What to Do in Antwerp: Culture, Cuisine, and Diamonds

Antwerp is a city that reveals itself gradually. It is not loud, not theatrical, and not designed for mass tourism. Instead, it offers depth: centuries of trade and craftsmanship, serious art, confident gastronomy, and an unparalleled expertise in diamonds. This is a city built by merchants, artists, and artisans, and it still carries that spirit today.

For travelers who value quality, authenticity, and discretion, Antwerp is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations. Below is a curated guide to the city, focusing on where to eat well, where to immerse yourself in culture, and where to buy natural diamonds with confidence.

Where to Eat in Antwerp

The Jane

Paradeplein 1, 2018 Antwerp
https://www.thejaneantwerp.com/

The Jane is Antwerp’s most famous restaurant and one of the most distinctive fine-dining destinations in Europe. Located inside a former military chapel, the space immediately sets expectations: soaring ceilings, dramatic light installations, and a sense of ceremony that turns dinner into an event.

The cuisine is contemporary and expressive, built around seasonal tasting menus that showcase technical precision and bold creativity. Dishes are carefully composed yet emotionally engaging, with flavors that surprise without feeling experimental for the sake of it. Service is attentive and professional, but never stiff, allowing guests to relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Dining at The Jane is not something to squeeze into a busy schedule. It is best approached as the central event of an evening in Antwerp, ideal for special occasions or travelers who want to experience the city’s culinary ambition at its highest level.

Zilte

Hanzestedenplaats 5, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.zilte.be/

Zilte represents the pinnacle of fine dining in Antwerp. Holding three Michelin stars, the restaurant is located on the upper floors of the MAS building and offers sweeping views across the city, the river Scheldt, and the port.

The atmosphere is calm, elegant, and focused entirely on the dining experience. The cuisine is modern European, defined by precision, balance, and an almost architectural sense of structure. Ingredients are treated with extreme respect, and each course is part of a carefully constructed progression.

Zilte is particularly well suited for guests seeking a serene, refined, and uncompromising gastronomic experience. It is also a popular choice for business dinners and milestone celebrations, where discretion and excellence matter.

Bourla

Graanmarkt 7, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.bourla.be/

Bourla offers a more classical interpretation of Antwerp dining. Situated opposite the historic Bourla Theatre, this elegant brasserie is known for refined Belgian and French cuisine served in a timeless interior.

The menu focuses on well-executed classics rather than experimentation, making Bourla a reliable and sophisticated choice for lunch or an early dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, and the restaurant attracts a mix of locals, theatergoers, and visitors who appreciate tradition done well.

Museums and Culture

Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA)

Leopold de Waelplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.kmska.be/

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is the city’s cultural anchor. After an extensive renovation, the museum reopened as a harmonious blend of historic architecture and contemporary design.

Its collection spans several centuries, with a strong focus on Flemish masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Memling, alongside modern and contemporary Belgian artists. The galleries are thoughtfully arranged, allowing visitors to move through periods and styles intuitively, without feeling overwhelmed.

A visit to KMSKA offers not only an overview of Flemish art history, but also insight into Antwerp’s role as a cultural center shaped by trade, religion, and artistic ambition. Two to three hours is ideal for an unhurried visit.

Museum Plantin-Moretus

Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerp
https://museumplantinmoretus.be/

Museum Plantin-Moretus is one of the most extraordinary museums in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the former residence and printing workshop of Christophe Plantin, a leading Renaissance printer whose work shaped the spread of knowledge across Europe.

The museum preserves the world’s oldest surviving printing presses, an exceptional historic library, and richly furnished interiors. Paintings by Rubens hang on the walls, reinforcing the close relationship between art, commerce, and intellectual life in Antwerp’s golden age.

This museum is quieter and more contemplative than larger institutions, making it especially appealing to visitors interested in history, books, and the origins of European culture.

MAS – Museum aan de Stroom

Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.mas.be/

MAS is Antwerp’s most prominent modern landmark. The museum itself explores the city’s history and global connections, but even those who skip the exhibitions should not miss the rooftop panorama.

The rooftop terrace is freely accessible and offers expansive views over Antwerp’s historic center, the port, and the river Scheldt. It provides a clear sense of the city’s scale and its long relationship with trade and maritime life. Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening is particularly rewarding.

Architecture and Landmarks

Antwerpen-Centraal Station

Koningin Astridplein, 2018 Antwerp

Antwerpen-Centraal is often ranked among the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Built in the early 20th century, it combines monumental stone architecture with iron and glass structures that feel both grand and functional.

The station is worth exploring even if you are not traveling by train. Its central hall, dome, and multi-level platforms offer a striking introduction to the city. It also sits directly next to the Diamond District, making it a natural starting point for that part of Antwerp.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.dekathedraal.be/

The Cathedral of Our Lady dominates Antwerp’s skyline and stands as a testament to the city’s historic wealth and artistic ambition. Inside, visitors can view several monumental works by Peter Paul Rubens, including altarpieces created specifically for the cathedral.

The interior is spacious and light-filled, offering a moment of calm and reflection in the heart of the city. A visit here provides both architectural and artistic insight into Antwerp’s past.

Coffee and Chocolate

Chocolatier Del Rey

Appelmansstraat 5, 2018 Antwerp
https://www.delrey.be/

Del Rey is one of Antwerp’s most respected chocolatiers, known for refined pralines, pastries, and an emphasis on craftsmanship. Located near Central Station, it is a natural stop before or after visiting the Diamond District.

The interior reflects a classic Belgian style, and the products are consistently elegant rather than flashy. Del Rey is particularly popular with visitors looking for high-quality gifts or a refined pause during a day of sightseeing.

Design and Shopping

Graanmarkt 13

Graanmarkt 13, 2000 Antwerp
https://www.graanmarkt13.com/

Graanmarkt 13 is a concept space that captures Antwerp’s design-driven identity. It combines fashion, interior objects, books, and lifestyle pieces in a townhouse-like setting that feels more like a private residence than a shop.

The selection focuses on Belgian designers, quality materials, and timeless aesthetics. Even visitors not planning to shop extensively will find Graanmarkt 13 inspiring, as it reflects the city’s understated approach to luxury.

Where to Buy Natural Diamonds in Antwerp

Reuven Veksler

Pelikaanstraat 78, 2018 Antwerp
https://reuvenveksler.com/

Antwerp has been the global center of the diamond trade for centuries, but buying a diamond here requires knowledge and discernment. While the Diamond District is filled with businesses, only a limited number operate at the level expected by international clients seeking natural diamonds of lasting value.

Reuven Veksler is a family-run diamond house located in the heart of the Diamond District, working strictly by appointment. The focus is exclusively on natural diamonds and precious gemstones, with particular expertise in rare and fancy colored diamonds.

Clients are received in a private, discreet setting and guided through the selection process by experienced professionals. Every stone is fully certified, and consultations emphasize education, transparency, and long-term value rather than quick sales.

This is not a retail showroom designed for impulse purchases. It is a destination for clients who want to understand what they are buying and who value Antwerp’s diamond tradition at its highest level.

Antwerp at a Glance