Things to do for free in Antwerp
So, you’re low on euros but high on curiosity? Perfect. Antwerp is a city that rewards wanderers: many of its best experiences don’t cost a cent. From rooftop views to secret gardens, here’s how to explore the city like a local (and save your cash for fries and chocolates).
Free viewpoints in Antwerp
Let’s start at the top. Literally. Take the escalators inside the MAS museum and head all the way up to the rooftop. It’s completely free and the 360° view over the city and harbour is worth the ride. No need to visit the museum, just enjoy the panorama.
Another tip? Walk through the voetgangerstunnel under the river Scheldt. It’s a surreal wooden escalator tunnel from the 1930s. On the other side, you’ll find Linkeroever: the green left bank with stunning skyline views and quiet park vibes.
There’s also a free ferry across the Scheldt. It runs between the left and right banks, gives you a refreshing breeze, and unbeatable photo ops if you want to return via a different route. No ticket needed.
Mas Museum in the distance
Budget-friendly things to do in Antwerp city center
The old town is ideal for wandering around. With its cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and medieval façades, it’s a place where you can simply follow your curiosity.
If you want to see more in less time, consider renting a bike. You can ride past the trendy warehouses at Eilandje, enjoy the spacious Park Spoor Noord, or admire the charming houses of Zurenborg.
Sip a Belgian beer in the park
Bars are fun, but your wallet might disagree. In Belgium, drinking in public parks is allowed. Actually, it is a national sport. So grab a cold beer at the supermarket and chill in one of these free green spots:
- Park Spoor Noord: Once an old railway site, now a lively city park with wide lawns, playgrounds, and a big summer bar.
- Stadspark: A classic 19th-century city park featuring a pond, shady trees, and occasional volleyball games or soccer matches.
- Middelheimpark: Part sculpture park, part forest, and part picnic paradise. It’s an ideal spot for art lovers and daydreamers alike.
Group of cyclists at the Park Spoor Noord.
Hide out in secret city gardens
Need a break from the city buzz? Antwerp hides a few peaceful spots right in the center:
- The silent garden behind the DIVA museum is small, quiet and beautifully tucked away. Surrounded by old walls and greenery, it’s the perfect place to breathe, read, or just chill. No ticket is needed; just slip in from the Braderijstraat.
- Begijnhof garden has a hidden courtyard with cobbled paths, tucked behind old convent houses. Quiet, charming, and full of stories.
- The University of Antwerp courtyard looks like Hogwarts, no joke.
Begijnhof not only features a beautiful garden.
Free (or almost free) art & culture in Antwerp
You don’t need a museum ticket to get a cultural fix in Antwerp. The city is full of stories — if you know where to look.
- Portopolis features a free, interactive exhibition about the Port of Antwerp. Explore a giant 3D map, discover how ships navigate the docks, and learn what makes one of Europe’s biggest ports tick. Totally free!
- Many churches double as art museums. The entrance fees are usually low (€5 or less), and you’ll find masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens. Sint-Pauluskerk and Carolus Borromeuskerk are two gems you shouldn’t miss.
- A great way to discover the city’s street art is with the Street Art Cities app. It guides you to hidden murals and graffiti across Antwerp, complete with artists’ names, stories behind the works, and curated walking or cycling routes, like a 22-kilometre bike tour that starts at the Grote Markt and passes 24 artworks.
- Zomer van Antwerpen in summer is a city-wide festival that fills parks and pop-up locations with free performances, ranging from circus acts to concerts. Check the agenda to catch something unexpected.
Eye candy for architecture lovers
You don’t need tickets to enjoy beautiful buildings.
- Antwerp Central Station: A 1905 railway cathedral often listed among the world’s most beautiful stations.
- The Stock Exchange (Handelsbeurs): Rebuilt in neo-Gothic style after a fire, open to the public when no events occur.
- Zurenborg: An entire neighbourhood of art nouveau houses with turrets, curls, and colour.
Free events and markets in Antwerp
Markets are the heartbeat of local life and in Antwerp, there’s one for every vibe. Here’s where to browse, snack and soak up the atmosphere:
- Saturday and Sunday market at Theaterplein: The Saturday market (also called the exotic market) is a foodie favourite, with flavours from around the world. Think Moroccan olives, Turkish pastries, fresh oysters and more. The air is filled with spices, flowers and lively chatter. A perfect way to start your weekend. Stay for lunch and a bit of people-watching. The Sunday market (also known as the bird market) is a more traditional market with a very local characters. Smaller and quieter than Saturday, and it closes earlier (at 1PM), but still full of charm.
- Wednesday market (Sint-Jansplein): A multicultural neighbourhood market where you can grab herbs, fruit, or just enjoy the buzz.
- Vrijdagmarkt (Vrijdagplein): An open-air auction where locals bid on furniture and odd treasures. Free entertainment guaranteed.
- Swan Market: This creative lifestyle market pops up a few times a year, featuring handmade goods, small brands, food trucks, and live music.
- Markt van Morgen: A market for local designers, sustainable makers and upcoming talent. Check socials for upcoming dates.
Final tip: let your bike do the work
While most of the places mentioned are walkable, a bike is your best friend if you’re short on time (or want to see more). You can rent a bike yourself or join one of our relaxing bike tours. They are packed with stories and fun facts.
