How to Plan Your Antwerp Walking Tour: Exploring from Steen to Central Station

If you’re planning to visit the beautiful city of Antwerp, a walking tour is a great way to explore it. This tour will take you from the Steen castle to the Central Station, where you’ll admire some of the most important artwork by Peter Paul Rubens and see both the modern and historical sides of Antwerp. You’ll also get to visit the Diamond district and the Jewish district around the Central Station, which is the 4th most beautiful train station in the world.

So, how do you plan your Antwerp walking tour from Steen to Central Station? Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Book your tour

Before you start planning your tour, you need to book it. The tour offered by GetYourGuide is an excellent option providing you with an experienced guide and private transportation throughout the tour.

Experience

The tour is designed to offer an authentic experience of Antwerp that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites, giving you a deep understanding of Antwerp’s culture and history. During the tour, you will admire the most important artwork by Peter Paul Rubens who lived and worked in Antwerp in the first half of the 17th century.

Highlights

Some of the major highlights of the walking tour include visiting the Diamond district, the Jewish district near the Central Station, exploring the Grote Markt (Europe’s second biggest harbor), admiring the modern and historical sides of Antwerp, and much more. You will get to see the Market Square with the Town Hall and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses, the Cathedral of Our Lady with The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross by Rubens, Saint-Paul’s Church, the harbor, and the Jewish district. You will also have the opportunity to visit Rubens’ former house during the lunch break. In the former home and studio of the master, you will embark on a fascinating journey back in time and into the world of this great baroque artist.

Step 2: Plan your route

Once you’ve booked your tour, it’s time to plan your route. The tour usually starts at the Steen castle, which is one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp. From there, you will walk to the Market Square with the Town Hall and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses, which is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

After that, you will visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is a Roman Catholic cathedral that’s over 500 years old. The cathedral contains some of the most beautiful artwork in the world, including The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross by Rubens.

Next, you will visit Saint-Paul’s Church, which is a beautiful baroque church that was built in the 17th century. The church is known for its impressive dome and Italian-style interior.

After that, you’ll take a walk through the harbor and then visit the Jewish district. This area is home to many of Antwerp’s Jewish residents and has a rich history that you’ll learn about during the tour.

Finally, you’ll end the tour at the Central Station, which is one of the most impressive train stations in the world. The area around the station is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, so you can spend some time exploring after the tour is finished.

Step 3: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes

Antwerp is a very walkable city, but you’ll be on your feet for several hours during the tour, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately.

Step 4: Bring a camera

Antwerp is a beautiful city, and you’ll want to take lots of pictures during your walking tour. Make sure to bring a camera or a smartphone with a good camera.

Step 5: Book the tour

To book this tour, visit the following link: book the tour here . This tour is very popular and fills up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book it in advance.

Conclusion

A walking tour is the perfect way to explore the beautiful city of Antwerp. The tour from Steen to Central Station covers some of the most important and beautiful sites in Antwerp, including the Diamond district and the Jewish district. By following these steps, you can plan your tour and have an unforgettable experience in Antwerp.

Frequently Asked Questions About the City of Antwerp

Antwerp, the second most populous city in Belgium, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and commerce. The city is known for its stunning architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and its role as a major European port. Visitors to Antwerp often have many questions, and in this blog post, we will provide the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Antwerp.

1. What is the history of Antwerp?

Antwerp played a significant role in European history due to its location near the Scheldt river, which was a vital trade route in medieval times. The city was part of the Holy Roman Empire until the 16th century, when it became an independent city-state. During the 17th century, Antwerp became a Dutch province, and it later fell under French control.

In the 19th century, Antwerp played a key role in the development of the Belgian textile industry, and the city’s port expanded rapidly. During World War II, Antwerp suffered considerable damage, but it has since been rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Antwerp?

Antwerp has many attractions that are not to be missed, including:

The Cathedral of Our Lady

This magnificent Gothic cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Antwerp. The cathedral’s spire is over 400 feet tall, and its interior is filled with priceless works of art, including paintings by Rubens and other famous artists.

The Antwerp Zoo

One of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world, the Antwerp Zoo is home to over 5000 animals and hundreds of different species.

The Rubenshuis

This former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens has been converted into a museum, featuring many of his works as well as other Flemish masterpieces.

The Grote Markt

The historic market square of Antwerp is surrounded by stunning Renaissance-era buildings and is a hub of activity day and night. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink while people-watching.

3. What can I do in Antwerp if I’m on a budget?

Antwerp has plenty of affordable activities to offer budget-conscious travelers, including:

The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)

The Museum aan de Stroom is a modern museum that tells the story of Antwerp’s history and its place in the world. The museum is free to visit, and the rooftop offers breathtaking views of the city.

The Stadspark

The Stadspark is a beautiful public park in the heart of Antwerp, with plenty of benches and walking trails. It’s the perfect spot to have a picnic or relax with a good book.

The Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum tells the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through Antwerp on their way to America. The museum is free to visit on the last Wednesday of every month.

4. What is Antwerp known for?

Antwerp is known for many things, including:

Diamonds

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, with over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds passing through the city at some point.

Fashion

Antwerp has long been a hub of European fashion, with many famous designers hailing from the city, including the Antwerp Six.

Cuisine

Antwerp is a gastronomic paradise, known for its delicious Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer. There are also plenty of world-class restaurants serving innovative cuisine.

5. How do I get around Antwerp?

Antwerp is a compact city, and most of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, the city also has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system. Visitors can purchase a day ticket or multiple day ticket to save money on transportation costs.

Conclusion

Antwerp is a multifaceted and fascinating city, with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or fashion, Antwerp has something for everyone. We hope this guide has answered some of your questions about Antwerp and inspired you to plan your visit to this beautiful city.