Location: Antwerp
Top Things to do in Antwerp
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10 Specialty Museums in Antwerp That You Shouldn't Miss
Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as center of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Biking is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Markt. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351.
Restaurants in Antwerp
1. Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,364 reviews
Reviewed By MinkusMe
Amazing to be able to walk around Reuben's house - it is opulent and has a huge garden. Reuben's life as an artist is intrinsic to the building so is interesting from this perspective, as well as the art on display. If you are just interested in seeing a beautiful town house from the 17th Century, it is worth a visit for this.
2. Museum Mayer van den Bergh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Mayer van den Bergh was an avid art collector in the 19th century, and the best of his collection is displayed in this small museum.
Reviewed By CarolienBAC - Leuven, Belgium
Not a very famous museum, this one, but well worth the visit. What makes this museum interesting, is the combination of the building with the eclectic art collection of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, who sadly died before he could finish his dream of a museum of his own. Luckily his loving mother was up to the task and build this museum to commemorate her son. The collection is very interesting in itself, but thé star of the show is the world-famous painting of Mad Meg by Pieter Bruegel. I'm sure you can look one hundred times at this painting and still discover new things. Do yourself a favor and visit this museum.
3. MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,475 reviews
4. Rockoxhuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
This is definitely much smaller than most art museums but superbly housed in the original 17th century house of a former Antwerp mayor. It has a nice collection of baroque paintings including Brueghel, Jordaens and other masters. It's an opportunity see the way of life of how the upper class lived centuries ago, through the the original house, the garden, and beautiful pieces of furniture. It's close to the city center and worth taking the time to experience.
5. Provinciaal Museum Emile Verhaeren
6. Stampe & Vertongen Museum
7. Red Star Line Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Reviewed By RIchard035 - Northwood, United Kingdom
The Red Star Line museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the shipping line that brought immigrants from Europe to the US and Canada before the second world war. Much of the history is told through the stories of the families that escaped persecution in Europe by making their way to Antwerp and boarding the Red Star line's ships. There is lots of information and exhibits and you could easily spend 2 or 3 hours here. There is a small café, gift shop and cloakroom. It is located a short bus or tram ride from the centre of Antwerp. A must if you are visiting Antwerp.
8. Poorterswoning
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
9. Museum De Reede
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By GertBoers - Antwerp, Belgium
Unexpected to find such a nice collection of graphic works. Definitely recommend visiting this place!
10. Chocolate Nation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Discover the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world in the center of Antwerp. In fourteen thematized spaces visitors are taken through a 60 to 90 minute chocolate journey. Starting in the cocoa plantations at the equator and following the cocoa bean to the world’s largest storage port of cocoa in Antwerp. A giant fantasy machine demonstrates how chocolate is made and how the velvety taste is created. Visitors discover why Belgian chocolate is world famous.
Reviewed By LvilleNole - Lawrenceville, United States
Went here with my bride during our visit to the area. It was our last day and we wanted to get out of Brussels for a day trip to Antwerp (note - if you go to Antwerp from Brussels do NOT get off at the first stop, wait for the Central Station which is close to everything you want to see! ) Based on reviews and having a wife who is a 'chocaholic' we went for it. A little pricey (16.5 Euros per) but well worth it. This is how it works: 1. Pay for admission, get ticket. 2. Drop off everything you don't need in a free locker. 3. Turn in ticket, get an audio guide and start tour, which consists of visiting several rooms that give you history on how cocoa is grown, harvested, shipped to Belgium and turned into chocolates. Very educational overall, they have great movies showing how cocoa is harvested, the wrapped in banana leaves and left to ferment (?) for a few days, packaged in sacks, shipped to Belgium, processed (cooked, husks removed, etc.) and then made into chocolate treats. One spot they make some chocolate filled with hazelnut (you taste) and finish at a room with 14 different flavors to taste with a spoon. You get unlimited tastes. The ability to compare different flavors was great - some tasty, others too bitter. Tried a new flavor 'Ruby' that I liked. You leave through a gift shop filled with chocolates to buy, prices seemed fair. Overall, very interesting, learned a ton, really well done and got my fill of chocolate for a while. Highly recommend
