Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? YES & Here’s Why!

Antwerp is the second biggest town in Belgium, but most tourists decide to skip it. So, you might be wondering if Antwerp is worth visiting on your next trip to Belgium!

The short answer is yes, Antwerp is well worth visiting!

I visited Antwerp several times, in summer and winter, and I loved it in both seasons. 

The city offers an interesting blend of modern and historic architecture, impressive history, and great gastronomy. At the same time, it is just a short train ride from Brussels, making for a perfect day trip if you have more than 2 days in Belgium.

So, here are the top reasons to visit Antwerp!

Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? Quick Answer

First things first, should you visit Antwerp on your next trip to Belgium? If you have time, 100% yes!

Most people traveling to Belgium skip Antwerp, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. There’s just a lot of competition in Belgium because there are many cities with a beautiful, well-preserved medieval center that are better known than Antwerp.

If you have 2 to 3 days in Belgium and it’s your first time in the country, you might enjoy exploring Ghent or Bruges more. They are more touristic after all!

However, if you want to escape the crowds and get off the beaten track, you’ll love Antwerp!

The city is just about an hour train ride from Brussels, and while I recommend spending an entire day in the city, you can see the main tourist attractions in half a day.

🚲⏰ Are you short on time and want to explore Antwerp like a local?
Join this guided bike tour and see the main highlights and hidden gems with a local tour guide!

1. Picturesque Old Town

If you come to Antwerp for one thing, make it the Old Town. This compact historic center is ideal for slow wandering: cobblestone lanes, historic houses, and lively squares.

Start at the main square, the Grote Markt. The Renaissance Stadhuis (City Hall) and the row of picturesque guild houses lined the square, while the Brabo Fountain anchors the view. Look up as the façades are packed with tiny details: gilded statues, merchant emblems, and ship motifs.

A few steps away, the Cathedral of Our Lady has its impressive collection of artwork and the famous Nello & Patrasche Statue. Streets around the Cathedral are great for wandering, as many are pedestrian-only. 

2. Interesting Museums and Galleries

If you’re a museum person or the weather isn’t cooperating, as it often doesn’t in Belgium, Antwerp is sure to keep you busy. 

You’ve got the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) with its striking architecture and panoramic rooftop views. The museum features both paid and free exhibitions, and I found the free ones to be quite interesting.

For art lovers, you can visit The Rubens House, where you can step into the world of the city’s most famous painter, and the Museum of Fine Arts for a serious dose of classics. 

Even if you’re not usually into museums, the buildings themselves are gorgeous and worth seeing.

🗺️ Wondering how to organize a day in Antwerp?
Here’s the best 1-day Antwerp itinerary to follow!

3. World’s Most Beautiful Train Station

The first thing I heard about Antwerp is that it has the most beautiful train station in the world. Now that’s a bold statement, but Antwerp train station lives up to that reputation!

The main hall, with its massive glass dome and extravagant staircases lined with golden railing, is truly one of a kind. And if you visit Antwerp on a day trip from Brussels by train, you literally can’t miss it!

4. 13th Century Castle

Did you know that there’s even a castle in Antwerp? Right on the Scheldt riverfront, you’ll spot Het Steen, a small but remarkable medieval fortress dating back to the 1200s. 

It’s the oldest building in the city and has had many roles throughout history: fortress, prison, even a fish market.

Today, it’s part of the city’s tourist center, and the views of the river from here are lovely. There’s not much going on inside, but it’s surely impressive to see from the outside.

5. It’s the Diamond Capital of the World

Antwerp became a rich city through trade, and at one point in time, 80% of the world’s rough diamonds passed through here! Nowadays, the diamond industry has changed a lot, but there are still over 300 diamond workshops in the city.

If you’re interested in diamonds, you’ll be glad to know that all the stores are in the same area, known as the Diamond District, and it’s right next to the train station. 

6. You Can Go On A Boat Tour

Okay, I’ll admit, it’s not a sunset cruise in Santorini. But Antwerp is a major port city, and you can hop on a boat tour to explore its bustling harbour. 

Thanks to its spot at the river’s estuary, Antwerp was once one of Belgium’s most important cities, and it’s interesting to see how it evolved through time.

Going on a boat tour is one of the most unique things to do in Antwerp, and it’s a fun activity to add to your itinerary as you get to see the city from a different perspective. 

🎫 This Antwerp Private Old Harbour Boat Tour is not available all the time, so book in advance! 

7. Charming Christmas Market

If you’re visiting Belgium in winter, the Antwerp Christmas market is well worth visiting. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas, with the main market taking place at the Grote Markt. 

I really enjoyed the festive vibes in the city, and they even had nightly concerts when I visited. The city can get busy during the Christmas season, but it was nothing compared to Bruges or Brussels!

8. St. Paul’s Church Art Collection

Visiting St. Paul’s Church was one of the most unexpected experiences of my trip to Antwerp. My friend and I walked into this unassuming church and got a free guided tour of the most majestic artwork hidden within the church walls.

Now that was during my first visit to Antwerp years ago, and this is no longer free. Nowadays, you have to pay a small fee to access the art collection, but it’s worth it if you’re an art lover.

9. Free Viewing Platform

I already suggested you visit the MAS Museum in the art and history section of this Antwerp travel guide, but it’s also the best free viewpoint in the city. 

As you enter the Museum building, head straight to the last floor for an unobstructed view over Antwerp! You’ll notice that the city is quite flat, and you can see all the 

10. Modern Architecture

Antwerp isn’t just about history; it’s got some bold modern design, especially in the port area. The Port House, designed by Zaha Hadid, looks like a giant futuristic ship perched on top of an old fire station. 

11. Hidden Beguinage 

Antwerp’s Beguinage is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, because I didn’t see any other tourists when I visited! Still, it was one of the most magical places in the city, and it is certainly worth visiting. 

Once home to a community of religious women, today it’s a quiet, cobblestoned courtyard lined with red-bricked houses and gardens. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and take a break on one of the benches in the gardens.

Reasons You Might Skip Antwerp

While I think Antwerp is worth visiting, it might not be the right choice for you.

If you have limited time in Belgium and you want to see the most iconic tourist sites in the country, I’d pick Bruges or Ghent over Antwerp.

Also, if you’re looking for those cozy European small-town vibes, Ghent is a better option. Antwerp is a large city, and while it has a charming and bikeable city center, it feels like a big city.

Where To Stay In Antwerp?

You can totally see all the main tourist attractions in Antwerp in 1 day, but if you’re spending several days in Belgium, I suggest spending a night in Antwerp. 

It’s surprisingly affordable compared to other Belgian cities, especially for the quality you get, as most tourists only visit on a daytrip.

The best area to stay in Antwerp is in the historic center. That way, you’re close to all the restaurants and picturesque walking streets.

• TOP Pick: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (Stunning luxurious hotel!)
• Best Mid-Range Option: Hotel ‘T Sandt
• Best Budget Pick: Motel One Antwerp
• Best Hostel: YUST Antwerp (One of the best hostels in Belgium!)

Summary: Should You Visit Antwerp?

And there you have it! Everything you need to decide if you should add Antwerp to your Belgium itinerary.

Antwerp is one of the most underrated cities in Belgium, and a great place to explore if you want to escape the crowds and admire well-preserved medieval architecture blended with modern vibes.