The Chocolate & Sweets Lover's Guide to Antwerp: Beyond the Tourist Shops

Discover Antwerp's best artisan chocolatiers, local specialties, and where locals buy chocolate.

Published: 11/7/2025
Last Published: 11/11/2025
Updated: 11/11/2025
Category: Food & Drink
Reading time: 8 minutes
Word count: 1423 words
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Content type: AI-assisted
Featured image for The Chocolate & Sweets Lover's Guide to Antwerp: Beyond the Tourist Shops

The Chocolate & Sweets Lover's Guide to Antwerp: Beyond the Tourist Shops

Discover Antwerp's best artisan chocolatiers, local specialties, and where locals buy chocolate.

Nov 11, 2025
8 min read
Antwerp, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and history, is also a hidden gem for chocolate and sweets lovers. While Belgium is globally celebrated for its chocolate, Antwerp offers unique spots that go beyond the typical tourist shops. This guide is crafted for those who crave authentic experiences and wish to indulge in the city’s sweet treasures. From traditional chocolate makers to innovative confectioners, you’ll discover the best of Antwerp’s sweet scene, including tips on where locals satisfy their sugar cravings.
The Chocolate & Sweets Lover's Guide to Antwerp: Beyond the Tourist Shops

Discovering Antwerp's Chocolate Heritage

Antwerp's chocolate heritage is a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and innovation. The city boasts an array of chocolatiers who uphold traditional methods while embracing new flavors and techniques. Begin your journey in the Old Town, where you can explore charming shops that have served locals for generations. Don't miss the chance to learn about the history of chocolate making in Antwerp, often shared with pride by the chocolatiers themselves.

Must-Visit Chocolatiers in Antwerpen Centrum

In Antwerpen Centrum, you'll find some of the city’s most esteemed chocolatiers. These establishments are not just about buying chocolate; they provide an immersive experience. Visit the renowned Chocolatier Burie, where each piece is crafted with artistic precision. For a taste of innovation, head to The Chocolate Line, where you can try unexpected flavors like wasabi or bacon chocolate. Prices range from €10 for small assortments to €50 for luxurious gift boxes.

Sweet Treats in the Meir District

The Meir is not only Antwerp’s premier shopping street but also a hotspot for sweet indulgences. As you stroll down this bustling avenue, take a moment to stop by some of the delightful patisseries and confectionery shops. Neuhaus, a staple in Belgian chocolate, offers exquisite pralines that are a must-try. For a blend of history and sweetness, visit the historic DelRey, known for its luxurious pastries and chocolates, priced between €5 and €30.

Eilandje's Hidden Sweet Spots

Venture into Eilandje, a neighborhood known for its maritime charm, where you’ll find hidden gems that cater to those with a sweet tooth. This area is perfect for those who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. Discover small bakeries and cafes offering freshly made waffles and speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit that’s a local favorite. Prices are pocket-friendly, often ranging from €2 to €10.

Local Favorites in Zurenborg

Zurenborg is a picturesque neighborhood that offers a taste of local life. Here, you can find quaint cafes and artisanal shops where locals often buy their sweets. Visit the beloved Patisserie Lints for its famed pastries or the neighborhood's beloved bakeries for fresh daily bakes. This area is a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat, with prices typically around €4 to €12.

Sweet Festivals and Events

Antwerp hosts various festivals and events that celebrate its sweet culture. The annual Chocolate Week is a highlight, featuring workshops, tastings, and tours that provide insight into the art of chocolate making. These events are perfect for those who want to dive deeper into Antwerp's confectionery scene and usually take place in central locations like Antwerp City Center.

Practical Details for Your Sweet Adventure

Most chocolate shops in Antwerp operate from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on weekends. Prices for chocolates and sweets vary widely, from affordable €5 boxes to luxury assortments over €50. Public transport is convenient for getting around; trams and buses connect all major neighborhoods. A day pass costs around €6, a worthy investment for a sweet-hopping day across the city.

Popular Tours in Antwerp

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Book a tour with a real local! My name is Erwin, I was born and raised here, I've been a licensed city guide since 2014 and I spend all my time, both professional and private, in this city. So it's safe to say I know this city really well. This tour can (and will be) completely personalized. The listing itinerary is a suggestion, but I will adapt the tour to your interests. Since it's private, anything is possible. WHY SHOULD YOU BOOK WITH ME? 1. You'll get a real local who spends all his time in this city. 2. I am an experienced city guide. 3. Especially if you love good food and amazing drinks, we're going to get along very well :-) 4. I will personally be your guide, I will not send anyone else. Come join your new local best friend for a truly local experience! My calendar tends to fill up quite quickly, so book earlier to have a higher chance I'm still available.

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We stroll through the old town and visit historic pubs. It is also possible to start in a taproom of a brewery (Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie). Belgian beer is of obvious interest, but there are other local drinks to discover. Are you ready to explore? What is the secret to the brewing of such a good beer? And various styles: hoppy, sour and fruity, and mildly sweet. It's an unexpected conclusion. Listen, walk and taste. To stimulate your curiosity, the following are a few peculiar but facts. Thanks to the French Revolution, we can enjoy Trappist beer from Westmalle! Thanks to the losers of the local elections, Belgium has a wide range of high-quality beers! In each pub, we try something different. Advice will be given by the guide and pub owner in each case. But the choice is yours! Please note that at each pub visit, the customer (group or individual) treats the guide to a drink.

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Bruges - vibrant UNESCO heritage city with typical Flemish stunning architecture, colorful houses picturesque streets, tasty food and unique Christmas market. Belfry o Bruges, thousand kinds of local beers, traditional handmade laces, well known giant draft horses, relic and iconic piece of canvas with residues of Christs blood. Explore "kingdom of chocolate" city from it's romantic canal-side strolls. Ghent - forever young medieval Brabant "students" city at confluence Scheldt and Leie rivers, traditional festivals site, "jelly noses" local sweets delicacy. Restaurants and cafe's heaven (more than 1200 ! ). Marvel Ghent Altarpiece the most stolen masterpiece in European art history, discover terrify historical fact about Ghent residents nickname 'noose carriers'.

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Local Insights and Money-Saving Tips

To truly experience Antwerp like a local, consider visiting during weekday mornings when shops are less crowded. Locals often recommend trying the city’s lesser-known sweet spots for unique flavors at better prices. For budget-friendly options, check out the local markets where you can find freshly made sweets and chocolates at lower prices. Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots—they'll often point you to hidden gems.

Grote Markt, Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp

"Antwerp is a hidden treasure trove for chocolate and sweet enthusiasts, where artisanal chocolatiers craft exquisite pralines that melt in your mouth, and local patisseries offer pastries bursting with flavor. Venture beyond the main square, and you'll discover a world of indulgence waiting to be savored."

Sophie Verhaegen - Local Food Historian and Tour Guide

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