Antwerp might be known for its diamonds, but did you know that the city is also home to Belgium’s largest port? The port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe, with the largest located in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The city of Antwerp is located in the region of Flanders, where you’ll also find the fairy-tale cities of Bruges & Ghent. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Antwerpen, it’s easily accessible by train to the station “Antwerpen Centraal”. Take note of the following routes for planning your visit:
- From London: Eurostar from Kings Cross St Pancras to Brussels. From Brussels take a direct IC train to Antwerpen Centraal
- From Brussels: Take a direct IC train to Antwerpen Centraal. Use SNCB Train+ for a single ticket for as little as 9,50€.
- From Amsterdam/Rotterdam: Take a direct train with NS.nl from stations Amsterdam/Rotterdam to Antwerpen Centraal.
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Highlights of Antwerp – Iconic locations for your visit
You might not have known it, but Antwerp boasts a diverse cultural offering . This includes museums, live music venues and summer events. The city also has a wide range of plant based food spots. Keep on reading to discover which ones you shouldn’t miss out on.
Best districts in Antwerp
Het Eilandje District:
One of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Antwerp is “Het Eilandje”. In this district you’ll find Belgium’s largest port alongside Willemdok : historic 200-year-old docks & yacht harbour.
This district is also home to the largest museum in Antwerp – MAS. Discover more about this museum under the sub-heading “Exhibitions & Museums”.
Zurenborg District:
Zurenborg is one of the most iconic districts in Antwerp. It’s known for its aesthetic architecture and mansion houses.
Whilst exploring Zurenborg, take a walk along the street “Cogels-Osylei”, where you’ll discover some of the city’s most picturesque buildings.
Exhibitions & Museums
KMSKA – The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerpen
One of the current highlights in the KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerpen is the Anthony Gormley exhibition. It’s the largest European solo exhibition from the artist.
You can enjoy the Anthony Gormley exhibition until 20.09.2026.
MAS Museum – Contemporary & Maritime art
The MAS museum is the largest museum in Antwerp. You’ll notice the 10-story building in the district of “Het Eilandje”.
The museum combines a mixture of contemporary art with a maritime collection.
On the roof of the museum you’ll find a free-entry viewing platform. No tickets are required – simply step out and enjoy the panoramic views.
Plant based food-spots
ICELAB Nicecream creations
ICELAB Nicecream creations is the first plant-based ice-cream & waffle store in the whole of the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg).
All of the creations at ICELAB Nicecream creations are homemade. The flavours rotate regularly, so let yourself be surprised!
Want to discover more about the gelato store? Click here.
Restaurant HUMM
Restaurant Humm is a Middle-Eastern restaurant with a “mezze” style concept. Enjoy sharing plates or alternatively full-sized main course dishes.
The restaurant also has a selection of desserts & pastries.
Discover Restaurant Humm in the Zurenborg district of Antwerp.
Wolf Food Market
Wolf Food Market has both a location in Brussels and Antwerp.
The food market is located in the district “Het Eilandje” – here you can discover a selection of 10 different restaurants & 3 bars.
There’s a decent range of plant based options, including Oatly Soft Serve, a vegan pizza option & Indian Cuisine with multiple options.
Summer events in Antwerp
Antwerp is a city which is well-known for its live events & concerts. Previously, I’ve seen Florence and the Machine perform in the city in the AFAS Dome. Many international artists travel to Antwerp to perform. In fact, the city is one of the favourite locations to perform for Australian artist – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. I managed to catch the band at this year’s “Live is Live” festival.
Here’s a selection of summer events in Antwerp you won’t want to miss out on:
LIVE IS LIVE:
Live is Live is a yearly festival which takes place at Middenvijver park. Every year multiple open-air concerts are hosted. In summer 2026, the event welcomed international artists “Johnny Marr”, “Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds”, “Sugababes”, “Robbie Williams” & many more.
My tip for your visit to LIVE IS LIVE: Secure yourself “Up-Front” tickets for the best views onto the stage. This ticket category allows you to get up close to your favourite artists.
Lambermontmartre
The Lambermontmartre is the largest painting market in the whole of the Benelux. Many traders travel from Paris to the city of Antwerp to display their artwork.
If you wish to experience this cultural event, you’ll catch the painting market on the last Sunday of each month between May & September. The market takes place directly in front of the KMSKA museum.
Meeting of Styles
Meeting of Styles is a yearly event and urban street art festival, where artists take over the street “Minckelersstraat”. During the weekend dance-battles and various other competitions & entertainment take place along the street. There’s also a bar if you’re looking for a refreshment.
Hotel recommendation in Antwerpen
Motel One Antwerpen
The Motel One in Antwerpen is my personal recommendation for your next stay in the city. The hotel (including the rooms) is fully air-conditioned, meaning it’s ideal for hot weather.
What’s more – the continental buffet breakfast exceeded expectations. There’s a range of vegan options on the buffet, including vegan croissants, yoghurt, oatmeal, cake & more, which is great to see.
Want to discover more places to visit across the regions of Flanders & Wallonia in Belgium? Click here to discover 6 alternatives to the fairy-tale city of Bruges.
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