Top things to do in Merksem (Belgium)

Merksem: Discover the Green Heart of Antwerp

Welcome to Merksem, a vibrant neighborhood in the northern part of Antwerp. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lush green parks, Merksem is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Belgium. In this guide, we will take you on a tour of the top tourist attractions in Merksem.

Fort Merksem

Fort Merksem is a historic military fort that played a key role in the Siege of Antwerp during World War I. Today, the fort is open for guided tours, giving visitors the chance to explore its fascinating history and learn about its strategic importance. The fort is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

URL: www.fortengordels.be/forten...

Museum aan de Stroom

The Museum aan de Stroom, or MAS for short, is a modern museum that explores the rich history and culture of Antwerp. The striking red sandstone building houses high-tech exhibitions that showcase the city's place in the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city and the river.

URL: mas.be/

Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum is a tribute to the millions of people who emigrated from Europe to America via Antwerp in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the Red Star Line, a shipping company that played a key role in the wave of emigration. Visitors can learn about the journey that millions of people made, as well as the challenges they faced along the way.

URL: www.redstarline.be/nl

Bouckenborghpark

Bouckenborghpark is a tranquil wooded park that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. The park is ringed by man-made waterways and features a lakefront mansion, a café, and several walking trails. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

URL: www.antwerpen.be/info/52d50...

Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

The Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp is a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the 1300s. The cathedral is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and Baroque masterpieces by Rubens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn about its fascinating history and see its stunning architecture up close.

URL: www.dekathedraal.be/

Plantin-Moretus Museum

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases the history of printing in Antwerp. The museum is housed in a 16th-century mansion and features the world's oldest printing presses, as well as a collection of books, antiques, tapestries, and art. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the printing process and the impact that it had on society.

URL: www.museumplantinmoretus.be/nl

De Ruien

De Ruien is a unique guided tour that takes visitors on a wet and wild journey through Antwerp's underground canals. The tour provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the city's history, as well as its underground infrastructure. Visitors are provided with wellies to keep their feet dry and comfortable during the tour.

URL: www.deruien.be/

Merksem - Het Groene Hart

Merksem - Het Groene Hart is a beautiful city park that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The park features lush greenery, walking paths, and several playgrounds for children. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

URL: www.openbaargroen.be/projec...

Museum Vleeshuis

The Museum Vleeshuis is a fascinating museum that explores the history of dance and music in Antwerp. The museum is housed in an early 1500s guildhall for butchers and features exhibits that showcase the city's rich musical heritage. Visitors can see instruments, costumes, and other artifacts related to dance and music and take a guided tour to learn about the history of these art forms.

URL: www.museumvleeshuis.be/

Steenplein

Steenplein is a bustling square that is located in the heart of Antwerp. The square is home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a drink. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the river and the city's iconic architecture.

Park Spoor Noord

Park Spoor Noord is a modern park that was created from reclaimed railway land. The park features several sports facilities, play areas, and a skatepark, making it a popular destination for families. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other cultural events at the park's outdoor concert venue.

Noordkasteel

Noordkasteel is a historic fort that dates back to the 19th century. The fort played a key role in the defense of Antwerp during World War I and is now open for guided tours. Visitors can learn about the fort's fascinating history and see its impressive architecture up close.

URL: www.fortengordels.be/forten...

Museum De Reede

The Museum De Reede is a graphic art museum that is located in an apartment block. The museum features artwork by some of the world's greatest artists, including Goya, Munch, and Rops. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of graphic art and see some of the most iconic works of the last few centuries.

URL: museum-dereede.com/

Snijders & Rockoxhuis

The Snijders & Rockoxhuis is a historic house that is now a museum. The museum features a collection of notable paintings and other artwork, as well as exhibits on the history of Antwerp. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the house's fascinating history and see some of the most beautiful artwork in the city.

URL: www.snijdersrockoxhuis.be/

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is a museum that is home to a collection of mostly medieval art from the Low Countries. The museum was collected by Fritz Mayer van den Bergh in the 19th century and features a focus on Bruegel. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and importance of these works of art.

URL: www.museummayervandenbergh.be/

Provincial Domain Rivierenhof

The Provincial Domain Rivierenhof is a sprawling park that features walking trails, playgrounds, and a beautiful outdoor concert venue. Visitors can enjoy the park's ponds, play equipment, and beautiful scenery, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers.

URL: www.provincieantwerpen.be/a...

Veltwijckpark

Veltwijckpark is a beautiful park that features walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.

URL: www.antwerpen.be/nl/info/52...

Boekenbergpark

Boekenbergpark is a beautiful park that features a unique outdoor swimming pool. The pool is fed by natural spring water and is a popular destination for families in the summer months. Visitors can also enjoy the park's walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful scenery.

URL: www.antwerpen.be/nl/info/52...

Conclusion

Merksem is a beautiful neighborhood in Antwerp that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning architecture, lush green parks, and world-class museums, Merksem is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Belgium. We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the top tourist attractions in Merksem and that you enjoy your visit to this beautiful part of the world.