Summary
- Embark on a Food Tour of Old Town
- Enjoy an Afternoon of Beer Tastings
- A Bicycle Tour of Antwerp
- Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Nearby East Flanders
- Experience Antwerp Under the Cover of Darkness
- Explore Antwerp by TukTuk
- Indulge with an Evening of French Wine Tasting
- Enjoy a Private Sightseeing Tour of Antwerp
- Tour Antwerp on a Segway
- Enjoy an Exclusive Meal at Hard Rock Cafe Antwerp
- Uncover Hidden Gems of Antwerp
With a population of half a million people, Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium and a significant European port. The city is primarily recognized for its role in the diamond industry, in addition to being a prominent tourist destination.
The location on the River Scheldt, combined with notable Renaissance architecture, contributes to the city’s aesthetic appeal. Its rich history, stretching back to the Middle Ages, along with a vibrant culture and entertainment scene, makes Antwerp an exceptional place to visit.
Charming cafes nestled on cobblestone streets, world-class restaurants, diverse museums, and excellent shopping venues are just a few highlights that one can explore in Antwerp.
Various festivals occur throughout the year, granting visitors the opportunity to partake in celebrations such as the Zomer van Antwerpen Summer Festival and the Laundry Day Dance Festival, depending on their time of arrival.
Below are 11 of the premier tours available in Antwerp.
1. Embark on a Food Tour of Old Town
Combining essential landmarks with opportunities to savor local cuisine offers an unparalleled experience of Antwerp.
This three-hour walking tour begins at Groenplaats Square in the Historic Old Town District. Along the route, participants will encounter Antwerp’s oldest alleyway, the 20th-century buildings in the business district, the Cathedral of Our Lady, Town Hall, and Grote Markt.
During this tour, there are six stops to sample both contemporary and traditional Belgian dishes, as well as typical offerings from several other cultures present in the city.
Visits will include a renowned chocolatier and a traditional bakery, where guests can indulge in a variety of foods like local produce, Belgian waffles, fries with homemade sauces, and baked delights.
Attentive participants can listen to stories shared by their guide about the people, the city, and the origins of specific dishes.
2. Enjoy an Afternoon of Beer Tastings
Antwerp is recognized as one of the beer capitals globally, allowing visitors the opportunity to partake in a guided 4-hour beer tasting tour.
During the tour, guests will visit locally-inspired bars, where they can sample six Belgian beers along with some Geneva Gin. Traditional snacks, such as frites, chocolates, and Belgian cheese, accompany the tastings.
Your knowledgeable guide possesses expertise in local beers and cuisine, ensuring that by the conclusion of the tour, you will gain considerable knowledge as well.
Additionally, you will pass by iconic city landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, Market Square, and Steen Castle.
3. A Bicycle Tour of Antwerp
Antwerp is celebrated as a bike-friendly city; thus, experiencing it by bicycle, as the locals do, is highly recommended. There is no need to bring your own bike, as one will be provided for you during the tour.
Over the course of two hours, participants will ride through the city center and neighboring areas, taking in many of the primary sites. The journey commences at Steenplein with a knowledgeable local guide who shares amusing and intriguing tales about life in the city, both historically and contemporarily.
The itinerary includes significant sites such as the Cathedral, City Hall, Steen Castle, MAS Museum, and a railway station famously regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Participants will also be treated to splendid views of Antwerp’s Old Port.
Your guide remains flexible, allowing participants to customize the tour to include additional sites of interest before returning to the starting point.
4. Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Nearby East Flanders
If you have ever desired to see the landscape from above without the noise and confinement of an airplane, hot air ballooning is the answer.
Travel 25 minutes to Sint-Niklaas and spend three hours gracefully drifting above the countryside and nearby towns, including East Flanders. You can choose to fly at either high or low altitudes, with a complimentary glass of cava awaiting you post-flight.
5. Experience Antwerp Under the Cover of Darkness
Experiencing a city at night presents a dramatically different ambiance compared to daytime. Visitors to Antwerp can engage in a guided 90-minute walking tour after the sun sets.
Beginning at Grote Markt, participants will receive a brief historical overview of life in Antwerp during the Middle Ages. Renowned for its dynamic nightlife, the city truly thrives after dark, which you will witness as you explore the illuminated streets.
Discover famed nightlife spots that you may not have previously known and visit notable attractions like the Cathedral of Our Lady, Koolkaai, Falcon Square, and Felix Warehouse.
Stroll through the city’s Red Light District, uncover fascinating tales regarding Saint Paul’s Church, and conclude the tour atop the MAS Museum, where you can take in magnificent views of the city and harbor.
Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable local guide will relay fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture. Prior to concluding, you’ll receive a complimentary voucher for entry into one of the city’s bars.
6. Explore Antwerp by TukTuk
Numerous methods exist for exploring Antwerp; however, for a unique perspective, this 90-minute tour allows participants to enjoy the city in an E-TukTuk.
Your knowledgeable local guide will navigate you through some of the city’s most beautiful areas, visiting noteworthy attractions. Explore the picturesque courtyard of the Renaissance Moretus Museum, revel in stunning views of the Scheldt from Steen Castle, stop at Museum Vleeshuis to admire the impressive entrance hall, and visit The MAS Museum and Port Pavilion.
Conclude your tour at the Grote Markt, where you will see the town hall and the statue of Brabo and Antigoon.
7. Indulge with an Evening of French Wine Tasting
For those seeking a refined and tranquil experience in Antwerp, this small-group tour invites you to an exquisite wine hall in the city center, where you will enjoy an evening sampling French wines alongside delectable snacks.
Joined by a professional sommelier, you will gain insights into French wines and the foods they pair best with. You will also learn about wine etiquette, the various grape types, the distinctions between regions, and the processes involved in creating each wine variety.
Throughout the evening, attendees can taste six different types of wine, complemented by regional delicacies such as goat cheese, Belgian chocolate, and various French cheeses.
The entire experience can last from two to four hours, depending on your consumption and interest in learning about French wines.
8. Enjoy a Private Sightseeing Tour of Antwerp
Meet your local guide at your hotel entrance and embark on a three-hour exploration of this historic city, uncovering its past and present while admiring its old-world charm reflected in 16th and 17th-century architecture.
Visit revered attractions such as the Renaissance City Hall, Grote Markt, Brabo Fountain, Groenplaats Square, The Rubens House, and the trendy shopping area at The Meir.
Take in a collection of Flemish art at Our Lady Cathedral, concluding your journey with a guided tour of Antwerp’s Central Station.
9. Tour Antwerp on a Segway
For those seeking a fun, dynamic, and distinctive method to explore Antwerp, this two-hour tour offers the chance to see the city from a Segway, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the streets and squares.
Meet your experienced local guide, and after a brief lesson, venture into both familiar and lesser-known parts of the city.
Travel along the shores of the Scheldt River, taking in well-known attractions, including Grote Markt and Town Hall, while also exploring hidden corners that might otherwise remain undiscovered.
10. Enjoy an Exclusive Meal at Hard Rock Cafe Antwerp
A favored dining location in Antwerp is the Hard Rock Café. This experience allows you to bypass the long lines and partake in an exclusive meal at any point during operational hours.
You will be picked up from your hotel and treated to a two or three-course meal, which can be enjoyed in the upper dining room, lower dining room, or the heated outdoor terrace, all while soaking in spectacular city views and admiring an array of captivating music memorabilia as you await your meal.
11. Uncover Hidden Gems of Antwerp
Antwerp is a city replete with secrets and lesser-known locations that often aren’t highlighted in conventional guidebooks. This private walking tour will guide you to some hidden gems, revealing areas of the city that may not be widely recognized.
Meet your local guide at Grand Market Place and venture towards the medieval center of Antwerp. Discover the distinguished diamond district and the historic Jewish quarter, where modern and classic architecture coexist harmoniously.
Your guide will share the contextual backstory of these neighborhoods, educating participants about contemporary life in these areas. The tour concludes at a trendy café, where you can unwind with a hot beverage and sweet indulgences.
