The Tall Ships Races 2022

The Steen Castle is the hotspot for anyone wanting to visit Antwerp. This centuries-old fortress submerges you in the rich origin story of the city, making it the perfect starting point for your stay in Antwerp. Tip: Climb the tower to the roof terrace overlooking the riover Scheldt, the harbour and the city itself. Or try The Antwerp Story: a experience parcour that lets you discover what makes Antwerp unique.

The Steen Castle also houses a Visitor Centre, for all kinds of practical information and inspiration for an unforgettable stay.

Steen Castle

Come and celebrate 'Bollekes fest', Antwerp's annual beer festival organised by the De Koninck brewery. This means lots of music, authentic Belgian beers, and loads of other entertainment on perhaps the most beautiful square of Antwerp: the Grote Markt. While you're at it, take a peek at the town hall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the eye-catching Brabo statue.

Grote Markt and city hall

When visiting Antwerp, the cathedral is a must-see. This Gothic building is 123 meters high and is a treasure trove with various works of art. It took 169 years (1352-1521) of labour to raise the 123m heavenward-reaching steeple, which makes the Cathedral the highest gothic building in the Low Countries. The Cathedral is an iconic treasury, with an impressive collection of major art works, including a series of paintings by master painter Rubens.

Cathedral of Our Lady

A visit to the MAS means exploring the building from top to bottom. From the hidden masterpiece 'Death Skull' on the ground floor square till the the panoramic roof terrace on the highest floor. In between you can discover the MAS, a multifaceted museum, chock full of stories and surprises. The MAS is located where the city and the harbour meet: at the trendy burrough of Het Eilandje.

Filip Dujardin | Neutelings Riedijk Architecten

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

In for some delicacies? On July 22, the Dokmarkt is transformed into the Maritime Market. Browse through all sorts of maritime trinkets before getting a culinary taste of Antwerp at one of the food stands. All of this of course not without a good glass of 'apero' (apéritif).

Maritime Market

The Port Authority Office (or 'Havenhuis') is an architectural pearl on the Antwerp skyline. The highly photographable design is from the world renowned Zaha Hadid Architects.

The Havenhuis is the main office of the the Port Authority of Antwerp, which manages all movements of the busy international harbour that is so vital to Antwerp. Still, the building is open to visitors when accompanied by a guide.

www.woodmonkey.be | Zaha Hadid Architects