Antwerp: Private City Highlights Tour with History & Rubens

Summary

Walk Antwerp’s guild houses, secret alleys and Rubens’ world

You’ll walk Antwerp’s medieval heart with a local guide who knows every legend and shortcut—from hidden alleys to Rubens’ home studio. Expect stories behind grand squares and secret gardens, plus quiet moments in places most people miss. This private city highlights tour leaves you feeling part of Antwerp’s living history.

What’s the experience like?

We were already standing in the middle of Grote Markt when our guide, Pieter, waved us closer. There was a bit of drizzle—nothing dramatic, just that soft Belgian kind that makes the cobblestones shine. He pointed at the Brabo Fountain and asked if we’d heard the legend about the giant’s hand. I hadn’t, honestly. The story was wilder than I expected—something about bravery and why Antwerp is called “hand throwing.” I liked how Pieter didn’t rush; he let us look around at the guild houses, their gold trim catching what little sun there was.

Somewhere between the old Bourse and Hendrik Conscienceplein, I started to notice how quiet it gets off the main streets. You hear your own footsteps echoing. We ducked into Vlaeykensgang—the medieval alley you’d never find alone—and it smelled faintly of wood smoke from someone’s kitchen window. It felt like stepping back a few centuries (except for someone’s phone buzzing nearby). In the designer quarter, Pieter grinned at my attempt to pronounce “MoMu”—Li laughed too; apparently I butchered it. The fashion museum looked serious from outside but you could see flashes of color through the glass.

I didn’t expect to be so drawn in by Rubens’ house. There’s something odd about standing where he painted—like you’re trespassing on genius or maybe just ordinary life with better lighting. The walls are heavy with stories; Pieter told us how Rubens managed his workshop like a business, which made me think of modern studios more than old masters. And then at Plantin-Moretus Museum, that smell of old paper—almost sweet—hit me as soon as we stepped inside. It lingers.

The tour ended near the cathedral, its spire disappearing into low clouds. Pieter handed out tips for cafés and places to try Antwerp waffles (I still think about those). We stood there for a minute longer than we needed to—not quite ready to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Antwerp's main sights and history

• Visit Grote Markt square
• See Hendrik Conscience square
• Tour 17th century Baroque church
• Visit the Bourse of Antwerp
• Explore Rubens House
• Pass through designer's quarter
• Visit Plantin-Moretus Museum
• Walk Vlaeykensgang medieval street
• See Nello and Patrasche statue
• End at the Cathedral with guide

Top questions

How long does the private Antwerp city highlights tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is this Antwerp highlights tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What main attractions are included in this private tour?

The tour covers Grote Markt square, Hendrik Conscienceplein, St. Charles Borromeo Church, Bourse of Antwerp, Rubens House, MoMu Fashion Museum area, Plantin-Moretus Museum garden, Vlaeykensgang alley, Nello & Patrasche statue, and ends at the Cathedral.

Does this tour include entry tickets to museums?

The itinerary includes visits inside some monuments during opening hours; check specifics before booking.

Are infants or small children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided private walking tour through Antwerp’s central sights—Grote Markt square, Rubens House (when open), Plantin-Moretus Museum garden—and strolls through designer quarters and medieval alleys. Wheelchair access is provided throughout; strollers and service animals are welcome too.