Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City
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2h
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About this experience
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure through the heart of Antwerp! Dive into the mesmerizing old town, where enchanting architecture awaits at every turn. Be amazed by iconic sights like the majestic city hall, the awe-inspiring cathedral, and the vibrant Grote Markt.
Embark on a thrilling exploration of Antwerp's cobblestone streets and expansive squares, basking in the glory of historic buildings and the city’s rich medieval legacy. Uncover tales of Spanish rulers, and medieval marvels, along with Antwerp's pivotal role in Belgium's vibrant history.
But that's not all! Your journey is peppered with insider knowledge from an Antwerpian local guide, with years of experience in AirBnB hosting and guiding. Get the scoop on authentic Antwerpian experiences, find the culinary hotspots, learn the local secrets, and navigate the city like a true insider.
This tour is a treasure trove of history, local lore, and cultural insights, all wrapped up in a fun, free walking experience.
Available options
Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City
Duration: 2 hours
What's included
Walking Tour
Local guide
Tourist guide
A little surprise at the end!
Personal suggestions of bars, restaurants, museums and events
Detailed itinerary
1
Antwerp's old Stone Castle is just a fraction of what it used to be. This castle is nearly 1.000 years old and holds a tremendous amount of history.
2
Stop 2
This old guildhouse is now a musical instrument museum. The building is over 500 years old and holds a lot of history.
3
Stop 3
Antwerp's town square is the epicentre of our city. Here the vast richness of our city originated.
4
A roman catholic church in central Antwerp with a beautiful facade on a romatic hidden squire.
5
A beautiful tower in the middle of the city, the first skyscraper in Europe.
6
This 16th century alley way is still in perfect condition, we explore this hidden gem right next to the cathedral and city hall.
7
Stop 7
In the shadow of the catherdral our tour ends. This magnificent building was build over the course of 170 years and is to this day a beautiful building to visit
What's not included
Cash tip for the guide. Typically, tips are between €10 to €50, depending on budget and satisfaction
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
9 reviews
5★
9
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Tripadvisor
5.0
224 reviews
5★
218
4★
6
3★
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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
In front of Het Steen, Antwerp' castle, next to the statue of Lange Wapper, next to the bridge towards the castle. Look for our guide with the green/blue flag!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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