Things to do in  Antwerp

The historical and cultural heart of Antwerp, Grand Market Place (Grote Markt van Antwerpen) is surrounded by lavish 16th-century guild houses and the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal). Although many of the buildings burned down in the 16th century, they were rebuilt in the same style and showcase Flemish architecture.

Spearheading the rejuvenation of the Willemdok harbor area, Museum aan de Stroom (which translates as “Museum on the River”) is acclaimed equally for its stellar architecture by Neutelings Riedijk and its well-curated exhibitions about the history and culture of Antwerp. Towering 60 meters (197 feet) above the harbor, the building comprises layers of bright-red sandstone bricks held together with glass and steel.

Antwerp’s main railway station, nicknamedSpoorwegkathedraal (Railway Cathedral) by locals, features glass-and-iron vaulted ceilings, an ornate central dome, and hundreds of gilded flourishes. An extensive restoration of the station was completed in 2009, when a shopping mall and two further platforms were added to the complex.

Forming the backbone of Antwerp’s artistic heritage, Rubens House (Rubenshuis) is a top draw for travelers. The former home of Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, who lived in Antwerp for most of his life, is decorated with marble Roman busts and antique furniture that reflect the sumptuous lifestyle enjoyed by Antwerp’s most illustrious son.

Antwerp's status as a global fashion capital makes MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp an essential stop for those interested in Belgium's stylish evolution. The museum continually rejuvenates its exhibits using its vast collection of 25,000 objects, which spans clothes, shoes, and accessories—some of which date back to the 16th century.

A candy-striped confection of white sandstone and red brick, the 14th-century Gothic Butcher's Hall (Vleeshuis) originally served as a meat market but now fulfills the more refined role of music museum. Today, you can admire exquisite antique musical instruments such as Delftware mandolins at Museum Vleeshuis.

Dedicated to Antwerp’s rich history of books and publishing, the Plantin-Moretus Museum explores the life and legacy of Christophe Plantin, who established a printing workshop in his 16th-century townhouse. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been designed to appear as if the workers have just left it and is a top draw for bibliophiles.

Radically transformed by the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp in 1987, the former industrial zone of Het Zuid is now fashionable, replete with independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and craft-beer breweries. Its location a short walk along the river from Grand Market Place makes it easily accessible from central Antwerp.

About 85 percent of the world’s uncut diamonds pass through Antwerp’s Diamond District, a compact commercial enclave jammed with diamond dealers, cutters, polishers, and showrooms. It's a fascinating place to see Belgium’s centuries-old diamond trade in action, browse jewelry displays, or pick up an engagement ring or other sparkly bauble.

Antwerp’s Red Star Line Museum is dedicated to the 2 million Belgian citizens who emigrated to the United States between the late 19th century and World War II. It takes its name from the shipping company transporting the migrants and presents a moving selection of letters, photos, and multimedia presentations in red-brick buildings with protected status.

Famous for one of the world’s largest collections of work by Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp(KMSKA) showcases art by Flemish masters such as van Dyck and Jordaens. The acclaimed gallery, which opened in 1890, exhibits 15th-century masterpieces beside more-modern works by Titian, Modigliani, and Rodin. Please note: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is currently closed for renovation. The reopening is scheduled for 2020.However, most of the art can still be viewed at different venues throughout the city.

Tucked behind Antwerp’s grandiose railway station, Antwerp Zoo (Dierentuin is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Creative enclosures—which include a hieroglyphic-covered Egyptian temple for the elephants—harbor more than 5,000 animals across 950 species, while the zoo runs several conservation programs.

One of Belgium’s top outlet shopping destinations, Maasmechelen Village is home to over 100 boutiques and restaurants, with designer duds trading at 30 to 60% off list price. Individual buildings mimic local architectural styles, creating a characterful open-air feel that’s miles away from the traditional covered mall.

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a treasure trove of art and history, with work by baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens and other renowned artists such as Otto van Veen and Jacob de Backer. This impressive Gothic structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors flock here to see its paintings, stained-glass windows, and impressive belfry.

Reigning supreme over Antwerp’s medieval Grote Markt, the photogenic Brabo Fountain—which was created by famous Flemish sculptor Jef Lambeux—depicts a man holding a severed hand, from the base of which water spurts. The fountain relates to Antwerp’s origin story, where a Roman soldier cut off the hand of a Russian giant who once guarded the city gates.