10 Must-See Attractions in Antwerp

When your city was once the central hub of the international economy, chances are there are some notable points of interest for tourists to explore. Such is the case with Antwerp, whose meridian period at the height of the Age of Discovery in the 16th century was up to that point in human history, without precedent.

Now a perennial favorite with international students and foreign visitors, Antwerp is a hub of arts, culture, superior cuisine and eye candy architecture. With close to 500,000 people, the Flanders city and capital of Antwerp province is a wonderful destination. Here are ten worthwhile, eclectic attractions that definitely rank as must-see.

10. Cathedral of Our Lady

What began in 1352 apparently came to a halt in the early 16th century. Truth be told however, work on the Cathedral of Our Lady is technically still not done. Contrary to popular opinion, the Antwerp landmark is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though it is a Gothic masterpiece, with interior works by Rubens, van Veen and de Vos.

9. Rubenshuis

The former home and studio of Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens is one of the most popular attractions in Antwerp. The artist was also designer in this case and took inspiration from Renaissance palace architecture in Italy.

8. Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The prolific explosion of art that came out of modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands is on display at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. A major landmark in the cosmopolitan Zuid district, the museum features works by van Eyck, Brueghel the Elder, van de Velde and of course, Rubens.

7. Het Steen

The old city center of Antwerp has a marvelous focal point in Het Steen. The early 13th century medieval castle is the senior landmark in the city and contains a museum, as well as many other important points of interest.

6. Central Station

If you arrive in Antwerp by train, check one attraction off your list. Antwerpen-Centraal, or Central Station, is a gem and one of the premier examples of 19th century railway architecture in Europe.

5. Diamond District

As the global hub of the diamond industry, no visit to Antwerp is complete without at least a cursory foray into the enigmatic Diamond District. Aside from all the ice and bling, there is a vital ethnic dimension to the Antwerp ‘hood as well. A major chunk of the city’s vibrant Orthodox Jewish community works in the diamond trade.

4. Plantin-Moretus Museum

Our recent look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belgium drew attention to the magnificent Plantin-Moretus Museum. As the former residence and workplace of legendary printer-publisher Christoffel Plantijn, who later left it to son-in-law Jan Moretus, the museum is exceptional and features a library, comprehensive archive and ancient tools of the trade.

3. Antwerp Béguinage

Another important UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Antwerp Béguinage is one of many across Belgium, but certainly one of the best. A béguinage is a lay convent with roots in the Roman Catholic Church and 13th century that became common in many Low Country towns. The one in Antwerp is quiet, peaceful and relatively free of tourists.

2. Port of Antwerp

One of the most important in the world and third in size in Europe, behind Rotterdam and Hamburg, the port of Antwerp offers a different side of the city. Tours take a few hours but offer a unique glimpse into what makes Antwerp tick.

1. Museum of Modern Art

A city as progressive and avant-garde as Antwerp deserves a world class contemporary art museum. Thankfully, the Museum of Modern Art is exactly that. The innovative design incorporates a defunct grain storage space and features a library and arthouse cinema.

Check out superb hotel rates all over Antwerp.

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