Things to do in Antwerpen for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Antwerpen
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Antwerp is a magnificent Belgian port city on the Scheldt River, the origins of which dates back to the Middle Ages. This tour gives you an opportunity to visit the most important places in the city, discover their history and admire the beauty. Firstly, have a look at the Scheldt River from the Zuiderterras, then visit the Steen (The Stone Fortress), where the city began and where you will find unique monuments. The next stop is the heart of the old town - the Grote Markt with typical Antwerp Renaissance buildings, such as The Antwerp City Hall. Here you will be able to gaze in wonder at authentic facades of Antwerp. Learn about an unusual monument in front of the Antwerp Cathedral - Nella and Patrasche (A Dog of Flanders) - a small statue commemorating the famous novel. Then visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the most iconic buildings of Antwerp, famous for its striking asymmetrical appearance and centuries long construction history. Along the way, enjoy the mysteriousness of hidden streets in Vlaeykensgang - the secret alleys of two main roadways. Find out about Antwerp ModeMuseum and see the incredible combination of wood and clean lines. Get to the building of the Plantin-Moretus Museum - one of the best preserved architectural highlights of Antwerp, which dates back to the 16th century. Finally, get to know the place with an incredible history - from a hospice to a modern gallery that still helps people today.
Explore Antwerp’s rich history with this engaging audio tour. Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in the Jewish legacy in Europe, it guides you through the Jewish Quarter, the bustling Diamond District, and key sites reflecting the community's impact on the city's culture and economy. Starting at the grand Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station and ending at the peaceful Jewish Cemetery, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the Jewish community's history. Wander through the Diamond District to learn about the trade that enriched the city. Visit significant sites like the Shomre Hadas Orthodox Synagogue and the Monument to the Deported Jewish Population. The tour covers a range of Jewish history in Belgium, from notable figures to WWII experiences. Discover the vibrant Jewish Quarter and the Transatlantic journeys of the Red Star Line. Each landmark provides insight into the community’s story. The tour combines immersive stories with cultural landmarks, highlighting wartime resilience, solidarity, and the diamond trade. Participants will recall the tales of Jewish authors and poignant memorials. Antwerp’s historic streets are ready to be explored at your own pace.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores the historic heart of Antwerp. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a clear introduction to the city’s medieval streets, grand squares, churches, and trading heritage, with stories that connect the landmarks you see along the way. Your route begins at Het Steen, the old fortress beside the River Scheldt, one of Antwerp’s oldest surviving buildings. From there, you continue to Museum Vleeshuis, the striking red-and-white guildhall of the butchers, then into Grote Markt, where the ornate guild houses and Renaissance City Hall show the wealth of the 16th-century city. The walk leads on to the Baroque splendor of Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk, the quiet courtyard of the Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience, the elegant Handelsbeurs, and the early skyscraper Boerentoren. You then cross lively Groenplaats and slip into the hidden alley of Vlaaikensgang before the tour ends at the Cathedral of Our Lady, crowned by its soaring Gothic spire. Along the way, the most memorable moments include the riverfront fortress walls, richly decorated facades, peaceful historic passages, and the dramatic contrast between Antwerp’s medieval streets and its bold commercial ambition.
This self-guided audio walk explores Antwerp’s historic heart through art, printing, fashion, and grand civic spaces. It is ideal for first-time visitors, culture lovers, and travelers curious about how commerce, faith, and creativity shaped the city. Your route begins at the Cathedral of Our Lady, where the soaring Gothic tower and Rubens masterpieces set the tone. From there, you continue to MoMu, the Fashion Museum, then step into the Plantin-Moretus Museum to discover the world’s oldest surviving printing presses. The walk also leads to the Rubens House area, the hidden alley of Vlaaikensgang, the statue of writer Hendrik Conscience, the touching Nello & Patrasche Statue, and the elegant Handelsbeurs. The tour ends at Grote Markt, Antwerp’s lively main square, framed by the Renaissance City Hall and richly decorated guild houses. Along the way, you will experience the contrast between quiet lanes and open plazas, see stone facades, statues, and spires up close, and trace the city’s story from sacred art to trade and style. Expect memorable moments beneath the cathedral tower, inside centuries-old museum settings, and in the glow of Antwerp’s most beautiful square.
Embark on an enlightening stroll with this in-app audio tour and immerse yourself in Antwerp's rich cultural tapestry. Perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs, the journey is tailored to reveal the many faces of this European capital of culture and the global epicenter of the diamond trade. Pave your way through the city's storied streets, from the medieval grandeur of Het Steen to the architectural marvel of Antwerp Central Station. Start the adventure at Het Steen, where tales of the past resonate against the river's flow, and conclude at the station, a testament to the city's grandeur. Between these points, uncover the hidden alleys, towering spires, and gilded facades. Antwerp's soul is vibrant in each locale, from the Cathedral of Our Lady's Gothic magnificence to the Rubenshuis' Baroque elegance. Feel the hush of Vlaeykensgang alleyway and the imposing demeanor of Saint Paul's Church. Along the route, pause to marvel at the enduring beauty of Saint Carolus Borromeus Church and the historical resonance of the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The journey through Antwerp is a sensory delight, offering a feast of sights to behold. In the end, carry with you memories of stone lacework, silent courtyards, and the sparkle that adorns the storied Diamond District, making this tour an unforgettable encounter with Antwerp's most beloved landmarks.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Antwerp's art and history with a self-guided audio tour designed for culture aficionados and history enthusiasts. Your ticket to Museum De Reede, a haven of graphic art and expressionism, kicks off a journey woven with the rich narratives of this Belgian jewel. This enticing route traverses the city from its artistic foundations at Museum De Reede to the shimmering allure of the Diamond District. Begin your exploration on the banks of the Scheldt River, where the museum's intriguing collection awaits, guiding you gently into the artistic heartbeat of Antwerp. Venture onward to iconic landmarks including the legendary Brabo's Monument, the serene St. Paul’s Church and the impressive Antwerp Central Station. Each stop is a chapter of a story, narrated by the grandeur of architecture and whispers of the past. Conclude your encounter with tradition and opulence by admiring the Diamond District's glittering facades. Memorable moments include the medieval serenity of Vlaeykensgang, the maritime legacy of Het Steen, and the Neoclassical splendor of Bourla Theatre. Note, while admission to Museum De Reede is included, there is no audio tour inside the museum itself. Instead, allow the rest of the city to be your canvas, coloring your walk with sights, sounds, and stories brought vividly to life through your in-app guide.
Welcome to the Antwerp Ferris Wheel, included with your ticket, leading you on an audio journey tailored for enthusiasts of architecture, history, and culture. This in-app experience is designed for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, eager to uncover the stories woven into the cityscape of Antwerp, Belgium's diamond sparkling by the Scheldt River. Starting at the iconic Ferris Wheel on Steenplein, you will ascend to breathtaking views before descending to trace the city's cobblestones from medieval times to contemporary splendor. The tour follows a path from Antwerp Ferris Wheel through Het Steen and the Brabo Fountain, ambles past the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, and navigates historic sites like Vlaeykensgang and Kipdorp Bridge. Your journey will end at the tranquil Saint Paul's Church, leaving you with sights and insights into a city that's as rich in heritage as it is in beauty. Picture capturing the sun-drenched facades, feel the resonance of history in St. James' Church, and behold the indelible memorial of Hendrik Conscience. While the tour does not provide an audio guide on the Ferris Wheel itself, the narratives along this fascinating route will leave you with lasting memories of exploring Antwerp, the gem of Flanders.
Cities in Belgium
About Antwerpen
The best walking tours to do in Antwerpen are:
The best tours to do in Antwerpen with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Antwerpen for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Antwerpen for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Antwerpen
Kseniya Strukova is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2024 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Antwerpen on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Antwerpen.
When I visit Antwerpen, I always tell friends to skip the obvious waffle stands and go for what locals actually crave: hand-cut fries with stoofvlees, a rich Flemish beef stew that tastes even better on a rainy day. Antwerpen is also proud of its seafood—order North Sea shrimp croquettes or a bowl of mussels when they’re in season. For something sweet, I recommend Elixir d’Anvers, the city’s herbal liqueur, and the small almond biscuits you’ll find in old bakeries near the center. In my travel guide Antwerpen notes, tasting these is one of the most satisfying things to do in Antwerpen when you visit Antwerpen.
When I visit Antwerpen, I usually recommend staying in the Historic Center if you want everything within an easy walk: early coffee on Vrijdagmarkt, evening drinks around Handschoenmarkt, and quick access to museums and old lanes that still feel lived-in. If you prefer a more local rhythm, I’d choose Zuid in Antwerpen for design shops, galleries, and quieter streets around Marnixplaats. Locals know Het Eilandje is great if waterside views matter, especially near the MAS at sunset. In my travel guide Antwerpen, these are the areas I suggest first because they balance atmosphere with practical access to the best things to do in Antwerpen when you visit Antwerpen.
When I visit Antwerpen, I like to mix very different moods. I start in the Historic Center for guild houses, hidden alleys like Vlaeykensgang, and some of the most memorable attractions in Antwerpen. Then I head to Zuid, where locals linger over coffee near the Royal Museum and browse independent design shops. Het Eilandje feels completely different—old docks, wide views from the MAS, and a calmer evening atmosphere. Around Zurenborg, especially near Cogels-Osylei, Antwerpen shows off its most beautiful Belle Époque facades. If friends ask me what to see in Antwerpen, these are the neighborhoods I suggest before any tours in Antwerpen, because each one reveals a different side of Antwerpen.
When I’m in Antwerpen on my own, my favorite plan is to spend a slow afternoon moving between the old center and the river. I start with Vlaeykensgang, then browse the Plantin-Moretus Museum, one of the most rewarding attractions in Antwerpen if you like quiet places with real character. After that, I walk toward Het Steen and continue along the Scheldt, where it feels easy to enjoy Antwerpen at your own pace. For solo travelers, these are some of the best things to do in Antwerpen because you can dip into cafés, people-watch on small squares, and never feel rushed. If you’re wondering what to see in Antwerpen, I’d choose this over most tours in Antwerpen.
When I visit Antwerpen for a night out, I usually send friends to Zuid first. Around Marnixplaats and the streets stretching toward Volkstraat, Antwerpen feels lively without turning chaotic, with good wine bars, late cafés, and a more local crowd than you’ll find right by the cathedral. If you want something edgier, the area near Falconplein in Antwerpen stays busy later and mixes classic brown bars with younger spots. In my travel guide Antwerpen notes, Zuid works best if you want to bar-hop on foot and still have excellent dinner options nearby, which makes it one of my favorite things to do in Antwerpen when you visit Antwerpen.
In my travel guide Antwerpen, I usually recommend two full days in Antwerpen as the sweet spot. One day lets you see the historic core, the cathedral area, Vlaeykensgang, and the riverfront, but it feels rushed. When I visit Antwerpen, I prefer staying long enough for a slower second day in Zuid or Het Eilandje, with time for a museum, a long lunch, and wandering into small streets that don’t appear on every map. If you only have one night, Antwerpen still works, but many of the best things to do in Antwerpen are really better when you let the city unfold at walking pace after you visit Antwerpen.
When I want a break from the center of Antwerpen, I head to Linkeroever for the skyline view across the Scheldt; locals use the old pedestrian tunnel with its wooden escalators, which is half the fun. I also like cycling out toward Middelheim, where open-air sculpture and green space feel completely different from the busy core. If you’re exploring the wider attractions in Antwerpen, Het Eilandje and the old docklands are worth extra time for their mix of maritime history and modern city life. For friends asking what to see in Antwerpen, I suggest these areas before most tours in Antwerpen, because they show how varied Antwerpen really is.
When I’m in Antwerpen with family, I usually recommend the riverside walk from Het Steen toward the docks, then pairing it with the MAS area. Kids have space to move around, adults get some of the most interesting attractions in Antwerpen, and the whole route feels easy without constant planning. If the weather turns, the Antwerp Zoo is still one of the most reliable things to do in Antwerpen, especially because it’s right by the station and simple to combine with lunch nearby. For families asking what to see in Antwerpen, I often suggest this instead of longer tours in Antwerpen, because it keeps everyone engaged while showing a very real side of Antwerpen.