2024 Antwerp Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Antwerp｜The must try restaurant in summer

Sofie's Place
⭐️ Overall rating: 5/5
🍽 Recommendation: Thai beef salad
💁 Service: Good
💰 £40 per person
📍 Location: Graanmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Sofie’s place is one of my favourite restaurants in Antwerp, and during summer time, I like sitting outside and having a drink with my friends here.
The food is high quality and freshly made. From the starter, Ceasar salade with some fresh seafood tastes awesome and the Tomatensalade burrata is fresh.
I ordered Thai beef salad and it tastes like Chinese food. The sweet sauce is impressive. #境外遊 #foodie #Antwerp

The place is about pleasuring senses

This is truly the place for your 5 senses satisfaction: 1. Sight: one can view the great masterpiece (Castle) made from chocolate as well enjoy the Chocolatier’s demonstrations. 2. Hearing: you can listen and learn the new unknown details about the production process and get to know the interesting historical details about chocolate. 3. Smell: chocolate smell in this museum increasing theta brain waves which trigged relaxation even with teenagers 😂. 4. Touch: it’s a miracle everything you touch in this museum turns into the chocolate (slightly exaggerating). 5. TASTE: 10 different flavors of chocolates to taste - heaven! I will definitely recommend! #wecreate #belgium #Belgiumchocholate #museum #Chocolatemuseum #antwerp #Chocolatenation

Let’s go to Belgium

Another #throwback to Belgium trip. #2023travelwish

Love a vibrant city? This is it! Antwerp

This is the lovely city i've been. Talk about it's history, I couldn't agree more. I take a short train 30 minutes from Brussels and this city is easy to walkable. You can see there is a lot of gems right here. As a muslim, I do respect their Gothic building. Their grote markt is lively and full of people. Nice!! At first I thought the historical building must be their church. oh well, my mistake. Some of it is a train station, their museum and their old government building. In case you'd love to be here, do enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city! Cheers!! #mytripvlog #tripblazers #spooktaculartrip #deliciousfood #fypシ

Impressions in Antwerp 🇧🇪

The first time I visited Belgium, my trip took me to Antwerp - a town with great atmosphere, delicious food and dark academia vibes in the old town. Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as centre of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Cycling is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Markt. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351. My personal highlights included seeing Grote Markt, having Belgian fries with mayo and riding a Bird scooter down the streets... #tripblazers #myvlogtrip

Beautiful Antwerp Central Station

Koningin Astridplein is a square in the center of the Belgian city of Antwerp. It leads to the De Keyserlei and the Carnotstraat among others. Right at the square, there is the beautiful Antwerp Central Station which many travellers and locals use to get to different cities and different areas of the city itself. The Central station has a beautiful architecture and was built in 1905. This central station is one of the most beautiful central stations in the world, given its beautiful architecture and grandeur. Just right beside it, you will find a popular destination which is the diamond street (De Keyserlei). There are also a lot of popular destinations around it. #antwerp #antwerpen

Yummy Frites (Fries) in Antwerp

Frituur n°1 is a local fries store in Antwerp located in the city centre. They sell a few mainstream food dishes, mainly fast food and quick bites, but the fries were the highlight. Got to know of this place from a local, and there were many locals queuing up for it (but the queue moves very quickly). The locals recommended the most popular ones, which is just fries with beef stew and mayonnaise sauce. Fries were pretty nice! But note that this shop doesn’t accept any card payments, and only cash is accepted. There is also a seating area with plenty of seats but the toilet was sealed off, so no toilets were accessible. 4/5 and would recommend for a quick bite! #food #antwerp #belgium

Belgian Waffle House in Antwerp

Address - Van Hecke Waffle House in Antwerp Ambiance/Facilities - waffles were not too bad! The waffles were crispy and warm, but super light on the inside. Ambience wise, it was a small Waffle House but had enough seats to accommodate everyone. The owner was also very friendly and helped us move to a bigger table when it was available. Highlights - We got a banana split and it was amazing! we also got a normal waffle with the whipped cream, it was nice on its own as well! Avg. Price per Person - 10-15 euros depending on what you get. They have Belgian waffles and even main dishes. They also serve tea, hot chocolate, and many other drinks along with ice cream to go with your waffles. Rating - 4.5/5 #food #antwerp #antwerpen #belgianwaffles

Middelheimmuseum

This is a detail from Congoville, a free temporary exhibition at the open air museum Middelheimpark. Scroll to see further details. In the exhibition,15 artists who were selected by the Belgian-Congolese art historian Sandrine Colard, show their vision on Congoville and the colonial traces in our society. Special focus lies on the former Colonial College of Belgium whose building next to the Middelheimpark is now owned by University Antwerp. Foundet in 1920 and closed in 1962, it trained top civil servants to run the Belgian colonies. The garden also contains the director's villa in colonial style. This photo shows the work of artist Maurice Mbikayi and is called ‘The Aesthetic Observer (2021) ‘. Maurice Mbikayic, born in 1974 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), lives and works in Cape Town (South Africa). In the clothing of this figure we see keys from old computer keyboards. It refers to the raw materials needed in today's technology. The workers who extract the ores from the ground in Congo are still exploited thus enabling the Western way of life. Afterwards, the West often dumps the materials back in Africa as toxic waste. By using this dumped materials in his art, Mbikayi denounces this reprehensible situation. At the same time it honorees the resilience of the African people, who have found endless ways to make the most of limited resources. The dandy-like character of the figure refers to the Sapeurs from Brazzaville-Congo who are members of ‘La Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes’ which means that they belong to ‘the elite of élégance’. They parade across the street like peacocks in striking clothing and create flamboyant identities for themselves showing they haven’t lost their free spirit and self respect. #modernart #sculpturepark #antwerp #antwerpen #middelheimmuseum #instantwerpen #vakantieineigenland #artpark #park #stadantwerpen #museum #terras #summertime #middelheim #visitantwerp #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

Antwerpen-Centraal

The Central Station immediately has a wow factor for those arriving by train in Antwerp. The impressive building was built between 1899 and 1905 according to a design by the architects Louis Delacenserie and Charles Poupaert in an eclectic style. It is in fact already the third station on this spot after the previous two were demolished. Originally it was a terminus where all trains had to turn in their direction of travel. This changed in March 2007 after a thorough renovation and modernization of the station platform, in which a two-track tunnel was opened that runs under the station and part of the city so that trains can continue their route without turning. #antwerpenstation #treinstation #metrostation #travelmore #slowtravel #station #building #antwerpenmijnstad #antwerpen #antwerpenbelgium #anvers #happynewyear #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

Hendrik Conscienceplein

Since 1883, Hendrik Conscience Square is named after the 19th-century Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience whose statue has been placed on the square. Before that it was called Jesuit Square because the Jesuits built the square in its current form. The partly 17th-century buildings around the square are characterized by a Baroque style. This is especially true for the imposing St. Carolus Borromeo Church, a former Jesuit church. The baroque style of the buildings around the square, with great pomp and splendor, was consciously stimulated by the Jesuits. As part of the Counter Reformation, the order wanted to encourage the population to come to their churches in all kinds of ways. Hence the difference in height of 8 meters between the front of the Sint Carolus Borromeus church and the rear with nothing behind just to make it look more imposant. A 17th century publicity stunt to attract more people. The entire square has been tiled with cobble stones. If you look closely you can see the 4 symbols of the card game (heart, club, diamond, spade). The photo is taken under the Sodality (oldest part of Hendrik Conscience heritage library), a wide passage that connects Conscienceplein with the Jesuitsrui, popularly called the “Jesuitengat". In 1927 a bronze memorial plaque in honor of August Snieders, a writer, was placed. In 1975 this square became the first auto-free square in the city, created through the efforts of local residents and some well-known artists such as Hugo Heyrman and Panamarenko. #erfgoedbibliotheekhendrikconscience #cityview #discoverbelgium #kidsoceanworld #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

#givethanks

If you only look at the picture, wouldnt you think of such a beautiful building but a train station? The Antwerp Central Railway Station in Belgium, built between 1895 and 1905, was built by the Belgian King Leopold II. The magnificent neo-Baroque architecture is decorated with more than 20 kinds of marble and stone. And magnificent. When it was completed, it was criticized for its luxury, but time has confirmed the vision of the builders. Today, this station has become one of the symbols of Antwerp and has been rated as the most beautiful railway station in the world.

Belgium|Antwerp eat and drink Raiders h The hotel opposite the Antwerp station is in an excellent location, the restaurant's large glass windows are the best location to enjoy the station. The location of the hotel is also very good, walking distance to the commercial street and the Rubens House. But spit it out, because it is very difficult to hold the tail room and the room with 4 numbers, in the case of telling the front desk (language communication is no problem, basically can be considered intentional) still give us a room number 4 and the tail room The room, after asking for a room change, gave us another tail room in another direction... This service is very speechless h This shows all kinds of Beautiful diamonds and art collections from around the world, as well as diamond jewelry that various superstars have ever worn. Rubens House The paintings that I once saw in the art book can be seen here! The Rubens Garden is also a great place to take pictures. Antwerp station highly recommended photography, casual shooting is very filming, intricate elevators and huge domes are amazing! There is also a very retro cafe eat Frites Atelier potato roast beef fries a bit like our rice bowl, is a popular local snack, in addition to the traditional potato beef The taste is curry and spicy cabbage Graanmarket 13 fashion avant-garde Antwerp innovative dishes, the chef has also visited China, adding innovative elements to traditional Belgian dishes purchase Belgian chocolate, super rich

August Hotel, Antwerp, Belgium.

First hotel project designed by Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen The hotel was formerly a 19th-century monastery, and the entire hotel retains many of the previous brickwork and room settings. The minimalist lines and large amount of space in the room give a sense of ultimate tranquility. There are not many rooms, and the keys are hung on the wall at the front desk. There is a restaurant called The Jane next to the hotel, but it is only open four days a week. I had the lunch menu at the hotel restaurant at noon. The appetizers were delicate, but the taste was average, and the main course was more delicate. The dessert was average, not very amazing. There is a small shop opposite the front desk, where you can buy VVD cooperative utensils, as well as a series of bedding fabrics used in the room.

Antwerp , Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium, is a city where its distinctive architectural charm is reflected in the homes that line its historic streets. From elegant 16th-century merchant houses to contemporary lofts in the trendy Zuid district, Antwerp offers a striking blend of old and new in its residential architecture. The historic center, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, is home to beautiful townhouses adorned with intricate facades, large windows, and ornate doorways. Many of these homes were once owned by wealthy merchants during the city’s Golden Age and still showcase the grand scale and ornate detailing of that era. The famous “huisje” (small house) style, with steep gabled roofs and decorative brickwork, can be seen throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods like the Old Town and near the Grote Markt. In contrast, areas like the fashionable Zuid district boast modern apartments and renovated industrial spaces, where sleek lines, open-plan layouts, and contemporary design dominate. The contrast between Antwerp’s historic homes and modern residences creates a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere that is one of the city’s most endearing qualities. Whether nestled in a charming historic house or a chic modern apartment, Antwerp’s homes reflect the city’s rich heritage and dynamic cultural scene. #internationaltravel

Antwerp , Belgium 🇧🇪 📸

Antwerp, Belgium, is a captivating city where rich history, cutting-edge fashion, and artistic heritage come together in a vibrant urban mix. Known as the “diamond capital of the world,” Antwerp has long been a hub for the diamond trade, and its renowned Diamond District is a testament to this legacy. But the city’s charm extends far beyond its sparkling gems. The stunning architecture of Antwerp is a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and contemporary styles. The grand Cathedral of Our Lady, with its intricate spires and impressive artworks by Peter Paul Rubens, dominates the skyline. Nearby, the medieval Grote Markt square is lined with ornate guild houses, creating a picturesque setting for cafes and restaurants. Antwerp is also a fashion mecca, home to the famous Antwerp Six—a group of avant-garde designers who put the city on the global fashion map. The city’s fashion district is brimming with chic boutiques, high-end stores, and design ateliers. Art lovers flock to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, while food enthusiasts savor Belgian waffles, chocolates, and hearty Flemish cuisine. With its mix of history, creativity, and modern flair, Antwerp offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary style. #internationaltravel

Antwerp | Boutique hotel with good service and interior design

U Eat & Sleep Antwerp 📍Nassaustraat 42, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium This boutique design hotel in Antwerp sits by the water and is very close to the MAS Museum. With just 15 individually designed rooms, each room has unique decor and color schemes. My room had both a shower and a bathtub, with stylish white tiles and a deep green sink that gave it a sophisticated vibe. The hotel uses bath products from the Amsterdam brand Marie-Stella-Maris, known for its "premium essentials designed to care for yourself and others." The shampoo left my hair soft and volumized with a subtle, refreshing fragrance. The amenities here are excellent. Downstairs, there’s a space where you can enjoy drinks or breakfast, which is served in a luxurious three-tiered setup, reminiscent of afternoon tea. The yogurt is a must-try, and the croissants and bread were even better than those in London. Belgian coffee, stronger with a hint of bitterness, stands out as well. You can also order eggs or avocado, and the eggs were particularly soft and delicate. #100waysoftravel #antwerp

Philip's Biscuits - Only available in Antwerp

Only in Antwerp, remember to visit this cookie shop when you are there. Make sure to try the Antwerp hands (Antwerpse Handjes). These cookies, handmade in the shape of a hand, have been a typical regional product of Antwerp. The little hand refers to the legend of the giant Druon Antigoon, who demanded a high toll from the ships that passed by on river Schelde. Boatmen who refused to pay the toll lost their right hand, which the giant chopped off and threw into the river. The Roman hero Silvius Brabo challenged the giant, killed him and chopped off his right hand. The story is fortunately in stark contrast to the delicious taste of the Antwerp Hands! #belgium #belgiumfood #antwerpen#philipsbiscuits #antwerp #antwerphands

Frites Atelier - Best Fries in Brussels! Must Try!

Hands down the BEST fries (and arguably the most famous fries) would be those from Frites Atelier Brussels. The fries are crispy on the outside, almost like they are dusted or coated with something, and they are super, super soft and tender on the inside. This is definitely a MUST-TRY place if you are in Brussels. I would recommend at least stopping by for an order of fries and you could wash that down with a couple pints of beer! #belgium #belgiumfood #fries #fritesatelier #bestfriesinbrussels

Nello and Patrasche

This statue dedicated to the story of a Flemish boy and his dog near to the Cathedral of Our Lady. The Novella, A Dog of Flanders was written by Ouida in 1872. It centered around the lives of Nello, a young orphan boy aspiring to be a painter, and his dog Patrasche. The story is not very famous in the region despite it being set in Antwerp, but was a big hit in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The climactic moment of A Dog of Flanders follows a desperate Nello, who after being wrongly accused of causing a fire in his village, goes to the cathedral in Antwerp to see his idol Rubens’s “The Elevation of the Cross” and “The Descent of the Cross.” However, he was out of money and unable to see the artwork. On Christmas Eve, Nello and his dog stayed at the cathedral when they found the doors open. The next morning, the boy and his dog are discovered frozen to death under his favorite artist’s painting. Worthwhile visit while visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady. #antwerp #antwerpen #cathedralofourlady #nelloandpatrasche #belgium

Chocolate Nation.

De Roma Antwerp is one of the coolest venues you'll see

We saw Interpol at De Roma Antwerp. An antique former Cinema and theatre. It's rather large and greatly air conditioned, offers a free cloak room and a bar with very acceptable prices and a variety of drinks, including champagne for 5 euros and a great choice of different beers with prices starting at 3 euros, all served in recyclable appropriate glasses. The acoustics are beyond great and the venue even offers a balcony lounge with seats. #antwerp #historicallandmarks #deroma #concert #vintage #venueguide #venue

Cute Antwerp old town

The Antwerp old town is so lovely, especially at night. The square behing the cathedral features many shops, restaurants, tratorias seem to be quite popular and for a moment you might even feel like you're in Italy. Since it was Sunday, some restaurants had long queues so we opted to buy Waffles and Prosecco at the Carefour express supermarket, which is open till late even on Sundays and enjoy them by the canal bank. #historicallandmarks #deliciousfood #antwerp #belgium

Indulge in the sweet life of Belgium.

🎈 Bruges and Ghent are two of the most charming towns in Belgium, and they're much more fun than the capital, Brussels! The scenery, architecture, history, and experience are all next level. ⏰ Itinerary Both towns are small, with concentrated attractions, and only half an hour apart by train. Stay in Ghent until the evening to enjoy the beautiful night view. 🗺️ Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, known as the "Venice of the North" and the "Sleeping Beauty of the Middle Ages." It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [One] Minnewater Park A 8-minute walk from Bruges Train Station, it's as beautiful as a painting, and you can see flocks of white swans. [Two] Mary's Bridge An 8-minute walk from Minnewater Park, it's perfect for photos. [Three] Rozenhoedkaai A 7-minute walk from Mary's Bridge, it's a great photo spot. Don't miss the boat tour in Bruges, which costs €15 and lasts 40 minutes. The view from the boat is very different from the view from the shore. [Four] Burg Square A 2-minute walk from Rozenhoedkaai, it's next to the Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The Basilica is named after the rumored blood of Jesus, and some areas are free, but you'll need to pay extra to see the Holy Blood. [Five] Market Square A 3-minute walk from Burg Square, it's the heart of Bruges, and the most prominent landmark is the Belfry of Bruges. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Bruges, but you'll need to climb 366 steps. The nearby Provincial Palace and Bruges History Museum are also magnificent. 🗺️ Ghent In the 13th century, Ghent was the second largest city in Europe after Paris, known as the "Medieval Manhattan." The city is full of exquisite and luxurious buildings, and the attractions are very concentrated, all close to each other. [One] St. Michael's Bridge (from the Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, take a tram/bus to the bridge, which takes about 20–30 minutes). It's the center of Ghent, and next to St. Michael's Church. [Two] Graslei/Korenlei The stepped gable buildings on both sides of the river are beautiful, and each one is trying to outdo the others in beauty and wealth. [Three] Old Post Office The exterior is classical and elegant, and the interior has been converted into shops. [Four] St. Nicholas' Church, Belfry of Ghent, and St. Bavo's Cathedral These form the iconic "Three Towers" of Ghent. The Belfry of Ghent is the tallest building in Ghent, at 91 meters, and you need to pay to climb to the top, but there is an elevator. [Five] Ghent Town Hall It took three centuries to complete, and you can see Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles from different periods by walking around the outside. [Six] Gravensteen It was once the administrative center, mint, and prison of Ghent. Tickets cost €13, but I wasn't too interested, so I didn't go inside, just took photos outside.

Visit the famous city of Belgium - Antwerp.

Antwerp is located on the Scheldt River in the northwest of Belgium. It is the largest port and important industrial city in Belgium, with an area of 140 square kilometers and a population of 457,000 (January 2005). Most residents use Dutch dialects. Antwerp is a famous cultural center in Europe and the birthplace of famous artists Rubens and Van Dyck. There are ancient buildings full of medieval atmosphere, superb and mysterious diamond craftsmanship, and world-renowned painting art and religion are perfectly combined. As the second largest city in Belgium, the second largest port in Europe, the 16th largest port in the world, and the largest diamond processing and trading center in the world, Antwerp is the most densely populated area in Europe. Most citizens of Antwerp believe that the name of their city comes from the Dutch "handwerpen", which means "broken palm". According to legend, there was a giant who collected high tolls from the passing captains. The young warrior Brabo cut off the giant's hand. In the center of the Grand Square (Grote Market), there is a bronze statue, which depicts Brabo's beautiful bow-shaped posture of throwing the giant's broken palm into the Scheldt River, which is also a symbol of the Scheldt River's restoration of freedom and smoothness. But the legend cannot replace history. Antwerp is actually a symbol of the city core formed by the protruding land into the water. Historically, it was one of the richest cities in Europe. To this day, it is still the largest diamond trading center in the world. There are 1,600 diamond companies in the city, as well as various diamond-related museums and exhibition halls. The churches in Antwerp are the unique charm of this city. The philosophers rely on oil paintings to show the Bible stories in front of you. Therefore, when you go to Antwerp, you must go to the local church to see it, it can bring you artistic enjoyment. Antwerp Cathedral, also known as Antwerp Cathedral, is a cathedral built over 200 years from 1352. Although it took so long and was supervised by countless architects, the overall architectural style is quite consistent and harmonious. It is a representative work of Gothic architecture and the largest church in Belgium and even Northern Europe. The church is a large stone pillar arch structure with 124 forest-like columns The most attractive part of the church is the tower. The tower is 123 meters high. The delicate decorations on the tower are breathtaking. The 47 bells on the tower are combined into a row of bells. It took a century to complete the hands of three craftsmen. Known as the "medieval skyscraper". It is an excellent sign for ships entering the port of Antwerp. The church houses famous paintings by Rubens, such as "The Ascension of Jesus", "The Descent of Jesus" and "The Ascension of the Virgin" and other altar paintings. Among them, "Jesus Descent" is one of the seven heroes of Belgian art.

Antwerp | The must try bakery in Antwerp

Dellafaille MAS 📍 Nassaubrug zn, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium This bakery is located near our hotel, and there are only two such stores in Antwerp. When the weather is good, many Belgians push strollers with their children to buy breakfast. After trying Belgian bread, I love it so much! The bread has a crispy crust and soft, flaky interior, with an exceptionally great texture. The store also sells items similar to egg tarts. If you don’t want a baguette or egg tart, you can buy some packaged snacks to take away and enjoy later. #100WaysOfTravel #antwerp

Antwerp｜Discover the brilliant coffee shop in Belgium

Maurice Bar 📍Korte Nieuwstraat 22, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Discovering this café was a stroke of luck. It looks like a converted church, and I originally thought that entering through the wooden door would lead to an indoor space. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that by looking down and walking further, there is also a fantastic garden. Belgians enjoy sitting on chairs covered with soft blankets on weekends, sipping coffee, chatting with friends, and relaxing. One of the main reasons I particularly like this place is that it is next to a home goods store, and the coffee cups have beautiful designs with purple patterns. #travelchecklist #antwerp

Antwerp | The KMSKA Museum Exhibition: Old Meets New.

▪️ The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) covers seven centuries of art, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It includes early Netherlandish paintings, expressionism, and works in painting, sculpture, drawing, and decorative arts. Many pieces are by renowned Flemish painters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Jacob Jordaens. The museum also showcases various styles and periods, including the Dutch Golden Age, Baroque, 19th-century Romanticism, and Modernism. ▫️ Originally designed by architects Jacob Winders and Frans Van Dyck in the 19th century, the KMSKA opened to the public in 1890. The museum was established to collect, preserve, and display significant Belgian and Flemish artworks. After winning an international competition in 2003, the museum underwent over a decade of renovation and expansion, reopening this year. 🔺 To fully enjoy the exhibition, it's recommended to allocate 2 hours for your visit. Tickets can be booked in advance on the official website or purchased at the self-service machines at the museum entrance. 🎫 Tickets: €20 for ages 26 and above, €10 for ages 19-26, free for ages 18 and below. 🕙 Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (open until 18:00 on weekends, until 22:00 on Thursdays except in July/August). 📍 Address: Leopold de Waelplaats, 2000 Antwerp

VEERDIENST SINT-ANNA free boat antwerpen