Antwerp Travel Guide (Antwerp (province)/Flanders/Belgium/Benelux/Europe)

Introduction to Antwerp
List of Places to Visit in Antwerp
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Antwerp: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Antwerp
Best Things to Do in Antwerp: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Antwerp
Food and Drink Scene of Antwerp
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Antwerp: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Antwerp: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Antwerp
Best Time to Visit Antwerp
Do’s and Don’ts of Antwerp
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Antwerp
- Health in Antwerp
Getting to Antwerp: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Antwerp
Where to Go Next from Antwerp: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Antwerp

Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, Antwerp is a city that has a rich history, vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food scene. It’s the second-largest city in Belgium after Brussels and one of the most important ports in Europe. With its numerous museums, galleries, parks, historic sites, and excellent shopping districts, Antwerp is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best that Belgium has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Antwerp

Antwerp is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or just want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Antwerp has a plethora of attractions to explore. Here’s a list of places you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Antwerp:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rubenshuis - This museum was the former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens and houses many of his magnificent works of art.
MAS Museum aan de Stroom - This museum tells the story of Antwerp and its history as a port city through interactive exhibits and displays.
Cathedral of Our Lady - This stunning cathedral is one of the top attractions in Antwerp and features beautiful Gothic architecture.
Grote Markt - This central square in Antwerp is surrounded by impressive guild houses and is a great place to sit and enjoy a drink while admiring the historic buildings.

Natural Attractions of Antwerp: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Antwerp Zoo - This historic zoo houses over 5,000 animals and is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in Europe.
Antwerpse Stadspark - This park covers over 70 acres of land and is a great place for a picnic, a walk, or a run.
De Kaaien - This popular waterfront area offers stunning views of the port and is a great place to go for a bike ride or a walk.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Antwerp

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love hiking or biking, Antwerp has plenty of trails and routes that offer stunning views of the city and nature. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Antwerp:

Rivierenhof Park - This park is the perfect place for a leisurely bike ride or a relaxing stroll through the well-manicured gardens.
Middelheim Park - This park is home to a beautiful open-air museum and features many art sculptures and installations.
The River Scheldt trail - This trail follows the scenic River Scheldt and offers breathtaking views of Antwerp’s skyline.

Best Things to Do in Antwerp: Activities and Tours

There’s plenty to see and do in Antwerp no matter what your interests are. From food tours to historical walking tours to beer tastings, Antwerp has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Antwerp:

Antwerp Central Station tour - This is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and is worth a visit.
Chocolate tasting tour - Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and taking a chocolate tasting tour in Antwerp is a must-do activity.
Beer tasting tour - Belgium is also famous for its beer, and Antwerp has many breweries and bars that offer beer tasting tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Antwerp

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Antwerp, here’s a sample itinerary that covers all the top attractions and activities:

Day 1: Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady and Grote Markt.
Day 2: Visit Rubenshuis and explore the historic center of Antwerp.
Day 3: Take a walking tour of Antwerp and visit MAS Museum aan de Stroom.
Day 4: Go on a bike ride through Rivierenhof Park and explore De Kaaien.
Day 5: Take a chocolate tasting tour and visit Antwerpse Stadspark.
Day 6: Visit Antwerp Zoo and Middelheim Park.
Day 7: Take a beer tasting tour and explore more of Antwerp’s bars and breweries.

Food and Drink Scene of Antwerp

Belgium is famous for its delicious food and drink, and Antwerp is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Antwerp:

Must-Try Dishes

Frites - French fries served with a variety of sauces, including mayonnaise, ketchup, and Andalouse sauce.
Mussels with fries - Fresh mussels served with a side of crispy fries.
Waffles - Antwerp is famous for its delicious Belgian waffles, which can be served plain or topped with fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.

Local Beverages

Belgian beer - Belgium is known for its diverse range of beer styles, from Trappist ales to sour beers to lambics.
Jenever - Also known as Dutch gin, this is a traditional Belgian spirit made from grains and flavored with juniper berries.

Where to Stay in Antwerp: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Antwerp has plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay in Antwerp:

Hotel Julien - This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Antwerp’s historic center and offers stylish and comfortable rooms.
Youth Hostel Pulcinella - This budget-friendly hostel is located within walking distance of the Central Station and offers dormitory-style rooms.
Guesthouse Bernardin - This charming guesthouse is located in the trendy Zurenborg neighborhood and offers cozy and comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere.

What to Buy in Antwerp: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Antwerp is known for its fashion, diamonds, chocolates, and beer. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

Fashion - Antwerp is known for its fashion, and there are many boutiques and stores that offer unique and trendy clothing and accessories.
Diamonds - Antwerp is known as the diamond capital of the world, and you can find many stores that offer high-quality diamonds and jewelry.
Chocolates and beer - Belgium is famous for its chocolate and beer, and Antwerp has many stores and breweries that offer these delicious products.

Local Culture and Customs of Antwerp

The people of Antwerp are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a vibrant and diverse culture. The main language spoken in Antwerp is Dutch, but many people also speak English, French, and German. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting Antwerp:

Respect the environment - Antwerp is a city that values sustainability and eco-friendliness, so make sure to dispose of trash properly and respect the environment.
Don’t litter - Littering is considered disrespectful in Antwerp, so make sure to dispose of your trash properly.
Tipping - Tipping is optional in Antwerp, but it’s customary to leave a small tip at restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Antwerp

The best time to visit Antwerp is in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, Antwerp is a year-round destination, and each season has its own charm and attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Antwerp

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Antwerp:

Do:

Do try the local beer and chocolate.
Do explore the historic center of Antwerp and visit the top museums and attractions.
Do take a bike ride or hike through one of the city’s beautiful parks.

Don’t:

Don’t litter or disrespect the environment.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes since Antwerp is a very walkable city.
Don’t forget to try the local food and drink scene.

Safety and Health

Antwerp is a safe city, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions to ensure you have an enjoyable and worry-free trip. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind during your visit:

Safety in Antwerp

Stay in well-lit areas at night.
Keep your valuables secured in a safe place.
Be aware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Health in Antwerp

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during hot weather.
Keep a first aid kit with you and familiarize yourself with emergency numbers before your trip.

Getting to Antwerp: Transportation Options and Logistics

Antwerp is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. Here are some transportation options to consider when planning your trip:

Air - Antwerp has its own airport (Antwerp International Airport) but is also easily accessible from the Brussels Airport and the Charleroi Airport.
Train - Antwerp has a well-connected train station that connects to other major cities in Belgium and Europe.
Bus - Antwerp is also accessible by bus, and there are many bus companies that offer daily trips to Antwerp from other major cities in Europe.

Airports Near Antwerp

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Bus Stations Near Antwerp

Antwerp Bus Station
Brussels-North Railway Station
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Other Options

Ferry - Antwerp has a large port and is accessible by ferry from other European cities.
Car - Antwerp is located on major European highways and is accessible by car.

How to Get Around in Antwerp

Antwerp is a very walkable city, and many of the top attractions and restaurants are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, Antwerp has an excellent network of trams and buses that connect all parts of the city. You can buy tickets at any tram or bus station, or use the Antwerp City Card, which offers unlimited access to all public transportation and discounts to major attractions.

Where to Go Next from Antwerp: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Belgium and Europe, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

Brussels - The capital city of Belgium is only a short train ride away from Antwerp and is a great place to explore museums, art galleries, and historic sites.
Bruges - This charming medieval city is known for its beautiful canals, cobbled streets, and historic architecture and is easily accessible by train from Antwerp.
Ghent - This picturesque city is known for its Gothic architecture, museums, and galleries and is only a short train ride away from Antwerp.

Conclusion

Antwerp is a beautiful, vibrant, and diverse city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, nature, or food and drink, Antwerp will not disappoint. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan your trip and explore all that Antwerp has to offer.