Let me introduce you the amazing history of Antwerp. A city attached to its port (today it's the second biggest of Europe), the diamond district, the spectacular train station, the spectacular cathedral and, of course, one of the greatest artists of all time, Peter Paul Rubens. During the tour we discover the highlights but also the off the beaten track. History, funny facts, architecture, art and humor to discover this vibrant city.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
In the city center, in the Centraal Station or in your hotel
Train Station
The fourth most beautiful train station in the world according to Newsweek! It's an amazing construction from the end of the 19th century.
The Jewish quarter
A vibrant Jewish community lies hidden down the quiet back streets near Central Station in Antwerp. We learn about their history, their traditions and about the diamonds market that moves around 130 million dollar everyday in Antwerp!
The palaces of Meir street
Meir Street is the most frequently visited shopping thoroughfare in Belgium. But it has also some magnificent buildings from the 19th-century with an exuberant decorative building façades.
The Stadsfeestzaal
Antwerp's Stadsfeestzaal (literal translation City Banquet Hall) is a shopping center. It was originally built in 1908 for exhibitions and events, but in 2000 suffered from a big fire. It has recently been restored to all its glory.
Rubens House
This was his residence and atelier since 1610. He participated in the design of the building taking inspiration on the palazzos he saw during his long trips in Italy. He created many of his paintings in this house. We will learn about his art but also about his love life...
Handelsbeurs (only in weekends)
On weekends, the magnificent Antwerp Handelsbeurs is open for visits. It's one of the most beautiful hidden gems of the city. This is not the Stock Exchanges from 1513, but the neo-Gothic building mad in the 19th century. For sure, a place that it's going to surprise you.
St. Charles Borromeu Church
Its façade is a brilliant example of the Baroque. Inside we can enjoy from its portico altar, rich marbles and detailed wood carvings.
The Grote Markt
The main square in Antwerp. There is the City Hall, which outer walls date back to the 16th-century.
Het Steen (the castle) and the Scheldt River
It is a medieval fortress in the banks of the Scheldt River. We get inside to see the beautiful views of the river. Here once in the early Middle Ages passed the vikings with their ships. It was used as a prison between 1303 and 1827 and we will experience that... There we will learn more about the Port of Antwerp, the second biggest one of Europe!
Nello and Patrashe statue
Discover the saddest but also the sweetest story of Nello and his dog Patrasche. They are the main characters in the novel 'A Dog of Flanders', set in Antwerp. They got their own statue.
The Cathedral of Our Lady,
Inside we will find important pieces of art are, including three large paintings by the master Rubens. One of them is "The Descent from the Cross", maybe, his greatest work.
Lunch
Time to enjoy the typical Flemish food in a restaurant of the city centre. The delicious stoofvlees (beef stew cooked with beer), the mussels with fries, fish from the North Sea and much more options.
Visit to a Museum
We visit a museum on your choice. Usually the Ruben's house is the most famous museum, but if you ask my opinion I would recommend you Plantin-Moretus. This is quite a surprise in the downtown. It's the only museum in the world protected by the Unesco Heritage List. It was owned by a family of publishers who worked in the same place since the 16th century. If you like books, history, glory past and fashion, this museum is amazing.
End of the tour
I can bring you back to your hotel or to a nice pub if you want to taste a Belgian beer.
Ending Point
In the downtown or in your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
transportation, lunch, dinner, entrance fee to the museum and the cathedral.
Use comfortable shoes.
Stock Exchanges building is only open on weekends
I'm official guide of Flanders (training 2, 5 years) and official guide of the city of Bruges (training 2, 5 years). I have also done several seminars of Medieval art, Industrial history, mythology. . .
But most of all, I'm passionate about the amazing cultural and historical heritage of the Belgian cities. And I'm also writer what gives extra thrilling to my stories and the way I explain them.
Don't expect a boring tour with me. I love to entertain people with interesting facts, funny anecdotes, sense of humor and tasting experiences. Because food and drinks are basics in the Belgian culture.
I speak English, Spanish, Dutch, Catalan and a little of French and Portuguees.
Exclusive tours. I guide in the most beautiful Belgian cities: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Namur, Leuven, Mechelen, Ieper, Liege. Also in the city of Luxembourg.
$420/ per group