Antwerp’s historical tours offer a no-nonsense look at Belgium’s most fascinating port city. The old town core packs centuries of history into walkable neighborhoods where medieval guildhalls and baroque churches tell stories of wealth and artistic achievement.
Standout experiences include the guided walks through the diamond district, where you’ll learn about the city’s 500-year history as the world’s diamond capital. The evening pub tours are equally rewarding, combining local beer culture with stories of merchant guilds in atmospheric historic taverns.
What works particularly well is the accessibility – most tours accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and flexible cancellation policies make booking worry-free. The enthusiastic local guides consistently earn top marks for bringing Antwerp’s past to life.
Let’s explore the best historical tours this remarkable city has to offer.
Key Points
- Antwerp offers immersive historical tours including medieval guild houses, baroque churches, and UNESCO sites, with high traveler satisfaction ratings.
- Private and specialized tours provide personalized experiences, such as diamond and jewelry tours, pub crawls, and eco-friendly TukTuk explorations.
- Tours are accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals, with flexible booking options and complimentary cancellation policies.
- Knowledgeable guides offer insightful commentary and personalized experiences, with opportunities for culinary recommendations during the tours.
- Tours highlight Antwerp’s captivating historical legacy and its pivotal role in Belgium’s past, fostering a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural significance.
Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp
The Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp offers travelers an immersive exploration of Antwerp’s rich history and captivating legends.
Located in the heart of Belgium, this highly recommended 1,414-review tour guides visitors through the medieval guild houses, baroque churches, and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Antwerp’s historical center.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour showcases key landmarks like the Grote Markt, Nello and Patrasche Statue, Rubens’ former home, and a charming medieval alleyway.
Accessible to wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Antwerp’s vibrant past.
With complimentary cancellation and reserve now, pay later options, this tour is an excellent choice for understanding the city’s culture and history.
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Antwerp – Private Historic Walking Tour
Commencing from the Lange Wapper Statue at the foot of the staircase of Het Steen Castle, the Antwerp – Private Historic Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s captivating past.
Priced at $367.87 for up to 20 participants, this 2-hour tour is available in English, Dutch, French, and German.
Highlights include the fairytale-like Het Steen Castle, the architecturally stunning Great Market Square, the secluded Vlaeykensgang Alley, the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady, and the magnificent Central Train Station.
With a live tour guide providing insightful commentary, this tour caters to couples, groups, solo travelers, and families alike.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this a convenient option to discover Antwerp’s rich history.
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Private Tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp
Enjoy the captivating history and must-see sights of Antwerp on this private walking tour. Rated 4.9 out of 263 reviews, this recommended experience covers the city’s top attractions, including the Rubens House, Grote Markt, and Butchers’ Hall.
Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll learn about Antwerp’s rich culture and past while enjoying a tailored experience. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
With flexible time slots and hotel pickup options, you can easily fit this 2-hour tour into your schedule. Priced from $88.46 per person, this tour offers a low-price guarantee and a reserve now, pay later option.
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Antwerp: Historic Center Walking Tour in Small Group
Explore Antwerp’s captivating historical center on this small-group walking tour.
You’ll stroll through the Old Town, admiring the stunning architecture and learning about the city’s rich past.
Visit the impressive Antwerp City Hall, a Renaissance masterpiece, and discover the Groenplaats, a lively square lined with guild houses.
The knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into Antwerp’s cultural heritage and the influential role it played in European trade.
With a maximum of 12 participants, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover Antwerp’s charm, this walking tour is an excellent way to learn about the city’s historic heart.
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Tuktuk Tour Through Historic Antwerp of 1.5 Hours
This private, eco-friendly TukTuk tour offers visitors a captivating 1.5-hour journey through Antwerp’s historic heart.
Travelers can explore key landmarks like Het Steen, the Grote Markt, and various museums. The tour is highly recommended, with 97% of past travelers giving it 4.8 stars.
Guides provide insightful commentary on local history and architecture, and the experience can be customized to personal interests.
The tour includes all fees and taxes, and travelers can conveniently meet at Groenplaats or be picked up in central Antwerp.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals, making it accessible to most visitors.
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Antwerp: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour
For those seeking an in-depth exploration of Antwerp’s rich history, the Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging two-hour experience.
Priced from Kč 4,153 per group (up to 2 participants), this private tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s medieval and Baroque architectural gems, including the Grote Markt, Carolus Borromeus Church, and Rubens House.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories, local legends, and insider facts, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
The tour is available in English, Spanish, and Dutch, and is wheelchair accessible.
With a 4.8/5 overall rating, this tour is likely to sell out, so participants are advised to reserve their spot in advance.
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Private Antwerps Diamonds and Jewellery Old City Center Historic Tour
Antwerp’s renowned jewelry-making industry takes center stage in the Private Antwerps Diamonds and Jewellery Old City Center Historic Tour.
Recommended by 90% of travelers, this 2-hour private tour offers an in-depth look at the city’s diamond heritage. Highlights include visiting Saint Paul’s Church’s diamond treasury and meeting contemporary designers in private ateliers.
Travelers can explore independent boutiques, gallery spaces, and designer studios, with a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide. The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation.
While reviews praise the guides’ expertise and unique shop visits, some note uncertainty regarding expectations for specific designer encounters.
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Antwerp: Pub Crawl in the Historical City
Immersing oneself in Antwerp’s historical pubs and sampling a variety of Belgian beers is the focus of the Antwerp Pub Crawl.
Priced from $94.60 per group, the 2-hour tour takes participants to 3 local pubs, allowing them to explore the city’s rich beer culture.
Led by passionate, well-trained guides in Dutch and English, the crawl includes storytelling, tasting different beer styles, and an optional brewery visit.
Although drinks aren’t included, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults.
Participants will receive tips and addresses to enhance their Antwerp experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Antwerp Pub Crawl promises an engaging and informative exploration of the city’s historical pubs.
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Antwerp: Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour
Travelers seeking a more comprehensive exploration of Antwerp’s rich history can embark on the Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour.
Priced at $294.30 for up to 20 participants, this private walking tour provides a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable guide.
The itinerary highlights the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Renaissance City Hall, the Brabo Fountain, and the magnificent Our Lady Cathedral.
Participants will also discover the charming Vlaeykensgang and Groenplaats Square, ending at the bustling Meir shopping street.
With a 4.6/5 overall rating and positive feedback on value for money, this tour offers an insightful and enjoyable way to explore Antwerp’s architectural and cultural heritage.
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Antwerp: Historical Walking Tour in the Old City
For those seeking an immersive exploration of Antwerp’s historical legacy, the 2.5-hour Historical Walking Tour in the Old City offers an engaging and affordable experience. Priced from just $3.14 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and medieval past.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, you will discover tales of Roman conquerors, Spanish rulers, and Antwerp’s pivotal role in Belgium’s history. Along the way, they’ll receive culinary recommendations and enjoy personalized attention in small groups.
With a 5/5 rating based on 27 reviews, this tour is a must for anyone interested in uncovering Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage.
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Antwerp Historical Walking Tour
Antwerp’s rich history comes alive on the 2-hour Historical Walking Tour, offering an engaging exploration of the city’s pivotal role in Belgium’s past.
Priced at $94.60 per group, the tour is available in Dutch and English, with a private group option. The tour covers highlights like the River Scheldt, the oldest guild house, the Carolus Borromeus Church, and the Plantin & Moretus museum garden.
Guided by knowledgeable and attentive hosts, the tour provides access to churches and museums, free of charge when no events are scheduled.
With a perfect 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews, the tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover Antwerp’s captivating historical legacy.
Read our full review: Antwerp Historical Walking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Antwerp boasts a rich history, and these tours provide visitors with a captivating glimpse into its past. From walking tours that uncover local legends to pub crawls exploring the historic city center, there’s something for all. Whether you prefer a private guided experience or a small group setting, these tours offer an immersive way to discover Antwerp’s fascinating heritage.