Antwerp Trip Planning 101: The Complete First-Timer's Guide (2025 Updated)

Complete first-timer's guide to planning your Antwerp trip with sample itineraries and insider tips for 2025.

Published: 11/7/2025
Last Published: 11/11/2025
Updated: 11/11/2025
Reading time: 8 minutes
Word count: 1405 words
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Content type: AI-assisted
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Antwerp Trip Planning 101: The Complete First-Timer's Guide (2025 Updated)

Complete first-timer's guide to planning your Antwerp trip with sample itineraries and insider tips for 2025.

Nov 11, 2025
8 min read
Welcome to Antwerp, a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you're a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or a foodie, Antwerp has something special to offer. In this guide, we'll provide essential insights for first-time visitors planning a trip to this dynamic city. Discover must-see attractions, local secrets, and practical tips to make your Antwerp experience unforgettable. This guide is perfect for international tourists eager to explore the charm and diversity of one of Europe's hidden gems.
Antwerp Trip Planning 101: The Complete First-Timer's Guide (2025 Updated)

Exploring Antwerp City Center

The heart of Antwerp is its bustling city center, where history meets modern-day energy. Start your journey at the iconic Grote Markt, a stunning square surrounded by guildhalls and the impressive City Hall. Don't miss the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Visitors can explore art galleries, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes. Public transport options include trams and buses, making it easy to navigate. Discover more about this area at Antwerp City Center.

Unveiling the Diamond District

Antwerp is often dubbed the diamond capital of the world, and the Diamond District is where the magic happens. Located near the Central Station, this district is home to numerous diamond dealers and workshops. Tours are available for those interested in the art of diamond cutting and trading. For more, explore the Antwerp Diamond District.

Cultural Vibes in Het Zuid

Het Zuid is Antwerp’s art district, brimming with museums, art galleries, and trendy bars. Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art to indulge your cultural senses. This area is popular among locals for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic dining options. For more information, check out Het Zuid.

Shopping at Meir

Meir is Antwerp’s premier shopping street, lined with international brands and unique local shops. It's a pedestrian paradise where fashion lovers can find everything from high-end boutiques to bargain outlets. The grand architecture adds a historical flair to your shopping experience. Learn more about this shopper's paradise at Meir.

Family Fun in Linkeroever

For a family-friendly outing, head to Linkeroever. This residential area offers green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views of Antwerp's skyline across the river. It's perfect for a picnic or a leisurely bike ride, providing a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. Discover more about the area at Linkeroever.

Historic Charm in Old Town

Step back in time in Antwerp's Old Town, where cobbled streets and quaint buildings tell tales of the past. This area is rich in history, with landmarks such as the Steen Castle and Plantin-Moretus Museum. It's a favorite spot for guided walking tours that delve into Antwerp's medieval past. Explore more about this enchanting area at Old Town Antwerp.

Hidden Gems in Zurenborg

Zurenborg is a neighborhood known for its stunning architecture and off-the-beaten-path charm. Wander through streets like Cogels-Osylei to admire the eclectic mix of Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic buildings. It's a favorite among locals for its quaint cafes and serene atmosphere. Learn more about this hidden gem at Zurenborg.

Popular Tours in Antwerp

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide

3h

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.

From
€320
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Antwerp Pub Crawl tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Antwerp Pub Crawl

2h

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.

From
€60
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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

2h

This private tour is a great way to get the most out of your visit in Antwerp. Within 2 hours you will explore the main sights of the city while taking in history, legends and lots of interesting facts about Antwerp. Are you wondering why the city is called ‘The Diamond Capital’ or what made our baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens world-famous? Maybe you would like to know how the Port of Antwerp became one of the biggest around the globe? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion to make your stay simply unforgettable.

From
€87.5
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Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels

8h

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'.

From
€550
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Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour) tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)

2h

Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. You can customize the tour or leave it to the local for an enlightening introduction to the city. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historical tours and experience the city through the eyes of a real local. Our local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and insights. The will offer an authentic and personal experience. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. - Private walking tour for just you and your group - Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality - Get a deeper insight into Antwerp life than possible alone - See Antwerp through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems

From
€54
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Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

1h 30m

Get off the beaten track and discover the dark side of Antwerp with your local guide. This walking tour is a great way to skip the touristy trail and get to know the more obscure side of Antwerp. During the 1.5h tour you will discover the city from a different perspective with its hidden gems and unique sights. Are you looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramic views? Would you like to hear some medieval legends or “spicy” stories from the Red Light District? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion for the city to make your time truly special! IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash money. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

From
€2.99
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Practical Tips for Visitors

When visiting Antwerp, consider purchasing an Antwerp City Card, which offers free or discounted access to many attractions. Public transportation is efficient, with options including trams, buses, and rental bikes. English is widely spoken, making navigation easy for international tourists. Prices for attractions range from 5 to 15 EUR, while meals at local restaurants can vary from 10 to 30 EUR per person.

Local Insights and Money-Saving Tips

Locals recommend exploring Antwerp by bike for a unique perspective of the city. Visit the local markets for fresh produce and affordable meals. For budget-friendly accommodations, consider staying in neighborhoods like Borgerhout or Deurne, which offer great value and a local vibe. Discover more about Borgerhout and Deurne.

Grote Markt, Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp

"Antwerp is a canvas of vibrant artistry, from its stunning diamond district to the intoxicating scents wafting from local chocolatiers. As you wander its cobbled streets, let the city's rich history and vibrant culture awaken your senses and guide your adventure."

Leonie Vermeulen - Local Tour Guide