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Antwerp with Withlocals

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Enjoy Antwerp like a local

Going to Antwerp and wondering what to do? No need to worry, there's plenty of things to do in Antwerp with a local. Join your favorite host and discover the best the city has to offer from an exclusive selection of unique experiences.

Top 5 things to do in Antwerp

Make your stay in Antwerp complete with these things to do

Choose your local
1Withlocals Your Way! - Antwerp City Tour
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €16.55 per person
With Etienne
2Best of Antwerp with 360° view
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €16.18 per person
With Luis
3Chocolate walk with a local
2.5 hours • food & drink tastings
Book now
From €55 per person
With Etienne
4The Jewish Tour in Antwerp
2.5 hours • off the beaten track
Book now
From €16.18 per person
With Jorge
5Beer tasting in 3 languages
3 hours • wine & beer tours
Book now
From €25 per person

“
We did our first Withlocals tour when arriving to the city and can highly recommend people to do the same.
”
Travelers about our local experts

Explore Antwerp with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Antwerp with locals

LuisXocobeanSee More
JorgeBeer loverSee More
Etiennefull self made manSee More
EdnaYOLO as a personSee More
GuyGuy? city guide and engaging storytellerSee More

Why you should book a Withlocals tour

100% Customizable
Let your local host tailor the tour
completely to your wishes.
Private guided tours
No strangers on your tour.
It’s just you and your local host.
Responsible
Our tours are designed with
people, places & the planet in mind

Things to do in Antwerp

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Antwerp has to offer

Choose your local
Withlocals Your Way! - Antwerp City Tour
4.7

1.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €16.55 per person
With Etienne
Best of Antwerp with 360° view
5.0
353 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €16.18 per person
With Luis
Chocolate walk with a local
5.0
20 reviews
2.5 hours • food & drink tastings
from €55 per person
With Etienne
The Jewish Tour in Antwerp
4.8
225 reviews
2.5 hours • off the beaten track
from €16.18 per person
With Jorge
Beer tasting in 3 languages
4.8
19 reviews
3 hours • wine & beer tours
from €25 per person
With Etienne
Architecture Tour of Antwerp
4.9
353 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €16.18 per person
With Etienne
Main sights with non-classic stories
4.9
353 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €16.18 per person
Choose your local
A Magical Evening in Antwerp: City Tour
4.7
14 reviews
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €37.87 per person

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Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

5.0
Three times a charm
"We have done three tours with Etienne, and have always been amazed by them. He is very friendly, very passionate about Antwerp, and has a lot of inside information that can only be gained by years and years of experience. Besides he also has this special talent of telling a story with emotion, not just with factual information."
JelleAbout local EtienneAntwerp, February 22, 2024

5.0
10
"It was super ! Very nice walking with a lot of information "
RAbout local EtienneAntwerp, December 10, 2023

5.0
Outstanding visit!
"We met our guide as planned at central station. After an educational tour of a majestic station, Etienne took us on a tour of the Jewish neighbourhood and the diamond quarter. Etienne’s insight into the city’s history as well as the very important history of the Jewish community left us in awe! The tour ended with a walk through the well-defined Diamond quarter which is an entire of its own. In addition we got great tips on where to shop, and maybe more importantly, where not to. We’ll definitely be back!"
JitinAbout local EtienneAntwerp, November 14, 2023

5.0
Fun, Educational and very interesting!
"Taking a tour with Etienne was like wandering through Antwerpen's lanes with an old friend who just happens to know all the fascinating tales behind every corner! With our not-so-small group of 12, he deftly guided us through the intricacies of the Jewish community's history in the city. Etienne has this uncanny ability to infuse humor without ever losing the gravitas of the subject – a balancing act that's hard to achieve. We all have that one friend in a group who asks too many questions, right? Well, in our case, we had a few! But Etienne? He handled every query with grace, making everyone feel heard and valued. It's not just his knowledge but his warm, relatable approach that left an impression on us. For anyone wanting to delve deep into the history of Antwerpen and its Jewish community, Etienne's your guy. It felt less like a tour and more like a day spent learning from a well-informed buddy. Thanks, Etienne, for making our day memorable in the best way possible! Two thumbs up!"
ArieAbout local EtienneAntwerp, October 30, 2023

5.0
Insightful Tour
"Etienne is an excellent guide who is very knowledgeable about the Antwerp Jewish community. He starts the tour asking questions, enabling him to identify specific areas of interest and tailor the tour to them. The tour starts with a detailed history and walk through in the impressive Central Station. It continues to the nearby Jewish neighborhoods, discussing the life style and businesses of its residents. "
AlexandraAbout local EtienneAntwerp, September 17, 2023

5.0
A great introduction to Antwerp
"Etienne is extremely knowledgeable about Antwerp and shares this knowledge with pride and humor. He showed us all the main sights and answered all our questions. The pace of the tour was just right; he covered everything in three hours, but it never felt rushed. I would highly recommend touring with Etienne whether it is your first or fifth visit to Antwerp."
MargaretAbout local EtienneAntwerp, August 30, 2023

5.0
Tour with Etienne
"We had a wonderful and extremely informative morning with Etienne. He has an incredible knowledge of the city, Jewish culture and the diamond business and is able to convey this in a very calm, very likeable humorous way. Anyone travelling to Antwerp should definitely visit the city with Etienne. Highly recommended!"
klemAbout local EtienneAntwerp, August 20, 2023

5.0
Antwerp Unveiled by an Outstanding Guide
"Our Antwerp adventure was elevated by Etienne, an incredible guide who felt like a trusted family friend leading us through the city. Despite the rain, his enthusiasm never wavered, resulting in a memorable experience. History, stories, fun facts and recommendations made it unforgettable. Highly recommended to all."
NadiaAbout local EtienneAntwerp, August 12, 2023

5.0
Amazing !
"My sons (13 and 12) and I had a tour with Eitenne on a very rainy day in Antwerp. He was so informative and engaging of them.We learnt so much . Thank you "
BridgeeAbout local EtienneAntwerp, August 10, 2023

5.0
Tour Guide you would invite to your home
"Etienne is a gem, a true "local". Recognized an acknowledged all around town. He has a wealth of knowledge and shares through approachable stories."
StevenAbout local EtienneAntwerp, August 5, 2023

Enjoy the Best of the Antwerp
Like a Local

Things to do in Antwerp

Ever heard the expression ‘Antwerp is the city. The rest of Belgium is just parking space’? It’s something ‘Antwerpenarens’ like to say to provoke other Belgians. They do have a point though, it’s an awesome city! Here are our hosts’ ideas of things to do in Antwerp!

Fill Your Belly With Delicious Food Made By Locals
Like any good Belgian, people from Antwerp love to eat! And they love to cook as well. Luckily for you, you can experience it! Our local hosts offer delicious homemade meals, cooked with a great deal of care and expertise.
Eating at a local’s home is definitely among the top things to do in Antwerp. In addition to an awesome meal, you can enjoy a tasty Belgian beer or a good glass of wine, if beer isn’t really your thing. And last but not least, you’ll have the opportunity to have an awesome chat with your hosts! Ask them anything you want to know about Antwerp and they will be happy to share their stories with you!
Visit the Jewish Quarter
Around 20.000 orthodox Jews live in Antwerp’s Jewish quarter. That’s a lot. It’s the fourth biggest community of orthodox Jews in the entire world! If you visit the area, you should definitely rely on the expertise of a local guide, so you can get a true insight into the culture and history of the Jewish community. Its history dates back to early medieval times.
The Jewish Quarter in Antwerp is most famous for its diamonds, but there’s so much more to do. The ‘Van Den Nest’ and ‘Bouwmeester’ synagogues, will take your breath away. Don’t forget to have lunch in one of the neat little kosher restaurants after which you can take a siesta in the peaceful communal park.
Go Shopping For Antiques And Vintage Design
The Meir, Antwerp’s biggest shopping street, is the place to be if you want to shop in big clothing stores like H&M, Zara and Urban Outfitters. However, Antwerp is really famous for its vintage stores, so we think you should really let your guide lead you to these as well! The Kloosterstraat has many vintage and antique stores, and if you’re in for something unique, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for there!
Next to permanent stores, Antwerp also boasts flea markets. Take the one at Sint-Jansvliet, for example, in front of the Sint Annatunnel. Ask your local guide for tips when shopping antiques and vintage stuff. It’s truly one of the top things to do in Antwerp!
Immerse Yourself In Antwerp’s Literature
Do you like to read? So do the people of Antwerp. The ones that are proud of their city’s cultural heritage, at least! ‘Cause Antwerp has spawned a great deal of famous writers. The most famous of them all was Hendrik Conscience, the fella who wrote ‘The Lion of Flanders’. If you really want to impress your local guide, mention that you’d like to visit the Hendrik Conscience square, ‘cause you’re a huge fan! We’re not sure if he’ll believe you, but at least you’ll get a free beer for the effort.
The most important literature sight in Antwerp is the House of Literature, the literary archive of Flanders. Next to an elaborate museum, the House of Literature organizes events and exhibitions about Flemish writers and literary movements. Antwerp has so much to offer when it comes to literature. Let your local guide tell you about it over a coffee in the Buchbar!
Wander Around In Park Spoor Noord
Borgerhout in northern Antwerp has long been a neglected district. Now, however, as your local, guide will tell you, it’s a cool up-and-coming neighborhood increasingly attracting young urbanites! The Park Spoor Noord, a park that used to be an industrial area for the construction of trains, had something to do with this transformation.
The park is a big, modern, environmental-friendly Landscape Park that offers plenty of leisure, culture and sports. It has a covered hall where sometimes flea markets take place and a summer bar that occasionally offers free live music and film. In short, Park Spoor Noord is a true hidden gem you should definitely explore with your local guide!
Delve Into The History Of Antwerp
History is not just for Indiana Jones; it’s for everyone! Learning about the city’s history deserves a spot on your things to do in Antwerp list! Let your guide tell you all about Antwerp’s rich history. Visit ‘Het Steen’, a fortress turned port, Antwerp’s town hall and the gorgeous Saint Carolus Borromeus Church.
If you’re a fan of the Baroque paintings of Peter Paul Rubens, you should really go to the Cathedral of Our Lady, as well. And if you’re a fan of gruesome legends – who isn’t? – ask your local guide about Brabo, the supposed founder of Antwerp. His statue is in front of the town hall, by the way. We dare you to take a selfie with Brabo!
Stare Up At Antwerp’s Cool Architecture
This shouldn’t be missing on your list of things to do in Antwerp! The city has some bad-ass buildings you should definitely go see with your local host! The MAS for instance, a museum about Antwerp’s history, is located in a pretty sweet building. From afar, the MAS looks like huge pieces of floating Lego!
If you’re more into historic architecture, however, you’re certainly going to be amazed by the Cathedral of Our lady. This Gothic cathedral is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage, by the way.Antwerp has such cool architecture on display! If you’re interested (as you should be), check it out with your local guide!
Get All Social At Plein Publiek
Plein Publiek should be on your top things to do list when visiting Antwerp. For realz: don’t forget to visit it with your local guide! It has been described as a ‘green oasis in the midst of the city’, but also boasts a gallery, an artists’ work place, a café and a restaurant. Plein Publiek regularly organizes events like comedy nights and concerts, so you shouldn’t get bored here. Quite the contrary.
Plein Publiek is the perfect spot to relax with your host. Have a bite, get some drinks and enjoy your conversation! Who knows what the night will bring? Everything’s possible in Antwerp (or so they say).
Don’t Forget To Go South
Southern Antwerp is by far the most fashionable area of the city. We’re not making this up: just ask your local guide. Given that all of Antwerp is pretty fashionable already, it’s quite the achievement!
The neighborhood of southern Antwerp was revived in the mid-1980s. Currently, it’s mostly famous for its art scene: it has a few art museums and numerous commercial art galleries. Also, for the girls among you: the south is thé place to be if you want to run into Matthias Schoenaerts. Indeed, Schoenaerts is from Antwerp, although we suspect he’s spending a lot of time in Hollywood these days.
Have Some Beer & Chocolate!
You can’t say you’ve been to Belgium without having tasted Belgian chocolate and beer. This is not just one of the top things to do in Antwerp, it’s a moral obligation! Let your local guide take you on a beer tasting. He will tell you all about the Belgian breweries. Did you know that the popular Trappist beers are still being made in monasteries?
Our local guides also offer chocolate tastings! This is an absolute must as well. Don’t fall into tourist traps when it comes to Belgian chocolate – oh, yes, there are some. Rely on the expertise of your host!
Local tipDrop by at Het Oud Arsenaal for a bar with a cozy authentic atmosphere and a wide variety of Belgium beers.