Antwerp, the city of Rubens - 1-day sightseeing plan
Antwerp delights with its historic center, museums and the lively atmosphere of a port city. If you only have one day, below you will find a sample of the most interesting things to do in the city.
👉: Train Station → Zoo → Old Town → Cathedral → Port
👉 See guided tours
👉: Train Station → Zoo → Old Town → Cathedral → Port
👉 See guided tours
🎫 Check ticket prices also on getyourguide
👉 🎧 Optional: audio-guided tour
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🚉 Antwerp Central Station (one of the most beautiful in Europe)
🦁 Antwerp Zoo (right next to the station)
🏛️ Old Town and Grote Markt
⛪ Cathedral of Our Lady with extraordinary paintings by Rubens
🌊 The port district with the second largest port in Europe
WeGoTrip
🚉 Antwerp Central Station (one of the most beautiful in Europe)
🦁 Antwerp Zoo (right next to the station)
🏛️ Old Town and Grote Markt
⛪ Cathedral of Our Lady with extraordinary paintings by Rubens
🌊 The port district with the second largest port in Europe
Visiting Antwerp in the footsteps of Rubens - an alternative version for lovers of the Baroque master
Antwerp is a city inextricably linked with the figure of Peter Paul Rubens, one of the greatest Baroque painters. It was here that the artist lived, created, worked for the most important churches and clients, and was buried. Walking in the footsteps of Rubens allows you to discover the most beautiful monuments of Antwerp and see places where the spirit of the great master is still present today.
1. 🏠🎨🖌️Rubens' House
We start the tour from Rubens' House , i.e. the former residence and studio of the artist. It was here that Rubens lived with his family, received guests, and ran his famous studio.
The house itself is currently under renovation, so its interior cannot be visited in the traditional way. However, it is still worth visiting this place – you can enter the gardens in front of the Rubens House and see the exhibition dedicated to Rubens, which presents the artist's life, work and importance for Antwerp.
The house itself is currently under renovation, so its interior cannot be visited in the traditional way. However, it is still worth visiting this place – you can enter the gardens in front of the Rubens House and see the exhibition dedicated to Rubens, which presents the artist's life, work and importance for Antwerp.
2. ⛪ Church of St. James
The next stage of the tour is The Church of St. James , a special place in Rubens's biography. This is where the grave of the artist and his family is located.
In the church you can also see the master's work The Blessed Virgin Mary among the Saints . Rubens painted this painting with his memorial in mind. It is believed that the artist immortalized members of his family in it, which makes the work not only have a religious dimension, but also a very personal one.
In the church you can also see the master's work The Blessed Virgin Mary among the Saints . Rubens painted this painting with his memorial in mind. It is believed that the artist immortalized members of his family in it, which makes the work not only have a religious dimension, but also a very personal one.
3. ⛪ Cathedral of Our Lady - a Gothic cathedral in the heart of Antwerp
The next point of the walk is the monumental Cathedral of Our Lady , one of the most beautiful churches in Belgium and the most important monuments of Antwerp. Its interior contains some of Rubens' most famous works.
Here you can admire several of the artist's monumental, masterful paintings, which delight with their scale, drama and Baroque grandeur. This is one of the most important places for anyone who wants to truly understand the genius of Rubens.
Here you can admire several of the artist's monumental, masterful paintings, which delight with their scale, drama and Baroque grandeur. This is one of the most important places for anyone who wants to truly understand the genius of Rubens.
4. 🛕 Church of St. Charles Borromeo
Next we visit the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, a unique Baroque church in which Rubens played the greatest role of all the places of worship in Antwerp – not only as a painter, but also as a decorator and architect.
His influence is visible in many elements of the church: the façade, the tower and the main altar. This place perfectly shows that Rubens was not only a brilliant painter, but also an artist who co-created sacred space in its full Baroque dimension.
His influence is visible in many elements of the church: the façade, the tower and the main altar. This place perfectly shows that Rubens was not only a brilliant painter, but also an artist who co-created sacred space in its full Baroque dimension.
5. 🏰 St. Paul's Church
The last stop is St. Paul's Church, one of Antwerp's most unusual churches. Inside, alongside works by Rubens, there are also works by other great masters of the Flemish Baroque.
Here you can see works by artists such as Antoon van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens and other outstanding creators of the era. St. Paul's Church is a true gallery of sacred art, where painting, sculpture and architecture create a unique whole.
Here you can see works by artists such as Antoon van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens and other outstanding creators of the era. St. Paul's Church is a true gallery of sacred art, where painting, sculpture and architecture create a unique whole.
👉 Where to stay in Antwerp?
If you plan to stay overnight, it is best to choose accommodation in one of these locations:
📍 Center (Grote Markt) – close to all attractions
📍 The area around the station – great communication
📍 Eilandje – a modern waterfront district
👉 Check current prices and availability for accommodation in Antwerp:
👇
📍 Center (Grote Markt) – close to all attractions
📍 The area around the station – great communication
📍 Eilandje – a modern waterfront district
👉 Check current prices and availability for accommodation in Antwerp:
👇
Compare hotel prices also on 👉 : klook
Below I present attractions for all those who want to plan their own sightseeing tour of the port city.
