7 Must-See Sites in Antwerp, Belgium

See traditional brick houses in Handschoenmarkt square, a popular space in city center teeming with cafés, restaurants and even a waffle house or two. The square is also home to Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, where a 123-meter-tall church tower offers panoramic views of the city. © Svetlana Day | Dreamstime.com

The city is home to more than one square. The central square of Antwerp is Grote Markt, in the heart of the old city quarter. The square is surrounded by the Renaissance Town Hall; guildhalls; restaurants; cafés; and, come winter, a Christmas market and ice rink. Look for Brabo Fountain, as well, depicting a local legend of Silvius Brabo and a giant. © Oleg Shipov | Dreamstime.com

Walk the halls of Het Steen castle, a medieval fortress that is not only Antwerp’s oldest building but also once the city’s oldest urban center. Today, the castle features a visitor center and series of exhibition rooms detailing the story of both the fortress and city. Outside the castle, spot the statue of the giant Large Wapper. © Freesurf69 | Dreamstime.com

At Plantin-Moretus Museum, visitors can explore the work of 16th-century printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus. The museum sits in the former residence of the printers and of Plantin Press. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the museum houses the two oldest-surviving printing presses in the world and complete set of dies and matrices. There’s also an extensive library. © Radiokafka | Dreamstime.com

Located near Het Steen, National Maritime Museum boasts 500,000 exhibits spanning Antwerp’s rich history on the seas. From paintings to models of historic ships to temporary exhibits delving into specific maritime events, there’s something for everyone at this vast museum. © Littlewormy | Dreamstime.com

The last remaining municipal theater in Europe with original stage machinery, The Bourla dates back to 1834 and is one of the most important historic buildings in the country. The theater today houses Het Toneelhuis theatre company. © Radiokafka | Dreamstime.com

Museum aan de Stroom (also known as MAS) is the largest museum in Antwerp, opening in 2011. The museum showcases collections ranging from history to art to maritime objects, all of which link Antwerp to the greater world. The museum also creates themed exhibitions connecting local and global culture, history and art. © Littlewormy | Dreamstime.com