Antwerp for Couples: Dusk, Candles, Skyline
Antwerp for Couples: Dusk, Candles, Skyline
The best hour for two in Antwerp is the one just after sunset, when the cathedral spire is lit and the Scheldt turns dark and glassy. Most of what makes it romantic here is free: a ferry ride, a rooftop and a very old alley. They come below in order, with a few paid extras for when you want a table or a ticket.
The free ferry at dusk
Board the free Sint-Anna ferry at Het Steen and stand on deck as it crosses to the left bank. It sails every 15 minutes by day and every 30 minutes at night, and from the water you see the Gothic spire and the MAS tower on the Eilandje reflected together. On the Linkeroever side there is a quiet river promenade and a few riverside cafes for a drink before heading back.
A candlelit alley
Vlaeykensgang is a cobbled alley from 1591, a short walk from the cathedral, with whitewashed walls, ivy and lanterns. A few restaurants and taverns sit in and around it; look at current menus on the spot, as openings change. It is a good place for a slow dinner, a few steps from the Grote Markt.
Skyline from the MAS
The MAS rooftop panorama is free and open until 22:00, or until midnight from 1 April to 31 October (last access 23:30). It is closed on Mondays. Visit around sunset and you will see the city lights come up over the port. Details are on mas.be .
Art, then cocktails
KMSKA stays open late on Thursdays, until 22:00, and costs €20 per adult (€10 under 26), with a reserved slot required. See kmska.be . For a drink afterwards, the terraces around the Willemdok marina in the Eilandje are the classic spot.
Antiques and coffee
Kloosterstraat links the old centre to Het Zuid and is Antwerp’s street for antiques, mid-century furniture and vintage finds, with plenty of independent coffee shops. It is liveliest at the weekend, so make it a Saturday afternoon.
A walk beneath the river
For something a little unusual, walk through the Sint-Annatunnel together. It is free, runs 24 hours, and its 1933 wooden escalators are original. Tram lines do not cross the Scheldt until about March 2027, which makes the tunnel and ferry the way to reach the left bank.
Where to stay
For a hotel near the old centre, check rates on Booking.com . Official visitor information is at visit.antwerpen.be . For more ideas on sights to see together, the sightseeing page covers squares and viewpoints.
Tip: plan the ferry for the hour after sunset and book dinner for 20:30, so you cross the river in the last of the light.