Travel and Entertainment in Antwerp
The second largest city in Belgium, serving as the world center for diamond trade. The city was founded on the banks of the Scheldt River and is considered an important port city throughout Europe. Located in the north of the country, 45 km north of Brussels and 23 km south of the border with the Netherlands. Many combine a visit to the city with a trip to neighboring Holland. The city is home to the largest Jewish community in Belgium. Most of the tourist attractions in the city are located a short distance from each other in the city center.
Did you know? 8 out of 10 diamonds traded in the world come from Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.
The city has a compact historic center that is a pleasure to wander around on foot. "Grote Markt" (meaning: The Great Market Square) is the bustling central square in the historic center of the city. Located in the square is the City Hall alongside other impressive historic buildings, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and a popular jazz club. In the heart of the square is a large and impressive fountain called "Brabo" (Brabofontein). The tourist visitor center is also located in this square.
Address: Centro Historico | Centro Historico, Antwerp 2800, Belgium
Recommended Hotels in Antwerp:
Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt - A 4-star rated hotel in the city center next to the central square, abundant with restaurants, cafes, and tourist sites. Spacious, air-conditioned, and bright rooms. The hotel has rooms and suites suitable for up to 4 people. The hotel features a bar and offers breakfast to its guests. Parking available for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi.
NH Collection Antwerp Centre - A 4-star rated hotel. In a central location in the city, adjacent to the Antwerp Zoo. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, and fitness room. The rooms are air-conditioned, each with a seating area. Parking available for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi.
B&B:
B&B Suites & Loft @FEEK High quality in a historic building outside the Old Town of Antwerp, about a 10-minute walk from the central square. Breakfast in the room. Modern and stylish rooms with an in-room Jacuzzi and air conditioning. There is also a two-bedroom suite suitable for 5 people. Free Wi-Fi. Street parking near the building. Located in an area full of restaurants.
B&B The Baron High quality in a Baroque-style building built in 1860, featuring air-conditioned suites with antique and retro furniture. Located about a 15-minute walk from the city center and about 400 meters from Antwerp Central Station and the Zoo. Free Wi-Fi. Parking nearby (may be at an additional charge).
For families, it is highly recommended to stay at the vacation park Center Parcs De Vossemeren in northern Belgium and take a day trip to Antwerp from there. More information about the chain can be found in the article: "Center Parcs" Holiday Villages Network.
Guided Tours in Antwerp Available for Booking on Viator:
Top Tourist Attractions in the City:
Antwerp Zoo
A charming and historic zoo (established in 1843) in the center of Antwerp, next to the Central Station. The zoo houses over 5,000 animals from 950 different species. Some of the animals belong to endangered species and are extremely rare. The most popular animals in the zoo include polar bears, lions, Indian elephants, Siberian tigers, gorillas, and orangutans. The giraffes reside in the "Egyptian Temple", which was a gift from the city of London to the zoo. The zoo also features an aquarium, winter garden, reptile house, bird house, nocturnal animal house, and a petting and feeding area.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 26, Antwerp 2018
Chocolate Nation – The Belgian Chocolate Museum
Belgian chocolate is considered (and rightly so) to be the best chocolate in the world. The largest museum for Belgian chocolate is located in Antwerp. In the museum, featuring 14 themed rooms, a 60–90 minute tour is held that follows the chocolate manufacturing process from the cocoa beans at the equator, through the Port of Antwerp with the world's largest cocoa warehouse, to a giant machine demonstrating the production of velvety chocolate. During the tour, you can taste numerous samples of high-quality Belgian chocolate. The museum also hosts chocolate-making workshops and includes a lovely chocolate shop and a restaurant. A must-visit destination for chocolate lovers!
Address: Koningin Astridplein 7, Antwerp 2018 Belgium
De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery
A historic and popular brewery founded in 1833. It offers an interactive tour explaining the beer brewing process. The tour includes walking on a suspension bridge and beer tasting (ages 18 and over only). The venue also features a shop, bar, and restaurant.
Address: Mechelsesteenweg 291, Antwerp 2018
Antwerp Diamond Museum – Provincial Diamantmuseum
The museum displays the various stages of the diamond processing procedure, from the rough diamond to its setting in jewelry. The "Treasury" contains valuable jewelry and other items set with the precious stone, such as a trophy awarded to the winner of a tennis tournament set with 1,617 diamonds! On select days of the week (check in advance!), you can watch diamond polishers at work.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 19-23, Antwerp 2018 (near the Zoo and Central Station).
Museum aan de Stroom (National Maritime Museum)
The museum is located in the "Het Steen" fortress, considered the oldest building in Belgium. From the fortress, one can view the Port of Antwerp, a bustling port regarded as the second largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the entire world.
This is the only maritime museum in all of Belgium and contains about 94,000 items, ranging from sailors' uniforms to large-scale ships.
The museum features exhibitions presenting the history and technology of the Port of Antwerp, focusing on various fields such as canal navigation, shipbuilding, fishing, maritime trade, and more.
In the maritime park adjacent to the museum, various archaeological finds as well as several vessels are exhibited.
Address: Steenplein 1, B-2000 Antwerp
Hidrodoe – Water Science Park
Hidrodoe is a themed science park entirely dedicated to water. A combination of an amusement park and an interactive science museum. At the park, you can create a hydrogen rocket, fly into space, build a Roman bathhouse, play water football, create a giant whirlpool, load a container ship, and stay dry under an umbrella made of water. There is also a 4D movie full of special effects featuring a dolphin as the main star.
Located 40 minutes (35 km) east of Antwerp.
Address: Haanheuvel 7, 2200 Herentals
Middelheimpark
A spacious and well-maintained park filled with sculptures—a diverse open-air art museum. A wonderful spot in the heart of the city to stretch your legs and do sports while strolling among impressive works of art.
Address: Middelheimlaan 61, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
Antwerp Port Boat Tour
The Flandria company organizes successful boat tours in the Port of Antwerp and along the Scheldt (Schelde) River. Tours depart from the Steen Fortress, near the Maritime Museum. The shortest tour lasts 50 minutes, with 1.5-hour and 2.5-hour tour options also available.
Address: Steenplein 1, B-2000 Antwerp
Bobbejaanland Amusement Park
A large, popular, and well-maintained amusement park featuring an impressive variety of rides for all ages. Located approximately 40 km east of Antwerp (about a 45-minute drive). The park offers over 50 attractions, including serious roller coasters with numerous loops, water rides, simulators, and a dedicated area for toddlers. In the center of the park is a large lake for boating. The park also includes a "Wild West Town" and an "Indian Village". Various shows take place on-site (mainly during the summer months).
Address: In the town of Lichtaart; from Antwerp: Exit 20 on the E313 highway to Herentals-West.
