Antwerp Central Station is the first thing most visitors see, and it is a sight in its own right. Built at the turn of the twentieth century for a city that wanted to show off its wealth, the stone station building by architect Louis Delacenserie has a great domed waiting hall of marble, gilding and clocks, and a grand staircase that leads up to a huge iron-and-glass train shed. It is often called the railway cathedral, and it regularly appears on lists of the most beautiful stations in the world. A modern renovation added tracks on several levels below the historic hall, so high-speed trains now run underneath the old platforms, and the contrast between old and new is part of the experience. Outside, the Koningin Astridplein leads to the zoo and Chocolate Nation, and the diamond district starts right beside the tracks.
How it works: there is no ticket and no tour; the station is a working railway hub and you can walk into the main hall and up to the platforms whenever it is open. Antwerp Central has frequent trains from Brussels and its airport, Ghent, Bruges and the Netherlands, so most visitors pass through anyway. Allow a few extra minutes on arrival or departure to look around properly.
What to expect: the domed entrance hall is the highlight, with the best views from the top of the grand staircase. Climb to the upper platforms to see the train shed from inside, then look down through the openings to the lower levels. The station is busy at rush hour, so mid-morning and early afternoon are the most relaxed times for photos.
Making the most of it: step out onto the Koningin Astridplein to see the facade, then combine the station with the zoo next door or Chocolate Nation across the square. The De Keyserlei leads straight towards the Meir shopping street and the old town, a pleasant walk of about twenty minutes, or take the tram or premetro from the station.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk through a working station: the domed entrance hall, the grand staircase and the iron-and-glass train shed above the modern lower levels.
Best time
Mid-morning or early afternoon, away from commuter rush hours, for the calmest hall and best photos.
How long
About half an hour to admire the hall, the staircase and the train shed.
Tips
Walk outside to see the facade, keep valuables close in the crowds and look up at the dome from the top of the stairs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture fans and every visitor arriving by train.
- Families
- Children enjoy spotting the trains on three levels, and the zoo is right next door.
- Couples
- Take a photo on the grand staircase, then walk the De Keyserlei towards the old town.
- Pair with
- Antwerp Zoo and Chocolate Nation on the same square.
- Time needed
- Thirty minutes.
Good questions
Why is Antwerp Central Station famous?+
It is known for its domed stone entrance hall and vast iron-and-glass train shed, built around the turn of the twentieth century. It is often called the railway cathedral and ranks among the world’s most beautiful stations.
Does it cost anything to visit the station?+
No, it is free to walk in and look around, as it is a working station. Just stay out of the way of travellers in busy periods.
How do I get from the station to the old town?+
Walk down the De Keyserlei and the Meir to the cathedral in about twenty minutes, or take the tram or premetro from the station. The walk passes the main shopping streets.
How long is the train from Brussels to Antwerp Central?+
Direct trains from Brussels take well under an hour, and there are frequent services through the day. Trains also run from Brussels Airport.
What is near Antwerp Central Station?+
The zoo is right next door, Chocolate Nation is across the Koningin Astridplein and the diamond district lies beside the tracks. Several hotels face the square.
