Things to see and do in Antwerp

Standing an impressive sixty metres high, the MAS affords a breathtaking 360° view of the city of Antwerp, its river and its port. It has a long history of trade and cultural exchange between the city and the rest of the world, with exhibits and interactive displays. You can discover the history of the city through exhibitions on food, costume, celebration, or even fashion, there’s something new to discover each time you visit. Under 12s go free, with deals available for groups. Prices for exhibitions differ depending on whether they are permanent or temporary but will rarely set you back more than € 10.

It took 169 years (from the years 1352-1521) of labour to raise the 123m heavenward-reaching steeple of the Cathedral, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. The Cathedral is an iconic treasury, with an impressive collection of major art works, including a series of paintings by Rubens. Now, after twenty years, the seven-naved church has been restored to its former architectural glory. Fascinating features include Rubens' ‘Elevation of the Cross' and his 'Descent from the Cross'. Any visit to Antwerp remains incomplete without a visit of the Cathedral of Our Lady, and what’s more, admission is only €5 for adults with children under 12 going free.

Peter Paul Rubens was a world-renowned painter who lived almost his entire life in Antwerp and is also buried in the city. Even more than 400 years after his death, the presence of this world-famous painter can still be felt in many places around Antwerp. He lived in this palazzo, now museum with his family, painting regularly with his colleagues and assistants. He created many of his paintings in this house and the museum shows how he lived and worked too.

Thousands of visitors come to this city on the River Scheldt just because of Rubens. In the lively city centre, you can see a number of his most celebrated works, with some of them still in the original location he intended when he created them!

Grote Markt is a forum or square just outside the medieval residential quarter of Antwerp. In 1220 Duke Henry I of Brabant donated this community space to the city and today it comes alive with an annual Christmas market and an ice rink through winter. The square is home to Antwerp’s extravagant city hall, elaborate 16th century guildhalls, and some lovely restaurants and cafés. From here you can also walk to the banks of the Scheldt river.

The Red Star Line was an ocean passenger line founded in 1871. Two million passengers travelled from Antwerp, the Red Star Line's main European port, to North America on board its ships. Today you can visit this museum to hear their stories. You travel back in time and in the footsteps of the emigrants, getting acquainted with the passengers and seeing how the journey panned out for them through exhibits and interactive displays.

The Brabo Fountain can be found in the Grote Markt, in front of the Town Hall. It’s an interesting landmark not simply because it is beautiful, but because of the legend behind it.

It is said that the giant Druon Antigoon cut off the hands of any ship captain who moored in the area and refused to pay a toll, throwing the hands into the Scheldt. In return, the captain of the Roman army Brabo cut off the giant's hand and the fountain captures this moment. With this legend in mind, the etymology of the name of the city Antwerp is a composition of the Dutch words "(h)ant" (hand) and "werpen" (launch), but many historians dispute this!

Located in a 19th century building next to the Cathedral of Our Lady this trendy restaurant serves a Belgian cuisine with an Asian touch. Try the outdoor terrace for people watching as you sip speciality beers in the summer months. The average price for a main dish is around €15.

Antwerp's oldest restaurant built in 1750 near the cathedral of Our Lady.

Café De Rooden Hoed owes its name to its striking red roof tiles with famous painter Quinten Matsijs (1466-1530) once living here too (the ironwork above the well in front of the cathedral was wrought by him). This is a stylish romantic restaurant that serves a typical Belgian cuisine with daily fresh ingredients. You’ll also find an oyster bar upstairs. The average price for a main dish is around €22.

Located on the 3rd floor of the old De Koninck brewery warehouses, this is a carnivore's heaven, although don’t worry they serve lovely vegetarian dishes as well. The menu reads a little tongue-in-cheek with names such as 'where's the beef?' and if you’re feeling generous, you can even order 'a round of beers for the chefs'.

Antwerp Zoo is a little piece of history in itself, as it is one of the oldest in the world, being founded in 1843, which makes this the oldest animal park in Belgium too. You’ll find it right in the city centre next to the railway station and it’s a wonderful place to spend a morning, afternoon, or the whole day. Highlights include the butterfly garden and marine-life area.

Even though sewers don’t sound all that appealing, this tour is a fascinating insight into the underground history of Antwerp. Otherwise known as De Ruien, the sewers, streams, and fortifications have been under the city since the Middle Ages and provided a network of both natural and man-made waterways to provide the city with water. There’s even a harbour down there – book a boat or walking tour to discover this unique place.