Antwerp may be a small city, but it's full of creativity, history and local charm without feeling overrun.
In this guide, we share 17 unique things to do in Antwerp, from buzzing local plazas to mind-bending art installations.
Whether you’re into architecture, fashion, design, or just great food with a side of people-watching, this list pulls together insider tips and the most memorable experiences we had in the city.
17 Unique Things to Do in Antwerp
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we have used or that we believe will add value to our readers. Thank you for supporting us!1. Experience world-class art at the striking KMSKA
Reopened after an 11-year renovation, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is a masterpiece in itself.
Wander through minimalist galleries and grand historic halls filled with seven centuries of works from Rubens to modern Belgian artists.
Despite being one of Europe’s top art museums, it’s refreshingly uncrowded - a rare chance to enjoy world-class art without the chaos of bigger cities.
2. Have a glamorous lunch at Madonna inside the KMSKA
Inside the KMSKA museum, Madonna is the kind of restaurant that feels as curated as the art upstairs.
Expect seasonal Belgian dishes with beautiful plating - and if it’s sunny, definitely request a seat outside on the terrace.
3. Sip sunset drinks by the old docks in North Antwerp
Paniek Bar
For a relaxed end to the day, head up to the old docks in North Antwerp. Paniek Bar, set in a former shipyard, has the kind of gritty charm and creative spirit that make you want to stay for hours.
4. See Zaha Hadid’s ultra-modern masterpiece
Walk about 10 minutes north of Paniek Bar to see one of Antwerp’s most striking buildings: Havenhuis by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid.
The futuristic, ship-shaped glass structure hovers above a protected historic fire station. It's weird, bold, and completely fascinating.
5. Eat next-level fries at Frites Atelier
Belgian fries are a must in Antwerp, but Frites Atelier takes them to the next level.
Founded by a Michelin-starred chef, this spot serves perfectly crisp frites with gourmet sauces in a sleek setting. It’s comfort food at its best.
6. See mind-bending art at Axel Vervoordt’s gallery
Kanaal, Axel Vervoordt's gallery space
Just outside Antwerp, Kanaal, the gallery space created by design legend Axel Vervoordt, is home to some of the most mind-blowing exhibitions we’ve ever seen.
Set inside a series of restored grain silos and industrial warehouses, the space itself is worth the trip.
Picture vast concrete rooms and powerful installations by artists like James Turrell and Anish Kapoor (we won’t spoil it, but the Kapoor piece is jaw-dropping).
Rumour has it Kanye West visited the gallery and was even eyeing one of the on-site apartments - Vervoordt famously designed his home.
Amazingly, it’s a free thing to do in Antwerp. It’s about 20-25 minutes from central Antwerp, and we were able to get an Uber there and back without any trouble.
Just note: it’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead.
7. Soak up the atmosphere at Antwerp’s iconic jazz cafe
If you're looking for atmosphere, De Muze is a classic. This beloved jazz cafe has been hosting live music since the '60s, with a funky mezzanine level and Belgian beer flowing.
It's one of the city’s most iconic late-night hangouts. See who's playing.
8. Stay in a historic building with character
One of the things we loved most about Antwerp? The accommodations. From boutique hotels to beautifully restored townhouses, many places feel like art galleries in their own right.
Here are four of our top picks that blend great design with great location:
- Musa Antwerp ($) - Apartment-style living in a relaxed, local neighbourhood.
- The Greenhouse ($$) - Spacious rooms inside a unique 16th-century building with a cozy, B&B feel.
- Flora ($$$) - Set in 15th-century townhouses with impeccable interiors by Belgian designer Gert Voorjans.
- Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp ($$$$) - A five-star luxury stay tucked inside the walls of the city’s botanical garden.
9. Explore Antwerp’s cutting-edge fashion scene
The Menu | Morobe
Home to the iconic Antwerp Six, the city has serious fashion credentials. Browse indie boutiques and designer flagships in the fashion district, where you’ll find everything from statement pieces to handcrafted shoes.
Our favourite fashion boutiques in Antwerp:
The Menu - My favourite shop in Antwerp, with a beautifully curated mix of independent fashion and design labels.
Morobe - This Antwerp-based favourite is known for its architectural, handcrafted shoes. I left with a pair of glossy maroon heels.
Dries Van Noten - The flagship store of Antwerp Six designer Dries Van Noten is a feast for the eyes, even if you're just browsing.
Morrison Shop - A laidback local boutique featuring colourful, playful pieces and its own knitwear label, Howlin’.
Renaissance - A go-to for edgy, of-the-moment streetwear and designer collabs.
Ann Demeulemeester - Housed in a restored 1880s Beaux-Arts building, this iconic Antwerp Six store is worth visiting for the design alone (and their chic housewares).
10. Ease into the evening with an aperitif at Antoine
Tucked down a side street in Antwerp's fashion district, Antoine is a charming little cafe-bar with Aperol-orange chairs and a takeaway window.
We stopped here for a glass of bubbly and people-watching. It's the perfect way to ease into the evening.
11. Walk through Antwerp’s open-air sculpture park
Middelheim Museum
Middelheim Museum is a peaceful escape with over 200 contemporary sculptures scattered across a beautiful park setting.
We loved how art and nature blended here - it’s a free thing to do in Antwerp, uncrowded, and feels like your own secret outdoor gallery.
Don't miss resting with a coffee at Museumcafé MIKA, tucked right in the park.
12. People-watch over dinner on one of Antwerp’s buzziest terraces
On warm evenings, the city's terraces come alive.
Bourla is perfect for classic Belgian dishes with an old-European charm, while Cobra is more design-forward with playful small plates and a stylish local crowd. Either way, it's people-watching heaven.
13. Treat yourself to creative Michelin-starred dining
Creative fine dining at Misera in Antwerp
Antwerp’s food scene is packed with flavour and creativity. There are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, from Japanese omakase to modern Belgian tasting menus.
We loved Misera - a minimalist restaurant in the Nieuw Zuid district with a wraparound kitchen counter and creative French-inspired dishes. It's fine dining that still feels relaxed.
14. Join hip locals on Marnixplaats for a night out
For a fun, local night out, grab a drink on Marnixplaats.
This circular plaza is lined with bars and packed with a younger crowd late into the evening. It felt like a lively, cool little pocket in Antwerp.
See our full list of 11 things to do in Antwerp at night.
15. Discover Antwerp's electronic music scene
Antwerp has a strong electronic music scene, from intimate club nights to warehouse-style parties.
It's a great way to meet locals. Our trick is to look at the events listed on Resident Advisor. Just look up the DJs playing at the events on Soundcloud and see what kind of music you resonate with the most.
16. Stock up on vintage Christmas ornaments at Christel Dauwe
If you're Christmas obsessed, don't miss Christel Dauwe. It’s packed with thousands of vintage-style glass ornaments - the kind you didn’t know you needed until you’re walking out with a boxful.
17. Walk through Grote Markt’s historic centre by day and night
Grote Markt is stunning by day, but especially magical at night when the 16th-century guild houses and Belgium’s tallest Gothic cathedral are lit up.
With its richly detailed façades, the square is a striking display of Flemish Renaissance architecture from Antwerp’s Golden Age.
We hope you enjoyed these 17 unique things to do in Antwerp!
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Get started on booking your trip to Antwerp
- 🛏️ Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🤠 Browse local tours: through GetYourGuide.
- 🚆 Book your train: compare rates with Trainline.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin these fun things to do in Antwerp for later:
