July 23, 2025, 10:35 am | Read time: 6 minutes
You don’t always have to travel far for a vacation, as numerous holiday destinations in Germany’s direct neighborhood prove. Today, we head to our neighboring country Belgium, specifically to a city often unjustly overlooked for a weekend getaway: Antwerp. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss in Belgium’s largest city: TRAVELBOOK provides an overview.
With more than 500,000 residents, Antwerp is Belgium’s largest city—a fact that’s hard to believe once you’ve been there. Despite its size, the city is as far removed from big-city stress as Belgian chocolate is from discount store offerings. Even in the narrow alleys of the old town and at popular attractions, there’s rarely congestion or crowds. There are fewer international tourists and world-famous “highlights” here, unlike in Brussels, where you can spot the Manneken Pis from afar due to the massive throng of photo-hungry tourists. However, you can experience Belgian culture and a city with a long and rich history here.
Tips and inspiration from this article are also available in the following podcast episode of “In 5 Minutes Around the World”—narrated by TRAVELBOOK editor-in-chief Larissa Königs.
5 Tips for a Weekend Trip to Antwerp:
1. Walk Through the Sint-Anna Tunnel
Anyone exploring Antwerp will quickly notice the role water plays in the city. The Scheldt River, which divides the city, is especially omnipresent. It’s not only because many of the city’s developments, such as its economic boom, are attributed to it, but also because much of what you can experience is on, by, or in this case, under the water. A real highlight in Antwerp is the Sint-Anna Tunnel, a pedestrian tunnel that runs under the Scheldt.
On both sides, you reach the tunnel entrance via two long wooden escalators, which, like the tunnel, were built in the 1930s. At that time, a new district was developed on the right side. But because of the heavy ship traffic on the Scheldt, a bridge was not feasible. So, they built the 572-meter-long tunnel at a depth of 31 meters, which locals and tourists alike can use today. By the way, since the 1990s, bicycles have also been allowed in the tunnel.
2. Experience Antwerp from the Water
So, you’ve walked to the other side of the city and are wondering how to get back? Well, if you don’t want to walk the same route back, you can simply take to the water. On both sides, a short walk from the pedestrian entrance, there’s a dock by the water. The Sint-Anna Ferry departs from here. This ferry is a small boat that can hold 200 people and continuously shuttles from one shore to the other. The ride takes about three minutes and is free.
If you’re looking for a longer boat tour, you can safely skip the expensive tourist ships in Antwerp. The Waterbus offers a great way to see the city from the water. The ferry, used by locals as a regular public transport, departs once an hour from various points in the city. A one-way ticket costs 3 euros.
3. Snack on Bitterballen at the Grote Markt
With this activity, you can check off two must-dos in Antwerp. Besides the old castle “Het Steen,” the oldest building in the city, a visit to the historic old town is a must on a trip to the city. The old town is centered around the Grote Markt (the large market), which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The square is considered one of the most beautiful in Belgium, thanks to the large Brabo Fountain and the magnificent guild houses in Flemish Renaissance style, which testify to the prosperity of the medieval trading city. Additionally, the Town Hall is located here. Built in 1560, it served as a model for many government buildings in Central and Northern Europe and is considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the country, according to “Visit Flanders.”
In addition to the architectural highlights, there are numerous restaurants, pubs, bars, and cafes around the Grote Markt. In almost all of them, you’ll find Bitterballen on the menu alongside Belgian fries. These are small fried balls made of mashed potatoes with minced meat. They taste much better than they sound.
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4. Soak Up Culture at the Rubenshuis or MAS Museum
If you’re planning a short trip to Antwerp in 2022, you should definitely visit the Rubenshuis. Peter Paul Rubens once lived there with his wife and children and painted with his students and assistants. Today, a visit is worthwhile not only because of the exhibitions but also because of the site itself. The house is also called “Palazzo on the Scheldt” due to its Italian flair. However, the Rubenshuis will be renovated starting January 2023 and is expected to be closed until 2027.
If you didn’t make it, there’s a great alternative—or, if you’ve already been to the Rubenshuis, an addition. The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) Museum. The MAS Museum is located in the Eilandje district, which means “little island,” as Antwerp’s oldest port area is called, and houses collections from the “Ethnographic Museum,” the “National Maritime Museum,” the “Folklore Museum,” and the “Museum Vleeshuis.” Tip: The museum’s rooftop terrace offers a great view over the city and is free.
By the way, silver hands can be found everywhere on the red facade of the MAS Museum as decoration. Hands, in all shapes and colors, are omnipresent in the city and refer to a legend from which Antwerp is said to derive its name. According to the story, a giant once demanded tolls from ship travelers in Antwerp and chopped off their hands if they couldn’t pay. Eventually, Silvius Brabo, also the hero of the fountain on the Grote Markt, defeated the giant, chopped off his hand in turn, and threw it into the Scheldt. The city’s name is said to derive from “hand throwing” (“Ant werpen”).
5. Shop for Designer Fashion or Diamonds
Finally, after checking off all the important buildings and visiting all the museums, you should definitely stroll through the city. Especially for fashion enthusiasts, there’s plenty of inspiration here, as the city is considered one of Europe’s fashion capitals and is home to numerous designers, such as Dries van Noten. Admittedly, the prices are often high and the designs extravagant, but sometimes just looking is fun.
Not necessarily cheaper, but equally extravagant, is the city’s second shopping highlight: diamonds. Antwerp is known worldwide for them. The city has a long history: Diamonds have been skillfully cut here since the 16th century. Antwerp benefited particularly from its location and status as a port city. Today, an entire district is named after the compressed carbon. In Antwerp’s so-called Diamond District, you’ll find not only three major diamond exchanges but also numerous jewelers. So, if you’re looking for a slightly more expensive souvenir, this is the place to be.