How long does it take to walk through Zurenborg?

A thorough exploration typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. The route is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long, allowing plenty of time to stop and photograph the intricate house facades.

Is Zurenborg worth visiting if I only have one day in Antwerp?

Yes, if you enjoy history and aesthetics. While most tourists stay in the historic center, Zurenborg offers a unique look at Antwerp's 19th-century golden age and is easily accessible by a short tram ride from the Central Station.

Where are the 'Four Seasons' houses in Antwerp?

The 'De Vier Seizoenen' houses are located at the intersection of Waterloostraat and Generaal Van Merlenstraat in the Zurenborg district. They are famous for their seasonal mosaics and Art Nouveau architecture.

Can you go inside the Art Nouveau houses in Zurenborg?

No, the vast majority of these buildings are private residences. Visitors can enjoy the stunning exteriors from the public sidewalk, but interior access is usually restricted to special events like Heritage Day.

What is the most beautiful street in Antwerp?

The Cogels-Osylei is frequently cited as the most beautiful street in Antwerp. It is lined with grand, eclectic mansions that showcase a variety of historical revival styles.

Is the Zurenborg walking route family-friendly?

Absolutely. The area is flat, mostly quiet, and features a large playground and many family-friendly cafes at Dageraadplaats, making it an easy stroll for parents with strollers.

When is the best time of day to visit Zurenborg for photography?

The golden hour, just before sunset, is ideal for photography. The low light emphasizes the textures of the brickwork and mosaics, and the neighborhood feels particularly magical as the streetlights begin to flicker on.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the medieval center of Antwerp and enter a world of architectural fantasy. The Zurenborg district is widely considered one of the most beautiful residential areas in Europe, serving as a living museum of the Belle Époque. This neighborhood stroll takes you through a dreamscape of Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance, and Gothic Revival styles that flourished between 1894 and 1906. While the rest of Antwerp was modernizing its port, a group of visionary developers and architects were turning these streets into a display of middle-class prestige and artistic expression. This self-guided walk invites you to look up and discover the intricate details that make Zurenborg unique, from vibrant ceramic mosaics and wrought-iron balconies to whimsical turrets and sunflower motifs. You will explore the contrasting atmospheres of the district, starting at the social heart of the neighborhood, the Dageraadplaats, before moving into the grand, palace-like atmosphere of the Cogels-Osylei. Unlike a standard walking tour Antwerp visitors might find in the crowded center, this route offers a peaceful, aesthetic immersion into a local favorite area. You will encounter houses named after flowers, seasons, and historical battles, each telling a story of the owner's personality and the architect's flair. Highlights include the famous 'Battle of Waterloo' mosaics and the iconic corner houses representing the four seasons. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a photography lover looking for the most Instagram-worthy streets in Belgium, this walking route provides the perfect independent adventure. Discover why this 'hidden gem' has become a protected urban landscape and how the community keeps the spirit of the 19th century alive today.

Highlights

The vibrant café culture of Dageraadplaats

The stunning 'Battle of Waterloo' mosaics on Waterloostraat

The grand, eclectic palaces of Cogels-Osylei

Whimsical Art Nouveau details like sunflowers and wrought iron

The iconic 'Four Seasons' corner houses

A peaceful, local neighborhood away from the tourist crowds

Tour Stops (6)

Dageraadplaats

Start your self-guided adventure at Dageraadplaats, the beating heart of Zurenborg. This square is a local favorite, known for its relaxed atmosphere and numerous café terraces. Unlike the formal squares of the city center, Dageraadplaats feels like a communal living room. Take a look at the ceiling of the square—it features a modern lighting installation that mimics a starry night sky. Originally, this area was part of a large estate before it was developed into the residential paradise you see today. It serves as the perfect transition point from the everyday bustle of Antwerp into the architectural dreamscape of the Belle Époque. Before moving on, notice how the square is surrounded by houses that hint at the diverse styles you are about to encounter.

Transvaalstraat

As you enter Transvaalstraat, the architectural ambition of Zurenborg begins to reveal itself. This street serves as a showcase for the eclectic tastes of the late 19th century. You will see a mixture of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles sitting side-by-side. Look for the house 'De Twaalf Maanden' (The Twelve Months), which features panels representing different times of the year. The architects here were given incredible freedom, leading to a streetscape where no two houses are exactly alike. This street marks the beginning of the district’s most prestigious zone, where wealthy residents competed to build the most striking facades. Notice the use of high-quality materials like white stone and colorful brickwork that have survived beautifully for over a century.

Waterloostraat

Waterloostraat is a highlight for any architecture lover. This street is famous for its literal interpretations of themes. Keep an eye out for the 'Battle of Waterloo' houses, which feature large, colorful ceramic mosaics depicting scenes from the famous 1815 battle. Look for the house 'De Slag van Waterloo' and its counterpart 'Le Lion de Waterloo.' Further down, you will find some of the neighborhood's most iconic Art Nouveau examples, such as the 'Sunflower' house (Zonnebloem). The organic curves, floral motifs, and innovative use of ironwork here are hallmarks of the style. This street perfectly illustrates how the Belle Époque was not just about wealth, but about a new, expressive way of living that broke away from traditional academic styles.

Cogels-Osylei

Welcome to the Cogels-Osylei, the most famous street in Zurenborg and perhaps all of Antwerp. This grand avenue feels more like a parade of mini-palaces than a residential street. It was designed to impress, featuring monumental buildings in Neo-Gothic, Neo-Classical, and Tudor styles. The scale here is vastly different from the cozy side streets. Many of these homes were built by the upper middle class who wanted to live like aristocrats. As you walk, notice the variety of balconies, loggias, and turrets. The street is named after two prominent families, Cogels and Osy, who were instrumental in the development of the district. It remains one of the most prestigious addresses in the city and a testament to the optimism of the pre-World War I era.

Antwerpen-Berchem

The development of Zurenborg was intrinsically linked to this railway station. Antwerpen-Berchem provided the necessary transport links that allowed this 'suburb' to thrive. The station itself is a mix of historical and modern architecture. In the late 1800s, the proximity to the rail line made Zurenborg an attractive location for commuters who worked in the city center but wanted a quieter, more prestigious home. The station acts as a gateway, separating the historic district from the more modern parts of Berchem. It is a reminder that while Zurenborg looks like a fairytale, it was a product of the industrial age and the growing connectivity of the 19th-century world.

De Vier Seizoenen

Conclude your neighborhood stroll at the intersection of Waterloostraat and Generaal Van Merlenstraat to see 'De Vier Seizoenen' (The Four Seasons). These four corner houses are a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design, each dedicated to a different season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each house features a beautiful mosaic and architectural details that reflect its specific season—look for the colors and flora that change from one corner to the next. This ensemble is one of the most photographed spots in Antwerp. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Zurenborg: a blend of nature, art, and daily life. From here, you are perfectly positioned to return to Dageraadplaats for a well-deserved drink at one of the local cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions

For architecture enthusiasts, a self-guided walk through the Zurenborg district is unbeatable. It features the highest concentration of Art Nouveau and Belle Époque styles in the city, centered around the Cogels-Osylei and Waterloostraat.