Antwerp Day Trip, Belgium

Antwerp Central Station is famous for its grand architecture, enormous dome, ornate stone interior, and impressive multi-level train platforms. The magnificent station makes an attraction in itself and provides a memorable introduction to Antwerp.

The exterior of Antwerp Central Station is equally impressive, with its monumental stone façade, elaborate decoration, and enormous dome giving it the appearance of a grand palace.

Looking back at the magnificent Antwerp Central Station before continuing my walk into the city.

I walked from Antwerp Central Station toward the historic old city, following the main streets through the center of Antwerp.

I continued from the train station toward the old city, passing the statue of Flemish painter David Teniers at the beginning of Leysstraat.

A view behind me with the train station

The historic old city, where many of the city’s major sights are located.

The rear side of the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)

Handschoenmarkt (Glove Market) Square, in front of the church

The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is Antwerp’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, famous for its soaring tower and important paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. Completed largely during the 16th century, it dominates Antwerp’s historic center and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, the soaring Gothic interior features tall columns, vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and important works by Peter Paul Rubens.

From the church, I walked along a narrow street and soon came to a much larger square.

The Grote Markt is the historic heart of Antwerp, surrounded by the magnificent City Hall and ornate guild houses. At its center stands the famous Brabo Fountain, depicting the legendary hero Brabo throwing the severed hand of a giant.

Antwerp City Hall, completed in 1565, dominates the Grote Markt. Its grand Renaissance façade blends Italian Renaissance design with Flemish architectural traditions and is decorated with flags and statues. The building remains the seat of Antwerp’s city government.

The Brabo Fountain stands in the center of Antwerp’s Grote Markt. It depicts the legendary Roman soldier Silvius Brabo throwing the severed hand of the giant Antigoon into the Scheldt River. According to local legend, this story explains the name Antwerpen, traditionally associated with hand werpen—“hand throwing.”

I chose this street to continue my walk away from the Grote Markt, but after walking a short distance, I decided to turn back.

I turned around and walked back to the Grote Markt.

Then I took another street from the Grote Markt and walked toward Antwerp’s waterfront along the Scheldt River.

A view on my right side

I walked along the raised walkway ahead, which led me closer to Antwerp’s waterfront.

The Godin Minerva is a bronze statue by Italian sculptor Marcello Mascherini, standing on Antwerp’s elevated Zuiderterras overlooking the Scheldt River. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, and sciences, also symbolizes the protection of cities. The statue was installed here in 1958.

From the raised walkway, I had a wide view of the Scheldt River, the river that connects Antwerp with the North Sea and helped make the city one of Europe’s great ports.

I walked down from the raised walkway and turned left to continue exploring Antwerp’s waterfront.

In the distance, I could see Het Steen, Antwerp’s historic medieval fortress standing along the Scheldt River.

Het Steen is a medieval fortress on the banks of the Scheldt River and one of Antwerp’s oldest surviving buildings. Its origins date to the early 13th century, when it formed part of the city’s fortified defenses. Over the centuries, it served various purposes, including as a prison. Today, the restored building serves as a visitor center and gateway to Antwerp.

Then I walked through the narrow streets of Antwerp on my way to the MAS – Museum aan de Stroom.

Antwerp grew from a small medieval settlement on the Scheldt River into one of Europe’s greatest trading cities. During the 16th century, it became a major international center of commerce, banking, printing, and art.

Religious conflicts and warfare later caused economic decline, but Antwerp revived after the Scheldt reopened to international shipping in the 19th century. Its port expanded dramatically, becoming one of Europe’s largest. Antwerp also developed as an important center for the diamond trade, fashion, and art, particularly associated with Peter Paul Rubens.

On my way to the MAS – Museum aan de Stroom, I passed through Antwerp’s Red Light District, located in the historic Schipperskwartier near the old port.

Antwerp’s Red Light District is located in the historic Schipperskwartier (Sailors’ Quarter), near the old port. The area has long been associated with sailors and nightlife. Today, legal sex work is concentrated mainly around Schippersstraat, Verversrui, and Vingerlingstraat, where sex workers operate from regulated window premises.

After passing through Antwerp’s Red Light District, I continued toward the old port and the MAS – Museum aan de Stroom.

I eventually reached the MAS – Museum aan de Stroom, an impressive modern museum overlooking Antwerp’s old port, but I did not go inside.