Top 5 things to do in Antwerp

Very few people realise just how important Antwerp is to Europe. A city in Belgium with 530,000 inhabitants, Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest commercial port behind Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It plays a major role in the globalisation of European economic activities. As well as being an important city, Antwerp is also sublime. The historic city centre is full of purely traditional buildings. Not to mention the canals that give this charming city an Amsterdam feel.

1- Visit THE brewery of Antwerp

Category: €/ Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: When you think of Belgian stereotypes, the love of beer often comes to mind. And in itself, it’s not entirely untrue. Beer is an integral part of Belgian culture, rather like wine is for the French. You can visit cellars just as you can visit breweries, each with its own speciality. The De Koninck brewery is the oldest and most emblematic of Antwerp. You’ll immerse yourself in the history of this brewery, founded in 1833, and smell the hops and malt used to produce its beers. On this tour, you’ll be on your own, so take your time to discover the brewery from top to bottom. Before the tour begins, you’ll be offered a beer. During the tour, you will also be offered another. If you haven’t already done so, you can relax in the brewery bar!

2- Discover Antwerp and its culinary specialities

Category: €€€ /Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: If you’re planning a diet holiday, this activity could well jeopardise your ambitions. Because in Belgium, we like to eat well, and their specialities are high in calories, to say the least. But it doesn’t hurt every now and then, especially when you’re on holiday! To put your mind at rest, you won’t be sitting around eating everything in sight. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll discover the streets of Antwerp and its monuments. After the effort, the comfort! You’ll be treated to five Belgian delights, including delicious chocolates, traditional Belgian fries, the famous waffles, meat and cheese. And, of course, you can have a nice Belgian beer if you feel like it. A word of advice, though: don’t be afraid to take a bottle of water with you, as you may find yourself asking for more as you taste!

3- Discover the Jewish and Diamond Quarter

Category: €€ /Cultural

Description: As well as its beer and culinary specialities, Antwerp has a rich history and culture. The Jewish community in Antwerp is the largest in Belgium, well ahead of Brussels. 56% of Belgian Jews live in Antwerp. With your guide, you will discover this lively district with its well-preserved customs. This district is also known as the Diamantaires district. After all, Antwerp is known as the world’s diamond hub. You may not know it, but 70% of the world’s diamonds come from Antwerp. This is where you’ll find the Diamantclub van Antwerpen, the world’s leading bourse for rough and cut diamonds. No fewer than 1,700 diamond companies are based in this district.

4- Visit Antwerp by bike

Category: €€ /Cultural / Sporting

Description: Once you’ve had your fill of local specialities, it’s time for a bit of sport. It’s possible to combine sport and sightseeing. Discover Antwerp by bike, accompanied by your guide. Your guide will take you around Antwerp’s main sights, including the cathedral, the town hall, Steen Castle, the old port, the Museum aan de Stroom and Antwerp station, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world (and rightly so). Depending on your guide, you may visit other monuments that he or she considers important.

5- Discover one of the oldest animal parks in the world

Category: €€ / Unusual / Cultural

Description: Antwerp Zoo is one of the most prestigious in Belgium. It has no fewer than 7,000 animals of around 950 species. It is the oldest animal park in the country. Conceived in 1843, it was initially intended to encourage zoological and botanical sciences, but over time it has become an open-air museum housing some of the most beautiful species the world has ever seen. If you’re a family, you can be sure that this activity will appeal to everyone.