MapVivid
Het Steen and around
A day in Antwerp · 9:30–17:15 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/antwerp/itineraries/het-steen-and-aroundA walking day around Het Steen, Grote Markt and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, with a lunch break nearby and Rubenshuis to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
↓ 5 min walk
10:302Grote Markt ↗1 hGo early
Main square with guild houses and the Brabo fountain
- Town hall on the north side
- Cafes around
↓ 2 min walk
11:303Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal ↗1 hDress code
Gothic cathedral with Rubens altarpieces
- Four Rubens paintings
- Allow an hour
↓ 6 min walk
12:454Museum Plantin-Moretus ↗1 h 30 minClosed Mondays
UNESCO printing museum in a Renaissance house
- Gutenberg-era presses
- Allow 1.5 hours
Lunch
14:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 12 min walk
Afternoon
15:455
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Antwerp tips
Transportation
- Ride De Lijn trams: Antwerp's trams and buses run by De Lijn cover the city; buy tickets in the De Lijn app or by contactless payment.
- Rent a Velo bike: The Velo Antwerpen bike share has stations all over the city, ideal for flat streets and riverside paths.
- Walk the Sint-Annatunnel: The historic pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt takes you to the left bank for skyline views of the old town.
Local Hacks
- See MAS rooftop: The MAS museum's spiralling escalators lead to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, usually free to access.
- Admire the station: Even if you are not travelling, step inside Antwerpen-Centraal to see its grand domed hall.
- Explore Zurenborg: Wander the Cogels-Osylei area for striking Art Nouveau houses away from the tourist crowds.
Saving
- Visit free museums days: Some city museums offer free entry on the last Wednesday of the month; check the city website before going.
- Grab frites from a frituur: A cone of Belgian fries from a local frituur is a filling, cheap snack compared to sit-down meals.
- Picnic on the Scheldt quays: Buy supplies at a supermarket and enjoy the river views from the renovated quays for free.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Keep bags closed around Antwerpen-Centraal station and busy shopping streets like the Meir.
- Beware of bike lanes: Cycle paths are busy and often red-paved; look both ways before stepping off the pavement.
- Stay alert near the station at night: The area around Centraal is busy and fine by day, but stay aware after dark.
Cultural
- Speak English or Dutch: Antwerp is Dutch-speaking; locals usually switch to English easily, and starting in French is less welcome.
- Order a bolleke: Ask for a bolleke of De Koninck, the city's local amber beer, served in its round glass.
- Try Antwerp hands: The Antwerpse handjes biscuits and chocolates celebrate the city's legend; they make a classic souvenir.
Weather/Clothing
- Bring a rain jacket: Antwerp gets rain in every season, so a waterproof layer and umbrella are wise year-round.
- Layer for mild summers: Summers are pleasant but changeable; pack light layers and a sweater for cooler evenings.
- Dress warmly in winter: Winters are damp and chilly with short days; a warm coat, scarf and comfortable waterproof shoes help.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/antwerp/itineraries/het-steen-and-around
Day 1 of 39:30–17:155 stops
Het Steen and around
A walking day around Het Steen, Grote Markt and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, with a lunch break nearby and Rubenshuis to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hMedieval castle on the Scheldt
3 tips
- Riverside walk
- Giant Lange Wapper statue
- Free to view
📷 Photos
5 min walk
210:30 · 1 hMain square with guild houses and the Brabo fountain
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Town hall on the north side
- Cafes around
📷 Photos
2 min walk
311:30 · 1 hGothic cathedral with Rubens altarpieces
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Four Rubens paintings
- Allow an hour
📷 Photos
6 min walk
412:45 · 1 h 30 minUNESCO printing museum in a Renaissance house
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Gutenberg-era presses
- Allow 1.5 hours
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 14:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps12 min walk
Afternoon
515:45 · 1 h 30 minHome and studio of Peter Paul Rubens
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Pretty garden
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Antwerp. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.