Things to Do in Antwerp

It’s so pretty it’s called the Railway Cathedral. Its every aspect is lavishly and minutely decorated, and lovers of both architecture and trains have spent many an hour here photographing its loveliness. Particularly impressive is the giant iron and glass vault ceiling. If you visit, the beautiful way the modern and the classic meld together here will leave you speechless. To top off its perfection, it has Starbucks.

This eccentric looking building I s relatively new among the other museums, but it’s gained a lot of love quickly. It showcases the industrial spirit and history of Antwerp. The main collections are themed around Metropolis, Power, and Life and Death. The guided tour is amazing; so make sure to hire one. At the viewing gallery at the top, the views of Antwerp and surrounding areas are supposed to be fabulous. There are thousands and thousands of items on display.

When you’re in Antwerp, then should surely consider visiting a museum named Museum Aan De Stroom. The Museum Aan De Stroom exhibits the industrial spirit and history of Antwerp and is one of the newest museums in Antwerp. You can get easy access to the museum after buying the Museum Aan De Stroom tickets from the ticket counters. Also there is an option to opt for the Museum Aan De Stroom tours which will give you some detailed information about the history of Antwerp. Buy the Museum Aan De Stroom tour tickets and enhance your overall experience.

A pinnacle of Gothic architecture, the Cathedral was at the time of completion one of the tallest buildings in the world, and still holds that title within the city. Despite having lost much of it’s original art, the cathedral is still a treasure. The star attractions are the Rubens paintings: Descent of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross and the Resurrection Triptych. Visitors often comment on the exceeding elegance of the building, the lovely stained glass windows, it’s beautiful statuary and the magnificent altar. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful churches.

In a way, this town square reminds one of utopia. It’s clean, spacious and comforting all at the same time. Beautiful buildings surround it and if that’s not all to check out, the people watching here is excellent. Lots and restaurants and bars give the place a very bustling feel. It’s quaint. Grab a local and ask them to tell you the story behind the spectacular statue of Brabo (a local legend) in the centre.

Peter Paul Rubens, the most legendary of Antwerp painters, did most of his work in this house. Even during his heydeys he was a tourist attraction unto himself. The rich and famous would gather here and there was even a viewing gallery from where people could watch the master and his students work. Carefully restored now, the building looks much as it did in the original plans. Now, it houses a large collection of excellent artwork that includes beautiful antique furniture. The gardens in front are a delight unto themselves.

One of the oldest zoos in the world, this place hosts over 5000 animals across 950 different species. Okapis, polar bears, Siberian tigers, Indian elephants, orang-utans, … the animals here are pretty exotic and from all over. They are segregated in some areas by habitat type. The gardens themselves are pretty relaxing, so if you’re tired, head over there for some rest and peace. Make sure to watch the sea lions. Be prepared to spend a while here if you want to cover everything.

With waiters clad in clichéd red and white chequered shirts and pretending hard to be Italian, this pizza place is definitely trying hard to stay in your memory. The pizzas are well worthy of the eye-sore costumes and are cheap too. Will set you back anything between 3 and 13 Euros.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is sure to be on the bucket list of every avid book reader who ever gets to visit Antwerp. This very place was once the most well-known printing house around the globe and one can witness the printing techniques of the middle ages on their visit. Buy your tickets for Plantin-Moretus Museum online in advance to avoid any last-minute delays and rushes. You can get detailed information on Plantin-Moretus Museum tickets and even book tickets for Plantin-Moretus Museum tours from our ticket section.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum of printing place ought to be a mecca for every self-confessed book lover. Once upon a time, it was the world’s most prolific printing house, and now it’s a fine museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true blast to the past. Visitors will have a chance to see what a printing house looked like in the 16th century as well as how the actually managers of the place lived and worked. It’s fascinating. The world’s two oldest printing presses are also housed here as well as a small but important collection of paintings.

If the grand architecture around this area wasn’t enough, the Meir is also the most important shopping destination in Antwerp. Hundreds of thousands of people descend on the streets here occasionally, Fashionwise, whatever it is you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it here. Ever possible brand has a presence. Naturally, this makes it a great place to people watch.

There isn’t much to be said about this church beyond it sheer elegant beauty, but that’s more than enough to be getting on with. It was initially called the Ignatius Church, and it is a Church for Jesuits. The architectural style is baroque and its interiors were decorated by Ruben and his disciples. Visit this church when there’s a wedding or concert on to understand it’s true spiritual beauty. The square surrounding the church just adds to the tranquillity here. The views are quaint, so bring some classical music along and just relax in the sunshine.

This extensive private collection was built over a period of forty one years and includes some truly distinctive and unique pieces. The unassuming outside can fool you; the museum is very well maintained and brilliantly lit. It’s a must see for Flemish art lovers, and what do you know, photography is allowed.

This is an unusual and often overlooked attraction by visitors. The entire draw of the place focuses on the experience of being inside a surreal tube tunnel that gives the imprsseio of being entirely isolated from the world outside. Done in simple white ceramic tiles, the tunnel goes beneath the river Schelede. Especially quaint are the original wooden escalators that still function.

Born out of an open air sculpture exhibition in the 1950’s, the Middelheim Sculpture Museum currently has over 200 hundred fantastic pieces on display, and the number grows every year. This is actually a park across which the sculptures are tastefully arranged. The creations are quirky, surreal, and a never ending delight. The kids will love it.

Popular with all the late-nighters and part maniacs of the city because of its opening hours (5.30 am), this place is ideal for early risers too. Simple, no-nonsense, healthy food.Bread, fillings and filled sandwiches on offer.

The house was the dwelling of the mayor of Antwerp in Ruben’s lifetime. It’s basically a museum with an eclectic collection of art and furniture decorated around an interior that exudes style and comfort without being lavish. Despite being right in the middle of Antwerp it’s never crowded. The staff is very friendly and will explain pretty much any question you care to ask. It’s fascinating to look into the lives of the moderately privileged of Antwerp’s old elite.