So what is there to do when you visit Antwerp?
Plenty. Your only limit is the amount of time you can spend to visit Antwerp. You won’t be able to complain about a shortage of sights worth visiting on your holiday to Antwerp.
If you can only spend a day in Antwerp here are the
Top 10 must see tourist attractions in Antwerp
Many sights are centrally located in the but several that are a bit further are also worth the trip. This page is divided by locations to make it easier to plan your visit antwerp itinerary.
Old City (Oude Stad)
The best place to start is at the hart of the city:
the Grote Markt (Town Square).
Not as big as the 'Grand Place' of Brussels, but definitely as grand is the 'Grote Markt', the market square of Antwerp. One of must see Belgium attractions. Since traffic has been banned, it is a very pleasant square and a perfect spot to stop for a Belgian beer.It is surrounded by guild houses and
16th century Stadhuis (City Hall).
In the center of the Grote Markt is the symbol of the city – a statue of
Salvus Brabo
- a legendary fighter of giants and founder of the city.
Just off the square you can see the
Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Our Lady’s Cathedral).
Don’t worry you’ll recognize the gothic structure immediately, it’s impossible to miss. It’s a Top 10 and a ‘must see’ for any visitor to Antwerp.
But before you head to the 14th century structure,
visit Antwerp tourist office
(right on the square) for maps, additional information and brochures.
Another option, and a not so well know Antwerp attraction, are: “The Ruien” - Antwerp canals open to the public since May 2005.
it's where you can enter the underground water city. You can opt for a 1.6-km RUIen walk along the streets of 1109 Antwerp.
Also worth a visit is the Groenplaats Square – it offers a great view on the city's Cathedral as well as on the 20th century building:
"Boerentoren".
The Hilton hotel forms a part of the square and in the middle stands a statue of Rubens, made in 1843 by the sculptor Geefs. It’s a favorite place to sit under for the local alternative youth.
Are you planning a longer holiday in Antwerp? Or thinking of visiting some of the sights outside the core of the city? Then keep Groenplaast in mind – it is a hub for trams and buses. Most of the them pass through here so it’s often a starting point to major tourist attractions.
Return to Antwerp Districts

|