Architectural gems

Antwerp's beautiful architecture is acclaimed worldwide. You can visit many buildings indoors. The impressive Town Hall on the Grote Markt, for example, is one of the earliest examples of the Renaissance in the Low Countries. Another gem is the Nottebohm Room, the most ornate room the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. In this prestigious library room, you can admire 50,000 historical books for free in a breathtaking setting. The beautiful buildings of the Handelsbeurs and the Saint Felix Warehouse are also worth a visit.
 The cathedral, the largest Gothic structure in the Low Countries, is another must-see. The eye-catchers inside are the 'Elevation of the Cross' and the 'Descent from the Cross' by Rubens. Feel like any more shopping? You can do that in beautiful historic buildings too. And in the Stadsfeestzaal, a majestic shopping centre on the Meir, you will find 40 shops AND stay dry while shopping.  

All the critters

Animal lovers can visit the Zoo in Antwerp. The Antwerp Zoo has many outdoor enclosures, as well as some spacious, covered cages where you can view and photograph the animals. The butterfly garden, for example, is a beautiful indoor garden where the butterflies will be flying around your ears. 

Interactive attractions

Rainy weather is the perfect opportunity to dive underground in the Antwerp Canals. The vaulted canals, inlets and moats show you how Antwerp was supplied with drinking water and an inland port in the Middle Ages. Beer lovers can visit the City Brewery De Koninck's experience centre. You will discover the ins and outs of a brewery there, and of course you can taste the famous "Bolleke" afterwards. Or immerse yourself in the history of Antwerp in The Antwerp Story, an interactive trail at Het Steen.

The big or small screen

Fancy a movie or two? UGC and Metropolis offer cinephiles a highly varied and extensive programme, frequent entertainment and the very latest blockbusters. Lovers of art house films, documentaries and lesser-known gems can visit Cinema Lumière, Cartoon's or Filmhuis Klappei. Afterwards, you can chat quietly or let everything sink in at one of the many cafés that surround the movie theatres, or grab a bite to eat at a cosy restaurant.

Surprisingly exciting

Escape games are a fun and exciting way to discover both each other and lesser-known Antwerp neighbourhoods. You will be locked up along with family, friends or colleagues. If you can answer some questions, find several visible and unexpected clues, you will make your way out.  Antwerp Clue and Escaping are providers where you can undoubtedly experience an exciting time.

Museums and galleries

An obvious choice, but a nice one on a rainy day, is a museum visit. Antwerp has a huge variety of offerings. The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) and KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp) are must-dos in any case. You can also visit the Red Star Line Museum, Museum Mayer van den Bergh, the Photo Museum and others. 

Finally, Antwerp is teeming with galleries. De Zwarte Panter in the city centre is the oldest active gallery in Flanders and a draw for visual artists, musicians, writers and art lovers. Designcentre – De Winkelhaak is located in one of Antwerp's most creative districts, and there is regularly something new to discover in the exhibition space. Galerie Jamar features contemporary art, from James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert to Pierre Alechinsky, Jan Fabre, Marcel Broodthaers and Panamarenko.