Guidebook for Antwerp
Shopping
Meir
MeirShop till you drop!
Large hall originally built at the beginning of the 20th century as a permanent site for official festivities. In 2000, the glass-vaulted hall was renovated and reopened as a modern shopping center.
65 Einheimische empfehlen
Shopping Stadsfeestzaal
78 MeirLarge hall originally built at the beginning of the 20th century as a permanent site for official festivities. In 2000, the glass-vaulted hall was renovated and reopened as a modern shopping center.
Sightseeing
This Roman Catholic cathedral was started in 1352 and, although the first stage of construction was ended in 1521, it has never been completed.
177 Einheimische empfehlen
Cathedral of Our Lady
21 GroenplaatsThis Roman Catholic cathedral was started in 1352 and, although the first stage of construction was ended in 1521, it has never been completed.
ModeMuseum
28 NationalestraatMuseum of Fashion
Houses a collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries.
98 Einheimische empfehlen
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
1 Leopold de WaelplaatsHouses a collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries.
Built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest building and used to be its oldest urban centre.
85 Einheimische empfehlen
Hetsteen
1 SteenpleinBuilt after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest building and used to be its oldest urban centre.
The 60 metre high MAS was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects. The façade is made of Indian red sandstone and curved glass panel construction. The MAS houses several temporary exhibitions.
475 Einheimische empfehlen
MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
1 HanzestedenplaatsThe 60 metre high MAS was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects. The façade is made of Indian red sandstone and curved glass panel construction. The MAS houses several temporary exhibitions.
In 2009 the American magazine Newsweek judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.
188 Einheimische empfehlen
Antwerpen Centraal station
27 Koningin AstridpleinIn 2009 the American magazine Newsweek judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.
The construction of the new Palace of Justice in Antwerp is the result of a policy of modernization of the judiciary institution of the country.
rechtbank van eerste aanleg Antwerpen, afdeling Antwerpen
20 BolivarplaatsThe construction of the new Palace of Justice in Antwerp is the result of a policy of modernization of the judiciary institution of the country.
The Stadspark is a 14ha park in the city entre. It is triangular with the top pointing North. Great for a relaxing walk, avoid when dark!
83 Einheimische empfehlen
Stadspark
RubensleiThe Stadspark is a 14ha park in the city entre. It is triangular with the top pointing North. Great for a relaxing walk, avoid when dark!
The Grote Markt is one of the principle tourist attractions in Antwerp. On the square stands the town hall, guild-houses, and Brabo fountain.
157 Einheimische empfehlen
Grote Markt
Grote MarktThe Grote Markt is one of the principle tourist attractions in Antwerp. On the square stands the town hall, guild-houses, and Brabo fountain.
Near the Centraal Station intersection stands the Koninklijke Vlaamse Opera (Royal Flemish Opera House) built in 1907.
32 Einheimische empfehlen
Opera Antwerpen
1 FrankrijkleiNear the Centraal Station intersection stands the Koninklijke Vlaamse Opera (Royal Flemish Opera House) built in 1907.
The Provinciaal Diamantmuseum explores all the different aspects of the trade in diamonds, including sections on their extraction, processing and industrial use. Diamond cutters can be seen at work.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Diamantmuseum
17 SuikerruiThe Provinciaal Diamantmuseum explores all the different aspects of the trade in diamonds, including sections on their extraction, processing and industrial use. Diamond cutters can be seen at work.
The handsome Roccoco facade of No. 50 is the former Koninklijke Paleis (Royal Palace). The house was Napoleon's Antwerp residence during the French occupation. It no provides a venue for exhibitions.
Meir 50
50 MeirThe handsome Roccoco facade of No. 50 is the former Koninklijke Paleis (Royal Palace). The house was Napoleon's Antwerp residence during the French occupation. It no provides a venue for exhibitions.
Peter Paul Rubens acquired No. 9 in 1610 - a year after his marriage to Isabella Brant - living there until his death in 1640. He arranged his home and studio to his own taste and requirements.
166 Einheimische empfehlen
The Rubens House
9-11 WapperPeter Paul Rubens acquired No. 9 in 1610 - a year after his marriage to Isabella Brant - living there until his death in 1640. He arranged his home and studio to his own taste and requirements.
Central square of Antwerp. Hence the name "Groenplaats", which means "Green Square". In 1848, a statue of painter Peter-Paul Rubens was placed in the center of the square.
79 Einheimische empfehlen
Groenplaats
GroenplaatsCentral square of Antwerp. Hence the name "Groenplaats", which means "Green Square". In 1848, a statue of painter Peter-Paul Rubens was placed in the center of the square.
Antwerp is one of the few European river cities which doesn't have any bridges. The tunnel runs from the Sint-Jansviet square in the city centre to the left bank and is accessed via wooden escalators.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Sint-Annatunnel
Sint-AnnatunnelAntwerp is one of the few European river cities which doesn't have any bridges. The tunnel runs from the Sint-Jansviet square in the city centre to the left bank and is accessed via wooden escalators.
This theatre is from the 19th century and has 900 seats. Pierre Bourla, from Paris, became the cities architect in 1819. He designed the new theatre in 1834.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
Bourla
7 GraanmarktThis theatre is from the 19th century and has 900 seats. Pierre Bourla, from Paris, became the cities architect in 1819. He designed the new theatre in 1834.
“The Black Panther” is the nickname for this beautiful building from 1303. The nickname comes from the art gallery with the same name which now occupies the building.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
De Zwarte Panter (Black Panther)
70-72-74 Hoogstraat“The Black Panther” is the nickname for this beautiful building from 1303. The nickname comes from the art gallery with the same name which now occupies the building.
The museum holds a permanent collection of contemporary art from Belgian and international artists, an arthouse cinema and an extensive library of books on contemporary art.
147 Einheimische empfehlen
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp
32 LeuvenstraatThe museum holds a permanent collection of contemporary art from Belgian and international artists, an arthouse cinema and an extensive library of books on contemporary art.
The Zuiderterras promenade along the river Scheldt brings you from the Steen Castle to the Sint-Anna Tunnel. Perfect place for boat-spotting and taking nice photographs.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Zuiderterras / RAS
37 Ernest Van DijckkaaiThe Zuiderterras promenade along the river Scheldt brings you from the Steen Castle to the Sint-Anna Tunnel. Perfect place for boat-spotting and taking nice photographs.
Built in Renaissance style, from 1561 to 1564, the architect was Cornelius Floris de Vriendt. The building is covered with colourful flags, representing most countries in the world.
39 Einheimische empfehlen
Antwerp City Hall
1 Grote MarktBuilt in Renaissance style, from 1561 to 1564, the architect was Cornelius Floris de Vriendt. The building is covered with colourful flags, representing most countries in the world.
Food Scene
Brasserie Nero
32 Leopold de WaelplaatsPerfect Sunday brunch!
Felix Pakhuis
30 GodefriduskaaiFine restaurant next to the yacht harbour of Antwerp.
Den Houten lepel
65 KronenburgstraatNeed a quick bite? Just cross the street. Proper dishes for a fair price.
Zaowang Zuid
72 ScheldestraatBest sushi nearby!
Berlin
1 Kleine MarktBrunch and lunch!
Sushi Shop
21 KammenstraatBest sushi take-away.
Het Pomphuis
SiberiastraatChique!
Hangar 41
41 Sint-MichielskaaiNice and closeby, good value for money.
The best pitta/kebab in Antwerp, as awarded by the Gault & Millau culinary guide.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Finjan
1 Graaf van HoornestraatThe best pitta/kebab in Antwerp, as awarded by the Gault & Millau culinary guide.
Best burgers in town! Caution: you will spend more money on cocktails than food.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Burgers and Booze
7 Leopold de WaelstraatBest burgers in town! Caution: you will spend more money on cocktails than food.
WASBAR
5 Graaf van EgmontstraatHipster hotspot bar :)
Den Artist
45 MuseumstraatGreat for brunch or coffee.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sips Cocktailbar
8 GillisplaatsBest cocktails in town :)
Den Engel
3 Grote MarktWhen in Belgium, beer tasting you must!
Soho
6 MarnixplaatsDrinks and terraces just around the corner. What more do you need? :)
Vitrin
14 MarnixplaatsBest terrace in the neighbourhood :)
Entertainment & Activities
Antwerp Zoo is located right next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.
188 Einheimische empfehlen
ZOO Antwerpen
20-26 Koningin AstridpleinAntwerp Zoo is located right next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.
This brand new complex has 35 aquariums featuring a fascinating collection of exotic fish and animals in their natural biotope. Sharks, piranhas, stingrays and octopuses.
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Aquatopia
Koningin AstridpleinThis brand new complex has 35 aquariums featuring a fascinating collection of exotic fish and animals in their natural biotope. Sharks, piranhas, stingrays and octopuses.
Essentials
Local supermarket just around the corner. Go by foot instead of taking the car :)
33 Einheimische empfehlen
Delhaize Hippodroom
38 MuseumstraatLocal supermarket just around the corner. Go by foot instead of taking the car :)
Carrefour express
34 AnselmostraatOpen 7/7 from 8 AM till 8 PM.
Nieuwstad
NieuwstadFresh groceries? Marketplace in the weekend!
Groenplaats
GroenplaatsFavorite Dutch import :) Great food, best prices!