Antwerp isn’t just a city of stunning architecture and rich tradition; it’s a place where you can explore through various tours and experiences that bring its streets, stories, and flavors to life. Whether you prefer pedaling along the river, wandering ancient alleys, or tasting Belgian chocolates and beers, Antwerp offers a variety of ways to truly experience its character. We especially love the Antwerp Bike Tours for their lively, personal approach to city exploration and the Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City, which provides a compact, detailed glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Both tours are perfect for travelers eager to see more than just the postcard sights and dive into Antwerp’s authentic vibe. For a more quirky twist, the Dark Side of Antwerp Private Tour offers an offbeat look at its shadowy corners and legends.
Antwerp’s tours combine history, culture, and fun, making it easy to tailor your visit—whether you’re into cycling, walking, food, or secret stories. This list covers a wide range of options, so you’re likely to find something that matches your pace and interests.
1. Antwerp Bike Tours
At number 1, the Antwerp Bike Tours offers a lively way to cover a lot of ground in a short time. This 3-hour trip allows you to see the bustling dockyards, medieval buildings, and Art Nouveau architecture, all while zipping along subterranean cycleways and enjoying rooftop views. With just $34.76 per person, the tour is a fantastic value for a personalized, informative experience led by friendly guides.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and family-friendly nature. The guide adapts the route based on your interests, ensuring you see both popular sites and less-visited neighborhoods. Guests have noted that Stefano, the guide, customizes the ride, making it engaging and insightful. The small group size guarantees personal attention, and you’ll leave with a better sense of Antwerp’s layout and stories. The option to upgrade the tour to include food or additional sights makes it versatile.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, active overview of Antwerp that’s easy to customize, this bike tour is hard to beat.
2. Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City
Number 2 on our list is the Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City. For just $3.47 per person, this 2.5-hour stroll takes you through the city’s most iconic sights, from the magnificent Central Station to the Grote Markt and the Vlaamse Opera. This tour is perfect for travelers who prefer exploring on foot and want to soak up Antwerp’s medieval charm.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the city’s architecture, rulers, and legends, including the history behind the Antwerpen-Centraal train station—the jewel of the city’s architecture. The tour’s small-group format ensures an intimate experience, with guests praising the guide’s ability to share stories and answer questions. It’s an excellent way to get your bearings at the start of your trip or as a quick overview for those on a tight schedule.
Bottom line: This walk offers a rich, straightforward introduction to Antwerp’s core neighborhoods, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
3. Antwerp: Guided Bike Tour
Number 3, the Antwerp: Guided Bike Tour, combines the best of cycling and sightseeing in a two-hour ride through the city. This tour covers highlights like the Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen fortress, and Grote Markt, all while sharing captivating stories from your local guide.
Guests love how this tour explores places beyond the typical tourist radar, with reviews mentioning the inclusion of a boat crossing and cycling under a water tunnel. The bikes are well-maintained, and the guide provides local tips that enrich the experience. It’s especially suited for those who want a quick but rundown without the physical demand of a longer tour.
Bottom line: If you want to see key landmarks while getting a sense of Antwerp’s vibe on a bike, this guided tour delivers.
4. Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp
Number 4 on our list is the Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp, which costs about $22.51 per person for a 2-hour walk. Led by a friendly guide, it covers the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the stunning Antwerpen-Centraal station. This tour is ideal for travelers who love history and architecture with minimal walking distance, focusing on the city’s most photogenic sites.
Guests rave about the guide’s charisma and knowledge, which make the tour engaging and memorable. It’s perfect for those who prefer a structured walk with plenty of background stories. The tour’s pace is manageable, and it provides a solid foundation for further exploration on your own.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded, accessible introduction to Antwerp’s main sights, this tour hits the mark.
5. Private Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp
At number 5, the Private Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp offers a more mysterious perspective on the city. Priced at $101.59 per person, this 2-hour private walk takes you off the beaten track to explore medieval legends, the Red Light District, and hidden corners that most visitors miss.
Guests appreciate how the tour reveals Antwerp’s less-glamorous history, including stories about medieval prisons, the diamond trade’s darker side, and ghostly tales. The personalized nature of a private tour means you can customize stops and ask detailed questions. It’s ideal for travelers interested in a more narrative and nuanced view of the city’s past.
Bottom line: For an engaging, exclusive look at Antwerp’s shadowy stories, this private tour offers depth and personalization.
6. Antwerp: The Big Five City Highlights E-kickscooter Tour
Number 6 features the E-kickscooter Tour, a quick and fun way to see both historic and modern sights in just two hours. Ride an electric scooter along the Scheldt river, through Het Eilandje port, and past landmarks like the Opera House, MAS, and Diamond District.
Guests praise how easy it is to learn to drive the scooter with guidance and how this tour covers longer distances comfortably. It’s perfect for travelers who want to cover a lot ground without getting tired and enjoy views from the riverbanks. The tour is especially suitable for those with moderate mobility and a sense of adventure.
Bottom line: If you seek a dynamic, fast-paced way to see Antwerp’s highlights, this e-kickscooter tour is a lively choice.
7. Tasting Tour: A Taste of Antwerp – by Legends
Number 7 offers the A Taste of Antwerp food tour, a delightful 1.5-hour experience for lovers of Belgian cuisine. Starting at the Grote Markt, the tour includes tastings of chocolate, beer, waffles, fries, and other local favorites. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the origins and stories behind these iconic treats.
Guests highlight the generous tastings and the engaging storytelling, which brings Antwerp’s culinary traditions to life. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, flavorful introduction to Belgian food culture without a full meal. The tour strikes a good balance between history and tasting, making it a fun, guilt-free indulgence.
Bottom line: For a tasty, informal way to explore Antwerp’s food scene, this tour offers good value and plenty of delicious bites.
8. Antwerp: Dark Side of Antwerp Private Tour
Number 8 provides a private, evening version of the Dark Side of Antwerp tour, exploring the city’s mysteries in a more intimate setting. For about the same price as the group tour, this tailored experience allows you to uncover stories about medieval prisons, hidden legends, and Antwerp’s less-known history under the guidance of a personable local.
Guests appreciate the flexibility of this private option, including top views from the MAS Museum at night. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy personalized stories and want to explore Antwerp’s secret corners safely and comfortably.
Bottom line: For those seeking a more personal, in-depth look into Antwerp’s darker tales, this private option is a compelling choice.
9. Antwerp: Port of Antwerp Cruise
Number 9 offers a boat tour of the Port of Antwerp, one of the world’s busiest ports. Priced at $26 per person, it’s a 2-3 hour journey on the water that reveals the scale and importance of this crucial trading hub. You’ll see cargo ships, cranes, and port facilities up close, while a guide explains the port’s history and current significance.
This tour is a hit for travelers interested in logistics, industry, or simply enjoying a different perspective of Antwerp. The option to include a lunch on board adds a relaxing touch, making it a good choice for families or those with a curiosity about global trade.
Bottom line: If you want to understand Antwerp’s economic backbone from the water, this port cruise provides a vivid, informative experience.
10. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt in Antwerp
Number 10 is perfect for independent explorers: a self-guided, app-based scavenger hunt around Antwerp. For only $17.29 per group, you can discover ten key attractions, solving riddles and learning facts at your own pace. It’s a flexible way to turn sightseeing into a fun game, with commentary in multiple languages.
Guests say this is a great way to get an engaging impression of the city, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a break from guided tours. The app can be used over a full year, giving ample opportunity to revisit favorite spots or explore at your leisure.
Bottom line: For tech-savvy travelers or families, this interactive hunt makes exploring Antwerp both fun and educational.
11. Antwerp: Private Christmas Market Tour
Finally, the Private Christmas Market Tour is a cozy, festive experience during the holiday season. For 1.5 hours, you’ll wander the twinkling stalls, sip mulled wine, and enjoy local treats amid the market’s charming atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience Antwerp’s holiday traditions firsthand.
This tour is especially suited for those visiting during winter, wanting a more intimate, personalized experience of the seasonal festivities. The guide’s insights about the market’s history and traditions help deepen your holiday memories.
Bottom line: For a warm, festive way to experience Antwerp during Christmas, this private tour offers a cozy, memorable outing.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Antwerp
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and budget. For active explorers, the bike or e-kickscooter tours (see more) offer a lively pace and wide coverage. If you prefer a relaxed overview with cultural tales, the walking tours (Highights of Antwerp) or private dark side adventures (see details) are perfect. Food lovers should not miss the tasting tour (link), which combines casual bites with local stories. Budget travelers might prefer the self-guided scavenger hunt (more info), while those with a taste for mystery and history could enjoy the private dark side tour.
Booking early is a good idea—especially during peak seasons like summer or the Christmas period—as these tours tend to fill quickly. Check availability and consider what best suits your pace, interests, and group size.
Final Thoughts
Antwerp offers an impressive variety of tours and experiences tailored to different interests and activity levels. For an active, rundown, the Antwerp Bike Tours provide a lively introduction, while the Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp offers a more focused, cultural look. Foodies will appreciate the Tasting Tour, and history enthusiasts might enjoy uncovering the Dark Side of Antwerp—private or group.
No matter what you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out. These experiences will enrich your visit and help you bring home stories beyond the usual sightseeing. Now, it’s time to pick your adventure and go explore Antwerp’s many layers.