Sint-Annat unnelĪ quirky tunnel which passes under the river can be found in the form of St Anna’s Tunnel, a way for cyclists and pedestrians alike to traverse under the Scheldt. Boasting Rubens and Van Dyck works among its collections, other highlights of the Antwerp cultural institution include the two oldest printing presses in the world, as well as an original copy of a Gutenberg Bible. Though not so much of a hidden gem as some of the other things to do in Antwerp, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is a must-see nonetheless. Mekanik Strip is one such store and can be found at Sint-Jacobsmarkt 73. The comic originated in Belgium, but what you may not know is that the rest of the country also features a large number of comic book shops. Mekanik Stripįor fans of comic books, TinTin likely needs no introduction. And with a vintage vibe and plenty of gifts to purchase, Poppins is easily one of the best secret spots in Antwerp. Now, with its floral displays and trinkets on offer, this store is easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Steps away from the St Paul’s Church, Poppins flower shop now lies where a former restaurant was once located.
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While everyone visiting Antwerp will spy the impressive tower of the Grote Kerk almost as soon as they step off the train, fewer spot the equally stunning Sint-Carolus Kerk.įeaturing an entire chapel designed by Rubens (here’s how to follow in the footstep of Paul Rubens here), as well as a bust of Saint Justus, the church is free to visit and is well worth your time. Just be sure to bring your camera along! Sint-Carolus Kerk While you have to pay to visit the museum itself, the panoramic view on the rooftop terrace is completely free to visit and is easily one of the best viewpoints in all of Antwerp. This fantastically modern museum is located on numerous floors, with each floor housing a different exhibition. MAS Museum Rooftopįor those who are first arriving in the city, I highly recommend gleaning a bird’s eye view by heading into the MAS museum. After all, it is here where an iconic Decap Dance organ is housed, one of the last remaining in Belgium today. However, once inside, another story quickly becomes apparent. From its exterior, Café Beveren seems like any other coffee establishment in the city. When visiting the begijnhof, be sure to be quiet as people still live there to this day! The organ of Café BeverenĬlose to the riverside, there’s a café which many venture past but fewer wander into. Surrounded by brick almshouses, there’s also a small chapel here dedicated to St Catherine. The 16th-century garden of the Beguinage is free to visit and wander around. Not far from the Prinsstraat University Campus, the béguinage is a true oasis of calm in the centre of the city. Nearby, head to the Ossenmarkt square for some of the best student bars in town (at student prices to match!) Béguinage of Antwerp All ivy-clad brickwork and beautiful façades, a wander around truly feels like a step back in time.Īlthough the University of Antwerp has several campuses dotted around the city, be sure to see the PrinsstrAntwerpen campus for the most historical ambience. Given the chance, be sure to take a peek inside the university campus. Of course, most visitors to the venue opt to sample Belgium’s most famous drink, beer! For more information about the iconic tipple, be sure to check out our guide to beer in Belgium. Once inside, you’ll soon discover an array of pulpits, church murals, angels and more. Lying in the shadows of Antwerp’s Cathedral, the bar’s name is quite literally translated into English as the ’11th Commandment’. The most unusual bar in the city by far has got to be Het Elfde Gebod. Often, Antwerp hidden gems are in the most obvious of places, and Elfde Gebod is one such example. Elsewhere in this pedestrianised area, the chic restaurant, Restaurant ‘t hofke, makes for a perfectly romantic spot for dinner and is a must see, even if you only have one day in Antwerp.
A maze of little passageways and courtyards dating back to the 16th-century, this Belgian destination narrowly avoided becoming a parking lot in the 1960s.īuilt by shoemakers in 1591, today, Vlaeykensgang is an oasis of calm and its ivy-clad houses make for one of the best photo spots in the city. In the very heart of the city centre, behind an unsuspecting doorway which is barely a metre in width, you’ll find one of the best hidden gems of Antwerp.
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