Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is known as the home of fashion, contemporary architecture, and famous artists.
Antwerp is located in the heart of the Flemish region, just 45 kilometers north of Brussels. It is not only home to Belgium’s most important port – which is Europe’s second-largest maritime port – but is also known as the center of the world’s diamond trade. The city’s historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, while it also plays a defining role in contemporary architecture and fashion.
The cradle of Flemish painting, where Rubens, Van Dyck, and other masters created their works, still preserves its artistic traditions today. Between the cobbled streets of the old town, baroque palaces, gothic churches, and ultramodern buildings alternate, while modern promenades and historic port areas meet along the banks of the Scheldt River.
Table of Contents
Antwerp attractions
Grote Markt
The main square located in Antwerp’s heart is one of the finest examples of Flemish Renaissance architecture in Europe.
The square, developed in the 16th century, is surrounded by magnificent guild houses, each representing a different craft during the city’s golden age. These ornately carved facade buildings now house restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
In the center of the square stands a statue depicting the legendary figure of Silvius Brabo, who according to legend defeated the giant who collected tolls from those crossing the Scheldt River. The bustling life around the statue characterizes the square: tourists, locals, and street performers all make the environment more colorful. The square’s atmosphere becomes especially magical in the evening.
Our Lady’s Cathedral (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
Antwerp’s largest and most imposing religious structure was built between 1352 and 1521 in Gothic style.
The 123-meter-high tower is Belgium’s tallest church tower and a visible symbol of the city from afar. The structure is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals.
The interior of the cathedral houses stunning art treasures, including four original Rubens paintings: „The Descent from the Cross”, „The Crucifixion”, „The Resurrection” and „The Assumption of Mary”. These baroque masterpieces deserve a special trip, as they possess such richness of detail and color splendor that is difficult to find elsewhere.
A special feature of the building is the massive carillon consisting of 47 bells, which entertains visitors with regular concerts. The small streets surrounding the cathedral exude a medieval atmosphere, where antique bookshops and craft workshops line up.
City Hall (Stadhuis)
The Renaissance-style building was completed in 1565 and is one of the most refined examples of Flemish architecture.
Designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt, it harmoniously combines Italian Renaissance elements with local traditions. The detailed stone carvings and sculptures on the facade depict Habsburg rulers and allegorical figures.
The interior of the building is as stunning as its exterior: ornately painted ceilings, historical frescoes, and antique furniture adorn the official halls. The city hall still serves active governmental functions today, but certain parts are kept open to the public, allowing us insight into Antwerp’s administrative past.
It was severely damaged during World War II bombing, but meticulous restoration work managed to restore it to its original state. Today it is one of the most photographed buildings on the Grote Markt and also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies.
St. Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk)
The baroque church built in the 16th century originally belonged to a Dominican monastery.
The building’s specialty is that it combines the Gothic basic structure with baroque decoration, creating a unique architectural hybrid. The church tower is 80 meters high and is visible from afar with its characteristic onion dome.
The church houses one of Antwerp’s richest baroque art collections. The walls are decorated with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens, while the main altar is a magnificent marble work representing the pinnacle of baroque sculpture.
Het Steen
Antwerp’s oldest surviving structure dates from the early 1200s.
This imposing medieval castle originally served to defend the city on the banks of the Scheldt River, later functioning as a prison and then as a warehouse. Today it houses the National Maritime Museum, which presents Belgium’s rich maritime traditions.
The exhibition within the castle walls details the development of Antwerp’s port from the Middle Ages to the present day. Through interactive maps, ship models, and nautical instruments, we can follow how Antwerp became one of Europe’s most important commercial centers. From the museum’s roof terrace, a breathtaking panorama opens to the Scheldt River and the modern port area.
The giant statue in front of the entrance depicts the local legendary figure Lange Wapper. Additionally, the area around the castle is a popular walking area where the meeting of the historic building and the modern city creates a particularly spectacular contrast.
Botermarkt
One of Antwerp’s liveliest and most authentic squares, which was also an important center in the Middle Ages.
Today this small, intimate square houses numerous restaurants, cafés, and smaller shops, all of which have preserved their traditional Flemish character. The square’s buildings are typical examples of 16th-17th century Flemish bourgeois houses, with their narrow facades and stepped gables.
The popularity of Botermarkt lies in the fact that it has preserved its authentic, local atmosphere without becoming overly touristy. Here you can find some of the neighborhood’s best traditional Flemish restaurants, where you can taste local specialties such as moule-frites (mussels with french fries) and Flemish beer.
Stadsfeestzaal
Originally opened its doors in 1908 as Antwerp’s most elegant shopping center, based on designs by Louis Delacenserie.
The building was built in art nouveau style, but its specialty is the glass-steel structure, which made it one of the era’s most modern architectural innovations. It was severely damaged during World War II but was completely renovated in 2007.
Today it operates as a luxury shopping center where international brand stores are found alongside local Belgian chocolate and beer shops. The central part of the building is covered with a stunning glass dome through which natural light flows into the multi-level galleries. This light effect becomes particularly spectacular in the afternoon. The restaurant on top of the building offers panoramic views of the city center.
Antwerp Central Station
Not only a transportation hub but one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations.
It opened its doors in 1905 based on designs by Louis Delacenserie and was built in eclectic style, combining baroque, art nouveau, and neo-gothic elements. The main hall’s 75-meter-high dome and monumental limestone facade create a true architectural masterpiece.
The interior of the station resembles an opera set: marble columns, gilded decorations, and huge glass surfaces create a grandiose atmosphere. During modern renovations in 2009, additional tracks and an underground level were also created while preserving the original architectural elements.
Zaha Hadidplein
The Zaha Hadidplein is an ultramodern district that bears the name of the world-famous Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.
This area is part of Antwerp’s newest development project, where futuristic buildings and contemporary art installations can be found. The square’s design is an example of 21st-century urban planning that harmoniously fits into the city’s historic fabric.
The central element of Hadid Square is the Port House, the last completed project of Zaha Hadid’s studio, which was completed in 2016. This building „floats” above the historic fire station and with its diamond-shaped structure refers to Antwerp’s diamond industry traditions. The building is particularly spectacular in the evening with LED lighting.
Among the area’s other modern buildings, we find contemporary residential buildings and office complexes, all following principles of sustainable architecture. The square’s walking and cycling paths lead to the Scheldt riverbank, making this district an ideal connection between the historic city center and the modern port district.
Scheldt Riverbank Promenade (Scheldekaaien)
This is a several-kilometer-long promenade on the left bank of the Scheldt River, offering a unique perspective of Antwerp’s port and the industrial scenery of the opposite bank.
The promenade was created in 2017 in place of the old highway and has since become one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. The promenade’s modern design consists of terraced levels situated at different heights.
From here we can observe the huge container ships working in one of Europe’s busiest ports. Information boards along the promenade present the port’s operation and the significance of international trade.
Antwerp ZOO
The Antwerp zoo opened its doors in 1843 and is today one of Europe’s oldest yet most modern zoos.
More than 5,000 animals live on the 10.5-hectare area, including many rare and endangered species. The zoo’s specialty is that it is located directly in the city center, next to Antwerp Central Station, making it easily accessible.
The facility’s 19th-century buildings, such as the Victorian-style elephant house and the artistic bird house, also have architectural value. Sea turtles and flamingos live in the central pond, while the tropical hall dazzles with exotic plants and butterflies.
It is famous for its nature conservation programs and scientific research. The institution actively participates in European breeding programs, particularly in the protection of large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, and Sumatran orangutans.
All information can be found here!
Antwerp weather: when is the best time to visit?
Antwerp has an oceanic climate, which means mild winters and moderate summers. The city’s weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, making it less extreme than other parts of Central Europe.
Spring (March-May):
The spring period begins with pleasant temperatures, 8-10°C in March, then reaches 15-18°C by May. Drizzling rain is frequent, but the number of sunny days gradually increases. The city’s parks and historic squares take on their most beautiful form during this time.
Summer (June-August):
During the summer months, temperatures move between 20-25°C, rarely rising above 30°C. This season has the least precipitation, although thunderstorms may occasionally occur. The long summer days allow for riverside walks even after 9 PM.
Autumn (September-November):
The autumn period begins with moderate temperatures (17-20°C in September), then drops to 8-12°C by November. Rainy days become more frequent, but the city’s autumn colors are particularly beautiful on the cobbled streets of the historic quarter.
Winter (December-February):
The winter months are cool, with temperatures between 3-7°C. Snow rarely falls, but drizzling rain and overcast weather are frequent. Despite this, the Christmas market and indoor museums make this a pleasant time for visiting.
Best time to travel to Antwerp:
The most ideal time to visit Antwerp is between May and September. During this period, temperatures are pleasant (18-25°C), precipitation is minimal, and the number of sunny hours is optimal for sightseeing. The period between June and August is particularly recommended when the least rain falls and the long days allow for walks along the riverbank until nine in the evening.
If we want a less crowded tourist season, then late April or early September is an ideal choice, when the weather is still/already favorable, but mass tourism hasn’t yet reached/has already passed its summer level.
