Antwerp
Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. The port city on the Scheldt attracts countless visitors every year, who are just as impressed by the historic atmosphere of the old town as they are by the mighty ships in the harbor.
Antwerp is a city that is home to many historically and architecturally exciting buildings. From the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, to the charming alleyways of the old town, the city is a paradise for lovers of historical architecture. The cathedral is also home to works by the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. Particularly impressive is the city’s oldest building, Het Steen, a medieval castle located directly on the Scheldt. The Central Station, often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, is also an architectural highlight.
Those who prefer to enjoy modern architecture will also find what they are looking for in the city. The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) not only offers exciting exhibitions, but also a breathtaking view of the city and the harbor from the roof terrace. Or how about a building by Zaha Hadid? One of her most exciting construction projects is located in the harbor.
As one of the largest port cities in Europe, Antwerp has a long history as a trading center. It has been a global center for the diamond trade since the 15th century. Today, around 85% of the world’s polished diamonds and 50% of rough diamonds are traded through Antwerp. The famous diamond district, located near the central station, is the heart of this trade. It is home to hundreds of diamond dealers, cutters and jewelers who dominate the international market.
Antwerp is a city of art. The famous painter Peter Paul Rubens lived and worked here, and his former home, the Rubens House, is now a museum displaying his works and life. Particularly fascinating is the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the stories of emigrants who left Antwerp for America.
Belgian cuisine is a delight, and Antwerp does not disappoint in this respect. From traditional Belgian waffles and fries to exquisite chocolate and locally brewed beer, the city has something for everyone. A visit to the quaint pubs is particularly recommended. The proximity to the harbor also ensures fresh seafood and fish dishes that you should definitely try.
Worth seeing in Antwerp
Antwerp is a city that effortlessly masters the balancing act between historical charm and modern coolness. Anyone strolling through the winding streets will discover a new piece of history, imposing architecture, and an incredibly vibrant cultural scene on almost every corner.
In the heart of Antwerp, a majestic structure rises with a tower that seems to touch the sky: the Cathedral of Our Lady, or in Dutch, the "Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal."
Beneath the bustling activity of the metropolis of Antwerp lies a hidden world—a forgotten network of canals, waterways, and moats known as "De Ruien." What is an underground system today used to be open waterways during the Middle Ages.
The Port House Antwerp is one of the most impressive buildings by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. With this project, Zaha Hadid not only created a new landmark for Antwerp but also made an architectural statement for the merging of past and future.
Antwerpen-Centraal is the city's main railway station, but most residents simply call it the Railway Cathedral. But why is that? We wanted to know more and paid a visit to the Antwerp station.
Antwerp is not only known for its diamonds and the impressive Grote Markt - it is also the place where stories of dreams, hope and new beginnings are told. The Red Star Line Museum tells the moving stories of the emigrants who left Antwerp for the New World between 1873 and 1934.
Tunnels often have an attraction for people. And if they run deep under a river, they are a real magnet. The Sint-Annatunnel in Antwerp is certainly one of the most interesting tunnels in the city.
Belgium and chocolate, these two terms are inextricably linked. Hardly any other country is associated with the sweet delicacy as much as Belgium, where the finest chocolate has played a central role for centuries. We found out more during a visit to the Chocolate Nation.
The Rubens House in Antwerp is one of the city's most famous sights. We learned more about the artist in the garden, in the museum and in the “Rubens Experience”.
Worth seeing in Antwerp
Book an accommodation
B&B HOTEL Antwerpen Centrum
Radisson Hotel Antwerp Berchem
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – The Leading Hotels of the World
Leonardo Hotel Antwerp The Plaza
Holiday Inn Express Antwerp – City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Travel information
How to get to Antwerp
by plane:
Most international flights land at Brussels Airport (Brussels-Zaventem), which is about 45 kilometers south of Antwerp.
You can travel on to Antwerp by train or bus.
Antwerp has a small airport. There are only a few international flight connections here.
by train:
The main train station in Antwerp is Antwerp Centraal. Trains from Amsterdam, Paris and numerous cities in Belgium stop here.
Antwerp-Berchem station is somewhat smaller. Long-distance and regional connections also stop here.
by bus:
Various bus companies offer inexpensive travel options to Antwerp from different parts of Europe
by car:
The city is easily accessible via numerous highways.
- A1 (E19) from Brussels
- A3 (E40) from Aachen, continue via Liège onto the A13 (E313)
- A76 (E314) from Aachen, continue onto the A13 (E313à) near Hasselt
- A4 (E411/E25) coming from Luxembourg, then via Brussels
- A21 (E34) from Eindhoven (Netherlands)
- A16 (E19) from Rotterdam (Netherlands) via the A1 (E19)
- A14 (E17) from Ghent
by ship
Cruise ships usually dock in the port of Zeebrugge, 100 km away, and then take their excursion passengers to Antwerp by bus. River cruise ships use the older harbor basins in the north of the city.
On the road in Antwerp
by public transportation:
Antwerp has an extensive network of streetcars and buses, operated by De Lijn. These offer a convenient way of getting around the city and its suburbs.
One-way tickets, 10-trip tickets and day tickets are available. The stationary Lijnwinkel stores sell the tickets. There are also ticket machines at some stops. Using the app is ideal.
by bike:
Antwerp is a bike-friendly city with numerous cycle paths and bike rental stations.
on foot:
The city is pedestrian-friendly, especially in the historic city center where many attractions are within walking distance
by car:
Antwerp has a 24-hour-a-day low emission zone. Petrol cars, gas-powered cars with Euro 1-6 and cars adapted for the disabled (i.e. with the European disabled parking permit) are allowed. Diesel vehicles are permitted from Euro 3 with particulate filters or from Euro 4.
The cars must be registered in advance.
Parking in Antwerp
Park-and-Ride (P+R) facilities:
There are nine P+R locations in and around Antwerp. Parking here is free of charge or for a nominal fee of 1 euro per day. From these locations, you can easily travel into the city by public transport.
Park and Ride Olympiade costs 1 euro for every 12 hours, with the first 12 hours being free.
Parking garages:
Centrally located parking garages such as Q-Park and Interparking offer various special deals. The Meir parking garage in the heart of the city costs around 20 euros per day.
Street parking:
Parking fees vary depending on proximity to the city center. ParkBee offers parking solutions that are 30% cheaper than the usual street parking fees.
Booking and discounts:
Services such as Parclick allow you to book parking spaces in advance and save up to 70% compared to official prices.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May):
– Average temperatures: 6.6°C (March) to 13.9°C (May)
– Rainy days: 9-10 days per month
Summer (June to August):
The most popular time to visit with pleasant temperatures around 22°C, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
– Average temperatures: 16.8°C (June) to 18.7°C (July, warmest month)
– Rainy days: 9-10 days per month
Fall (September to November):
– Average temperatures: 15.6°C (September) to 7.6°C (November)
– Rainy days: 8-10 days per month
Winter (December to February):
Winters are generally mild with little snow.
– Average temperatures: 3.8°C (January) to 4.5°C (December)
– Rainy days: 9-10 days per month
