Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Visit
Later in this post I share a few affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase, at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
ANTWERP IS ONE OF THOSE CITIES THAT OFTEN GETS REDUCED TO A FOOTNOTE.
It’s described as “nice for a day,” mentioned in the same breath as Brussels or Amsterdam, and frequently skipped altogether in favor of bigger-name destinations.
That raises a fair question: is Antwerp actually worth visiting, or is it just a convenient stop along the way?
AFTER SPENDING TIME IN THE CITY, THE ANSWER IS CLEAR.
Antwerp is absolutely worth visiting — not because it tries to compete with Europe’s headline cities, but because it offers something different.
It’s compact but layered, creative without being precious, and culturally serious without being exhausting.
If you’re deciding whether Antwerp deserves a place on your itinerary, here are nine reasons it’s worth the stop.
Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Visit
Top Experiences in Antwerp
Planning your trip to Antwerp?
Here are my FAVORITE experiences for a memorable visit to Antwerp.
🔍 Discovery | Learn more about your destination
🤝 Connection | Meet locals, learn a craft, and trade stories
🚌 Excursion | Explore nearby places of interest
Curious how to find the best experiences no matter what destination you visit?
Download my Europe Experience Planner now!
No. 1: Antwerp Is Easy to Visit Without Feeling Rushed
Antwerpen-Centraal Station directly in the center of the city.
One of Antwerp’s biggest strengths is how approachable it is.
The city is exceptionally well connected by train, and its historic core is compact enough to explore without constant transit planning.
You can arrive in the morning, see meaningful parts of the city, and leave in the evening without feeling like you only scratched the surface.
AT THE SAME TIME, IF YOU DO STAY LONGER, ANTWERP CONTINUES TO REVEAL ITSELF.
That flexibility makes it a low-risk, high-reward addition to a European itinerary.
No. 2: It Offers Something Different From Brussels and Amsterdam
Antwerp’s laid-back vibe is intoxicating, and the city rarely feels like its overrun by tourists.
Travelers often assume Antwerp will feel like a smaller version of nearby capitals.
IT DOESN’T.
Antwerp feels more independent in its creative spirit, and more intimate than its larger neighbors.
The city’s identity is shaped less by politics or mass tourism and more by art, design, and trade.
FOR TRAVELERS ALREADY VISITING BRUSSELS OR AMSTERDAM, ANTWERP WILL ADD A UNIQUE CONTRAST TO YOUR ITINERARY.
No. 3: KMSKA Is One of the Best Fine Arts Museums You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, known as KMSKA, is one of the strongest arguments for Antwerp as a cultural destination.
After an 11-year renovation, the museum reopened with a curatorial approach that feels modern, thoughtful, and dare I say even fun.
FLEMISH MASTERS LIKE RUBENS AND VAN DYCK ARE PRESENTED ALONGSIDE LATER ARTISTS SUCH AS JAMES ENSOR AND RENÉ MAGRITTE.
And innovative exhibitions highlight the museum's restoration efforts, as well as digitally immersive spaces and contemporary sculpture that complements the Old Masters.
No. 4: Antwerp’s Architecture is a Treat
The interior details of Handelsbeurs are stunning.
Het Bootje, a playful Art Nouveau balcony shaped like a boat.
ANTWERP IS AN ARCHITECTURAL CITY THAT OFFERS LAYERS OF DESIGN ACROSS CENTURIES.
You see this in the restored Handelsbeurs, a Renaissance-era trading hall brought back to life as a modern event space.
You notice it in details like Het Bootje, an Art Nouveau balcony playfully crafted as a boat bow.
And just north of the city center, the Port House makes a bold contemporary statement in an industrial setting.
No. 5: Serious Design Destinations Set Antwerp Apart
The gallery offers multiple spaces full of various mediums.
Paintings are complimented by contemporary sculptures.
ANTWERP’S REPUTATION AS A DESIGN CITY ISN’T JUST CLEVER BRANDING.
It’s based on real design outposts that are destinations in and of themselves.
For travelers interested in interiors, contemporary art, and spatial design, the Axel Vervoordt Gallery is a standout experience.
Located in a converted industrial complex outside the city center, it offers an environment that feels closer to a design pilgrimage than a traditional gallery visit.
No. 6: Unique Shopping Let’s You Take Home a Piece of Antwerp
The Dries Van Noten Boutique in Antwerp.
Antwerp is a rewarding city for travelers who enjoy shopping as part of the experience, especially those interested in fashion and design.
YOU’LL FIND INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES, ANTIQUE AND INTERIOR SHOPS THAT REFLECT THE CITY’S CREATIVE CULTURE.
Luddites Books & Wine is a great bookstore, Ensō is a top choice for vintage clothing, and Necessities is an independent beauty boutique garnering rave reviews.
And serious fashion enthusiasts should check out the boutiques of Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester, members of the legendary Antwerp Six.
Antwerp is a city where shopping will leave you with meaningful souvenirs that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
No. 7: Antwerp’s Chinatown is a Delicious Destination
The entrance to Antwerp’s Chinatown is marked by a paifang known as the Pagodepoort, and guarded by foo dog statues.
Antwerp’s Chinatown, centered around Van Wesenbekestraat, is compact but culturally diverse.
It was born out of the city’s long history as a port and trading hub, and today it’s one of the best foodie destinations in Antwerp.
MARKETS, BAKERIES, AND RESTAURANTS REPRESENT CULTURES FROM CHINA, VIETNAM, TIBET AND BEYOND.
If you’ve had your fill of Belgian classics like waffles and frites, the dining in Chinatown should be on your itinerary.
No. 8: The Café Scene Is Genuinely Good
CAFÉ CULTURE IN ANTWERP SHINES WITH A WEALTH OF CHARMING BAKERIES AND ROASTERIES.
Spots like Bakkerij FUNK, Café Canelé, and Andy Roasters are destinations in their own right.
Artisan roasted coffee, high quality baked goods, and ample outdoor seating are all reasons to seek out these cafés.
They embody Antwerp’s cool, laid-back vibe and allow you to enjoy the city’s slower pace.
WATCH MY ANTWERP VLOG ON YOUTUBE
No. 9: Antwerp's Urban Gardens Will Charm You
The rambling garden at Rubenshuis.
Den Botaniek is full of diverse plants and art pieces.
ANTWERP HAS AN UNUSUALLY STRONG COLLECTION OF SMALL URBAN GREEN SPACES.
The gardens at the Rubenshuis, Den Botaniek, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum will delight garden enthusiasts or those who appreciate well-executed landscape design.
These spaces don’t demand lots of time or prior planning, but they offer a bit of a respite from busy travel days or lots of walking through town.
The interior courtyard garden at the Plantin-Moretus Museum is an example of Antwerp’s delightful urban gardens.
Conclusion
So, is Antwerp worth visiting?
YES!
Especially if you value depth over spectacle and manufactured branding.
Antwerp works for travelers who want a rewarding day trip, and it shines for those willing to slow down and explore its layers.
If you’re short on time, read more about the best things to do in Antwerp during a day trip.
And if this post has convinced you to stay longer, then check out my guide to spending three days in this dreamy design capital.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO ANTWERP!
Until next time,
Angela
YOU’LL ALSO LOVE…