So here it is: the ultimate Antwerp Bucket List. Find out in this list what every Antwerp native and visitor needs to have done in this beautiful city.
1. Alight at one of the world's most beautiful train stations
A visual spectacle takes on a whole new meaning when you arrive at Antwerp Central Station, also known as the railroad cathedral. Take the escalators to the top and admire the huge steel platform roof, the magnificent façade and the impressive entrance hall. No wonder this station is called one of the most beautiful in the world according to numerous international lists.
Tip: Fancy even more splendour? Step into the Zoo next to the train station and admire one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It is a lovely green place, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. Picnicking on the roof of a museum
At the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, each of the nine floors offers a different view. In the museum galleries, you will discover Antwerp's rich history. On the roof terrace, you can picnic and get a 360-degree view of Antwerp and its wide surroundings. Enjoy it!
Tip: Café Storm, at the foot of the MAS, is an atmospheric meeting place. The sun-drenched terrace is perfect for enjoying a tasty snack and drink.
3. Travel back in time
Type in 'Oude Koornmarkt 16' on Google Maps and walk to the small gate. Welcome to the Vlaeykensgang, a hidden alleyway constructed in 1591. Formerly the ity's poorest people used to live here. Today, you'll find antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. It doesn't get more picturesque than this. Settle down on one of the benches and listen to how quiet a city can be.
Tip: For good food in an oasis of tranquillity, you should be at 't Hofke, a cosy restaurant with French-Belgian cuisine.
4. Admire fine art at KMSKA
In the sublimely renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) building, you admire a fantastic art collection. You will come face to face with works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Van Eyck and can admire Fouquet's Madonna. In the ten contemporary rooms, you will find the largest collection of James Ensor worldwide on top of works by Rik Wouters, Magritte, Modigliani and many more. Make your visit even more captivating thanks to virtual reality or a guided tour.
Tip: Fancy a coffee, a tasty cocktail, a piece of cake or savoury snack? Step inside the Madonna Grand Café, a perfect end to your museum visit
5. Walk under the Scheldt River to a stunning skyline
Antwerp has a pedestrian tunnel that is almost a hundred years old. Take the authentic wooden escalators down and walk (or cycle) under the Scheldt to the other side. A cinematic experience! On the Linkeroever (Left Bank), take the escalators to the top and admire the city skyline.
Tip: Walk north along the Scheldt to Sint-Anneke's beach. Here you have plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants to choose from.
6. Cuddle with Nello & Patrasche
At the foot of the Cathedral of Our Lady, you will find the statue of Nello & Patrasche, the main characters in the moving fairy tale 'A Dog of Flanders'. In the story, the poor orphan boy Nello befriends the abandoned dog Patrasche. Through a series of misfortunes, they die together. An unusual fairy tale, with a message of pride and unconditional friendship.
7. Shop your new outfit in a city palace
In the décor of the Stadsfeestzaal, you'll feel like a movie star: the glass dome with gold leaf, the monumental stairwell, the mosaics, the oak parquet floor, the marble, etc. Scoring a new outfit has never been so glamorous. Though with that said, there are still quite a few special places to shop in Antwerp.
Tip: The Stadsfeestzaal is located on the Meir, a pedestrian promenade and the most famous shopping street in the country.
8. Indulge your taste buds in the green oasis of PAKT
Just outside the city centre is PAKT, an old industrial site converted into a sustainable hub of creative businesses and culinary affairs. The perfect place to enjoy locally produced drinks and meals, shaded by beautiful rooftop gardens.
Tip: Delicious coffee at Caffénation, tasty pizza at Standard, fine dining at Camionette and so much more!
Follow a trail of interactive experiences to discover the rich story behind the regional beers produced by the De Koninck City Brewery, just a stone's throw from PAKT. The site also offers plenty of traditionally produced culinary items to delight your taste buds, from delicious cheeses to sophisticated chocolates.
9. Explore Plantin-Moretus, the Museum of Book Printing
Step into the Museum Plantin-Moretus and see the centuries-long history of printing comes to life. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site admire the oldest printing presses in the world, a wonderful art collection and a wonderful indoor garden.
Tip: Step outside the museum and you'll see the cosy terraces of the Vrijdagmarkt ('Friday Market') beckoning you in no time.
10. Visit the city's oldest building
As early as the 9th century, there was a fortified settlement at what is now Het Steen, consisting of wooden buildings, an earthen wall and a moat. Today, Het Steen is home to a fun attraction: The Antwerp Story. Follow the interactive trail and travel through the city and time. In a short time, you will learn a lot about Antwerp and gain a great deal of inspiration for your further visit. Finish on the roof and look out over the Scheldt and the city.
Tip: Stroll along the Scheldt quays and enjoy the wide view over the river, the sunset is at its most beautiful here.