make sure to include it on your itinerary when visiting the city.
You can find it at Groenplaats 21 / Handschoenmarkt.
2) Grand Place (Grote Markt)
The Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt, is one of Antwerp’s most beautiful and vibrant squares. Dominating the western side of the plaza is the Town Hall or Stadhuis, which was designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt and built between 1561 and 1565. The inside of the building is decorated with stunning 19th-century paintings by H. Leys that depict the history of Antwerp.
The Grand Place is lined with impressive guild houses that were built during the 16th and 17th centuries. These former guild houses served as the headquarters of various city guilds and continue showcasing the city’s rich history and culture. The guild houses on the north side are especially noteworthy, including the Gildehuis der Kuipers (Coopers’ House No. 5), the Huis van de Schutters (Archer’s House No. 7), and the Huis van de Kruideniers (Grocers’ House No. 11).
In addition to the impressive architecture, the Grand Place also houses two museums worth exploring. One of them is the Folk Museum located in a former guild house on Gildekamersstraat. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the many traditional arts and crafts found in the Antwerp area. The other museum is the Ethnography Museum, which is located nearby and highlights non-European cultures.
Visiting the Grand Place is an experience not to be missed. Plus, the lively atmosphere is always a hit with both tourists and locals alike.
3) The Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis) – Best Places to Visit in Antwerp
One of the most impressive buildings in Antwerp is the Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis), a late Gothic masterpiece built between 1501 and 1504. The building is located near the Scheldt River, and it was purposely designed to let the blood from slaughtered animals flow into the river. Today, the Butcher’s Hall serves as a museum of applied art and archaeology with an extensive collection of prehistoric, Egyptian, Roman, and Merovingian artifacts.
In addition to the ancient artifacts, the museum houses a stunning collection of musical instruments, including a harpsichord made in the Ruckers workshop, and many other string and keyboard instruments. One of the museum’s most prized possessions is the Averbode Retable, a 16th-century depiction of the conversion of Saul made from Antwerp tiles by Pieter Coecke van Aelst. Visitors will also be able to see weapons, armor, ceramics, furniture, sculpture, and woodwork, as well as an extensive collection of coins.
Visitors to the Butcher’s Hall will be impressed with the elegant rooms and the former council chamber of the butcher’s guild. The architecture and design of the building are both awe-inspiring and beautiful.
The Vleeshuis is located at Vleeshouwerstraat 38-40, in the heart of Central Antwerp, and is an attraction that should not be missed on your trip to Antwerp.
4) Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
If you’re a fan of museums, then the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a must-visit destination when you’re in Antwerp. It’s more than just an interesting building filled with countless impressive objects. This museum is unique in many ways, and it’s an attraction that should not be missed.
The MAS is a massive 10-story building that offers 5700 square meters of exhibition space. Every year, it attracts around 650,000 visitors, which is a testament to its popularity. The museum boasts an impressive collection of 500,000 alternating museum pieces, and its volunteers are some of the best in the business.
The MAS is also a catalyst for the entire neighborhood, and its modus operandi extends to every corner of the city. It’s a museum that attracts people from far beyond Antwerp and is an important cultural institution that showcases the city’s rich history and heritage.
If you’re interested in learning more about the MAS, then you should check out its daily operation and organization. It’s an attraction that has been carefully designed to provide a unique and engaging experience for visitors. And if you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays and open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
So, if you’re looking for a unique museum experience, then the Museum aan de Stroom is definitely worth checking out. You’ll be amazed by the variety of exhibitions, the sheer size of the museum, and the fascinating stories behind each piece on display.
Make sure you add it to your itinerary when you’re in Antwerp!
5) Chocolate Nation Museum – Best Places to Visit in Antwerp
Calling all chocolate lovers! If you have a sweet tooth, Chocolate Nation is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Antwerp. As the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, it’s conveniently located just across from the Antwerp-Centraal Railway Station, making it a great first or last stop on your itinerary.
The museum offers a fantastic multimedia presentation and interactive exhibits that guide visitors through every step of the chocolate-making process, from the cocoa bean’s equatorial origins and leading up to the final product. And of course, you will be satisfied – with ample samples and a museum shop full of sweet treats to purchase.
But Chocolate Nation is more than just a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It also explores the history of chocolate and its cultural significance in Belgium and around the world. The museum showcases the innovations of chocolate-making through history and looks at the various ways chocolate is used and presented.
And for those looking for a more hands-on experience, Chocolate Nation offers chocolate workshops where visitors can learn to create their chocolate goodies to take home.
Don’t miss out on this delightful experience – head over to Chocolate Nation at Koningin Astridplein 7 in Antwerp. Your taste buds will thank you.
6) Plantin-Moretus Museum
The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a unique and fascinating tourist attraction in Antwerp, Belgium. The museum features original furnishings, extensive exhibits, and an atmosphere that reflects the proximity of home and workplace. The exhibits range from the history of books to the processes involved in their production.
If you are short on time, make sure to head straight to Room 7, which is entirely dedicated to the history of books. This exhibit includes important archaeological finds and manuscripts, along with the development of the alphabet. Visitors can also learn about Johannes Gutenberg and the invention of letterpress printing using movable type.
Another highlight of the museum is Room 24, which celebrates the art of printing in Europe. The highlight of this room is the 36-line Gutenberg Bible on display, making it a true jewel in the crown of European printing history.
If you are interested in history, books, or printing, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is not to be missed. Located at Vrijdagmarkt 22 in central Antwerp, this museum offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the world of books and printing.
7) St. Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk) – Best Places to Visit in Antwerp
One of the most notable landmarks in Antwerp, St. Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk) is a stunning example of late Gothic architecture. Its construction began in 1517, but it was not until 1639 that the church was finally completed. The Baroque clock tower, which stands an impressive 67 meters tall, was added later in 1680.
In 1968, the church was severely damaged by fire, putting its valuable interior furnishings at risk. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local people, the church was saved, and its magnificent artwork was preserved.
One of the main attractions of St. Paul’s Church is the collection of paintings by world-renowned artists, including Rubens, Jordaens, and Van Dyck. Visitors can admire Rubens’ exquisite Baroque confessionals, along with three of his most celebrated works – The Scourging of Christ (1617) in the left aisle, and the Adoration of the Shepherds and Disputation on the Blessed Sacrament in the left transept.
St. Paul’s Church is located in the Veemarkt, the plaza that was once a cattle market in the heart of Antwerp. It is easily accessible, and its awe-inspiring architecture and remarkable collection of artwork make it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.
Address: Sint Paulusstraat 20/22, Central Antwerp.
8) St. James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk)
With its lavish and grand Baroque interior, St. James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) stands out as one of Antwerp’s most exceptional ecclesiastical buildings. This church has been endowed with an impressive collection of art treasures, making it a must-see attraction for art lovers and history buffs alike.
St. James’ Church was the preferred place of worship for Antwerp’s patrician families. These families commissioned famous artists to design their private chapels, altars, and tombs. As a result, the church is adorned with impressive Baroque art and decoration that never fails to captivate visitors.
The Rubens Chapel, located behind the high altar, is one of the most visited sites in the church. It houses the tomb of Peter Paul Rubens (1640), one of the greatest artists of the Flemish Baroque period, and several members of his family.
Besides the Rubens Chapel, the church’s exceptional artwork and architectural style will take your breath away. Its soaring columns and vaulted ceilings create a feeling of awe and grandeur that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
St. James’ Church is located at Lange Nieuwstraat 73, in the heart of Antwerp. Make sure to include this spectacular site in your itinerary when you visit Antwerp. You won’t regret it!
9) Antwerp-Centraal Railway Station – Best Places to Visit in Antwerp
Antwerp-Centraal Railway Station, also known as Antwerpen-Central, is a must-visit attraction in the city of Antwerp. It is widely recognized as one of the most impressive train stations in the world and a true architectural gem. The station’s grandeur and unique style have earned it the nickname “Railroad Cathedral”, and visitors are guaranteed to be in awe of its beauty, whether they are traveling by rail or not.
Constructed between 1895 and 1905, Antwerp-Centraal was the first station of Belgium’s public railway and a significant part of the country’s history. It was designed by Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie, who combined various architectural styles to create a stunning and dramatic building that still stands tall today.
The entrance hall is the most impressive part of the station’s interior, featuring high brick arches and a grand dome that creates a sense of regal elegance. It is undoubtedly a breathtaking introduction to the city of Antwerp for anyone arriving by train.
Visitors to the city can easily access Antwerp-Centraal from the old town’s Grand Place, which is just a short walk away. It is also close to other popular attractions, such as Rubens’ House.
In addition to being a transportation hub, Antwerp-Centraal also serves as an important landmark and symbol of Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage. Its stunning architecture and historic significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.
Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of Antwerp-Centraal Railway Station during your visit to Antwerp. It is truly a sight to behold and a testament to the city’s unique charm and character.
10) Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten)
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten) is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in Antwerp. The collection here is impressive, tracing the history of Belgian art from the 15th century to contemporary times.
Originally, the core of the collection was owned by the Lucas Guild of Painters and Sculptors, established in 1442. However, when the guild dissolved in 1773, the collection passed on to the Academy of Fine Arts.
In the mid-19th century, the museum acquired an impressive number of new acquisitions, including 15th- and 16th-century paintings, mostly gifts from the former burgomaster of Antwerp, Florent van Ertborn.
Today, the museum houses over 1,500 paintings and sculptures on two floors. The ground floor displays works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Belgium’s artistic development since 1830.
Opening hours are convenient for visitors as the museum is open every day of the week except Monday. From Thursday to Saturday, the museum is open until late in the evening, allowing for an immersive and leisurely exploration of the art on display (Monday 10-17, Tuesday 10–17, Wednesday 10–17, Thursday 10–22, Friday 10–17, Saturday 10–18, Sunday 10–18).
If you’re visiting Antwerp and you’re interested in art, you can’t miss the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The address is Plaatsnijdersstraat 2, Antwerp.
Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to admire the remarkable collection.
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Antwerp is a city that has a lot to offer to visitors. From its beautiful architecture and historical landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene and delicious cuisine, it’s a place that truly has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Antwerp, we hope our top 10 list has given you some inspiration for things to see and do while you’re there.
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So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Antwerp adventure today, and don’t forget to Install Framey App for some extra travel inspiration along the way!
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