Antwerp Old City Walking Tour: Medieval Streets & Secrets

Medieval squares, guildhouses, and a tower that changed Europe—told by someone who knows the city

A 2-hour walking tour through Antwerp's old town with a local guide in English, covering the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt, Butcher's Hall and the Stone Castle. The guide shares stories of Spanish rule and medieval Antwerp, plus recommendations for restaurants, bars and museums beyond the tour route. Tipping the guide is optional; tips typically range from €10 to €50.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Antwerp Old City Highlights

• Visit Antwerp's old Stone Castle
• See the musical instrument museum
• Explore Antwerp Grand Market Square
• Visit Roman Catholic church facade
• View Europe's first skyscraper tower
• Walk through 16th century alleyway
• End tour at Cathedral of Our Lady

The Experience

The tour starts at Antwerp's Stone Castle, a structure nearly 1,000 years old that once dominated far more of the city than it does now. From there you move through the old town on foot, stopping at the Butcher's Hall—a 500-year-old guildhouse now housing a musical instrument museum—and the Grote Markt, the square where the city's wealth and power originated. The guide walks you past a hidden Roman Catholic church tucked into a quiet square, points out the tower in the city center that was Europe's first skyscraper, and leads you down a perfectly preserved 16th-century alley next to the cathedral.

The tour ends at the Cathedral of Our Lady, built over 170 years and still one of the city's most striking buildings. Throughout the walk, the guide—a local with years of experience hosting and showing people around Antwerp—fills in the gaps between the landmarks: tales of Spanish rulers, the city's role in Belgian history, and the everyday details that make the streets work the way they do. You also get personal suggestions for where to eat, drink, and spend time beyond what the tour covers.

The route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and it suits all fitness levels. All surfaces and areas are wheelchair accessible. Public transportation stops are nearby if you need them. At the end, there's a small surprise—the guide's way of wrapping up the morning.

What’s included

• A 2-hour walking tour led by a local guide in English.
• access to all stops including the Stone Castle, Butcher's Hall, Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady.
• personal recommendations for restaurants, bars, museums and local events.
• a small surprise at the end of the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Urban Insight Tours

Is this one for you?This tour is for anyone who wants to understand Antwerp's medieval past and how the city actually works, guided by someone who lives here and knows where the real corners are. The local guide and the walking pace mean you move through the old town without a bus or a schedule that doesn't fit the cobblestones.

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Top questions

What is the Stone Castle and why does it matter to Antwerp's story?

Antwerp's Stone Castle is nearly 1,000 years old and once occupied far more of the city than it does today. It holds a tremendous amount of history and is the starting point of the tour, setting the stage for understanding how the city has changed over centuries.

How long does the walking tour take?

The tour runs for 2 hours and covers the old town on foot, moving between the Stone Castle, Grote Markt, the Cathedral, and several other stops along the way.

What is the Butcher's Hall and what will I see inside it?

The Butcher's Hall is a 500-year-old guildhouse that now houses a musical instrument museum. The guide shows you the building and explains its history as part of the walking route through the old town.

What kind of local knowledge does the guide share beyond the main landmarks?

The guide offers personal recommendations for bars, restaurants, museums and events in Antwerp, plus insider tips on how locals navigate and experience the city. This is part of what makes the tour more than just a walk past historic buildings.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces on the route are wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can travel in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed, and public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tipping is optional and entirely up to you. If you choose to tip, guides typically receive between €10 and €50, depending on your budget and satisfaction with the tour.