Preparation

• Check the Smart ways to Antwerp website to find the best route to Antwerp.
• Remember to bring your European Disability Card. 
• The icons below will help you find out at each location how easy or difficult it is to access the toilet.
  • Accessible:  🚽✅
  • Accessible, but you need assistance: 🚽💁

Start at Het Steen

Het Steen is the place to go for anyone who wants to visit Antwerp, even if you come to the city with your wheelchair. In this century-old building, you will find a Visitor Centre, where the staff are on hand to give you information and help you. Then visit The Antwerp Story attraction, an accessible trail through Het Steen. Across eleven rooms, you will learn all about Antwerp in an original and surprising way. A perfect start to your city visit. Admission is free for you and any accompanying person. 

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Simon's tips:

• If you are coming to Antwerp by car, use the car park at Het Steen itself. If it's full, here is an overview of Antwerp's car parks, including the maximum entry height.
• Good to know: people with disabilities are still allowed to park on the street under the city's new parking policy.
• Enjoy the beautiful view from Het Steen's accessible rooftop terrace.
• The staff will be happy to help you with the lift.

Discover the special story of diamonds in DIVA

With your wheelchair, it is only a few minutes' ride to DIVA. Discover the fascinating story of diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. As you make your way around seven rooms, you'll learn how Antwerp has been the world's largest diamond centre for over five centuries. Admission is free for you and any accompanying person.

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Simon's tips:

• If you have a visual impairment, the museum offers a sensory tour for the blind and visually impaired.
• If you are easily affected by stimuli and prefer a quiet visit, you can request this by contacting the museum.
• Near DIVA, you will find many accessible cafes and restaurants.

Grote Markt with Town Hall

The Grote Markt is your next stop. Admire the impressive Town Hall; it's not on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for nothing! The statue of giant Druon Antigonus and Roman hero Brabo, created by Jef Lambeaux, is one of the city's most photographed spots. You can see Brabo throwing the giant's hand into the Scheldt. According to the legend, this 'hand werpen' (throwing the hand) is the origin of the name Antwerp.

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Simon's tips:

• Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Grote Markt and surrounding streets. This is the old heart of the city.
• Note that the Grote Markt is paved with uneven cobblestones and can be a challenge for your wheelchair. If you'd rather deal with as few cobblestones as possible, then keep right to head towards the Cathedral of Our Lady, the next stop on this route.
• Milkshakes, brownies, ice cream ... at Quetzal Antwerp, you will find the most delicious chocolate products.

Cathedral of our Lady

Admire the largest Gothic structure in the Low Countries, the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady. At Handschoenmarkt, you'll first see the endearing statue of Nello and Patrasche. This work refers to "A Dog of Flanders", a story which is particularly popular in Japan. Inside the cathedral itself, there is so much art to discover: from stained glass windows to a pulpit, from several chapels to four impressive paintings by Rubens. Admission is 10 euros, unless you are from the province of Antwerp, then it is free. Your companion may enter for free.

Simon's tips:

• To leave the cathedral, you have to go through the souvenir shop. Ask for help if you do not have a companion, as space is very limited.
• A café in a cathedral: isn't that extraordinary? Enjoy cathedral beer or different drink at De Plek. Open only on Sundays.

Groenplaats

At the bustling Groenplaats, the statue of Rubens immediately catches the eye. Created in 1843, it made Rubens the first Fleming to be immortalised in bronze. On this square, you'll find lots of options to have something to drink or eat.

Simon's tips:

• There is always something to do or see at the cosy Groenplaats: think street music or the ice rink during Winter in Antwerp.
• You'll also find a branch of the famous Hard Rock Cafe here.
• Be careful of the tram tracks.

MoMu – Antwerp Fashion Museum

If you love fashion, you'll be in heaven at MoMu. After a recent renovation and expansion, this museum with a solid international reputation is the ultimate place to immerse yourself in the fascinating story of Belgian and international avant-garde fashion. Admission is free for you and any accompanying person.

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Simon's tips:

• The museum and the new MoMu Café (reopening on 14 October 2023) are fully wheelchair accessible.
• If you are hard of hearing or deaf, MoMu offers a quarterly guided tour with an Interpreter of Flemish Sign Language.
• The museum is still developing an offering for the visually impaired and blind.

Shopping at the Stadsfeestzaal

The Meir, a car-free promenade, is the most famous shopping street in the country and here is where you will find the beautiful Stadsfeestzaal shopping centre. Once a party and exhibition hall, today it is a shopping centre with an impressive interior and accessible stores, cafés and restaurants.  

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Simon's tips:

• Be aware of the busy crossing between Schoenmarkt and Meir.
• The Stadsfeestzaal is fun to visit, have a drink and shop.

En route to Centraal Station

On the way to Centraal Station, in addition to numerous stores, you will pass the statues of two famous painters from Antwerp: Antoon van Dyck and David Teniers. On the facade of Juwelier Slaets, you can see the statue of Lodewyck van Bercken, a diamond cutter who put Antwerp on the world map with his pear-cut diamond. From De Keyserlei, you will see the beautiful Centraal Station in front of you.

Simon's tips:

• Be aware of all crossings, tram tracks and moving trams.
• Family restaurant Soul on Otto Veniusstraat has an accessible terrace.
• At Sano on De Keyserlei, you'll find delicious sugar-free pastries and drinks.
• If you fancy a film, the UGC Cinema is close by, use the entrance on Anneessensstraat. Before buying a ticket, it's best to ask if the venue is definitely accessible.

Centraal Station

According to a lot of lists, one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, but you have to see it to appreciate it. Ride your wheelchair into the station building and take in the impressive entrance hall.

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Simon's tips:

• If you feel like ending your tour of Antwerp with a latte or a cappuccino, coffee shop Starbucks is wheelchair accessible.
• Under Centraal Station, you'll find a car park (maximum height: 2m10cm) with sixteen spaces for people with disabilities.

Google Maps

You can easily follow the above route using Google Maps.

More information

Email info@visitantwerpen.be if you have any questions, comments or tips. 

About Simon

Local resident Simon (32) is proud of his wheelchair and of his disability. He studied 'Tourism and Recreation Management' and now works as a volunteer at Visit Antwerp. His great passion is proving that you can travel smoothly even with a wheelchair. He went around Antwerp and, with the help of his colleagues, put together this accessible route.