How long does it take to walk through Antwerp's historic center?

A self-guided walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is relatively short, around 1.5 miles, but the narrow alleys and historic sites often encourage a slower pace.

Is the Vlaaikensgang alley free to visit?

Yes, the Vlaaikensgang is a public thoroughfare and is free to enter. However, it is a quiet residential area, so visitors should be respectful of the residents living there.

Can I see the wooden escalators in Antwerp?

Yes, you can find the famous original wooden escalators at the Sint-Annatunnel. They date back to the 1930s and are still used daily by pedestrians and cyclists crossing under the Scheldt river.

Is Antwerp's old town wheelchair accessible?

While the area is largely flat, many streets are covered in historic cobblestones which can be bumpy. The Sint-Annatunnel is accessible via modern elevators located next to the vintage escalators.

Where is the best place for photography in Antwerp?

The Vlaaikensgang alley and the Grote Markt offer the most iconic photo opportunities. The Sint-Annatunnel is also highly popular for its symmetrical Art Deco architecture and vintage aesthetic.

What is the Friday Market in Antwerp?

The Vrijdagmarkt is a historic square where auctions of second-hand goods have been held every Friday morning since the 16th century. It is a great place to experience local Flemish tradition.

Is the Sint-Annatunnel safe to walk at night?

Yes, the tunnel is well-lit and monitored, serving as a primary commuter route for locals. It remains open 24 hours a day and is generally considered very safe.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 25 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step away from the bustling shopping streets and into the quiet, cobblestone heart of Antwerp. This self-guided walk invites you to uncover the layers of a city that was once the most important trading hub in the world. As you navigate the winding paths of the Historic Center, you will encounter the stark contrast between the monumental grandeur of the Golden Age and the humble, hidden corners where ordinary citizens lived and worked centuries ago. The route begins at the imposing Museum Vleeshuis, a masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture that once served as the city’s meat market. From there, you will transition to the iconic Grote Markt, where the opulent guildhalls tell stories of wealth and power, before slipping into the secret passages that many visitors miss. One of the true highlights of this neighborhood stroll is the Vlaaikensgang, a 16th-century alleyway that feels frozen in time. Once home to the city’s poorest residents, it is now an oasis of peace, ivy-clad walls, and historic charm. As you continue your journey, you will explore the Vrijdagmarkt, a square steeped in the tradition of the printing press and the weekly auctions that have taken place here for hundreds of years. The experience concludes with a descent into the Sint-Annatunnel, a 1930s engineering marvel that takes you deep beneath the Scheldt river. This walking route is designed for those who love to discover history independently, allowing you to pause at a local café or linger in a courtyard whenever you choose. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of medieval brickwork or a history buff eager to learn about Antwerp’s maritime heritage, this audio walk provides the context and stories to bring the stones to life. Discover Antwerp at your own pace and find the hidden gems that define the soul of this Flemish city.

Highlights

The Gothic 'Blood and Music' architecture of Museum Vleeshuis
The secret 1591 alleyway of Vlaaikensgang
The opulent 16th-century Guildhalls of Grote Markt
The historic auction square of Vrijdagmarkt
The vintage wooden escalators of the Sint-Annatunnel

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Museum Vleeshuis

Welcome to the start of your self-guided walk. You are standing before the Vleeshuis, or Butcher’s Hall. Built in the early 16th century, its distinctive layers of red brick and white stone were designed to resemble 'speklagen' or layers of bacon—a nod to its original purpose. Inside, butchers once processed and sold meat under strict city regulations. Today, this Gothic monument houses a museum dedicated to 600 years of music and dance in Antwerp. Notice the soaring towers and the intricate masonry; this was a building designed to show off the wealth of the Butchers' Guild. It survived fires and wars, standing as one of the oldest remaining secular buildings in the city.

2

Grote Markt

As you enter the Grote Markt, you are standing in the ceremonial heart of Antwerp. Look up at the Guildhalls—these narrow, ornate buildings were the headquarters for the city’s various trades, from archers to tanners. The tallest is the House of the Crossbowmen. In the center stands the Brabo Fountain, depicting the legendary Roman soldier Silvius Brabo throwing the severed hand of a giant into the river Scheldt. This legend explains the city's name: 'Antwerpen' comes from 'hand werpen' or 'hand throwing.' The Renaissance-style City Hall on the western side is a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the city’s peak during the 16th century.

3

Vlaaikensgang

Step through the small door at Oude Koornmarkt 16 and you will find yourself in another world. The Vlaaikensgang dates back to 1591. While it is now an upscale and tranquil spot, it was originally a 'gang' or alley where the city’s poorest lived, including shoemakers and the person responsible for ringing the cathedral bells. This is the most famous hidden gem in Antwerp, preserved to look exactly as it did centuries ago. Listen to the silence here; it is a rare escape from the modern city noise. The white-washed walls and uneven stones evoke the medieval atmosphere of a neighborhood that once hummed with the sounds of manual labor.

4

Pelgrom

Nearby, you will find the entrance to Pelgrom. This location is famous for its subterranean vaulted ceilings. Antwerp is built on a network of 'ruien' or former canals and sewers, and buildings like this offer a glimpse into the underground history of the city. While today it serves as a cellar for dining and drinks, the architecture reflects the medieval storage systems used by merchants. The thick brick arches were essential for supporting the heavy houses above while providing a cool environment for goods brought in from the nearby docks. It serves as a reminder that Antwerp’s history is just as fascinating below ground as it is above.

5

Vrijdagmarkt

The Vrijdagmarkt, or Friday Market, has been the site of weekly auctions since the 16th century. Even today, every Friday morning, old furniture and household goods are auctioned off in the open air. The square is also home to the Plantin-Moretus Museum, once the most important printing house in Europe. The atmosphere here is quintessentially Antwerp—local, slightly weathered, and full of character. It was the center of the city’s intellectual life during the Renaissance. Take a moment to appreciate the statue of Saint Catherine, the patron saint of the old clothes buyers, standing atop the pump in the center of the square.

6

Sint-Annatunnel

Your journey ends at the Sint-Annatunnel, also known as the Underpass. Built between 1931 and 1933, this pedestrian tunnel connects the city center to the Left Bank. What makes it special are the original wooden escalators, which are rare and still fully functional. Descending into the tunnel feels like entering a vintage film set. It was built deep enough to allow ships to pass overhead without the need for a bridge that would block maritime traffic. Once you reach the bottom, the tunnel stretches for 572 meters under the river. It is a favorite spot for locals and offers a unique perspective on Antwerp’s 20th-century industrial heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Historic Center route is the best for history lovers. It covers the 16th-century Grote Markt, the medieval Vlaaikensgang alley, and the Gothic Vleeshuis, providing a comprehensive look at Antwerp's Golden Age.