Antwerp Holidays

Belgium’s style capital serves up cobbled charm with a modern edge. Think Gothic cathedrals, fashion runways, riverside bars and more waffles than you can count.

Highlights

• 💎 Diamond District dazzle – over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through here.

• 👜 Fashion-forward – birthplace of the iconic Antwerp Six and home to cutting-edge boutiques.

• 🏰 Historic heart with a twist – medieval streets, modern art, and architecture that slaps.

• 🍻 Proper Belgian beer scene – bars, breweries and café terraces perfect for a long, lazy afternoon.

Getting around

Antwerp is a breeze to explore. The city centre is walkable, especially around the old town and riverside, while trams and buses operated by De Lijn cover everywhere else with ease. Prefer two wheels? Velo Antwerp bike-share stations are all over the place and perfect for short hops. The city’s main train station (a stunner in itself) connects Antwerp with Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam and beyond – making day trips and cross-country exploring a doddle.

Things to do for families in Antwerp

Antwerp is packed with family-friendly fun – part history, part hands-on, and totally crowd-pleasing. Kick off at Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest in the world and right next to the train station. It’s got everything from lions to lemurs, and it’s lush with gardens too. Next, swing by Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) – there’s a whole floor for kids, plus a rooftop with mega views of the city. Fancy a pirate-style afternoon? Head to the Port House and watch the ships roll in. And if the sugar levels drop, treat the gang to some warm Belgian waffles or a cheeky scoop of local gelato in Groenplaats.

Things to do for couples in Antwerp

Looking for a city break with swoon factor? Antwerp’s got you. Take a sunset stroll along the Scheldt River, or wander the romantic lanes of the historic centre, hand in hand like you're in a European rom-com. Art lovers? Don’t miss the Rubenshuis, former home of the Flemish master himself – equal parts museum and mansion goals. Grab a cocktail at a rooftop bar or sip wine on a floating terrace – there are loads of them docked along the river. And if you’re after sparkle? Well, it is the Diamond Capital of the World – maybe time to shop for something shiny...

Things to do for groups in Antwerp

Antwerp is made for group getaways – whether it’s a low-key mate-cation or a full-throttle celebration. Start with a group bike tour around the city’s highlights (or just rent some wheels and go rogue). Then it’s time to bar-hop through the Old Town – try Paters Vaetje for classic Belgian beer vibes or Billie’s Bier Kafétaria for something more craft-focused. Fancy something cultured? The Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) is edgy, inspiring and not your average day out. Got some shopping fans in the crew? The Meir is Antwerp’s main shopping drag, with designer stores, vintage boutiques and streetwear shops galore.

Things to do for foodies in Antwerp

Bring your appetite – Antwerp is an absolute treat for tastebuds. Start with the classics: frites with mayo, beef stew (stoofvlees), and of course, chocolate shops on every corner. But this city also knows how to mix things up. The Het Zuid district is full of trendy restaurants and cool cafés doing modern Belgian with a twist – think mussels with miso or steak tartare with kimchi. Check out Pakt, a former warehouse now filled with urban farms and foodie hotspots. And for drinks? Belgian beer, obvs – try De Koninck Brewery for a fun tasting session with an industrial-chic vibe. Bonus: Antwerp also does killer brunch. You're welcome.