Antwerp's culinary scene is as diverse as its cultural heritage, offering a mouth-watering mix of traditional Belgian flavors and international cuisines.
Where can I find the best food markets in Antwerp?
The Saturday market at Theaterplein and the exotic market on Oudevaartplaats are top spots for fresh produce, cheese, and local delicacies.
Visit Theaterplein on Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM, where vendors sell everything from fresh fish to artisanal bread. Just nearby, the exotic market at Oudevaartplaats offers international goods, including spices and street food, every Saturday starting at 8 AM. Both markets are easily accessible from the city center and provide a lively atmosphere to mingle with locals.
Arrive early at Theaterplein to snag the freshest items and avoid the midday crowd.
What are the must-try local dishes in Antwerp?
Sample traditional dishes like 'stoofvlees' (beef stew), 'mosselen met friet' (mussels with fries), and Antwerpse handjes (hand-shaped cookies).
For a taste of stoofvlees, head to the historic district of Het Zuid and dine at De Groote Witte Arend, known for its hearty servings. Mussels lovers should visit the seafood haven of De Kaai, located near the Scheldt River. Don't forget to pick up a box of Antwerpse handjes from Philip's Biscuits on Korte Gasthuisstraat for a sweet souvenir.
Are there any wine tasting experiences in Antwerp?
Yes, head to the Wine Village at the Central Station shopping area or book a tasting session at Vignoble Klosterhof.
Wine Village, located in central Antwerp Central Station's shopping area, offers a wide selection of wines from Belgium and beyond. For a more immersive experience, Vignoble Klosterhof in the Borgerhout neighborhood offers guided tastings and tours of their wine cellar. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends.
Which culinary tours are available in Antwerp?
Join a guided walk with Taste of Antwerp or the Antwerp Food Tour to see the city's food scene.
Taste of Antwerp offers a 3-hour walking tour that covers local eateries and samplings of Belgian chocolates, beers, and street food. Alternatively, the Antwerp Food Tour takes you through the historic city center, highlighting local favorites and hidden spots. Both tours are typically available year-round and can be booked online for around €55 per person.
The Antwerp Zoo, established in 1843, neighbors the city center just 1 km from the Cathedral of Our Lady. Traditional Belgian dishes like stoofvlees cost around €18 at local brasseries, while Antwerp’s famous Bolleke beer is priced at €3.50 per glass in cafés near Grote Markt.
Antwerp's beer scene includes breweries like De Koninck, founded in 1833, where guided tours cost €10 and include tastings. Local bars such as Kulminator serve over 700 Belgian beers, with prices starting at €3.50 for a draft. Bottle shops like Beerlovers stock rare finds, with prices ranging from €2.50 to €15 per bottle.
The Kempen Cycling Day features a 60-kilometer route through the scenic heathlands and historic castles of Antwerp, with average summer temperatures around 22°C. Local breweries such as De Koninck offer guided tours at €10 per person, including tastings of their renowned amber beer, providing a taste of the region’s rich brewing heritage.
Mussels in Antwerp are best enjoyed from late August to early October, when local restaurants serve them at prices ranging from €20 to €30 per serving. Visit De Groote Witte Arend for a classic moules-frites dish, just a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral of Our Lady, where you can admire the works of Rubens.
A train from Antwerp to Ghent covers 60 kilometers in about 30 minutes, with fares starting at €10. Ghent's Gravensteen Castle, dating back to 1180, charges €12 for entry. Local specialties like Waterzooi can be found for around €15 at various eateries throughout the city.
Antwerp features a variety of plant-based dining options, such as the popular vegetarian café, De Broers van Julienne, where a meal averages €15. The city also hosts the annual Vegan Summer Fest, attracting over 5,000 attendees since its inception in 2017, showcasing local and international vegan vendors.
In Antwerp, Sunday brunches typically range from €20 to €40 per person, depending on the venue. Popular spots like Café Society and Bar Paniek serve brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, as tables fill quickly, particularly in summer months like July and August.
Antwerp is home to renowned chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini, where a box of assorted pralines starts at €20. Visitors can attend guided tastings at the Chocolate Nation museum, which features 3,000 years of chocolate history and is located just 1 km from the Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Indulge in Antwerp’s chocolate scene with tastings starting at €5 in shops like Pierre Marcolini, and don’t miss the annual Chocolate Festival on March 15-17!
Antwerp's Historic Jewish Quarter features the 16th-century Synagogue of the Portuguese Jews, which still functions today. Local cafés serve traditional Jewish dishes, with meals averaging €15-25. The area is located within a 1 km radius of the city center, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Join the fun in Antwerp with the famous Carnival on February 19, 2024, and the lively Christmas Market from December 1-23, 2023, just steps from the Cathedral!
Antwerp's Vogelenmarkt, held every Sunday since 2007, features over 100 stalls selling fresh produce and flowers. Prices for local fruits start at €1.50 per kilogram. The nearby Exotic Market, located just 1.5 kilometers away, showcases international foods and spices, with items priced around €2.50 each.
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), opened in 2011, sits on Antwerp’s waterfront and charges €12 for adult admission. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1810, houses over 7,000 artworks, including masterpieces by Rubens, just 1.5 km from Antwerp Central Station.
