26 must do’s in Antwerp | Belgium

Antwerp is a 30-minute drive from where I live and some of my family even live there. Antwerp is the city of Rubens and Diamonds. Here are my must do’s in Antwerp.

1) Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station

When you come by train, you’ll end up at Antwerpen-Centraal station. This station has had many mentions: Most beautiful station of Europe (2010) and of the World (2014). 

2) Antwerp Zoo 

Visit the Antwerp Zoo in the centre of Antwerp. It’s right next to the Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station. It’s one of the oldest animal parks in Belgium and in the world (1843). 

3) Chocolate Nation

Right in front of Antwerpen-Centraal Station is Chocolate Nation, a chocolate museum filled with belgian chocolate like Callebaut, Guylian, Leonidas, Neuhaus en Godiva. 

Fun Fact: The harbor of Antwerp is one of the biggest import harbors of cacao beans in the world. 

Fun Fact: The biggest Chocolate factory in the world is in the province of Antwerp: Wieze. 

Entrance: €16,50

4) Diamonds

The district next to  Antwerpen-Centraal Station is the Diamond district. Since the 15th century, people of Antwerp traded in diamonds and since the 19th century Antwerp became a hub for diamond trade. 

Fun Fact: Antwerp is called the city of diamonds, this is why Bruno Mars started his 24k Magic World Tour in Antwerp! 

Fun Fact: 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp. 

5) De Meir

Let’s walk toward the city and the must do’s! We do that by walking down the Meier street (de Meir) which is one of the most important shopping streets of Belgium. The buildings on the Meier street are also a must see: the royal palace and the stadsfeestzaal.

6) Begijnhof

A Begijnhof is a place where women live in a community but not by religious (so no nuns). It was very popular in the old ages but is not practiced anymore now. The Begijnhof of Antwerp was built around a square but has been enlarged over time with an extra building and alley. Today, you can still wander around the Begijnhof and feel the tranquility of the Begijnhof. The church within the Begijnhof was built in 1827.

7) Rubenshuis

Walk back to the Meir and to to the Rubenshuis. This is the house where Peter Paul Rubens used to live, work and even died.You can visit the house and see the furnishement, artifacts and paintings of Rubens and other artists. 

8) Botanic Garden: Den Botaniek

If you walk further away from the center, you’ll end up at the Botanic Garden of Antwerp; Den Botaniek. This botanic garden was built in 1825 and is a nice oasis in the busy city. 

9) Groenplaats

The meir street ends up at Groenplaats, a square full of restaurants and cafes. The statue in the middle of the square is a statue of Rubens. 

Food Fact: Really good italian! 

10) Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal

De Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is a church from 1521. The tower of the church is 125 meters high but was being renovated when we visited it. Enter the church to behold 4 paintings of Peter Paul Rubens. 

11) Nello & Patrasche

Just outside the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal lies the statue of Nello & Patrasche. The story of Nello & Patrasche goes as follow: a young orphan boy Nello and his dog Patrasche walk to town every day to visit the cathedral. Eventually they die in the cathedral from hardship. The story is not that famous in Belgian but is very famous in Japan. That’s why you’ll see many Japanese tourist flock around the statue.  

12) De Vlaeykensgang

Next up is the Vlaeykensgang (Vlaaikensgang). You must look very closely to find it as it is quite hidden. Vlaeykensgang is a small alley from 1591. Shoemakers and the poorest people of the city lived here. 

13) Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the center of the city. Just like in Brussels, you can find restaurants and cafes on this square but also city hall. The Grote Markt in Brussels is empty whereas the Grote Markt in Antwerpen has a fountain on its square. 

Fun Fact: The fountain has a statue of Brabo who is throwing the hand of Druon Antigoon into the Schelde. It is said that the name of Antwerp came from this. Hand throwing = Hand werpen ~ Antwerpen

14) Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk

Sint Carolus Borromeuskerk (St. Charles Borromeo Church) is a Jesuit church that was famous for having 39 ceiling pieces by Rubens. Unfortunately those ceiling pieces were lost in a fire when the church was hit by lightning in 1718.

Fun Fact: This church was the first Jesuit church in the world dedicated to Ignatius Loyola.

15) Hendrik Conscienceplein

The Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk is located on the Hendrik Conscienceplein. This square is just a lovely little place to rest from the city buzz.

16) St. Anna’s Tunnel & de Schelde

Stroll along the Schelde to enjoy the water. Take the St. Anna’s Tunnel (voetgangerstunnel) to go to the left bank of Antwerp where you can enjoy the Antwerp skyline. The city chose a tunnel as it would not interfere with boat traffic. The tunnel is very cool which can come as a blessing during the summer heat.

17) Het Steen

Het Steen is a medieval fortress on the right bank of the Schelde. The fortress dates back to the 13th century and is the first building made out of stone in Antwerp.  

18) Het Eilandje

Het Eilandje (The island) is a former harbour district. You can find the MAS, Red Star Line Museum, the Havenhuis and the Antwerp Havenbedrijf.

19) Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

The Museum aan de Stroom is a famous museum in Antwerp. Each level has a different exposition and the roof gives you a nice Antwerp skyline. The museum requires a fee, but the rooftop and building is free to visit. 

20) Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum gives us a view of the history of the Red Star Line. You can red stories about people moving to America or Canada and how their trip went.

21) Havenhuis

The Havenhuis is built on a protected fire station. The building represents a sailboat and the facade of a diamond. 

22) Felix Pakhuis

Felix Pakhuis is a warehouse from 1858. Walk through the interior corridor to have a unique look at the facade.

23) Park Spoor Noord

Park Spoor Noord is a park in Antwerp where you can relax and play on a (water) playground. This park used to be a railway terrain. 

24) Sinksenfoor

Belgium’s biggest fair. Taste the delicious Belgian snack “smoutebollen” and try the spectacular attractions. This fair has about 150 attractions! An ideal family outing.

25) Red Star Line Museum

Two million passengers traveled to America on the Red Star Line ships. Explore the museum section by section.

Fun Fact: There is even a family member Passchyn who took the Red Star Line to New York!

26) KMSKA: Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Seven centuries of art: from Flemish Primitives to Expressionists. Go have a visit to take a look at the largest collections of James Ensor and Rik Wouters.

Dinner plans: Enjoy a fancy dinner at MADONNA by KMSKA (and in the building of KMSKA)

Life of a Passion