Tranquil charm in a green courtyard

In the lively student district, a wooden gate opens onto one of the quietest corners of the city: the Begijnhof, Antwerp’s historic beguinage complex. Wander along the cobblestone streets, admire the charming white houses, step inside the Sint-Catharinakerkje (a chapel dedicated to St. Catherine), and relax in the serene inner courtyard.

Relax among rare plants and herbs

Next to the luxurious five-star Botanic Sanctuary hotel, you’ll find the historic Botanical Garden. Discover rare plants, medicinal herbs, and remarkable trees. It’s the perfect spot to quietly enjoy a book or newspaper

A burst of colour and artistry

The artist’s residence is currently being renovated, but you can still enjoy the stunning Baroque garden – a vibrant green space in the middle of the city. With more than 22,000 plants, including a spectacular tulip collection in spring, the garden is alive with colour, fragrance, and movement. Fashion designer Dries Van Noten designed the colour scheme.

 A ticket is required to visit the garden.

Charming courtyard garden in a historic printing house

Since the sixteenth century, the courtyard of this historic printing house (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been a popular hotspot among visitors. Wander around the garden and admire the plants and the surrounding facades, arcades, and galleries.

You need a museum ticket to visit the garden.

Art meets nature

Visit the free garden of the KMSKA museum. Wander among nineteenth-century sculptures, admire the iconic bench by fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester, and take in the artistic fountain by Cristina Iglesias, featuring artificial tides every seven minutes.

Lively neighbourhood park

Looking for the perfect spot to picnic, play, or get active? This neighbourhood park is popular with locals and a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors. At the edge of the park, Café Kamiel serves up simple but tasty dishes that are perfect for adults and kids alike.

Graffiti and gardening

Next to Sint-Andrieskerk, the historic St. Andrew’s Church, is a small and welcoming green space with a playground and a community garden where locals come together to grow beautiful things. Admire the colourful graffiti art, then grab a bite to eat at Camino (Asian) or Pici (Italian).

• Begijnhof: find quiet and calm in a historic courtyard garden
• Botanical Garden: unwind among exotic herbs and plants
• Rubenshuis garden: experience the changing colours of a baroque masterpiece
• Museum Plantin-Moretus: soak up the charm of a historic printer’s garden
• KMSKA museum garden: art and nature converge in a sculptural landscape
• Hof Van Leysen: lively neighbourhood park with a cosy café
• Munthof: colourful graffiti in a community garden setting

Escape the buzz of the city and discover Antwerp’s hidden green gems!