Often overlooked by travelers in favor of larger cities like Paris, London and even Brussels, Antwerp is a fascinating destination that’s well worth a visit. Not only is this port city famous for its diamonds, but it offers countless things to do to keep you busy. From ornate architecture to delicious Belgian food, there are so many reasons to add a stop in Antwerp to your European itinerary.
Whether you’re planning to visit for one day or longer, here are 15 reasons to add Antwerp to your bucket list!
1. Antwerp Central Station
Antwerp Central is frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and it’s easy to see why. This stunning building was constructed and renovated over the years using a unique blend of architectural styles, resulting in a grandiose structure like no other. Even if you aren’t an architecture buff, Antwerp’s impressive main train station will leave you in awe.
Whether or not you arrive by train, this railway station is a must-see on any visit to Antwerp!
2. Grote Markt
The Grote Markt, or Great Market Square, is the heart of Antwerp’s old town. Comprised of City Hall, Brabo Fountain, a row of guild houses, numerous cafes, restaurants and shops, it’s one of the most photo-worthy spots in Antwerp. Take a break from exploring and grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafes for an afternoon spent relaxing and people-watching in the square.
3. Cathedral Of Our Lady
Located near the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady is an Antwerp landmark that can’t be missed. This Roman Catholic church took 169 years to be completed and is a paradigm of Gothic architecture. Its 123 meter high tower makes it the tallest building in Antwerp. Inside the cathedral is home to several masterpieces by the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. At the time of my visit, admission was 12 euros per person for those over 18.
4. The Chocolate
World famous for producing high quality chocolate, Belgium is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true! If you have a sweet tooth, what better reason to come to Antwerp than to try some for yourself? Chocolate shops can be found easily throughout the city, so the difficult part will be deciding which to choose. Personally, Leonidas and The Chocolate Line were two of my favorites.
Another fun chocolate-related stop in Antwerp is Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world. This interactive chocolate experience explains the history of chocolate in the country and demonstrates the chocolate-making process in an interesting way. Visitors can also sample a variety of flavors during the tour and purchase chocolate to take home in the small gift shop.
5. The Waffles
One of the best reasons to come to Antwerp… the waffles! After all, how many chances will you get to indulge in a true Belgian waffle?
Something I didn’t realize before my visit is that there are two types of waffles made in Belgium: Brussels and Liege. Brussels waffles are light and crispy and rectangular in shape, while Liege waffles are thicker with undefined edges. Both are delicious and I don’t think you can go wrong either way!
6. The Fries (Frites)
Continuing on with another food item, a trip to Antwerp is the perfect opportunity to try the fries, or frites. Stop by Frites Atelier, a cute shop specializing in fries with a variety of sauces on the side. The truffle sauce was by far my favorite and it was a great place to grab a quick snack while sightseeing.
7. Belgian Beer
Looking for another reason to come to Antwerp? You can learn about Belgium’s world renowned beer culture first hand. Check out a local microbrewery on your own or take a beer tour to immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Belgian beers. Who knows – you might even find yourself a new favorite!
8. The Cafes
It’s no secret that I love trying different coffee shops when I travel and luckily for me and my fellow coffee enthusiasts, Antwerp has some great options. Close to the Grote Markt, Cafe Mundi is a gem of a spot in the city and my favorite cafe of the trip. I popped in on a drizzly morning and warmed up with a coffee and croissant. Both were tasty and the cozy atmosphere made it a nice place to escape the rain.
9. Het Steen
The oldest building in Antwerp, Het Steen was a medieval fortress originally built in response to Viking attacks during the Middle Ages. Over the years it has continued to serve many purposes, including acting as a prison, a castle and a museum. Today, it’s home to Antwerp’s Visitor Center and a cruise ship terminal. I’d recommend visiting the rooftop terrace, where you can admire views of the city and river.
10. Het Bootje
Take a walk around Antwerp and you’ll quickly discover it’s a city consisting of ornate and detailed architecture. One of the most unique examples of Art Nouveau in the city is “The Five Continents”. Also named Het Bootje or “Little Boat” by the people, this intricate masterpiece showcases a boat emerging from the corner of a building.
11. The Shopping
As the fashion capital of Belgium, Antwerp offers travelers plenty of shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe, bring home a souvenir or simply spend a few hours window shopping, Antwerp has got you covered. Make sure to check out Meir, the city’s main shopping street, as well as Stadsfeestzaal, a former event hall turned into a stunning shopping mall.
12. Diamond Quarter
The saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” rings true in Antwerp. The largest diamond district in the world, the Antwerp Diamond Quarter is worth seeing on any trip to the city. Situated next to Antwerp Central Station, the diamond district is easy to find. Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, it’s an enjoyable area to wander and window shop.
13. The Museums
For those looking to add more culture to their visit, Antwerp has all kinds of museums to suit different interests. Chocolate Nation was my favorite (and the tastiest) but others worth checking out include the Rubens Museum, Museum Plantin-Moretus and Museum MAS.
14. Easy To Reach By Train
Antwerp is the perfect destination to add to your Europe itinerary, as it can be easily reached by train. It’s on the Thalys high-speed train line that connects Amsterdam to Paris, making the it a straightforward stop between the two cities. Not only that, it’s just under an hour from both Brussels and Ghent.
15. English Is Widely Spoken
Although English isn’t an official language of Belgium, you’ll have no trouble finding English speakers in Antwerp. While it’s always a great idea to learn a few phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting, it’s comforting to know that some locals also speak English.
Interested in adding a visit to Antwerp to your Amsterdam itinerary? Make sure to read my post: 16 Awesome Things To Do In Amsterdam
Have you been to Antwerp already? What’s your favorite thing to do in the city?
