Traversed by the River Scheldt in the north of Belgium, Antwerp is considered the cultural capital of Flanders. It was once the home of Old Masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, as well as being an important hub for the trade of diamonds. Today, Antwerp is a vibrant industrial port that hasn’t forgotten its past as an artisan center.
With its majestic architecture and outstanding museums, Antwerp is well worth visiting. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top attractions in the city, whether you’re a cultural seeker or traveling with the family in tow. You’ll find a diverse range of places to stay at Rentola Antwerp, a user-friendly resource for holiday accommodation.
It showcases city-centre apartments and residential homes in the suburbs, all with easy access to public transport. Buses and trams travel throughout Antwerp, meaning you can easily access the city’s attractions no matter where you stay. If you’re looking for something similar in London, you can also check out flats to rent canary wharf for a great urban experience.
When reading through the following seven attractions, it’s important to remember that they are just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, Antwerp offers so much more!
Grote Markt
In the heart of Antwerp is this grand square, which is surrounded by elegant guild houses, most of which were reconstructed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Dominating the western side of the Grote Markt is the Stadhuis, a 16th-century town hall that is decorated with paintings illustrating the city’s past. Nestled just behind is the Gildekamersstraat, a historic guild house that now showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Antwerp.
Cathedral of Our Lady
A short stroll from the Grote Markt is the largest Gothic church in Belgium, the Cathedral of Our Lady. It was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, with some of the country’s leading architects involved in its design. Gaze up at its belfry, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before admiring the paintings by Peter Paul Rubens that decorate the interior.
Rubenshuis
If you want to learn more about Peter Paul Rubens, visit the house where he lived from 1610 until his death in 1640. In addition to being home to the Flemish master, the building served as a prison during the French Revolution and has now been restored to its 17th-century appearance. In addition to antique furnishings from the period, it houses an impressive collection of paintings by Rubens, including “The Annunciation” and “Adam and Eve.”
Museum aan de Stroom
Occupying a striking modern building on the banks of the River Scheldt, the Museum aan de Stroom is the largest museum in the city. It explores the fascinating history of Antwerp and its connection to the rest of the world, with everything from maritime artifacts to cultural objects from Africa and Oceania on display. While browsing its exhibits, you can discover the gastronomic heritage of Belgium and how spirituality is expressed around the globe.
Antwerp-Centraal railway station
Nicknamed the “Railroad Cathedral”, this monumental railway station building is considered among the most beautiful in Europe. It was constructed between 1895 and 1905 on a design by Louis Delacenserie, which reflects an eclectic range of architectural styles. Marvel at the elaborately decorated facade before stepping inside the grand entrance hall with its decorative windows.
Antwerp Zoo
Located next to the Antwerp-Centraal railway station is the oldest zoo in Belgium, which was founded back in 1843. It’s renowned for its Art Deco-style entrance and its commitment to wildlife preservation, with all of the enclosures designed to replicate the animals’ natural environment. The Antwerp Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing around 950 different species, including mountain gorillas, kangaroos, and California sea lions. Not to miss is the giraffe and elephant enclosure, which has been designed with an Egyptian temple-inspired house.
Chocolate Nation
Directly opposite the Antwerp-Centraal railway station is the largest chocolate museum in one of the world’s most famous chocolate-producing nations. It explores Belgium’s history of making this beloved sweet treat, with multimedia exhibits and interactive displays helping to bring the process to life. Learn where cocoa beans are grown and the role of milk in chocolate making, as well as its links to Belgium’s cultural traditions. Aside from its store where you can feast on samples, the museum also hosts chocolate-making workshops.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Occupying a magnificent building designed by Jean-Jacques Winders, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts boasts an exceptional collection of works that date from the 14th to 20th centuries. It focuses on artists working in Belgium and the Netherlands, with its collection based on that of the Lucas Guild of Painters and Sculptors, which was founded in the 15th century. You can browse the modern paintings and sculptures displayed on the ground floor and learn about the development of plastic arts before admiring the works by Old Masters in the first-floor galleries.
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