Antwerp is a city that offers a rich mix of history, architecture, and lively neighborhoods, making it a fantastic place for guided tours. Whether you want to cycle past historic landmarks, walk through its ancient streets, or uncover its darker stories at night, there’s something for all. We particularly enjoy the Guided Bike Tour: 2 Hours Highlights of Antwerp for its engaging route through the Old Port and the stunning Antwerp Central Station. For a more intimate experience, the Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp offers personalized insights into key sites like Rubens House and Grote Markt. Read on to explore each of the top tours and find the perfect fit for your Antwerp adventure.
Quick Overview:
This list covers a variety of tours suited to different interests and schedules. From bike tours that let you cover a lot of ground quickly, like Tour #1, to walking explorations such as the Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City, there’s a route for every type of traveler. For those curious about Antwerp’s darker stories, the Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp offers a night-time peek into its legends. If beer is your passion, the BeerWalk with English Guide combines history with tastings, while private options give a tailored experience. Below, we dive into what makes each tour stand out.
1. Guided Bike Tour: 2 Hours Highlights of Antwerp
This 2-hour bike tour is a quick, lively way to get your bearings and see Antwerp’s highlights. Your guide takes you past Antwerp Central Station, one of the most stunning train stations in the world, and the MAS museum, noted for its architecture resembling stacked warehouses. The route also covers Het Steen, a medieval fortress with great river views, and the Old Port district. It’s a family-friendly, friendly experience that’s perfect if you want a taste of Antwerp’s most photogenic spots without too much pedaling. Reviewers love the informative guides and the value at just over $37. The small group size and insider tips make this a top choice for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see key landmarks, especially those who prefer cycling to walking.
2. Antwerp: City Highlights Walking Tour
For those who prefer strolling, this 2-hour walking tour explores Antwerp’s historic old town. You’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and discover the stories behind the stunning Grote Markt with its guild houses and the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady. The guide also leads you down narrow hidden alleys and through lively streets on the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. Many reviews praise the engaging storytelling and the well-paced exploration that ends at Antwerp Central Station. At just $22, it’s excellent value for a rundown of the city’s architectural treasures and legends.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want to walk and learn at a relaxed pace, especially if they enjoy history and architecture.
3. Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp
This private 2-hour walking tour is tailored to your interests, providing an intimate exploration of Antwerp’s top sights. Your guide takes you through Grote Markt, delving into legends of the Brabo Fountain and the city’s medieval past. Stops include Hendrik Conscience Square and Rubens House, where you can appreciate the painter’s influence. The tour offers personalized attention, with options for hotel pickup and flexible scheduling. Guests emphasize the depth of information and the ability to ask questions freely. At $95.58, it’s a more costly option but well worth it for those seeking a custom experience with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a customizable, private experience and deeper insights into Antwerp’s art and history.
4. Antwerp Bike Tours
With 3 hours of cycling, this tour hits many of Antwerp’s top spots, including Zurenborg, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, and the Museum aan de Stroom. The route is flexible and designed for a comfortable ride, covering neighborhoods beyond the city center. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the opportunity to see parts of Antwerp many visitors miss. The tour’s price of around $35 makes it an excellent value, especially for active travelers eager to combine sightseeing with exercise.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a more extensive overview and enjoy cycling at a relaxed pace, with plenty of local insights.
5. Antwerp: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
This guided bike tour takes you through the charming historic center and old port, providing a good balance of landmarks and local stories. The knowledgeable guide points out highlights like the Grote Markt and Old Port, with some extra stories about the city’s trade history. Reviewers praise the charismatic guide Walter and the mix of history and modern life shared during the ride. At $36, it’s slightly more than other bike tours but offers a comprehensive yet relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a guided cycling experience with engaging storytelling and good city views.
6. Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp
For a different perspective, this night walk explores Antwerp’s less-known stories and medieval legends. The 1.5-hour tour visits Grote Markt, Het Steen, and the Red Light District, sharing tales of medieval prisons, diamond trade secrets, and dark legends. With a highly rated guide, the tour offers a compelling glimpse into Antwerp’s mysterious side. The tour costs just over $3 per person, making it a very affordable option that appeals to history lovers and night owls alike.
Bottom Line: A fascinating, budget-friendly way to experience Antwerp’s darker stories after sunset.
7. Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City
This 2.5-hour walk focuses on Antwerp’s medieval and baroque architecture, including stops at Antwerpen-Centraal, Vlaamse Opera, and Stadsfeestzaal. The guide shares stories about Spanish rule, royal connections, and the city’s artistic heritage. Reviewers commend the engaging storytelling and the chance to see hidden corners of the old city. The tour is budget-friendly at just $3.47, making it ideal for those who want an in-depth history walk without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed storytelling and architecture.
8. Legends of Antwerp Private Walking Tour
This private tour dives deep into medieval legends, famous figures like Rubens, and Golden Age stories that shaped Antwerp’s reputation. The 2-hour tour visits Grote Markt, Het Steen, and Rubens House, with personalized attention from your guide. Reviewers highlight the rich storytelling and insider knowledge. Priced at $101.75, it’s best for travelers who want an intimate, story-rich experience with a focus on legends and local myths.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in personalized stories and medieval legends.
9. 3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour
This 3-hour guided bike tour hits major attractions like Antwerp Central, the Scheldt River, and the Museum of Fine Art. It’s perfect for those wanting to see both historic and modern sights on two wheels. Reviewers enjoy the smooth pacing and the local tips shared by the guide. Priced at $41.80, it offers a good balance of time, coverage, and value for active travelers.
Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors who want a thorough bike tour with a balance of art, history, and city highlights.
10. Antwerp Bike Tours: The Highlights & Beyond
This 2-hour guided bike ride explores Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, and the Grote Markt, offering insights into Antwerp’s legendary past and modern vibrancy. The tour emphasizes local stories and lesser-known facts. Reviewers find the informative commentary and easy cycling pace ideal for a quick yet engaging overview.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to combine cycling with cultural insights in a short time.
11. Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp
This 2-hour walk covers the Grotte Market, Vlaeykensgang alley, and Antwerpen-Centraal station. It’s appreciated for easy walking and the detailed stories about Antwerp’s landmarks. With reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the well-paced itinerary, it offers a traditional yet rich experience for those who prefer walking. The price at $22.51 makes it accessible for most.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a comprehensive city walk with an experienced guide.
12. Antwerp: Guided Bike Tour
This 3-hour bike tour covers both neighborhoods and hidden corners, including Cogels-Osylei and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s praised for local insights and varied scenery. Reviewers mention how it’s a relaxed pace and well-organized. Costing $41, it’s perfect for those seeking an immersive cycling experience beyond the city center.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers wanting to see diverse neighborhoods and less touristy parts of Antwerp.
13. Private Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp
This private 2-hour exploration uncovers Antwerp’s legends involving medieval prisons, red-light secrets, and stories about Het Steen. It’s ideal for night-time adventurers, with personalized commentary. Reviews highlight the knowledge and storytelling skill of guides like Luc D. or Beren. At over $101 per person, it’s priced for a personalized, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in gothic tales and city legends with a private guide.
14. Antwerp BeerWalk with English Guide
This 3-hour walking tour is perfect for beer lovers. It combines history with tastings at local pubs like The Royal Moustache and De Ware Jacob. Reviewers love the generous tastings and the insider stories about Antwerp’s brewing traditions. At $52.25, it offers good value for those eager to learn about Belgian beer while sampling some of the best local brews.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a fun, relaxed experience that blends beer culture with sightseeing.
15. Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour
This self-guided tour offers an interactive experience at one of Antwerp’s most famous breweries. You can tap your own beer, walk through audiovisual exhibits, and learn about the brewery’s history since 1833. Prices are affordable at just $20, and reviews mention how relaxed and engaging the experience is, perfect for casual beer enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best for those who prefer independent exploration with some hands-on fun and tastings.
16. Antwerp: Historical Walking Tour in the Old City
This 2.5-hour tour takes you through Grote Markt, Het Steen, and Stadsfeestzaal, combining history, architecture, and local stories. The guide’s excellent storytelling brings Antwerp’s past to life, and reviews highlight the engaging, comprehensive nature of the tour. For just over $3, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options, ideal for history buffs on a budget.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a detailed walk through Antwerp’s historic core.
How to Choose
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want to see many sights quickly, the Guided Bike Tour: 2 Hours Highlights of Antwerp offers excellent value. For a more personalized experience, the Private Highlights & History provides tailored insights. History lovers might lean toward the Historical Walking Tours, while beer enthusiasts will enjoy the BeerWalk. Budget travelers may prefer the cheaper walking tours, whereas those wanting an evening adventure could opt for the Dark Side Night Tour. Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, especially for private and guided tours.
In sum, Antwerp offers a wonderful variety of tours—whether you’re after a quick overview, an in-depth private experience, or a fun evening with local brews. Picking the right tour depends on how much time you have and what stories or sights most excite you. Whichever you choose, booking in advance ensures you’ll secure your spot in this lively Belgian city.