Explore the city's history, the fashion district and trendy Zuid neighbourhood
Private Half day tour: 4 hours 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.
- Carolus Borromeus Church: This baroque church is known for its stunning interior, including a ceiling painted by Rubens himself.
- Vlaeykensgang: This hidden alleyway is a charming escape from the busy streets and offers a glimpse into Antwerp’s medieval past.
- Museum Plantin-Moretus: This authentic museum was once the printing plant of Christophe Plantin and is now a fascinating display of early printing techniques.
- Sint-Andries neighbourhood: The fashion district in Antwerp, Belgium has been a thriving hub for the fashion industry since the 1980s. It is known for its avant-garde and cutting-edge designs, as well as its strong focus on sustainability.
- Kloosterstraat: One of the main highlights of Kloosterstraat is its antique market, which takes place every Sunday morning. Here, you can find a wide variety of vintage and unique items such as furniture, jewelry, books, and artwork.
- ‘t Zuid: Located in the heart of Antwerp, ‘t Zuid is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood that offers a mix of historic charm and modern energy. It’s known for its trendy bars, cozy cafes, fine dining restaurants, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Why a half day tour?
With a half day tour, you can see many of Antwerp’s top attractions in just a few hours. The itinerary is carefully planned to cover all the must-see sights and landmarks, allowing you to make the most of your limited time in the city. This means you can see more and experience more without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the local shops and cafes for some delicious Belgian chocolate or a refreshing beer.
Tour description
One of the best ways to truly experience all that Antwerp has to offer is by going on a half day tour. This tour is perfect for those who have limited time in the city but still want to see as much as possible. Here are some reasons why going on a half day tour in Antwerp is a must-do activity.
Starting at Grote Markt, you will be greeted with stunning medieval buildings and the famous Brabo Fountain and City Hall. As we make our way to the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, marvel at its impressive Gothic architecture and learn about its history as one of Europe’s largest cathedrals.
The next stop is the Carolus Borromeus Church, known for its baroque architecture and breathtaking interior. The ceiling paintings by Rubens are a must-see, making this church a highlight of any visit to Antwerp.
The tour then leads to the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a must-visit for book lovers and history buffs. This authentic museum showcases early printing techniques and offers a glimpse into the life of Christophe Plantin, one of the most successful printers in Europe during the 16th century.
The fashion district and Kloosterstraat are located in the neighbourhood Sint Andries. The famous Kloosterstraat is known as one of the best shopping streets in Antwerp. It is a haven for antique lovers, with numerous shops selling unique and rare finds such as vintage furniture, artwork, and collectibles.
Apart from its antique stores, the Kloosterstraat also has a variety of other shops, including fashion boutiques, interior design stores, and specialty food shops. It is a great place to wander around and discover the shops, whether you’re looking for a souvenir or just want to soak up the local atmosphere.
Het Zuid also has a rich history, with many beautiful 19th-century buildings and grand squares. One of the most famous landmarks in this area is the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Flemish paintings.
Admission tickets
No, there are no additional entrance fees included for this tour. We will only be visiting the exterior of the listed highlights: The Cathedral and Plantin Moretus Museum. Visiting the Vlaekensgang and Carolus Borromeus church are free of charge.
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: € 400 per tour
Groups from 8 to 12 people: € 500 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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