Plan a day in Antwerp with Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, Plantin-Moretus, Het Steen, KMSKA, Rubenshuis and Central Station.
Things to do in Antwerp in one day
Morning
Start in Antwerp’s historic centre at Grote Markt. The Renaissance City Hall, Brabo Fountain and rows of ornate guild houses make this the best place to get an immediate feel for the city.
From the square, walk to the Cathedral of Our Lady. Its soaring Gothic tower is one of Antwerp’s defining landmarks, while the interior brings together centuries of architecture and major works by Peter Paul Rubens.
Continue to the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Set inside the former home and workshops of a remarkable printing dynasty, it offers a much more intimate visit than its importance to European book history might suggest.
Afternoon
After lunch, head towards the Scheldt and Het Steen, the surviving gatehouse of Antwerp’s medieval riverside fortress. The riverfront is a good place for a short pause before crossing the centre towards the station.
Make time to step inside Antwerp Central Station, even if you are not catching a train. Its monumental hall, stonework and vast iron-and-glass train shed have made it one of the city’s most photographed buildings.
Finish at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), where Flemish masters sit alongside later Belgian and European art. It is a rewarding final stop, but its collection deserves time, so check current admission and opening hours before building it into a one-day plan.
Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady stands between Handschoenmarkt and Groenplaats, just a few minutes from Grote Markt. Construction began in 1352 and continued over several centuries, which helps explain the richness of its Gothic architecture and later additions. Inside, the cathedral is especially known for paintings by Rubens, making it both a religious landmark and an essential art stop.
Grote Markt
Discover Antwerp with a local guide
Grote Markt is Antwerp’s historic main square. The 16th-century City Hall anchors one side, while richly decorated guild houses frame the rest; many of those façades were reconstructed during the 19th and 20th centuries. At the centre, Brabo Fountain evokes the legend traditionally associated with the city’s name. Visit early for a quieter look at the architecture, then return later if you want to experience the square at its liveliest.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
The Plantin-Moretus Museum preserves the home and printing workshops of Christoffel Plantin and his successors, one of Europe’s most influential early-modern publishing families. Its historic presses, library, manuscripts and domestic rooms show how books were produced and how a successful printing house operated. The complex is recognised by UNESCO, and its unusually complete setting makes the history of printing feel tangible rather than abstract.
Het Steen
See Antwerp from its historic harbour
Het Steen stands on the bank of the River Scheldt and is the most visible remnant of Antwerp’s former riverside fortress. The surviving medieval structure dates largely from the early 13th century, although it has been altered repeatedly. Today, the setting and views over the river are as much a part of the visit as the building itself. Access to interior visitor facilities can change, so confirm the current arrangements if you plan to go inside.
Antwerp City Hall (Stadhuis)
Antwerp City Hall, or Stadhuis, presides over Grote Markt. Completed in the 16th century, its Renaissance design reflects the wealth and international outlook of Antwerp during its commercial golden age. The façade rewards a slow look, and the surrounding guild houses—many reconstructed in the 19th and 20th centuries—complete one of Belgium’s most memorable urban ensembles.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA)
Explore Antwerp’s art museums
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, usually known by its Dutch initials KMSKA, opened in 1890 and holds one of Belgium’s major art collections. Its galleries span several centuries, with particular strength in Flemish painting.
Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens are among the best-known names, but the museum also provides a broader view of how Belgian and European art developed from the Renaissance into the 20th century. Temporary displays and gallery access can change, so consult the museum’s current programme before your visit.
🎨 Look beyond the headline works: Rubens’s Adoration of the Magi (1624) is an excellent example of his command of colour, movement and light. Check the current gallery display before visiting, as individual works may occasionally be moved or loaned.
Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
Rubenshuis was the Antwerp home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens. The historic residence is currently closed for restoration, but the Rubens Experience, the reconstructed baroque garden and the library provide alternative ways to explore the artist’s life and working world. This arrangement is temporary: check the official visitor information before going, especially if seeing the original house is central to your plans.
Antwerp Central Station
Antwerp Central Station, or Antwerpen-Centraal, opened in 1905 and remains one of the city’s great architectural set pieces. Louis Delacenserie designed the monumental station building, while engineer Clément Van Bogaert was responsible for the immense iron-and-glass train shed. The combination of historicist stonework, a domed hall and the later multilevel railway layout makes the station worth visiting in its own right.
Antwerp Zoo
Antwerp Zoo opened in 1843, making it one of Europe’s oldest zoos. Its entrance beside Central Station makes it easy to combine with the station itself, while the grounds are also notable for their historic architecture. The animal collection, exhibits, conservation programme, admission and opening hours are all subject to change, so use current visitor information rather than relying on fixed figures.
Best free walking tours in Antwerp
A free walking tour is an easy way to connect the landmarks with the stories behind them. GuruWalk’s local guides cover Antwerp’s history, architecture and everyday culture, helping you make sense of the centre before exploring further on your own. Tour languages, schedules and availability change, so use the live listings below for current options.
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Frequently asked questions about Antwerp
What are the must-see sights in Antwerp?
Start with the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt and Het Steen. The Plantin-Moretus Museum and KMSKA are essential if you are interested in printing, Rubens or Flemish art.
How do you get around Antwerp?
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. Trams—including underground premetro sections—and buses cover longer journeys, while cycling is another practical option. Routes and service arrangements can change, so check live transport information for your travel dates.
Is Antwerp Zoo worth visiting?
The zoo is especially convenient for families because it is next to Central Station. It is also one of Europe’s oldest zoos and includes historic buildings, but whether it fits your trip will depend on your interests and the time available.
What cultural attractions should I visit in Antwerp?
For art, choose the KMSKA and the currently accessible parts of Rubenshuis. For book and printing history, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is the standout. Check current exhibitions and access before visiting.
Where should I go shopping in Antwerp?
Meir is the city’s best-known central shopping street. Antwerp is also associated with fashion and its diamond district, so it is worth exploring beyond the main high-street shops if either interests you.
What is the best way to learn about Antwerp’s history?
A guided walk helps connect places such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt and Het Steen. Pair it with the Plantin-Moretus Museum for a closer look at the city’s role in European printing and publishing.
What food should I try in Antwerp?
Belgian waffles, artisan chocolate and local beer are classic choices. Look beyond those staples as well: Antwerp has a broad restaurant scene, and seasonal menus are often a better guide than a fixed checklist.
Is Antwerp safe for tourists?
Antwerp is generally straightforward to visit, but normal city precautions still apply. Keep an eye on belongings in busy areas and around transport hubs, and use well-lit routes late at night.
When is the best time to visit Antwerp?
Spring and early autumn often offer comfortable conditions for walking, but there is no single best season. Summer brings longer days and more visitors, while winter can be atmospheric but colder and darker. Check the forecast and event calendar before deciding.
What events and festivals take place in Antwerp?
The city hosts music festivals, art events, exhibitions and seasonal markets. Programmes and dates change every year, so consult Antwerp’s current event calendar for the period of your visit.
* Practical information—including opening hours, admission, restoration work, transport and event schedules—can change. This guide was adapted on 25 August 2026 from a Spanish source first published in November 2025. Always confirm current details with the relevant venue or local authority before visiting.
GuruWalk
Tourism and travel expert with a strong background in creating cultural content. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced as a presenter, she connects with diverse audiences to inspire the exploration of unique destinations. Her creative and dynamic approach stands out in every project, conveying the essence of each place she discovers.