10 Best Things to Do and See in Antwerp
Exploring Antwerp on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Antwerp, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Antwerp. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Antwerp Zoo
Located in the heart of Antwerp, Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Belgium and a must-see for families and curious visitors alike. It offers a wide variety of animals from around the world, presented in carefully designed habitats that promote their well-being and provide an enjoyable visitor experience. With its leafy pathways, ponds, enclosures and conservation-focused facilities, the zoo lets you observe wildlife up close while enjoying a peaceful setting right in the city center.
2. MAS – Museum aan de Stroom
The MAS, or Museum aan de Stroom, is one of Antwerp’s must-see museums. Housed in a contemporary building on the banks of the River Scheldt, it offers a fascinating journey through the city, its port, its connections with the world, and the cultures that have shaped it. Its collections combine art, ethnographic objects, maritime history, and local heritage, creating a varied and accessible visit. From its upper floors, you can also enjoy superb views over Antwerp and its port, making it both a museum worth visiting and a remarkable viewpoint.
3. Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp
Antwerp Cathedral is one of the city’s great religious landmarks, remarkable for its Gothic silhouette and imposing presence in the heart of Antwerp. A visit reveals vast, light-filled naves, soaring vaults, side chapels and a rich architectural decoration that bears witness to the skill of its builders. The building is also appealing for its peaceful atmosphere, stained glass windows and religious artworks, making it both a place of worship and a must-see tourist attraction in Belgium.
4. City Hall Festival Hall
The Stadsfeestzaal in Antwerp is a shopping center housed in a remarkable building that draws visitors as much for its architecture as for its shops. Inside, you’ll discover a large, elegant gallery filled with light and lined with fashion, beauty, and leisure brands. The place combines shopping, a gourmet break, and a stroll through a beautifully designed indoor setting, making it an ideal stop in the heart of the city. It is a favorite address for visitors who want to combine urban discovery with a shopping experience in an iconic building.
5. Het Steen
Het Steen is one of the most iconic historic sites in Antwerp, on the banks of the Scheldt. This former fortress, now open to visitors, lets you discover a place steeped in history through its exhibition rooms, heritage spaces, and views over the river and the city. Here, you can trace Antwerp’s evolution, between medieval defense, urban memory, and welcoming visitors. It is an ideal stop to understand the city’s past while enjoying a remarkable setting.
6. Rivierenhof Provincial Domain
Rivierenhof Provincial Domain, in Antwerp, is a large estate park known for its wide green spaces, walking trails, and ponds that offer visitors a peaceful setting. It features lawns for relaxing, majestic trees, playgrounds, and paths suitable for walking or cycling. The estate also hosts a range of outdoor leisure activities and is a pleasant place to escape the bustle of the city while staying close to town.
7. Chocolate Nation
Located in Antwerp, Chocolate Nation is a museum entirely dedicated to Belgian chocolate, one of the country’s most indulgent symbols. The visit lets you discover the history and craftsmanship behind chocolate making, from raw ingredients to the different stages of production. The tour also explores the origins of cocoa, the evolution of techniques, and the role of chocolate in Belgian culture. With immersive and interactive spaces, the museum offers a fun, sensory experience, ideal for better understanding this world and tempting your taste buds.
8. City Park
City Park in Antwerp is a pleasant urban park where visitors come to enjoy a green setting right in the heart of the city. It features large lawns, paths ideal for walking, as well as spaces suited to relaxation and sports activities. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a popular stop for both locals and visitors, ideal for walking, jogging, or simply taking a break in the shade of the trees. This place offers a great balance between nature, leisure, and city life.
9. Park Spoor Noord
Park Spoor Noord is a large urban park in Antwerp, created on a former railway site that has been redeveloped. It offers wide green spaces, paths for walking or cycling, and relaxation areas that are popular with both locals and visitors. The park also features playgrounds, sports fields and open spaces where you can have a picnic or simply enjoy the atmosphere. It is a pleasant place for a break outdoors, with a modern, friendly feel, close to the city center.
10. Rubens House
The Rubenshuis, in Antwerp, is the museum housed in the former home of Peter Paul Rubens. It features an elegant ensemble blending historic architecture, an inner courtyard, and exhibition spaces dedicated to the art and world of the great Flemish painter. The site lets visitors admire works of art, furniture, and decorative elements that evoke the life of an artist’s home in the Baroque period. The visit also offers a glimpse into the cultural atmosphere of Antwerp and the importance of the city’s artistic heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
