Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

Antwerp , Belgium

Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

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About this experience

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.

Available options

English Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Professional guides

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Grote Markt square is the heart of Antwerp. It is filled with gorgeous medieval guild houses, the City Hall and the Brabo Fountain in the middle. It also hides some interesting legends, which our guide will share with you.

Stop 2 Pass by

Here you will find out the history behind the Cathedral and its belfry tower — truly iconic treasures of Antwerp's skyline.

Antwerp has been known as the world’s Diamond Capital since the city's Golden Age. This brilliant museum is the right place to tell you the bright and the dark side of the gems trade.

The Steen Castle is the oldest building in Antwerp and has fulfilled several functions over the centuries, mostly that of a prison. Our guide will share with you some interesting insides on medieval prison life.

Stop 5 Pass by

As the former Butcher's Hall and oldest guild house in the city, Museum Vleeshuisi now tells a different story of sound, music and dance.

The St. Paul’s Church is a truly unique place. It is the only church in the world which keeps within its walls works of the 3 most renowned Antwerp masters: Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens.

Despite its function, the Red Light District is a safe area to walk around at night, though there are still some “spicy” secrets to share. On the guest’s request, this part of the tour can be skipped.

Built as a port storage, the Felix Pakhuis now houses the municipal archive. We will walk you through its distinctive interior ‘street’, which was constructed as a firebreak within the building.

Stop 9

We end the tour on the panoramic rooftop of the MAS museum, where the guide will still share with you some interesting facts about this remarkable building and the magnificent Port of Antwerp, one of the biggest in Europe. To finish the tour, our guide will offer you plenty of recommendations on things to do in Antwerp to help you plan the rest of your stay.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

21 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

168 reviews

5★

160

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts in front of the statue on the Grote Markt square. The guide will be waiting for you there with a red umbrella.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Important notes

Please be by the Brabo statue in front of city hall on the main square (Grote Markt) of Antwerp 10 minutes before the start of the tour and look for the guide with the red umbrella!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind that our evening tour is a free tour, which means that you are free to leave a tip to the guide if you enjoyed the tour, so please bring cash money to reward the guide. The booking fee is only used to process the booking and reserve your spot. Enjoy the tour!

About Antwerp

Antwerp, a vibrant city in Flanders, Belgium, is renowned for its diamond district, fashion scene, and rich cultural heritage. With its medieval architecture, world-class museums, and bustling port, Antwerp offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

Top Attractions

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the central square of Antwerp, surrounded by stunning guildhalls and the iconic Brabo Fountain. It's a lively hub of activity and a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Cathedral of Our Lady

This magnificent Gothic cathedral is one of Antwerp's most famous landmarks. It houses several masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens and offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (€6 for tower climb)

Antwerp Central Station

Antwerp Central Station is not just a transportation hub but also an architectural masterpiece. Its stunning design, with a massive dome and intricate details, makes it a must-see attraction.

Architectural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (€8 for a guided tour)

MAS Museum

The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a modern museum showcasing Antwerp's history and its connections to the world. The building itself is an architectural marvel, and the panoramic views from the roof terrace are not to be missed.

Museum 2-3 hours €12 (free for children under 12)

Diamond District

Antwerp is the world's diamond capital, and the Diamond District is the heart of the city's diamond trade. Here, you can visit diamond shops, museums, and even see diamond cutters at work.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (prices vary for purchases)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Waterzooi

A traditional Flemish stew made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for cooler weather.

Main Course Contains dairy and meat

Antwerpse Handjes

A sweet pastry shaped like a child's hand, made with almond paste and topped with sugar. These treats are a symbol of Antwerp and a must-try for visitors.

Snack Contains nuts and gluten

Flemish Beef Stew (Carbonnade Flamande)

A rich and flavorful beef stew made with beer, onions, and spices. It's a classic Flemish dish that's perfect for a cold day.

Main Course Contains meat and gluten (from the beer)

Waffles

Belgian waffles are a must-try when in Antwerp. They come in various types, such as Brussels waffles (light and crispy) and Liège waffles (dense and sweet).

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy (unless specified otherwise)

Popular Activities

Biking Kayaking Hiking Spa and wellness Boat tours Park visits Museum visits Walking tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Antwerp, with warm weather and numerous outdoor events. The city is lively, but also more crowded.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Antwerp is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Antwerp International Airport • 5 km from city center
Brussels Airport • 45 km from city center

By train

Antwerp Central Station

By bus

Antwerp Central Bus Station, Antwerp Berchem Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with frequent services and clear signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxis Antwerp, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Eilandje Zurenborg South (Zuid)

Day trips

Bruges

100 km from Antwerp • Full day

Bruges is a charming medieval city known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular day trip from Antwerp.

Ghent

60 km from Antwerp • Full day

Ghent is a vibrant and historic city known for its medieval architecture, canals, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular day trip from Antwerp.

Brussels

45 km from Antwerp • Full day

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a vibrant city known for its historic sites, museums, and culinary delights. It's an easy day trip from Antwerp and offers a wealth of attractions.

Festivals

Antwerp Pride • July Antwerp International Film Festival • November Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Diamond District for a unique and fascinating experience, and don't be afraid to haggle when making purchases
Explore the city's historic center on foot, and don't miss the stunning architecture and hidden gems along the way
Try local specialties, such as waterzooi, Antwerpse handjes, and Belgian waffles, and sample the city's famous chocolates and beers
Take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective, and enjoy the beautiful canals and waterfront views
Visit the city's museums and cultural attractions, such as the MAS Museum, the Red Star Line Museum, and the Flemish Opera