5 must-see spots in Antwerp for first-time visitors

Planning your first visit to Antwerp? You're in for a treat. Belgium’s second-largest city is bursting with charm, if I may say so myself (as a local). These five spots are the perfect place to start getting to know the city: 1. Visit the Central Station Even if you're not arriving by train, make sure to swing by Antwerp Central Station. This architectural masterpiece feels more like a cathedral than a train station. With its grand dome, intricate stonework, and multiple levels of tracks, it’s often listed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. 2. Climb to the top of the MAS The MAS -short for Museum aan de Stroom- is located in the trendy Eilandje district. While the museum itself is worth a visit, you don’t need a ticket to access the panoramic rooftop. Take the escalators up to the 10th (or is it 11th?) floor and enjoy one of the best free viewpoints in the city. You’ll see the old port, the skyline, and on a clear day, even the outlines of the distant Kempen region. 3. Walk along Cogels-Osylei Head to the Zurenborg neighborhood for a completely different vibe. Cogels-Osylei is a dreamy street lined with some of the most stunning fin-de-siècle architecture you’ll ever see. Think art nouveau, eclectic façades, turrets, mosaics, and plenty of architectural flair. It’s a quiet walk, perfect for a slow afternoon. 4. KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts After more than a decade of renovation, the KMSKA is back and it’s more impressive than ever. The building itself is a work of art, blending historic grandeur with sleek, modern design. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Flemish greats like Rubens, modern and contemporary works. Even if you’re not a typical museum-goer, this one might just surprise you. 5. Something to eat in Chinatown Just around the corner from Central Station, you’ll find Van Wesenbekestraat, or better known as Antwerp’s Chinatown. It’s a short street packed with Asian supermarkets, bubble tea bars, and authentic Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese restaurants. One of the many Asian spots is Bai Wei, a restaurant which truly stands out. They’re famous for their hand-pulled noodles, made fresh right in front of you. Every time I take a walk through the city, I bring my Fujifilm camera with me = fast and easy. For these photos, I used both the Fujifilm X-T30 II and the Fujifilm X-S20.

@Hannahninavr

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