Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp City
Description
Antwerp. You don't know this City but you'd like to. Places you visit pique your historical interest. Guided tours can be discouraging, though, because they bowl you over with too much technical data and endless listings of dates and facts. Instead, join us by stepping into Antwerp's story. We follow Antwerp's path through the people who made this City. We walk with you to show you how Antwerp became one of the most important trade centres in Europe. And then what happened? Join us for a walk through Antwerp's beauty and history guided by a schooled storyteller
Tour Options
Itinerary
On the beautiful Grote Markt in front of City Hall, we meet. We'll take you on a journey through the history of the city.
A remnant of the first stone city wall. Behind this wall now hides the tourist information center, with a panoramic view of the river and old town at the top.
An early 16th-century butchers' guild house, now a museum with a collection of historic musical instruments
This church is the result of the Counter-Reformation during the 16th century. Built by the Jesuits and many works of art by Antwerp's greatest Baroque painter, but......
The most important stock exchange of the 16th century and a later example, copied by the major trading cities of Northern Europe. If the door is open, don't hesitate and step inside, it's worth it.
This Gothic grandeur houses many stories and many works of art. You can visit it all day, but you have to pay. We view it from the outside, and I'll make you curious about this fact: there is a similarity to a famous cathedral in Barcelona. Do you spot it?
This world heritage site is a must if you love art and history, and more specifically printing and publishing in the 16th and 17th centuries. I will take you to the garden, and then you can still decide if you want to buy a ticket. Please note, closed on Mondays.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
In case of doubt, please call Antwerp Anytime.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(3)
Our guide had extensive knowledge of the history and current development of Antwerp. He conveyed this knowledge in a humorous and pleasant manner. Overall, it was really fun. We can only recommend it.
We were a group of three visiting Antwerp from California. I found Antwerp Anytime from a Google search. I contacted Flip by email and that interaction was very positive. We decided on the tour that would show us some of the more popular sites and a couple of pubs and finish off with dinner. We started at the Grote Mart (I hope I have that correct). We arrived 10 minutes early and our guide was waiting for us. He showed us the city center and City Hall. It was all very beautiful. Then we were off to see the fortress that is on the edge of the river. It was remodeled a few years ago I think, but I don't remember exactly when. It is very impressive. We then took a free shuttle boat to the other side of the river, Flip wanted to show us this underground walkway that connects back to the city center. It was a short walk to a building that contains some mechanical operation. You can hear the motors working. It turns out it's what I would have to imagine is the oldest escalator in Europe. More than 90 years old. The engineering for this equipment is truly amazing. The walk to the other side has to be about 3/4 of a mile with impressive tile work throughout. At the other end of the walkway is an equally impressive escalator going back to the surface. All the treads, handrails and motors are original from when this tunnel was opened originally in I believe 1933. Our next stop was a pub, a few more old buildings, another pub, and finally dinner. I would recommend the bucket of mussels. We really enjoyed our tour with Flip and would definitely book him for a future tour. Thanks again Flip!
Flip was happy to spend plenty of time walking to attractions in Antwerp. We started near Central Train Station. He was a genial person, some stories were a bit long - 2 hours would have been ideal from start to finish. We did explain that we didn’t want too long a tour since we are over 70 with hip issues. The tour ended up being closer to 3 hours, then we had quite a long walk back to where we started to catch a train back to Brussels.
I am sorry to hear that you have had difficulties, but the instructions on the platform clearly state that the tour starts at the Grand Place (Grote Markt), not at the pick-up point, and ends at the Museum of Printing and Publishing (Vrijdagmarkt). Probably miscommunication, for which I'm to blame. I hope you continue to have a nice time in Europe. Kind regards, Flip.
