The Red-light district is a colourful working-class area and a new residential neighbourhood sandwiched between the city centre and the Eilandje. It has been home to sexworkers for several hundreds of years. Nowadays, however, prostitution is restricted to three streets. A neighbourhood with plenty of interesting sights, nice terraces and good places to eat.

Falconplein

Falconplein, formerly Antwerp’s most infamous square, is situated on the boundary of the Red-light district and Eilandje. These days, people head to the neighbourhood for its fun bars and pubs and Wah Kel, Antwerp’s oldest Chinese restaurant. On Sundays, you can shop for tasty, healthy products in the small organic market in the square. Really popular with foodies!

Falconplein is situated on the boundary of the Red-light district and Eilandje.

St Paul's Church

If you do one thing in Antwerp, let it be a visit of St Paul’s Church. Step through the doors and gaze around you, at the impressive interior. The church has a collection of more than fifty paintings by Antwerp masters, including Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. Fun fact: it is said that the local prostitutes saved a large part of the church’s art collection during the fire of 1968. Another eye-catcher is the Calvary garden with more than 60 life-sized figures. You can find this magnificent church on the corner of Veemarkt and Zwartzustersstraat.

Museum Vleeshuis

Sooner or later you’ll end up bumping into Museum Vleeshuis or the Butcher’s Hall as you wind your way through the cosy, picturesque streets in the city centre. This 16th century historic building tells an interesting tale of 800 years of sound, music and dance in the city. Museum Vleeshuis is anything but a conventional museum of musical instruments. Take a journey through Antwerp’s fascinating musical past!

At the Museum Vleeshuis, you will discover a story of 800 years of sound, music and dance in Antwerp.

At the Museum Vleeshuis, you will be introduced to the sounds of the city.

The Ruien

Want to know what the Red-light district looks like underground? The city had a network of canals and harbours as early as the Middle Ages. Over time, these canals were covered and turned into sewers. Nowadays you can rediscover this hidden heritage during a guided group tour or an interactive tablet walk. Your journey ends in Keistraat, in the heart of the Red-light district.

Guided tour

A walk with a city guide is still the best way to find out all there is to know about the Red-light district. Invite your family and friends and have a guide take you through Schipperskapelstraat, Sint-Paulusplaats, Veemarkt, Klapdorp, Falconplein and to the MAS.

St Paul's Church has a hugely impressive interior.

The St Paul's Church has a collection of more than fifty paintings by Antwerp masters, including Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens.

Spending the night

Because it is so uniquely situated between the city centre and the Eilandje, the Red-light district is a popular place to spend the night. Enjoy a refreshing night’s sleep after an eventful day in Antwerp at B&Bs like Yellow Submarine and Lucy in the Sky.