Before we begin with the beautiful hidden gems of Antwerp, let’s see what Antwerp is famous for, some of its history, and more.
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city and home to the country’s most important port, is a clear draw for visitors. However, its status often eclipsed its medieval streets, Renaissance landmarks, and dynamic nightlife as the world’s fifth-largest port and the centre of the diamond trade.
Antwerp, with its vibrant atmosphere, is a hidden gem. You can cycle through this fashionable Flemish city. At the Royal Museum and Rubens House, you may see thousands of Old Masters. At the Grote Markt, take in the hustle and bustle of life. Admire the art and architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady, which was begun in 1351 but is still unfinished.
The town exudes strength and coolness. In this guide, I’ll show you some of Antwerp’s hidden gems and most beautiful spots. I even threw in a couple of my personal favourites! I also have attached a central location to get around all these hidden places in Antwerp.
Elf de Gebod
The ‘Elf de Gebod‘ is a one-of-a-kind restaurant with a stunning décor in Antwerp’s old town. In Dutch, the name means “11th Commandment.” The extra commandment from God, given only to Antwerp, is clear and straightforward: thou shall drink beer and enjoy thy life.
Given Belgium’s renown for this specific drink, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of beers, including true Trappist ales and beers from local breweries, as well as traditional Belgian meals and sweets. When visiting Antwerp, this is a must-see attraction that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Timing: It is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM for visitors.
Location: Torfbrug 10, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Handelsbeurs
This nineteenth-century neo-Gothic treasure glows brighter than ever after twenty years of vacancy. The Handelsbeurs remain an inspiring meeting place and economic magnet, much as it was in the 16th century. During the Golden Age of Antwerp, this mother of all fairs served as a model for many later European fairs. The miraculous monument was entirely destroyed in 1583 and 1858, only to resurrect from the ashes each time.
In the centre of Antwerp, De Handelsbeurs is a lively experience location, a beautiful hidden place in Antwerp. Take a stroll down the beautiful Beursplein and take in the ambience of this old trading hub. From the Meir (passage Twaalfmaandenstraat) to the Lange Nieuwstraat, stroll across the majestic colonnade (passage Borzestraat).
Reserve a seat at the Handelsbeurs for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the heart of Antwerp. This stunning neo-Gothic event venue features fascinating spaces for special events, conferences, and trade shows.
Timing: It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Location: Borzestraat 31, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Hof Van Liere
Reserve a seat at the Handelsbeurs for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the heart of Antwerp. This stunning neo-Gothic event venue features fascinating spaces for special events, conferences, and trade shows.
Timing: It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Location: Borzestraat 31, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Hof Van Liere
The lovely courtyard of the ancient main building of the University of Antwerp is known as the Hof Van Liere. IEEE Advanced Technology for Humanity, the University of Antwerp, and others are among the top organizers presenting events at Hof Van Liere.
Computer Hardware & Software, Glass & Glassware, and more events are being held on the site. Exhibitions, conferences, seminars, meetings, and other similar activities are best held in Hof Van Liere.
In the midst of the student area, there is a green pearl. Although there is always a delightful buzz of students entering and departing, everyone can still find their own peace and quiet.
Even the great Emperor Charles V is reputed to have spent a night in this sumptuous city palace. What is excellent for an emperor is undoubtedly good for me. You can visit this hidden gem during business hours. A plus point will be no entry fee.
Location: Prinsstraat 13a, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Botanic Garden
The Antwerp Botanic Garden, aka Den Botaniek (it is locally also called The Botanieken Court or Herb Garden), is a green sanctuary amid Antwerp’s bustling city centre.
The garden has a long and illustrious history. It used to be the medical garden of the nearby Saint Elisabeth hospital. Important botanical and scientific research was conducted here about 125 years ago. The city government has been in charge of the garden since 1926. The garden was designated as a valuable landscape in 1950.
You can experience numerous remarkable trees and shrubs throughout the garden. Approximately 2.000 pieces make up the herbal collection, with many being legally protected. A significant collection of tropical and subtropical plants can be found in the greenhouse. There are many unique things to do in Antwerp, but visiting the Botanical Garden should be at the top of your list.
Location: Leopoldstraat 24, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
St Paul’s Church
Antwerp is a Belgian metropolis with a diverse range of attractions. We’d like to whisk you away to the coastal neighbourhood after a stroll around the old city centre. Saint Paul’s, one of the monumental cathedrals in the Belgian capital, is a place hidden here.
This Gothic and New Baroque 17th-century structure is a hidden gem. The nave is bathed with light and features stunning paintings by Rubens and van Dyck, which you can enjoy at your leisure. The exquisite Baroque altars that adorn this old Dominican cloister church are likewise a visual delight. The atrium of the church has a collection of stone sculptures that give the garden a distinct feel.
Timing: To explore this off-the-beaten path of Antwerp, you need approx 30 mins. You can visit the church between 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM.
Location: Sint-Pauluskerk, Sint-Paulusstraat, Antwerp, Belgium
Calvary Gardens
After your visit to St Paul’s Church, you can walk to the next hidden secret place in Antwerp. A calvary, made up of 63 statues symbolizing Christ’s final days, is located in a tiny courtyard adjacent to St Paul’s Church.
The Calvary Garden offers the appearance and feel of a stone-cast scene from Jesus Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. All of them were carved in the 18th century. Visitors instantly feel as if they’ve been whisked away to an enchanting garden where they’d like to stay forever – a sight to behold.
Timing: The ideal time to visit this place would be from 2 PM to 5 PM from April to October.
St Anna Tunnel
The St Anna’s Tunnel, often known as the Underpass by locals, initially opened its doors in 1933. This is a one-of-a-kind tourist spot that is sometimes overlooked. The entire attractiveness of the area is based on the experience of being trapped inside a strange tube tunnel that gives the idea of being cut off from the rest of the world.
The tunnel is built of basic white ceramic tiles and runs beneath the Schelde River. The original wooden escalators are particularly attractive, and they are still in operation.
You can reach St. Anna Tunnel by bicycle, tram, or bus, and there are eateries nearby if you become hungry from all the travelling. You can check out Zuidertrerras and Bocadillos for delicious meals.
Location: Sint-Annatunnel, Antwerp, Belgium
Beguinage of Antwerp
There are many unique things to do in Antwerp, but if you appreciate old architecture and are interested in history, you should pay a visit to the Beguinage, which is tucked away from the city. The 16th-century clustered apartment complex transports the guest to the medieval age by enclosing them in thick, bricked, windowless walls. These solitary structures are among Antwerp’s secret places and nevertheless tell the story of the country and keep the memories of the long-forgotten Beguines alive even today.
UNESCO has designated all Beguinages throughout the world as “Heritage Sites.” You should spare at least 2 hours to explore the place.
Timing & Fare: The tickets are approx 2 EUR, and it is open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Location: Rodestraat 39, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Conscience Library
In Antwerp’s city centre, you’ll find the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. The library has been collecting and safeguarding Flemish cultural material for over five centuries. You can search through over 1.5 million books about Dutch literature and Flanders’ cultural history here.
In the Heritage Library’s Reading Room, you can browse over 1.5 million items. The Nottebohm Room is just as impressive as the Heritage Library’s extensive, rich, and often unusual collection. The beautiful Nottebohm Room, which is exclusively exposed to the public during exhibitions and lectures, is the highlight. This hidden gem of Antwerp can be discovered during a public activity or on a walking tour.
Timing & Fare: The cost of the ticket is approximately 3 EUR for non-members. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM on most days.
Location: Hendrik Conscienceplein 4, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau was a style of art that flourished between 1890 and 1914. From architecture to furniture art, from coffee services to jewellery, Art Nouveau was incorporated into everything.
While most people are familiar with Brussels’ Art Nouveau buildings, fewer are aware of Antwerp’s beautiful specimens. Among the Art Nouveau constructions in Antwerp, a few prominent structures stand out, however none have achieved the iconic status of Henry van de Velde’s Bloemenwerf or Victor Horta’s Hôtel Tassel, Maison du Peuple, Hôtel Solvay, or Maison Van Eetvelde, all in Brussels. One neighbourhood, in particular, Antwerp’s Zurenborg, stands out and is definitely worth a visit.
Organ of Cafe Beverages
One thing you should definitely do when you are visiting Antwerp is trying differently hidden and hyped cafes throughout the city. Antwerp is the indisputable coffee centre of Belgium, a nation of caffeine addicts that consistently outperforms the United States in terms of average coffee consumption.
The port city, with the world’s largest coffee warehouse, has a plethora of coffee shops, each with its unique take on how black gold should be served.
Few notable places that may help you get the perfect cup of coffee in Antwerp:
Café Beveren
Many cities around the world have their own unique charm and features that leave lasting impressions. When you come into these feelings by chance, they are amplified. The Café Beveren, for example, is a corner pub that retains its attractiveness as a genuine Belgian bar.
The tiny bar, which is located along the Scheldt River in Antwerp, welcomes visitors from all over the world to groove through the night to the music produced by a Decap dancing organ, which is the last of its kind cafe in Antwerp.
Grab a drink of Belgian beer and relax while listening to the mechanical orchestra, which will ensure a wonderful evening. Make sure you visit this hidden gem of Antwerp during the weekends when it welcomes you with open arms from 1 PM onwards.
Location: Vlasmarkt 2, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Travel Tips While Exploring These Hidden Gems of Antwerp:
Antwerp is a relatively small place. These hidden attractions are all within easy walking or riding distance of one another. De Lijn’s trams and buses provide another option for moving around the city.
Bonus Tip: Save money by purchasing your tram or bus ticket in advance (in newsstands, supermarkets, or vending machines at several stops) or by downloading an app.
Individual tickets allow you to travel for 60 minutes and hop on and off as many trams and buses as you choose. It is not an issue to stay on the same bus or tram for longer than 60 minutes, but transferring is.
You can also buy an Antwerp City Card, which gives you unlimited access to public transit across the city for the term of the card’s validity.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Hidden Gems of Antwerp, and I assure you will enjoy exploring these unexplored places. Also, when you are in Antwerp, you must see the best things to do in Antwerp in a day. I assure you won’t regret reading about the places you can almost cover in a day.