The 10 Best Historical Tours in Antwerp

1.Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,837 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

This two-hour English walking tour leads you from Antwerp’s Grote Markt to the Cathedral of Our Lady, with stops at Rubens sites, the Bourse, Vlaeykensgang, and the Nello and Patrasche statue. Guides such as Arie, Luc, Beren, and Marc combine local stories, history, humor, and practical tips. Expect a group of up to 35 and plenty of standing.

“This was a remarkable historical tour of Antwerp. Our guide, Marc, was knowledgeable and opened to questions. He shared so many facts about this beautiful and colorful city's history in chronological order. The tour was well paced and sprinkled with Marc's humor. We highly recommend this tour!”

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2.Historical Walking Tour in the Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 373 reviews · 2 hours · from $3Best value

Walk Antwerp’s Old City with an English-speaking local guide, from Het Steen and the Grote Markt to the cathedral and Vlaaikensgang. Hear stories of Roman conquerors, Spanish rule, trade, and local customs. Guides such as Shabnam, Sergio, Joris, and Anna-Lena also share practical tips on food, bars, museums, and events.

“Despite a rainy afternoon, I totally enjoyed this tour. The guide, Joris van Biel was very knowledgeable, proud of his city, excellent communicator and friendly. Could not beat the value of this walking tour”

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3.Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

This private English-language walk takes you through Antwerp’s old center with guides such as Luc D., Johan, Edna, Flip, and Arie. In about two hours, you’ll see Grote Markt, Rubens landmarks, the Bourse, Vlaeykensgang, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. It suits first-time visitors who want history, local tales, and practical tips in a flexible format.

“Lizbeth was incredible. She gave such a locally inspired private tour. She somehow was able to answer ever obscure question I asked. She was a delight to learn from and was one of the best guides I have ever had.”

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4.Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 277 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $3

Explore Antwerp’s historic center in about two hours with an English-speaking local guide. The route links Het Steen, Grote Markt, Vlaeykensgang, Carolus Borromeus Church, Boerentoren, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Guides such as Britt, Sergio, Muriel, Casper, Shanmon, and Joris bring different stories and styles, with local suggestions and a small surprise at the end.

“Shanmon our tour guide was so knowledgeable and shared many interesting facts and stories about the rich heritage and historical backdrop of Antwerp. She was very attentive to the groups interests.”

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5.Private Historical Tour: Legends of Antwerp

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 125 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Walk Antwerp’s old center with a private English-speaking guide, visiting Grote Markt, Het Steen, Vlaeykensgang, the Cathedral, and more. Guides such as Flip, Luc D, Joske, and Beren bring local stories to life, including the city’s giant, hand symbol, Golden Age, Rubens, and printing past. Expect cobblestones, flexible pacing, and no included museum admission.

“Beren was a fantastic tour guide and he knows SO MUCH about Antwerp! I loved learning the backstory of the hands you see throughout Antwerp, as well as the Red Star Line’s history. If you’re a history buff, I highly recommend booking a private tour with Beren- you won’t regret it!”

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6.Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 70 reviews · 3 hours

Meet your private guide at Antwerp’s Brabo Fountain for a three-hour walk through the old quarter, Grote Markt, Our Lady Cathedral, Vlaeykensgang, Groenplaats, Meir, Rubens House, and Central Station. Guides speak Dutch, English, French, or German. Luc and Rosemarie have earned special praise for flexible, engaging tours.

“Rosemarie hat uns sehr freundlich, sehr entspannt, humorvoll und mit viel Wissen durch Antwerpen geführt. Klare Empfehlung!”

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7.Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English, Dutch, or Spanish-speaking guide under the red umbrella in Grote Markt. In two private hours, you’ll see guild houses, Baroque churches, Rubens House, MoMu, Museum Plantin-Moretus, Vlaeykensgang, and Antwerp Cathedral, with legends, jokes, and local food tips along the way.

“Es war super, dass der Gight vorab Kontakt mit uns aufgenommen hat. So wussten wir, dass alles klappen wird. Treffpunkt war kein Problem. Wir hatten zwei sehr interessante Stunden bei unserem Rundgang durch Antwerpen.”

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8.TukTuk Tour through historic Antwerp 2.5h

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $253

Explore Antwerp by private tuk tuk with guides such as Xavier, Christel, Leo, or Inge. In 2.5 hours, you’ll see Het Steen, the Vleeshuis, MAS, the Friday market, and Grote Markt, with time for city history, photos, and route changes based on your interests.

“Inge was the owner and was filling in for some guides on vacation. It was a really one of the best we had this trip. We stopped for a treat toward the end which was yummy. I highly recommend.”

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9.Private Antwerp’s Diamonds and Jewellery Old City Center Historic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Follow a private English-speaking guide from DIVA through Antwerp’s old center, learning how diamonds, silver, and gold shaped the city. Visit Saint Paul’s Church, historic trading streets, Pascale Masselis’s atelier, and creative jewellers on Wijngaardstraat. The tour costs $234.93 per group of up to 15.

“Erg persoonlijke, enthousiaste en betrokken vertelling door onze gids. Zijn op plekjes geweest die we bij onze veelvuldige bezoeken aan Antwerpen voorbij waren gelopen. De stad heeft een nieuwe dimensie gekregen.”

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10.Pub Crawl in the Historical City

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 2 hours

Walk Antwerp’s old town with a private English or Dutch-speaking guide, visiting three historic pubs in two hours. Guide Flip is often named as the host, and you can taste Belgian beers ranging from hoppy to sour and fruity. Drinks cost extra, including one for your guide at each stop.

“Flip is een geweldige gids en wist ons veel te vertellen en heeft ons mooie biertjes laten proeven.”

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