What to See in Antwerp: 16 Places

A city of diamonds, chocolate and beer. Museums, a zoo, breweries, chocolate shops... fitting Antwerp into a single day is a challenge. Having visited the city, I can say you need at least 2 days to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Especially if you really want to make the most of your visit, take your time and enjoy everything this city has to offer. 

Het Steen

Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest surviving landmark, drawing visitors with its rich history and iconic architecture. This medieval castle from the 11th century, standing right on the banks of the River Scheldt, now serves as a modern visitor centre and interactive museum. If you're planning a weekend break in Belgium, Het Steen fortress, with its unmissable statue of the legendary giant Lange Wapper at the entrance, should be at the top of your list of things to see in Antwerp.

Wandelterras Promenade

Antwerp's waterfront promenade (Wandelterras) offers one of the most beautiful views of the River Scheldt and the city's bustling port. This elevated pedestrian area, flanked by the historic Zuiderterras building and moored sightseeing boats, is an ideal place to relax and take a stroll during a visit to Belgium. If you're looking for the best photo spots in Antwerp and want to experience the authentic atmosphere of a port city just a short distance from the historic centre, a walk along the Scheldt should be on your itinerary.

Cathedral of Our Lady

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is a monumental Gothic gem and the largest church in the Benelux region. Its majestic 123-metre tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dominates the city's skyline. Inside are world-famous masterpieces by the celebrated painter Peter Paul Rubens, while just outside the entrance on Handschoenmarkt square, visitors are drawn to a touching statue of the boy and dog from the legendary story of Nello and Patrasche. For lovers of architecture, art and history, Antwerp's cathedral is an absolute must-see in Belgium.

Antwerp City Hall

Antwerp City Hall (Stadhuis van Antwerpen), on the historic Grote Markt square, is one of Belgium's most important Renaissance landmarks and is UNESCO-listed. Decorated with dozens of colourful flags, this imposing building, together with the iconic Brabo Fountain, forms the very heart of the city. If you're looking for Antwerp's main tourist attractions and want the perfect photo from your trip through Flanders, a visit to this lively square with its historic guild houses is an absolute must.

Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the iconic main square in the very heart of Antwerp, captivating visitors with its distinctive historic atmosphere. The square is dominated by the monumental, UNESCO-listed Renaissance city hall from the 16th century, complemented by beautifully decorated guild houses with golden statues atop their gables. In the centre stands the famous Brabo Fountain, depicting the legend behind the city's name. If you're looking for Antwerp's most photogenic places, where you can also enjoy a traditional Belgian beer on one of the many outdoor terraces, Grote Markt is an absolute must for your itinerary.

Groenplaats

Groenplaats (Green Square) is one of Antwerp's liveliest and most popular squares, offering a fantastic view of the neighbouring Cathedral of Our Lady. This tree-lined space is dominated by a monumental bronze statue of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. The square is an ideal starting point for shopping on the well-known Meir avenue or exploring the historic centre. If you're looking for the perfect place in Antwerp to sit in a typical Belgian café, try the famous fries or simply watch the bustle of city life, you definitely shouldn't miss Groenplaats on a visit to Flanders.

Beer festivals are also held here. If you're visiting Antwerp, I definitely recommend checking whether there's a festival taking place in the square. Firstly, if you like beer, it's a great experience (I speak from personal experience—I barely made it to the bus after that party 🍺). Secondly, if you want to photograph the square "without people", it will be closed off and fenced in during the event, so you won't be able to get your photo.

Chocolate Nation - the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum

If there's one place I'd happily go through again, it's the chocolate museum in Antwerp. There's something interactive behind every door. 

As you walk through rooms scented with chocolate, you gradually learn about everything from the journey of a cocoa bean from the plantation to a luxury praline, right through to tips on eating chocolate.

At the end of the museum, you can sample several types of chocolate. This gave me the chance to try a newly invented "purple" chocolate. It was a great experience.

A visit to the shop by the exit is a must. You'll find everything you can think of here. Boxes of chocolates, lollipops, jams, spreads, chocolate bars and so on. The problem is that there's so much to choose from that your bags probably won't be big enough... and your wallet probably won't stretch far enough either.

A visit to the museum takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much you want to read and how quickly you want to go through it. I'd recommend taking your time and enjoying the visit, though.

You'll find a link to Chocolate Nation at the end of the article.

DIVA Museum (DIVA Antwerp Home of Diamonds, Jewellery and Silver)

The DIVA Museum in Antwerp (DIVA Museum) is a fascinating world of diamonds, jewellery and silver right in the city's historic centre. This interactive exhibition takes you through Antwerp's rich history as a global centre of the gemstone trade and introduces you to breathtaking collections of silverwork and luxury tableware. If you're looking for places to visit in Antwerp for lovers of design and elegance, the DIVA Museum is a great choice for discovering the glittering history of Flanders as a whole.

You'll find a link to the museum at the end of the article.

Diamond district

Antwerp's Diamond District (Diamantkwartier) is a global centre of the gemstone trade, handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds. Located close to the central station around Pelikaanstraat and Hoveniersstraat, this famous diamond district combines a fascinating history, a multicultural atmosphere and tightly guarded trading exchanges. If you're planning a trip to Belgium and looking for Antwerp's most interesting places, a walk through this unique district full of luxury jewellers and diamond-cutting workshops offers an unforgettable experience and a glimpse into a world of extraordinary luxury.

Nello and Patrasche Statue

The Nello and Patrasche statue on Antwerp's Handschoenmarkt square is one of the most moving and most photographed sights in Belgium. This unique marble monument, depicting a boy and his faithful dog asleep beneath a blanket of cobblestones, refers to the world-famous tragic story A Dog of Flanders. If you're looking for hidden gems and interesting sights in Antwerp right beside the famous cathedral, this iconic statue, with its message of loyal friendship, should be on your sightseeing list.

Antwerp Central Station

There you are, standing in the station, and you overhear people chatting: "Well, we like trains. We came to Antwerp just to see the station." If someone told you that, you probably wouldn't believe it. But you have to go inside to understand.

Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal) is among the most beautiful railway stations in the world and is an architectural gem of Belgium. This imposing historic building, with its monumental marble hall and enormous glass dome, captivates every visitor as soon as they arrive in the city.

If you're planning a trip to Flanders and looking for Antwerp's most interesting landmarks, this iconic "railway cathedral" is the perfect starting point for your journey and a place you simply have to see.

Antwerp Zoo

The zoo is right next to the central station and is one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the world. Founded back in 1843, it continues to charm visitors with its combination of historic 19th-century architecture and modern, environmentally friendly exhibits. Here in the heart of the city, you can admire thousands of animals, walk through the breathtaking butterfly house or visit the historic Egyptian-style elephant temple. For families with children and nature lovers alike, this green oasis in the middle of the city is an ideal place to visit in Antwerp.

Plantin-Moretus Museum

The Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp (Museum Plantin-Moretus) is a unique historic printing and publishing house from the 16th century, and was the first museum in the world to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This architectural gem on Vrijdagmarkt square houses the world's oldest surviving printing presses, rare printed works and masterpieces by famous artists. If you're looking for the best museums in Antwerp and want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Flanders' golden age, a visit to this fascinating place is an absolute must for history and culture lovers.

Antwerp Botanical Garden

Antwerp Botanical Garden (Den Botaniek) is a peaceful green oasis right in the centre of this Belgian city. Its focal point is a picturesque neo-Gothic building overlooking beds filled with medicinal and exotic plants. If you're looking for romantic places in Antwerp where you can escape the urban bustle, and you're interested in the history of traditional pharmacy, this historic herb garden should be on your itinerary through Flanders.

Stadspark

Antwerp's Stadspark is the green heart of the city and an ideal retreat for anyone wanting a break from the urban bustle. This historic triangular city park, laid out on the site of a former military fortress, offers picturesque walking paths, rare tree species and a large central lake with an iconic white bridge. If you're looking for quiet places in Antwerp to relax, have a picnic or exercise outdoors, and you're near the famous diamond district, a visit to Stadspark is a great way to recharge while exploring Belgium.

Breweries and Chocolate Shops

Personally, I skipped the breweries because there was a beer festival taking place while I was in Antwerp. I also skipped the chocolate shops because I'd visited the chocolate museum. In any case, if you'd like to visit some breweries and chocolate shops, here are a few places for inspiration: 

Breweries:

• De Koninck - Antwerp City Brewery
• Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie, Brouwerij & Taproom
• Cabardouche Brouwerij

Chocolate shops:

• The Chocolate Line
• Chocolatier Goossens
• Jitsk
• ChoFleur Antwerp

Museum links:

• Chocolate nation: https://www.chocolatenation.be/nl 
• Diva Museum: https://divamuseum.be/en