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Antwerp Culture & history

Our most recommended Antwerp Culture & history

Antwerp: 2 hour Highlights Walking Tour

1. Antwerp: 2 hour Highlights Walking Tour

See the historical sights of Antwerp on a guided walking tour in English or Dutch, and marvel at the main monuments of the main square of Groenplaats, such as the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal cathedral and statue of the artist Rubens. Venture down small alleys to find charming courtyards and Gothic churches, along with the remains of the ancient stone walls and beautiful city hall on the impressive Grote Markt (Great Market Square). Hear how the Vikings, Napoleon Bonaparte, and medieval guildsmen have all played a part in shaping the city.

Antwerp: Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour

2. Antwerp: Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel then embark on a historical exploration of the city center. Visit the bustling Market Square, also known as Grote Markt, nestled in the heart of the city’s old quarter. Admire the square's beautiful and iconic Brabo Fountain and learn about the history of the fountain, which was inaugurated in 1887. Continue the tour onto the stunning Renaissance City Hall and surrounding 16th and 17th century guild houses. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the buildings, which dominate the Antwerp skyline, and listen to your guide share insightful information about them. Walk to the magnificent Our Lady Cathedral next, which houses a collection of art pieces by famous Flemish masters. Wander through the medieval part of the city, Vlaeykensgang, characterized by narrow streets and crooked alleyways, then through Groenplaats Square until you reach the Meir, the most popular shopping street of Antwerp. Pass by The Rubens House, the home and atelier of the baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Finally, the tour ends with a guided visit to the Central Station of Antwerp, a beautiful building constructed at the end of the 19th century.

Antwerp: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

3. Antwerp: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

Get the most out of your visit to Antwerp with a private guided walking tour through the historical heart of the city. Explore all of Antwerp's highlights while learning about history, legends, and interesting facts. Admire historic churches, characteristic squares, popular museums, and medieval architecture. After meeting your guide at the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square, walk through the city’s historic quarter on a route that includes all the must-visit spots. You'll explore Grote Markt first, where you can marvel at the medieval guild houses, city hall, and Brabo Fountain. From there, head to Hendrik Conscience Statue, named after the Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience. This site hosts an impressive Baroque church and the old city library. Visit the world-famous Carolus Borromeus Church with its 17th-century Baroque details before stopping at Handelsbeurs Antwerpen (the Bourse of Antwerp), the world's first Wall Street. Here, you’ll find out how the city came to be an important international trading center in the 16th century. Rubens House is next on the itinerary: the house is the former home and workshop of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Learn more about his life story and some secrets behind the artist’s success. At MoMu, one of the world’s leading fashion museums, you'll get some inspiration for your next fashion shopping trip before heading to the Museum Plantin-Moretus, the first museum to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through Vlaeykensgang, a secret medieval alley that’s not easy to find on your own. Your guide will take you back in time and show you the best-preserved remnants of the Middle Ages in Antwerp. This spot is said to be the most photographed place in the city. Make sure to be camera-ready as you arrive at the Nello & Patrasche Statue, another popular attraction in the city. Finish the tour in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady, where you’ll learn the history and curious facts about its construction.

From Amsterdam: Private Day Trip to Brussels and Antwerp

4. From Amsterdam: Private Day Trip to Brussels and Antwerp

Start with pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam and meet your professional guide. First, drive to Antwerp and visit the second largest harbor in Europe and the hometown of the Flemish baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Explore the historical city center of Antwerp and see the Town Hall, Saint-Paul's Church, and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses. Also notable for its striking modern architecture, see the new Palace of Justice, the Museum aan de Stroom, and the new Port House. You may also request free time to take a break for some lunch or to go shopping. Afterward, head to Brussels where you will discover the historic city center and many landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Manneken Pis, and Place de la Bourse Square. Discover the impressive historical architecture that Brussels is known for and learn about the history of the capital city of Belgium. From the city center, drive to Jubilee Park where you can visit the famous Triumphal Arch. Nearby is Brussels' most famous sight called the Atomium, you also have the option to go inside. At the end of the day, your guide will drive you back to the hotel.

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What people are saying about Antwerp

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 70 reviews

It was a great comprehensive tour. As a solo traveller it's nice to meet other travellers and explore the city with someone who knows the area. The guide offered a great overview of the Old Centre and answered all the questions we had. It was quite windy (early January) so I do recommend bundling up, as we spent most of the time outside. Some of the things we saw are not available every day (due to events like weddings) so I think a bit is luck is involved, and we were very lucky :)

According to the program, the planned tour ended at the Antwerp train station, this beautiful monument. We were only four participants and everyone came by train, so our guide Leo spontaneously rescheduled and showed us the harbor district instead of the train station. Here the tour ended. We all liked that very much, especially since there was a nice museum nearby. We can highly recommend this nice, very good English-speaking and life-wise guide.

My guide Flip was a great storyteller and took me to spots I wouldn't have known I wanted to see. A fun afternoon!

Compliments to the guide Flip who gave us all the ins and outs about Antwerp in more than detail.

Luc was an excellent guide, very informative and funny. Heartily recommend this walking tour!