Explore the charming city Antwerp

8 hours private full day tour in Antwerp

In the Belgium jungle

Highlights of the private tour

  • Grote Markt: This picturesque square is the heart of the Old Town and features stunning architecture, including the famous Brabo Fountain.
  • Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal: This impressive cathedral showcases a beautiful Gothic architecture.
  • Het Steen: This medieval castle is one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp and offers amazing views of the Scheldt river. 
  • Eilandje: Eilandje, which translates to “little island” in Dutch, is an up-and-coming neighborhood located on the northern side of Antwerp’s city center. Once a bustling port area, it has recently undergone major redevelopment and is now considered one of the trendiest areas in the city.
  • Carolus Borromeus Church: This baroque church is known for its stunning interior, including a ceiling painted by Rubens himself.
  • Diamond district: Located in the heart of Antwerp’s bustling city center is the famous Diamond District, also known as the “Square Mile.” This area is home to more than 1,500 diamond companies and has been a hub for diamond trade since the late 15th century.
  • The Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, dating back to the 16th century.
Interior of the authentic Plantin-Moretus Museum. A private full day tour in Antwerp. In the Belgium jungle.

Why a full day tour?

When planning a trip to Belgium, the city of Antwerp may not be at the top of your list. This underrated gem in northern Belgium has much to offer for tourists and locals alike. One way to fully experience all that Antwerp has to offer is by embarking on a full day tour. 

Antwerp is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. A full day tour allows you to immerse yourself in this unique blend of old-world charm and modern influences. From medieval architecture to contemporary art, there is something for everyone to appreciate and explore.

Tour description

Antwerp is a charming city that has something for everyone. From its rich history to modern architecture, from cultural diversity to delicious cuisine, the city has much to offer. And what better way to explore this beautiful place than through a full day tour? Below I will guide you through an exciting itinerary that covers some of the most popular and must-visit places in Antwerp.

The Historical Centre
The historical centre of Antwerp is a great place to start your day. It is home to many famous landmarks such as the Town Hall, Grote Markt, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Take a stroll through the bustling streets and soak in the rich history and culture of the city. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many cafes to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious Belgian waffle.

Walk along the Scheldt River
Next we head towards the Scheldt river and take a leisurely walk along its banks. This river has played an essential role in shaping Antwerp’s history as it was once a bustling port. Enjoy the stunning views of the river and the city’s skyline. 

Visiting Eilandje
Eilandje is a lively neighbourhood that has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. It is now home to some of the city’s top attractions, such as MAS Museum and Red Star Line Museum. You can go for lunch at one of the many trendy restaurants in this area.

The Diamond District
Antwerp is known as the “World’s Capital of Diamonds,” and for a good reason. The city has been the center of diamond trade for centuries, and its Diamond District is where you’ll find some of the most exquisite and authentic diamonds in the world. Take a tour of the district to learn about the process of diamond cutting and polishing, and maybe even treat yourself to a sparkling souvenir.

Jewish Quarter

The neighbourhood was established by Spanish Jews who fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, seeking refuge in Antwerp. Over the years, it has become a vibrant and thriving part of the city, with a strong Jewish community.
The Jewish Quarter is home to many synagogues, including the Great Synagogue of Antwerp which was built in 1893 and is still in use today. It also houses several schools, kosher restaurants, and shops selling traditional Judaica items.

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Admission tickets

The price includes admission to one museum. I would love to visit a museum that captures your interest. You have the option to choose from the following museums:

MAS museum: One of the most notable features of MAS is its unique structure. The building consists of ten stacked glass galleries, each representing a different theme related to Antwerp’s rich history and global connections. From the ground level, visitors can take an escalator to the rooftop plaza where they can enjoy stunning views of the city.

But MAS is more than just a visually appealing museum; it also houses an impressive collection of over 180,000 artifacts that reflect the city’s past and present. These artifacts are organized thematically, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of Antwerp’s history, such as its port, diamond trade, and cultural diversity.

The Plantin Moretus Museum. The Plantin Moretus Museum is considered to be one of the best preserved printing museums in the world. It was founded in 1876 by Edward Moretus, a descendent of Christophe Plantin who established one of the largest printing presses in Europe during the Renaissance period.

The museum showcases the history of book printing and publishing, as well as the life of the Plantin and Moretus families. Visitors can explore the printing workshop, complete with original machinery and tools used during the 16th century. The museum also has a library containing over 30,000 rare books and manuscripts.

Cathedral of Antwerp: The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is the largest Gothic cathedral in Belgium and one of the most impressive buildings in Europe. Construction on the cathedral began in 1352, but it was not fully completed until 1521. The cathedral is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, and it is a prime example of Late Gothic architecture.

Throughout its long history, the Cathedral of Antwerp has undergone many renovations, additions, and restorations. The most significant changes occurred during the 19th century when the cathedral was restored to its original Gothic appearance after centuries of Baroque alterations.
The exterior of the cathedral features intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows. Its iconic spire, reaching a height of nearly 400 feet, dominates the Antwerp skyline. Inside, visitors can admire masterpieces of religious art, including paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, a famous Flemish Baroque artist.

When completing the request form, kindly indicate your preferred museum. If you’re uncertain at the moment, you can also make your decision at a later time.

How to get to Antwerp?

Staying in Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp is inaccessible by car. If you are staying at a hotel in Antwerp, I would recommend walking to our meeting point. If your accommodation is located farther away from the center, it would be best to use public transportation or take a taxi.

Staying in Brussels

When staying in a hotel in Brussels and planning to visit Antwerp, you have two options. The first is to take a train to Antwerp Central Station. Alternatively, you can arrange for a car service through your hotel in Brussels. If you have already booked a private tour with me, we will discuss the best dropping point to ensure a seamless experience. 

Meeting point

We meet at the Grote Markt (Great market square) in front of the City Hall. The confirmation email you receive will provide you with precise meeting point information.

Is it possible to take this tour by car or bicycle instead of walking?

Access to the historical center is restricted for cars, and due to the narrow streets and pedestrian areas, cycling is not recommended either. The most ideal way to fully experience and explore the center is on foot.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Although this tour is not explicitly designed to children, I’m are more than happy to adjust a family-friendly tour to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

What if it’s raining?

My tours are designed to go ahead regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, I’m  will adjust the route to maximize your experience. Remember to bring an umbrella or jacket, just in case, and get ready for an unforgettable exploration with me.

Why is it necessary to include my LinkedIn link when submitting the request?

I often receive numerous fake requests through the contact forms on my website. To ensure that I receive legitimate inquiries, I kindly request that you provide the URL link to your personal LinkedIn account. This will help me verify the authenticity of your request. Thank you for your understanding.

Price

Groups from 1 to 8 people: € 900 per tour

Groups from 8 to 12 people: € 950 per tour

To ensure a seamless experience for larger groups, kindly provide advance notice of pricing information.

Payment

The following payment requests are accepted:

  • Cash payment at the starting time of the tour
  • Bank transfer at the starting time of the tour. I will send you a digital payment request via my bank or Payconiq. By scanning the QR code, you can instantly pay for the tour.
  • I do not accept any credit card payments (not yet)
  • If you’d like to make a payment in advance, I can send you an invoice with my details.
  • If you have any questions regarding payments, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to help. 

 

I only work as private guide on request

I regularly travel in Europe and Asia. And when I’m in Belgium I work as a freelance chef. Due to the nature of my work, I only work as private guide on request. I do have flexibility in terms of working days and hours. I recommend to book a private tour at least 14 days in advance. While last-minute requests are welcome, please understand that I may have to decline based on availability. Thank you for your understanding.

Availability 2024 (roughly)

  • Until March 17th, 2024
  • Mid June 2024 until September 2024
  • November and December 2024
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Request private tour Antwerp

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Private tours Antwerp

Monumental highlights in the city centre of Antwerp

  • Walking tour
  • 2 hours
  • Historical centre
  • From € 350 for private tour

Explore the city's history, the fashion district and trendy Zuid neighbourhood

  • Walking tour
  • Half day, 4 hours
  • Historical centre, fashion district and ‘t Zuid
  • From € 600 for private tour

Explore the charming city Antwerp: A Full Day Tour

  • Walking tour
  • Full day, 8 hours
  • Historical centre, Scheldt river, Eilandje, Diamond district, Jewish district, ‘t Zuid
  • From € 900 for private tour
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