Antwerp
Tourism Sites
Antwerp Zoo
🧠 Fact: Opened in 1843, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world, hosting over 7,000 animals.
💡 Tip: Arrive early to catch morning animal feedings and keeper talks.
Info - Established in 1843, Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Located next to the central train station, it’s home to over 7,000 animals from around the globe. With beautifully landscaped gardens and historic 19th-century architecture, the zoo is a relaxing escape in the city, ideal for families and animal lovers alike.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
🧠 Fact: This UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral is home to several of Rubens' masterpieces.
💡 Tip: Get a combo ticket that includes Rubens House for a full artistic experience.
Info - Dominating Antwerp’s skyline, the Cathedral of Our Lady is Belgium’s largest Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1352, and the cathedral houses stunning masterpieces by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Its soaring spire and intricate stonework make it an architectural marvel and a must-see in the city’s historic heart.
Grote Markt (Main Square)
🧠 Fact: The heart of Antwerp’s old town, with ornate guild houses and the City Hall.
💡 Tip: Visit at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Info - The beating heart of old Antwerp, the Grote Markt is lined with ornate 16th-century guildhalls, the grand City Hall, and lively café terraces. At its center stands the dramatic Brabo Fountain, which tells the legend of how Antwerp got its name. The square buzzes with atmosphere, especially during festivals and Christmas markets.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
🧠 Fact: A striking riverside museum with exhibits on Antwerp's international and maritime history.
💡 Tip: Visit the rooftop (free entry) for one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Info - MAS is Antwerp’s iconic riverside museum, celebrating the city’s maritime, cultural, and trade history. Its striking modern architecture, stacked like shipping containers, stands out along the River Scheldt. Inside, exhibits range from world cultures to local folklore, while the rooftop terrace provides 360° panoramic views over Antwerp’s skyline and bustling port.
Port House (Havenhuis)
🧠 Fact: Designed by Zaha Hadid, this futuristic building sits atop a former fire station.
💡 Tip: Take a guided tour to explore the interior and learn about the port's history.
Info - A modern architectural icon designed by Zaha Hadid, the Port House fuses a historic fire station with a bold, glass-and-steel structure resembling a ship’s bow. Overlooking Antwerp’s port, it symbolizes the city’s maritime legacy and innovative spirit. While primarily an office building, its futuristic design is a popular stop for architecture enthusiasts.