Things To Do

At De Gulden Poorte, you are footsteps away from Antwerp's exciting attractions. Here are a few of our recommendations:

Zoo Antwerpen (dierentuin)

ZOO Antwerpen, founded in 1843, is Belgium’s oldest and one of Europe’s most historic zoos. Located in the heart of Antwerp, next to the iconic Antwerp Central Station, the zoo is renowned for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, lush gardens, and diverse collection of over 5,000 animals. As a leader in conservation, education, and research, ZOO Antwerpen plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and inspiring visitors to care for the natural world. A visit to this enchanting zoo is a perfect blend of history, culture, and wildlife discovery.

Meir

Cathedral of Our Lady

Chocolate Nation

Discover the largest Belgian Chocolate museum in the world in the center of Antwerp. In fourteen thematized spaces visitors are taken through a 60 to 90 minute chocolate journey. Starting in the cocoa plantations at the equator and following the cocoa bean to the world’s largest storage port of cocoa in Antwerp. A giant fantasy machine demonstrates how chocolate is made and how the velvety taste is created. Visitors discover why Belgian chocolate is world famous.

Grote Markt

Antwerp's "Great Market" square is a popular attraction in the heart of the old city.

Het Steen

Welcome to Het Steen, the hotspot for anyone wanting to visit Antwerp. This centuries-old fortress houses a Visitor Centre, a cruise terminal and The Antwerp Story - the perfect introduction to the city. After a visit to Het Steen, you are ready for a memorable time in Antwerp.

Rubenshuis

From then on, all visits start at 13, Hopland, where the brand-new building by Robbrecht en Daem architects is your gateway to the Rubens Experience, the lush renovated Baroque garden, and the library. A superb architectural design, a colourful museum gallery without a ceiling, 2,000 metres of books and paper, and a unique experience that is entirely geared towards the comfort of visitors. Thanks to technology, visitors can immerse themselves in Rubens’s life and world in the Rubens Experience. Everyone can browse the many thousands of documents in the library as part of their research. The new garden has become the green extension of Rubens’s city palace. The contemporary design features 17,500 plants and flowers and will remain beautiful year-round thanks to the colour advice of Antwerp fashion designer Dries Van Noten. This verdant urban oasis also has a superb view of Rubens’s home. For now, the artist residence is closed as part of the ongoing restoration.

MAS - Museum aan de Stroom