Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Antwerp, Flanders

October 17, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

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. Legends of Antwerp Private Walking Tour

Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Legends Free Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Why is Antwerp called the city of giants? Why is the hand the symbol of the city? How did Antwerp come to be the richest city in the 16th century in Europe and what are the reasons for its decline? For the answers to these questions and many more, come join our Legends of Antwerp Walking Tour! On our legendary tour, you’ll explore the historic centre with a professional guide and get to know the history behind the rise and fall of Antwerp’s Golden Age, mixed in with some old legends that have been around for hundreds of years. We start the tour from the Grote Markt square and from there we take you to the Stone castle, Butcher’s Hall, St. Charles Borromeo church, Farmer’s tower, Meir, Rubens house, Fashion nation, Friday market, museum Plantin-Moretus, Vlaeykensgang and the Cathedral of Our Lady. We’ll also give you loads of tips on the ‘must do’s’ of today’s Antwerp. If you want to get the real taste of Antwerp, don't miss this tour!

Inclusions: Tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By anna t

Martin is the best guid you can have in town! He is patient and very engaging! He knows everything about the city and he is ready to answer to all the questions

2. Private day trip to Antwerp from Amsterdam

Trigger Tours, Private tours in Amsterdam
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the European capital of culture and the global center for diamonds with this full day trip from Amsterdam with a private guide. Get picked up at your hotel and get personal service by a professional guide that will drive you around. Visit the second biggest harbor in Europe and the home town of Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. You will explore the Market Square with the Town Hall and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses, the Cathedral of Our Lady with The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross by Rubens, Saint-Paul's Church, the harbor and the Jewish district. There is not only history in Antwerp, it is also know for its modern architecture. See the new Palace of Justice, the Museum aan de Stroom and the new Port House. You also have the option to have some free time to walk by yourself. After the tour your guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Dinner

Reviewed By derenl2021

Very interesting and exciting tour! Our guide, Jan, showed us all the interesting sites in Amsterdam. He shared much information and even gave us some tips to get some good food, as restaurants are still closed. Very friendly and informative! Great tour and great day!

3. TukTuk tour through historic Antwerp of 1.5 hours

Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Antwerp Tuktuk
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Welcome to Antwerp! With our e-tuktuks we will explore historic Antwerp in a different way: motivated city guides show you the most beautiful places in our city. Our e-tuktuks have a maximum occupancy of 6 people + driver / guide.

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Reviewed By Jigsaw81

Even though we didn’t book in advance Inge organised a two hour tour for us late in the day. Fantastic way to see the city and learn more of the history. Inge was an excellent guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The e-tuk tuk is a cool way to see Antwerp. Highly recommended.

4. Voyage Local: Discover Antwerp with vintage bus

Museum of Modern Art, Antwerp, Leuvenstraat 32, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Voyage Local
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Discover local neighbourhoods of Antwerp with nice vintage bus. Out-of-the-box citytours shows you the local-life in Antwerp. The tours gives you a great Antwerp-feeling like no other. Go local with Voyage Local. Language: German, French, English, Dutch Check website and fb for additional info

Inclusions: Typical Antwerp biscuit for every guest!

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Reviewed By 685harrietm

Jami our guide Was very Knowledgeable friendly and accommodating We would have never had opportunity to see the Jewish area the art deco area and learn history as well as with him The water and cookies fron Antwerp was a very nice touch he stop the van ( the van Volkswagen was a fun way to tour) he stop when we ask and let us walk around a little bit which was a very nice !!he dropped us off at the red star museum which was very accommodating I would highly Recommend this tour ( it would have been perfect if we didn't get lost look for the location to meet since we have never been here ) maybe a more center location would help !!!

5. Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

Grote Markt 2, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Legends Tours & Activities
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Get off the beaten track and discover the dark side of Antwerp with your local guide. This walking tour is a great way to skip the touristy trail and get to know the more obscure side of Antwerp. During the 1.5h tour you will discover the city from a different perspective with its hidden gems and unique sights. Are you looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramic views? Would you like to hear some medieval legends or “spicy” stories from the Red Light District? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion for the city to make your time truly special! Included: Grote Markt, The Stone Castle, Red Light District, rooftop of MAS Museum, The Old Port, St. Paul’s Church, a trendy modern area called “The Island” and many more

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Professional guides

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 480klaudiag

Bart was a great guide! Knowledgeable, and funny. He told us about the history and showed the must visit places, but he also showed us the hidden jams, which was super interesting. It is a great start for exploring the city! I was surprised that the tour is free, so don't forget about the tip ;)))

6. Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Legends Tours & Activities
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5.0 based on 132 reviews

Walk around Antwerp and explore the historical center in the company of our knowledgeable and passionate guides. We'll take you on a fascinating trip through Antwerp's past and present, including the astonishing works of Rubens, the city's majestic architecture, its culinary diversity and intense nightlife. Look for our RED umbrella on the Grote Markt square. IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 996antonia

Anna was an excellent guide, full of joy and excitement! She took us through several landmarks in Antwerpen and helped us get to know the city better. We really enjoyed the tour :)

7. Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

Free Walking Tours of Antwerp, Grote Markt 2, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Legends Tours & Activities
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4.9 based on 126 reviews

This private tour is a great way to get the most out of your visit in Antwerp. Within 2 hours you will explore the main sights of the city while taking in history, legends and lots of interesting facts about Antwerp. Are you wondering why the city is called ‘The Diamond Capital’ or what made our baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens world-famous? Maybe you would like to know how the Port of Antwerp became one of the biggest around the globe? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion to make your stay simply unforgettable.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

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Reviewed By 480klaudiag

Bart was a great guide! Knowledgeable, and funny. He told us about the history and showed the must visit places, but he also showed us the hidden jams, which was super interesting. It is a great start for exploring the city! I was surprised that the tour is free, so don't forget about the tip ;)))

8. 3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour

Cyclant, Antwerp Central Train Station, Pelikaanstraat 3, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium Cyclant
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4.9 based on 40 reviews

Departing from Antwerp's Central Station in the weekend at 10 am and/or 3 pm, this bicycle tour takes you around the city's top attractions over the course of three hours. Hop on your saddle and pedal along the city streets as you follow your local guide on a tour that will pique your senses and get your blood pumping.

Inclusions: Bike rental, Professional local guide, Helmet if desired, Child's seat if applicable

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By JeffertM

We did a 5 day bike tour in Belgium with a bike from cyclant. The bike is perfect for longer trips with high-end components. Great value for your money.

9. Private Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

Free Walking Tours of Antwerp, Grote Markt 2, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Legends Tours & Activities
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4.9 based on 54 reviews

Get off the beaten track and discover the dark side of Antwerp with your private guide. This private tour is a great way to skip the touristy trail and get to know the more obscure side of Antwerp. During the 2h tour you will discover the city from a different perspective with its hidden gems and unique sights. Are you looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramic views? Would you like to hear some medieval legends or “spicy” stories from the Red Light District? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion for the city to make your time truly special! Included: Grote Markt, The Stone Castel, Red Light District, rooftop of MAS Museum, The Old Port, St. Paul’s Church, a trendy modern area called “The Island” and many more

Inclusions: Professional guides

Exclusions:

Reviewed By 480klaudiag

Bart was a great guide! Knowledgeable, and funny. He told us about the history and showed the must visit places, but he also showed us the hidden jams, which was super interesting. It is a great start for exploring the city! I was surprised that the tour is free, so don't forget about the tip ;)))

10. Bus day trip to Antwerp & Mechelen from Brussels + Atomium stop

Brussel-Centraal, Carrefour de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Buendia Tours
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Make the most of your time in Belgium during this full-day excursion to Antwerp and Mechelen + Atomium from Brussels. Don’t worry about time-consuming public transit; instead, benefit from round-trip transfers, as well as the insight of a local guide who can share context you might not have discovered alone, before exploring independently at your own pace.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, Round-trip with A/C, City tips, Discounts (discounts at restaurants, chocolate shops, museums etc.), We keep your suitcases on the bus

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Museum entrance, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Levesqme

As a family with teenagers, it is always a challenge to find an activity that will be entertaining for all. Although they are not history enthusiasts, my kids said that this tour was the best day of our stay in Belgium (1 week). They especially liked the tour guide, Jamal and his dry sense of humour. Jamal was able to point out funny historical details, do little games with the group and make recommendations on restaurants and activities. He made all the difference. Thanks Jamal for this wonderful (rainy) day! Things to be improved: we should have taken a tour for only 1 city. If you like to stroll in leisurely in the city, visit museums, etc., the tour is a bit fast paced and won't allow you to shop, visit independently museums and historic buildings. Also, you'll be paired with Spanish groups going on the bus. Not the best logistical arrangements. However, the price is well worth it. 10/10 would do again.

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