Everything starts at Het Steen

Het Steen is Antwerp’s oldest preserved building. It is also literally the gateway to the city. Learn all about the building and the city on the brand new The Antwerp Story experience route. You will discover the very best tips on what to do during your visit. Take the stairs to the panoramic roof for a beautiful 360-degree view of Antwerp. Can you spot all the sights?

Beating heart of the city

From Het Steen you dive deeper into the Historical Centre. First stop: the Grote Markt, the beating heart of the city. Stand still, look around and enjoy the impressive town hall, the centuries-old guild houses and the legendary Brabo Fountain. When the sun is shining you can find a place on one of the many charming terraces. Ever tasted a Triple d’Anvers at Den Engel? For the perfect caffeine boost, make sure you make a pit stop at Caffe Mundi. Here you can taste delicious coffee made from freshly roasted coffee beans from neighbouring Cross Roast. Antwerp is of course also known as a diamond city. A visit to the nearby DIVA museum is therefore also a must. Learn all about jewellery, diamonds, gold and silver!

The oldest alley in Antwerp

Can you find the smallest street in the city on your way to the cathedral? Just a blink of the eyes and you’ve missed it, but behind the gate of Oude Koornmarkt 16 lies an Antwerp gem: the Vlaeykensgang. This romantic alley transports you to another time. It used to be the domain of the shoemakers, where the poorest people of the city lived. Now you will find art galleries and charming antique shops. You can even dine in this unique setting, in the exclusive Sir Anthony Van Dijck restaurant or the stylish restaurant ‘t Hofke.

Cathedrals and catchy stories

If you think of Antwerp, think of the Cathedral of Our Lady. The largest Gothic structure in the Low Countries is one of the most monumental buildings in the city. The inside also appeals to everyone’s imagination. With works of art by, among others, Rubens, you won’t know where to look first. When visiting the cathedral, make sure to stop at De Plek, a bistro in the former St. John's chapel behind the sacristy. The cathedral is located on the lively Handschoenmarkt. A place full of charming shops. In the middle of the square you will find the beautiful monument of Nello & Patrasche. Do you know this moving story about the poor orphan boy and the abandoned pet dog?

Picturesque setting

Via the picturesque (and very instagrammable) Wijngaardstraat you will arrive at one of the most beautiful squares in all of Antwerp: the Hendrik Conscienceplein. Here you see the ‘Rubens Church’ par excellence: the Carolus Borromeus Church. A real eye-catcher inside and out. Picture yourself as a true Oxford scholar in the majestic Heritage Library. Don't forget the Nottebohm Hall when visiting. The first 150,000 books of the library are stored here. The doors of this breath-taking place are not often opened, so grab your chance if you can.

Shopping fever

Even in a neighbourhood immersed in history, you can shop to your heart's content. The place to be? The Meir, of course. There are numerous large chains here, but the imposing Stadsfeestzaal is one of the many hotspots. This former ballroom houses some 40 shops. Shopping fun all around! Cultural tip: the Rubens House is located on the Wapper, in one of the side streets of the Meir. The city palace of baroque painter and Antwerp resident Pieter Paul Rubens.