What Activities Can You Do in Antwerp?

Antwerp is known as a tourist hotspot in Europe due to its fascinating history and its impressive arts, culture, and cuisine. With something to do for everyone, travelers flock to Antwerp from all around the world. But what sort of activities can you do in Antwerp? Read on to find out the best activities that you can enjoy with your family and friends while visiting Antwerp.

1. Explore the Historical Landmarks of Antwerp

Antwerp is an incredibly beautiful city with a rich history. Exploring the city’s monuments and historical landmarks around town is an absolute must. Begin your exploration with the beautiful setting at Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the most famous Gothic churches in Europe and the largest in Belgium. It is host to four works of art by Peter Paul Rubens, a prolific Flemish Baroque period painter. You can also explore the cobbled streets of the old city and soak in the squares and alleyways of Old Antwerp or the former 16th-century Jewish Quarter. In addition, visitantwerpen.be provides helpful guides and maps for walking tours that cover essential sights as well as hidden gems. So, make sure you venture out and explore the city, one square at a time!

2. Get a Taste of the Arts and Culture Scene

The arts scene in Antwerp is second-to-none. From art gallery visits to theatre plays to watching world-famous operas, the city has it all! Take a trip to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp and explore one of the largest and most important collections in Europe. Home to more than 5,000 paintings, it is also considered one of the leading museums in the world for Italian, Spanish, and Flemish Renaissance painting. There are also many theatres, art galleries, and cinemas that show films from all over the world. Go for a tour de theatre and watch some amazing plays or check out the schedule at Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen and experience some serious drama, music, or comedy. Even if you’re not into theatre or drama, Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen also holds concerts by renowned singers and world-famous ballets by internationally acclaimed performers.

3. Enjoy Shopping at Local Markets

If you love shopping, then Antwerp is going to be your favourite! From high street fashion outlets to artisan stalls at flea markets, you will be spoilt for choice with every budget. Visit the Atmosphere Market held on Sundays from 10am to 4pm to get the perfect gift for your special someone or find some unique souvenirs to remember your trip by! With artisans selling handmade items such as jewelry, furniture and other homeware pieces, you are sure to find something special that you won’t find anywhere else. Of course, you can’t talk about markets without mentioning the Hartenstraat which is Antwerp’s most famous open street market that has been around since 1650! Visit Hartenstraat through the week to buy some fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices right from their local growers along with some delicious snacks and drinks!

4. Dine at Some of The Finest Restaurants in Town

From traditional Belgian dishes to global cuisine, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Antwerp. Sample some traditional Flemish dishes such as waterzooi (a creamy seafood stew), stoofvlees (beef stew) or the ever-popular moules-frites (mussels and fries) at some of their best restaurants like Primeurs Restaurant or Graanmarkt 13. For something a little more unusual, take a visit to Restaurant Bijgaarden which serves up innovative modern Belgian cuisine like braised veal cheeks with wild truffle mash or grilled squid with jerusalem artichoke purée! Whatever your preference might be, there is definitely something here in Antwerp that will tantalize your taste buds!

5. Spend Some Time at Nature Trails/Parks

Despite being an industrial port city, nature lovers have plenty to explore in Antwerp too! Take a walk around one of their beautiful parks or green spaces such as Park Lippensgoed-Bollekens or Penderparken. Or if you’re feeling adventurous why not take a bike ride around one of the nature trails such as Tokkelen d’Oude Molenloop & Strabrechtse Heendool iffzwemmen? Currently due to Covid-19 restrictions, all parks are closed until further notice, so check visitantwerpen.be for updates so that you don’t miss out!

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no shortage of activities to do in Antwerp! From exploring its many historical landmarks to enjoying its thriving arts scene and delectable food offerings or indulging in some retail therapy at their open markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here in this fascinating city. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your flights and get ready for a truly unforgettable holiday experience in Antwerp!