5 Unusual Things to Do in Antwerp
Antwerp is much more than its famous cathedral, bustling port, or renowned Diamond District. As Belgium’s second-largest city, it also offers a wealth of unique experiences that let you discover the city from a completely different perspective. Whether you’re a fan of puzzle games, a food lover, a Belgian beer enthusiast, or simply looking for fun activities with friends, Antwerp has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to enjoy.
From outdoor treasure hunts through the historic center and craft beer tastings to glow-in-the-dark painting workshops, food tours, and even axe throwing sessions, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. These unusual activities are perfect for a romantic weekend, a family outing, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or simply for exploring the city in a more immersive way.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve selected the best unusual things to do in Antwerp. Here’s our pick of the most original experiences you shouldn’t miss if you want to discover the Flemish capital from a different perspective.
1 – Visit Antwerp: Explore the City Differently with the “Antwerp Highlights” Treasure Hunt
Looking for an original way to discover Antwerp away from the usual tourist routes? The Antwerp Highlights treasure hunt, created by Paris Enigmes, invites you to explore the historic center of the Flemish capital through an immersive adventure combining puzzles, observation, and cultural discoveries.
Starting from Het Steen Castle, the app guides you through historic streets, lively squares, and the iconic landmarks that have made Antwerp famous. Along the way, you’ll discover the city’s must-see attractions, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, City Hall, the Vleeshuis Museum, the Meir Palace, the Antwerp Opera House, and the famous Brabo Fountain. Each stop offers the chance to admire Flemish architecture, elegant Renaissance façades, and the many treasures that reflect the city’s rich history.
Throughout the route, you’ll solve puzzles inspired by the landmarks around you. Your observation skills and logical thinking will be put to the test as you uncover the story of Antwerp, from its rise as one of Europe’s greatest ports and its Golden Age during the 16th century to the masterpieces of Rubens and Van Dyck and the legends that shaped the city’s identity.
The experience is entirely self-guided and can be started at any time of day without prior booking. Whether you’re visiting Antwerp as a couple, with friends, or as a family, it’s a fun and interactive way to explore the city at your own pace while enjoying its most beautiful landmarks.
This original experience transforms sightseeing into a real urban treasure hunt, perfectly combining history, entertainment, and exploration.
Practical Information
Starting point: Het Steen, Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Price: Free
Minimum age: Suitable for everyone (children can participate with adult supervision)
Team size: 1 to 4 players per smartphone
What you’ll need: An Android or iPhone smartphone with the Paris Enigmes app installed, plus comfortable walking shoes
Opening hours: Start whenever you like, every day, with no reservation required
2 – Discover Belgian Beer in a Different Way with a BeerWalk in Antwerp
Love Belgian beer and want to explore Antwerp through its culinary traditions? The BeerWalk Antwerp offers a unique three-hour guided tour that combines historical sightseeing with tastings of locally brewed craft beers.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll stroll through the historic city center while learning about Antwerp’s fascinating history and its long-standing brewing tradition. Along the route, you’ll stop at several iconic venues to sample five carefully selected Belgian beers, including exclusive brews that are difficult to find anywhere else.
The tour also introduces you to the different styles of Belgian beer, tasting techniques, and the important role beer has played in the city’s development. Among the highlights are Testbrouwsel De Koninck served on draft and Semini’s Aksiedent, a locally brewed Belgian triple.
The experience is suitable for both casual beer lovers and dedicated enthusiasts. Guests who prefer not to drink alcohol can replace one or more beer tastings with coffee or a soft drink, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the tour.
Combining historical anecdotes, visits to Antwerp’s most iconic neighborhoods, and excellent beer tastings, this activity is one of the best ways to experience both the city and one of Belgium’s most celebrated traditions.
Practical Information
Starting point: Dr Beer, Adriaan Brouwerstraat 31, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: From €49.50 per person
Language: Guided tour in English
Included: Guide, tasting of 5 Belgian beers, and an official BeerWalk glass
Booking: Online reservation recommended
Non-alcoholic option: Coffee or a soft drink available instead of beer tastings
3 – Unleash Your Creativity with a “Paint & Sip in the Dark” Workshop in Antwerp
Looking for a unique activity in Antwerp for an evening with friends, your partner, or your family? The Paint & Sip in the Dark experience, offered by Rembrandt van Wine, reinvents the traditional painting workshop with an immersive atmosphere where black lights, fluorescent paint, and music create a setting that’s both creative and entertaining.
During this two-hour workshop, you’ll create your own canvas masterpiece using neon paints that glow under UV lighting. No artistic experience is required—a friendly instructor guides you step by step, ensuring everyone leaves with a unique creation, regardless of their skill level.
The workshop takes place in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by music and immersive lighting effects. All materials are provided, including brushes, canvas, easel, fluorescent paints, and an apron. Unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are also included throughout the session, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Located inside the Wolf Food Market, this original concept is perfect for enjoying a different kind of evening in Antwerp. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, spending quality time with friends, or simply looking to try something creative and out of the ordinary, this experience promises plenty of fun, creativity, and great memories.
It’s the perfect activity to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your trip to Antwerp—created with your own hands.
Practical Information
Location: Wolf Food Market, Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Price: From €52 per person
Included: Canvas, easel, brushes, fluorescent paints, apron, guidance from an instructor, and unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Languages: English and Dutch
Skill level: Suitable for beginners; no painting experience required
Booking: Advance reservation recommended
Tip: It’s recommended to eat before the activity, as Wolf Food Market offers plenty of food options.
4 – Discover Belgian Specialties on a Food Tour in Antwerp
Want to discover Antwerp through its flavors? This guided walking food tour takes you into the heart of the city for an experience combining local history, cultural landmarks, and tastings of Belgium’s most iconic culinary specialties.
Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you’ll explore Antwerp’s historic streets and major landmarks while stopping at several carefully selected food venues along the way. The tour begins at the Grote Markt, in front of the famous Brabo Fountain, before leading you to some of the city’s best local food spots.
Throughout the tour, you’ll sample five classic Belgian specialties served as tasting portions. Highlights include authentic Belgian fries, handcrafted chocolates, traditional waffles, a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, before finishing with a Belgian beer in a typical local café. Each tasting is accompanied by fascinating insights into Belgian culinary traditions and the regional products that have made the country’s cuisine famous.
Between food stops, your guide shares stories about Antwerp’s rich trading history, local legends, and remarkable architectural heritage. You’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Vleeshuis Museum, Vlaeykensgang, and the Grote Markt, while also discovering a few hidden gems loved by locals.
Limited to just ten participants, this small-group tour offers a friendly atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore Belgian gastronomy while discovering the city.
Practical Information
Starting point: Brabo Fountain, Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Price: From €69 per person
Language: Guided tour in English
Group size: Maximum of 10 participants
Included: Guide, five Belgian food tastings, and one Belgian beer at the end of the tour
What to bring: A bottle of water and weather-appropriate clothing
Good to know: The tastings provide a selection of local specialties but do not replace a full meal. This activity is not suitable for vegans or people with food allergies.
5 – Test Your Aim with an Axe Throwing Session at WoodCutter Antwerp
Looking for a truly unusual activity in Antwerp? Head to WoodCutter Antwerp, an axe-throwing venue where friendly competition, great fun, and an exciting atmosphere come together for a unique adrenaline-filled experience.
Located along the banks of the River Scheldt, WoodCutter offers private throwing lanes reserved exclusively for your group. After a safety briefing and expert tips from the Axe Masters, you’ll quickly learn the proper technique before taking on a series of fun challenges where precision and concentration are key. No previous experience is required—in just a few minutes, most participants successfully stick their first axe into the target.
To make the experience even more entertaining, WoodCutter offers several game modes, including the popular Battleship Session—a creative twist on the classic Battleship game where players throw axes to sink their opponents’ ships. It’s a fun way to add strategy and friendly competition to your session.
After the action, you can relax at the WoodCutter bar, which serves a selection of Belgian beers, cocktails, and soft drinks exclusively for participants. The welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for an outing with friends, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or team-building events.
Fun, accessible, and unlike anything else, this has become one of Antwerp’s most original activities to experience during your stay.
Practical Information
Location: WoodCutter Antwerp, Plantinkaai 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Price: From €25 per person
Minimum age: 12 years (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Included: Private lane, equipment rental, and supervision by an Axe Master
Booking: Recommended, especially on weekends
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays; opening hours vary by day)
Good to know: Drinks are available on-site and reserved for axe-throwing participants.
Conclusion
Antwerp is full of unusual experiences that allow you to discover the city far beyond its famous landmarks. Whether you’d rather solve puzzles on a treasure hunt, sample Belgium’s finest culinary specialties, take part in a creative art workshop, or test your skills with an axe-throwing session, the Flemish capital offers countless ways to make your visit truly memorable.
These activities are perfect for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike, providing a fun and original way to experience Antwerp from a different perspective. To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to book your activities in advance, especially during weekends and holiday periods.
Now all that’s left is to choose the experience that appeals to you most and discover Antwerp from a completely new angle. Enjoy your visit!
