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

▪️ 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

Nestled in the heart of Antwerp, the Botanic Sanctuary is a historical haven dating back to 1238. 🏛️🍃 Transformed into a hotel, it's a lush paradise that marries the charm of ancient architecture with modern minimalism. Though the rooms might be cozy due to its heritage roots, they don't skimp on style or comfort. 🛌✨ Service here is top-notch, making you feel like royalty without the pretense. 🤴👸 Stroll just 15 minutes, and you'll find yourself at the Central Train Station, with all of Antwerp at your fingertips. 🚉👣 Foodies, rejoice! With five dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, your taste buds are in for a treat. 🍽️🌟 Whether it's a quick bite or a lavish dinner, your culinary desires won't go unmet. 🍰🥂 Discover this green oasis at Leopoldstraat 26, Antwerp, and let the Botanic Sanctuary enchant you. 🌳💫 #Antwerp #AntwerpHotel #AntwerpTravel

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

Antwerp is a place full of artistic atmosphere There are all kinds of murals painted on the street walls here. It attracts many tourists and art lovers to explore🎨 These murals not only showcase the creativity of local artists Also includes many well-known comic characters Like Tintin and his dog Snow White in The Adventures of Tintin🐕 These works give people a strong sense of cultural atmosphere🌟 The art works on Mural Street are diverse in style From colorful illustrations to detailed realistic paintings Each mural has its own unique story and meaning These works not only beautify the appearance of the city It has also become a popular spot for local residents and tourists to take photos. Walking down the street feels like being in an outdoor art gallery📸 In addition to the murals, there are many other artistic features here🤩 For example, a street art performance of a bronze statue🎭 Showing the cultural diversity of Antwerp Come to Antwerp, don't miss this unique art space🌟🎉 #GlobalTravel

#getgoing2025 Antwerp is a city where history and modernity meet on every corner. From grand historical buildings to sleek, contemporary structures, the city offers a blend of both worlds. Things to Do: • Admire the architecture: Walk along Keizerlei and De Keyserlei for a perfect mix of old and new buildings. • Explore the surrounding shopping districts for high-end stores and local boutiques. • 📍Address: From Antwerp Central Station, walk down Keizerlei. It’s a 5-minute stroll to reach the center, where you’ll find shopping, cafes, and iconic buildings. #citydaytours #couplestrip #myitinerary

#getgoing2025 Antwerp’s Meir street is a vibrant, bustling shopping destination perfect for both tourists and locals alike. It’s one of the city’s oldest streets and has evolved into a hub for fashion, culture, and history. Things to Do: • Shopping: Meir is known for its wide selection of shops, from high-end boutiques to popular chain stores. It’s a great place to pick up fashion, souvenirs, or local delicacies. • Sightseeing: Stop by the stunning Royal Palace and admire the architecture along the street. Don’t miss Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady, a gothic masterpiece located nearby. Tips: • Meir is always busy, so visiting in the morning or early afternoon can give you a more relaxed experience. • If you’re a fan of history, take time to explore the Antwerp Central Station, a short walk from Meir, which is known for its beautiful design. #thingstodo #citydaytours #couplestrip

#getgoing2025 Antwerp’s Quayside is a beautiful, bustling location perfect for those who love scenic walks or a peaceful retreat by the river. This wide, tree-lined promenade offers great views, historic architecture, and a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Things to Do: • Take a leisurely walk along the Kattendijkdok and enjoy the riverfront view while observing the passing boats. • Stop for a coffee or a bite at the cafés along the way, where you can enjoy a peaceful moment by the water. • Explore the nearby Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), which offers stunning exhibits and panoramic views of the city. Tips: • Bring your bike to enjoy a relaxing ride along the Quayside and explore the city in a more immersive way. • The promenade is perfect for a stroll at sunset or early in the morning when the area is less crowded. Directions: To reach the Kattendijkdok Quayside, take tram line 7 from Antwerp Central Station and get off at Kattendijkdok. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the tram stop to the Quayside. #couplestrip #thingstodo #citydaytours

#getgoing2025 Antwerp offers a stunning blend of history and modernity, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) is a must-visit spot for art lovers. Located near the vibrant Karel Oomsplein, this historic museum is home to an impressive collection of art, featuring works from renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens. Things to Do: • Wander through the museum’s vast collection of Belgian and Flemish masterpieces, from medieval to modern art. • Don’t miss the museum’s temporary exhibits that showcase a variety of art styles from around the world. • Enjoy the architectural beauty of the museum, which itself is an example of Antwerp’s rich heritage. Tips: • Allow yourself a few hours to explore the museum’s many rooms and galleries. • Check for special art events or performances that may be happening during your visit. #citydaytours #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 One of Antwerp’s architectural gems, the St. Charles Borromeo Church (or Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk), stands as a testament to Baroque grandeur. Located near the heart of the city, this church is a must-visit for art and architecture lovers. Things to Do: • Explore the intricate Baroque architecture, from its ornate facade to the beautifully designed interior. • Admire the stunning paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, which adorn the church, showcasing his mastery. • Take a peaceful moment to reflect in the serene environment of the church. Tips: • The church is open to visitors throughout the week, but attending a mass can offer a more unique experience. • It is recommended to visit in the morning for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography. 📍Address: Located near the Meir shopping street, the St. Charles Borromeo Church is easily accessible by foot from the Antwerp Central Station. #couplestrip #thingstodo #citydaytours #church

#getgoing2025 A visit to Antwerp’s Grote Markt wouldn’t be complete without marveling at its magnificent Guild Houses. These stunning buildings line the square, each uniquely adorned with gilded statues and intricate details that reflect the city’s rich history. Things to Do: • Walk around Grote Markt and take in the architectural splendor of these guild houses, dating back to the 16th century. • Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes in the square, perfect for people-watching. • Visit the Antwerp City Hall, which stands proudly nearby. Directions: Located in the heart of Antwerp, the Guild Houses are easily accessible by walking from Antwerp Central Station or taking a tram to Groenplaats. #citydaytours #thingstodo #couplestrip

#getgoing2025 Antwerp is an enchanting city that perfectly blends rich history with artistic charm. At the heart of the city stands the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), an iconic Gothic masterpiece, home to stunning works by the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. Things to Do: • Visit Cathedral of Our Lady to admire its incredible architecture and Rubens’ masterpieces. • Explore the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s bustling main square, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes. • Take a walk around the Rubenshuis, the former home of the great artist, now a museum showcasing his life and works. Directions: The Cathedral of Our Lady is located near Antwerp Central Station, about a 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride from the station. #couplestrip #citydaytours #thingstodo

✨Hotel Highlights - very close to the lovely train station ♨️Amenities - nice lockers for easy storage if you want to shop around or go to boom 🛁Room Environment - lots of space! 🍽️Breakfast 🛎️Hotel Service - super nice staff. very helpful to give you tips how to get to Boom 💗Guest Experience - would recommend to stay here. great place and location

#getgoing2025 The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is a renowned institution in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing seven centuries of art, from the Flemish Primitives to Expressionists. The museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collections of works by James Ensor and Rik Wouters. History and Architecture: Established in 1810, the KMSKA’s collection originated from the artworks of the Guild of Saint Luke. The current museum building, designed by architects Jean Jacques Winders and Frans Van Dijk, was completed in the late 19th century. Collections: The museum’s extensive collection includes masterpieces from various periods, featuring artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens. It also boasts significant works from the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting movements like Impressionism and Expressionism. Visitor Information: • Location: Leopold de Waelplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. • Opening Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s advisable to check the official website for the most current information. • Admission Fees: Ticket prices may vary. For detailed pricing and potential discounts, please refer to the museum’s official website. A visit to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp offers a profound journey through art history, presenting a diverse and rich collection that reflects the cultural heritage of Belgium and beyond.

Belgium, located in Northwestern Europe, is a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse culture. This small nation is renowned for its delicious chocolate, a variety of beers, and stunning medieval architecture. Whether you are a history and culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a nature lover, Belgium has something to offer you. First, you must not miss Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Brussels combines modern and traditional charm. Here, you will find the famous Grand Place, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by exquisite Gothic and Baroque buildings that will leave you in awe. You can also visit the Atomium, a symbol of science and the future, and one of Brussels' landmarks. Next, you can head to Bruges. This well-preserved medieval city is known for its charming canals and ancient buildings. Bruges is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North,' and taking a boat tour to admire the beautiful scenery along the canals is a rare treat. Don't forget to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, famous for housing a relic said to contain the holy blood of Jesus Christ. Antwerp is another important city in Belgium. It is one of Europe's largest ports and a world-renowned diamond trading center. Antwerp Central Station is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, with its magnificent architectural style and intricate interior decorations. You can also visit the Rubenshuis, the former home of Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, now a museum showcasing many of his masterpieces. Belgian cuisine is also a highlight. Here, you can find famous Belgian waffles, chocolate, fries, and a variety of beers. You can taste these delicious treats in the streets and alleys of Belgium, experiencing authentic Belgian flavors. Additionally, Belgium has many beautiful natural landscapes, such as the green mountains and forests of the Ardennes region, perfect for hiking and camping. This small country, with its unique charm and rich history and culture, offers every traveler an unforgettable experience. Come and explore the land of chocolate and beer, and discover your own Belgian story.