Discover the splendid city of Antwerp — Belgium’s diamond capital and a treasure trove of art and history. Join our full-day Private Antwerp Walking Tour and explore its grand cathedral, medieval streets, and vibrant riverside.
Join us for a delightful day in Antwerp, a city that feels both grand and welcoming, full of history, art, and irresistible charm. On our Private Antwerp Walking Tour, we’ll wander through elegant squares, admire the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, and stand in awe before Rubens’ glowing masterpieces.
We’ll explore the cobbled streets of the old town, pause for a coffee in a cosy café, and breathe in the atmosphere of a city that has inspired artists and dreamers for centuries. At the bustling Grote Markt, surrounded by splendid guild houses, you’ll feel Antwerp’s lively spirit all around you.
Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop in the famous diamond district, where you’ll hear stories of craftsmanship, trade, and timeless sparkle.
Here’s why Antwerp should be at the top of your travel list:
The Cathedral of Our Lady is an awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece that took nearly two centuries to complete. Inside, you’ll find breathtaking altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross, paintings that still glow with life and emotion. Outside, the charming bronze statue of Nello and Patrasche, the beloved characters from the classic 19th-century tale A Dog of Flanders, reminds visitors of friendship, love, and perseverance.
Perched on the banks of the River Scheldt, Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest surviving building and once served as part of the city’s medieval fortress. Recently restored, the castle now welcomes visitors with an interactive visitor centre and panoramic rooftop terrace offering stunning riverside views. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey through Antwerp’s fascinating past.
Antwerp’s Grote Markt is a picture postcard square framed by ornate guild houses, the grand Town Hall, and the vibrant cafés and flower stalls. Each façade tells its own story of wealth and craftsmanship, reflecting the city’s Golden Age when Antwerp was one of Europe’s busiest ports. In the centre stands the Brabo Fountain, depicting the city’s legendary hero who gave Antwerp its name.
You might not expect a train station to take your breath away, but Antwerp Central Station absolutely will. With its marble staircases, golden clock and glittering dome, it feels more like a grand palace than a place to catch a train. Step outside and you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the diamond district, where the sparkle continues. Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world for over 500 years, and even today, the streets around the station shimmer with workshops, boutiques, and a touch of glamour in the air.
Located next to the central station, the Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and most beautifully designed zoos in the world. Founded in 1843, it’s a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the city, home to elephants, giraffes, penguins, and hundreds of other species. Beyond the animals, the zoo’s stunning 19th-century architecture and Art Deco details make it an absolute joy to explore.
Down by the waterfront, the MAS towers over the old docks like a stack of red bricks and glass catching the sunlight. It’s one of those places where you can truly feel Antwerp’s energy, past, present, and future, all under one roof. Each floor tells a different story, from trade and art to the people who shaped the city. And the rooftop terrace, with its stunning 360u00b0 view of Antwerp and the River Scheldt, is an absolute must-see.
Antwerp has always liked to do things first and the Boerentoren, built back in the 1930s, was Europe’s very first skyscraper. Standing tall above the Meir shopping street, this Art Deco masterpiece is a perfect symbol of Antwerp’s elegant, old-world charm. This is the kind of place James Bond might have strolled past, or where one could easily hum “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” while window-shopping nearby. It’s the essence of Antwerp, stylish, a bit glamorous, and never afraid to stand out.
The Port House, Antwerp’s striking modern icon designed by Zaha Hadid. It looks like a sparkling glass ship floating above an old fire station, a perfect symbol of how Antwerp blends history with bold new ideas. The building overlooks one of Europe’s biggest and busiest ports, where ships from all over the world still come and go. Standing there, with the wind on your face and cranes on the horizon, you can feel the energy and drive that have made Antwerp a city of traders and dreamers for centuries.
Antwerpse Handjes – hand-shaped chocolates and biscuits – are Antwerp’s most distinctive edible souvenir. Their shape references the city’s founding legend: the giant Antigoon, who terrorised sailors on the Scheldt by cutting off their hands. The best versions come from established chocolatiers near the Grote Markt.
The historic centre, Eilandje and Zuid are generally pleasant and easy for visitors. The city is walkable, and trams cover longer distances. Antwerp Central Station is one of the most beautiful in Europe and a safe arrival point. As in any city, it is sensible to stay aware around the stationu2019s immediate surroundings at night.
One day is enough for the highlights, but two days allows time for museums, shopping and the riverside neighbourhoods. With three days you can combine culture, food experiences and a trip to the harbour area or the zoo.
High speed trains connect Antwerp with Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and London. Within the city, walking works well for the centre. Trams are reliable for longer distances. Parking can be expensive, so most visitors leave the car at a Park and Ride and take the tram in.
Travelling From Brussels it takes about forty minutes by train. From Amsterdam, the high speed train takes a little over an hour. A day trip gives enough time for the main sights, although many visitors stay longer to enjoy the museums and restaurants.
Visitors often look for Belgian classics such as waffles, friet, chocolate and local beer. Antwerp also has its own treats like Antwerpse Handjes biscuits. Traditional cafu00e9s and breweries offer a wide variety of regional beers.