Did you know that Antwerp’s most iconic buildings are lit up marvellously well at night? Take an evening stroll through the city and admire the beautiful sights in an atmospheric glow. Our tips will help you take the best photos first time, every time.
Central Station
Start your walk at the imposing Central Station. According to numerous lists, this is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. If anything, the eclectic building looks even more beautiful when the historic façade and dome are lit up. Be sure to look upwards because that is where you can often see the most magical details (this applies for all the tips below).
Queen Elisabeth Hall
A few steps further on in Astridplein, you see the entrance to the Zoo and the beautifully lit façade of Queen Elisabeth Hall. Known for its top-notch acoustics, the concert hall is home to the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.
Interested in attending a concert here? Take your pick from the versatile programme.
Operaplein (Opera square)
A short walk along De Keyserlei (tip: take another look back at Central Station) takes you to Operaplein. There, the Opera shines like never before, thanks to recently revamped lighting that does full justice to the monumental building.
Cathedral of Our Lady
If you take Lange Nieuwstraat, you will soon see Antwerp’s most iconic building emerging before you. The illuminated tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady is a breathtaking sight. You won’t be able to take your eyes off it! Nearby, at the entrance to the cathedral on Handschoenmarkt, there is the illuminated statue of Nello and Patrasche, a heartwarming tribute to the famous story.
St Charles Borromeo Church
Another religious building well worth visiting is St Charles Borromeo Church on Conscienceplein. The world-famous painter Rubens designed the façade of this baroque church. Find a seat in the convivial square and admire all the details. Can you see the beautifully lit towers of the church?
Grote Markt
Walk to the Grote Markt. The town hall and guild houses are also beautifully lit up at night and are just waiting to be photographed.
Het Steen
Walk towards the River Scheldt and Het Steen will be one of the first things to catch your eye. Over the centuries, the building has frequently changed form and function: from castle to prison to museum. Today, there is a Visitors’ Centre, the attraction The Antwerp Story and a cruise terminal. Enjoy the fairytale atmosphere and a special view: the lights of the Scheldt.
Het Zuid
Stroll along the revamped Scheldt quays to the lively Het Zuid district. Walk through the new Park Zuid, enjoy the convivial lighting and continue on your way to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). At night, this fantastic museum is bathed in magical lighting. And yes, definitely look up here too. Is it already time to wrap things up? Marnixplaats is full of restaurants, cafes and convivial terraces. Enjoy them and also the atmospheric lighting in the square.