2025 Antwerp Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

▪️ 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

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

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

Another #throwback to Belgium trip. #2023travelwish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The atmosphere is crazy.... If I had to pick the most beautiful sunset in my life, I would definitely say "Antwerp" in Belgium The sky changes in seconds It's such a beautiful color that you wonder if this is possible And even the clouds drawn by the airplanes taking off from the airport right next door It's really P.E.R.F.E.C.T. The sunset that I want to see with my boyfriend No. 1 selected by Forbes The place I want to see the sunset while eating waffles No. 1 most beautiful sunset in my life #Belgium travel #Antwerp travel #Good atmosphere #Sunset

#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

#besthotels Of all travel destinations in Europe, somehow Antwerpen had a special place in my memories largely for three reasons: hotel, food, train station. For hotel, I happened to browse through this boutique hotel/hostel, YUST Antwerp, that I felt like trying. And despite my high expectations, it still manage to exceed them. 📍YUST Antwerp (Coveliersstraat 6, 2600 Antwerpen, Belgium) 💰Damage: RM135/night (when booked few months in advance and waited for weekly promo) 💞 Reasons to recommend: 1) Spacious and lovely common area, which I believe can produce a lot of good photos if one really want too 2) 1) Free luggage storage (this is becoming a paid service by many accommodation in Europe) 2) Free flow high quality tea, oat/regular milk and pretty good espresso 3) Comfy bed and clean room, with private toilet and bathroom in each room 4) Well-equipped kitchen (including oven, microwave, fridge, stove etc, which is especially useful for solo/budget travelers) 5) Towels provided even to dormitory guests (typically not free for European hostels) 6) Large lockers with, finally, a charging port to leave my laptop charged inside (instead of carrying it into my bed space) 7) Tho looking far from train station, it’s connected by 2min walk from the closest tram station 8) It was one of the cheapest accommodation in Antwerp!

Antwerp is a major city in Belgium, located in the northern part of the country, in the Flanders region. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic significance, it is one of Belgium's most important cities. Some key features of Antwerp include: Port of Antwerp: One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, it plays a crucial role in international trade and commerce. Diamonds: Antwerp is famously known as the "diamond capital of the world" because of its historic role in the global diamond trade. Architecture and Art: The city has beautiful architecture, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many museums. It was also the home of famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, and his house has been turned into a museum.

The Antwerp Christmas Market is a must-see. Our family travels here every Holiday Season to experience the magical fun.#antwerp #christmasmarkets #Antwe

Antwerp shines brightly during Christmas with its festive markets, ice skating rinks, and stunning decorations. Enjoy Belgian waffles, mulled wine, and local delicacies as you explore the cobbled streets. The stunning train station feels like something out of a Harry Potter movie! The majestic cathedral and riverside sparkle with holiday lights, making Antwerp a magical destination for festive fun and charm!

#getgoing2025 The main square of Antwerp, known as the Grote Markt and at the heart of the square stands the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its towering spire, reaching over 123 meters, dominates the skyline and is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral's intricate details, such as the stained glass windows and beautiful sculptures, create a sense of awe. We went inside the cathedral to pray, and look around the souvenir shop, we bought sone postcards and lit a candle. It was so nice and peaceful Inside the cathedral, one can really sit here and do some reflections. Definitely a must visit when in Antwerp✨ #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 Here we are at the main square of Antwerp, known as the Grote Markt, is a vibrant hub that perfectly blends history, culture, and stunning architecture. As you step into the square, you're greeted by the breathtaking view of the Guild Houses, characterized by their ornate facades, intricate gables, and rich colors. These buildings, dating back to the 16th century, showcase the Flemish Renaissance style and are adorned with gold accents that shimmer in the sunlight. It is such a beautiful sight! One to see with your own eyes✨ Surrounding the square are lively cafés and shops, where the aroma of fresh pastries and coffee fills the air. Street performers often entertain visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere. The combination of historical architecture and vibrant street life makes the Grote Markt not just a visual delight but also a place where history comes alive, creating a truly unforgettable experience. #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 Did you know? The Guild Houses of Antwerp are a stunning representation of the city's rich architectural heritage and historical significance. Each house showcases a unique style, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, reflecting the wealth and influence of the various trade guilds that once operated in the city. The elaborate gables often bear intricate designs and emblems, serving as both decorative features and identifiers of the guilds. Built primarily in the 16th century, these structures symbolize Antwerp's golden age as a major European trade center. Beyond their architectural beauty, the guild houses played a vital role in the social fabric of the city. They were not just workplaces but also venues for gatherings and celebrations, fostering a sense of community among tradespeople. Many of these buildings were restored following damage during World War II, ensuring their historical integrity is preserved. Today, the guild houses stand as a testament to Antwerp’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world! Such interesting things to know and at the same time there was a little Christmas market in the center so we had some time to go around and enjoy some snacks! #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 So the Grote Markt in Antwerp is not only a visual feast but also a focal point of historical significance. At its center stands the impressive statue of Brabo, a legendary figure in Antwerp's lore. Brabo is depicted triumphantly holding the severed hand of the giant Druon Antigoon, who once terrorized the city by demanding tolls from passing ships. According to the legend, Brabo defeated the giant and threw his hand into the river, symbolizing the liberation of the people. Interesting✨ This statue, crafted by the artist Jef Lambeaux in the late 19th century, is a striking representation of bravery and justice. Its intricate details capture the dynamic pose of Brabo, highlighting the drama of the moment. Here are some Unique facts about the Brabo statue include: -The severed hand in Brabo's grasp symbolizes the fight against tyranny and the triumph of freedom, making it an emblem of the city’s spirit. -The story of Brabo is deeply ingrained in Antwerp's identity, with references to the legend found in local art, literature, and even the city’s name, which is thought to derive from "Handwerpen," meaning "to throw a hand." -The statue was erected in 1887 and serves as a reminder of Antwerp’s rich medieval history, particularly its role as a major port and trading center. -The statue is an example of the Romantic style, emphasizing emotion and drama, which contrasts with the Renaissance architecture of the surrounding guild houses. As you stand in the Grote Markt, the Brabo statue not only anchors the square but also invites visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of Antwerp's history and folklore. #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 So we ventured to the city of Antwerp in Belgium✨ Traveling to Antwerp by train is a seamless experience, offering a comfortable and scenic journey through Belgium’s picturesque landscapes. The main station, Antwerpen-Centraal, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and just look at it💕 Upon arrival, we are greeted by its stunning architecture, featuring a grand dome and intricate mosaics that reflect the city’s rich history. The station, built in the early 20th century, combines neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, creating an awe-inspiring entrance to the city. Inside, passengers can find a variety of shops, cafes, and waiting areas, making it a lively hub for travelers. With frequent connections to major cities like Brussels and Ghent, the station serves as a key transit point. From Antwerpen-Centraal, we can easily explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, renowned fashion district, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal starting point for an unforgettable adventure in Antwerp. #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 Once we exited the train station we were met with lots of beautiful buildings around. We walk towards the main square and along the way we see a small Christmas market with stalls selling little handicrafts and snacks. We also pass by an ice rink with a statue and fire around the to keep warm, we stayed for a bit here as it was nice and warm😊 we walk more and see more buildings around and even a shopping street and some historical Buildings, this city is known for their diamonds and is worth a visit✨👍 #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#2024mapped #myhiddengems Antwerp was not one of the must-go cities in my trip, and was almost crossed out from my itinerary during many itinerary changes. I’m glad it stayed. Antwerp treated me so well, both in terms of food, accommodation and attraction. 🏨 Recommended stay: YUST Antwerp 🍴 Recommended restaurant: Fish A’gogo (prawn croquette and mussels) *details in other posts* 🏖️ Recommended attractions: 1) Antwerp Central - the prettiest train station in the Europe (I said so 🤣) 2) Mier St - a street connecting Antwerp Central and old town, which is quite happening 3) Grote Markt - typical Belgian styled square 4) Nello & Patrasche beeld - cute statue where a girl covers a dog with blanket 5) Het Steen - castle by the river 6) MAS - a museum with both free/paid exhibition; free toilet

#2024mapped Two of the must-eats in Belgium are prawn croquettes and mussels, both of which are priced rather expensively under the restaurant settings in Belgium. Until I stumbled upon this unpretentious local fish shop, the food of which is not only heavenly but priced very affordably. 📍Name: Fish A’gogo (Handschoenmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium) 🕰️Business Hours: Midday to 8 or 9pm depending on the day 💞Reasons to Recommend: Prawn croquette was a pure flavor bomb, exploded in my mouth with one of the most INTENSE prawn taste I’ve had from any prawn dishes; Mussels are also the most tender I’ve ever had, with the basic but tasty parsley wine flavor. 💰Damage: €9 for croquettes; €11 for mussels

#2024mapped Though Antwerpen is not the most popular/meaningful travel destination in Europe (by comparison to Paris, London, Budapest, Prague etc), but my short visit in Antwerp was one of the most memorable. One of the reasons was this boutique hostel that I was lucky to find: YUST Antwerp 📍Address: Coveliersstraat 6, 2600 Antwerpen, Belgium 💞Reasons to Recommend: 1) Free luggage storage (this is becoming a paid service by many accommodation in Europe) 2) Well-equipped kitchen (including oven, microwave, fridge, stove etc, which is especially useful for solo/budget travelers) 3) Spacious and lovely common area, free flow high quality tea & coffee (it was so nice that I wanted to spend more time in the hotel rather than visiting attraction sites) 4) Comfy and clean bed 5) Towels provided even to dormitory guests (typically not free for European hostels); very large lockers with charging port! 6) It’s among the lowest price options in Antwerp 7) 2min walk from the closest tram station 💰Damage: RM135/night (when booked few months in advance) Too bad there are only two YUST at the moment (both in Belgium), else it would make it to my top accommodation choice whenever travelling in Europe.

Fiskebar 📍 Marnixplaats 11, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium No visit to Antwerp is complete without indulging in seafood, and this charming, vintage-style restaurant is always bustling with patrons. Classic Double-Layer Seafood Platter A feast of fresh seafood including lobster, mussels, oysters, and whelks. The freshness of the ingredients makes every bite delightful. Paired with their signature cocktails, it’s a true culinary treat. I’m especially fond of light, fruity cocktails, which perfectly complement the seafood. Tiramisu A must-try dessert! While it doesn’t have a strong alcohol taste, its creamy and airy texture makes every bite heavenly. Clams This dish is unique, resembling a stir-fried preparation. The seafood’s natural juices are infused into the dish, bringing out its full flavor. Dipping bread into the flavorful sauce is equally delicious and satisfying. A fantastic spot for seafood lovers, offering exceptional dishes and a memorable dining experience. #europetrip #belgium #antwerp