This practical guide to the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp gives you all the details you need: history and highlights, opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, accessibility, and best times to visit.
History and overview of Antwerp Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) dominates Antwerp’s skyline, and is most notable for its soaring Gothic spire. At 123 metres tall, it’sthe tallest church tower in the Low Countries. Construction began in 1352 and continued for nearly 170 years, but the cathedral was never fully completed to its original plan. Its single tower, however, has become one of the city’s defining landmarks.
Inside, the cathedral tells a story of both grandeur and resilience. Over the centuries it has suffered from fires, wars, iconoclasm and looting, but each time it has been restored and reimagined. Today it serves as both a place of Catholic worship and an art museum, with treasures ranging from medieval sculpture to Renaissance masterpieces. The building itself is a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate tracery and luminous stained glass.
The cathedral is particularly famous for housing several major works by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Assumption of the Virgin and The Resurrection of Christ. These paintings attract art lovers from across the world. Combined with regular services, concerts and its central location on Antwerp’s Groenplaats, the cathedral remains the cultural and spiritual heart of the city.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Opening hours: Antwerp Cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00, and Sundays and public holidays from 13:00 to 17:00. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. There are a few exceptions on various dates, so check the cathedral’s website before setting out.
Ticket prices (2025):
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (18+ years) | €12 |
| Seniors (60+ years) | €10 |
| Students (with valid ID) | €6 |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| Antwerp residents with A-card | Discount available |
Tickets include entry to the cathedral and access to the Rubens masterpieces. Special group rates are available.
How to get there: public transport, walking, by car
- Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.
- Tram: Lines 3, 5, 9 and 15 stop at Groenplaats, a short walk from the cathedral.
- Bus: Several De Lijn bus routes stop near Groenplaats and the cathedral square.
- Train: From Antwerp Central Station it is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute tram ride to Groenplaats.
- By car: The cathedral is in Antwerp’s low-emission zone. Nearest paid car parks are Parking Groenplaats and Parking Grote Markt.
Five great things to do in Antwerp
- 🍺 Taste fantastic local beers – on an Antwerp brewing heritage tour.
- 🌙 Enjoy an evening walking tour – and discover Antwerp’s dark side.
- 🚢 See the ships industry and sights in Europe’s second-biggest port – on a harbour cruise.
- 🚲 Take a bike tour – and cover more of Antwerp’s highlights.
- 📖 Learn Antwerp’s best stories and legends – on a walking tour.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
- Wheelchair access: A ramp is available at the main entrance and most of the interior is wheelchair-accessible.
- Facilities: Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available for visitors.
- Guided tours: Audio guides and guided tours are offered in several languages.
- Shop: A small gift shop sells books, postcards and souvenirs.
- Services: As an active place of worship, Mass is celebrated regularly. Visitors should respect service times.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best times of day: Mornings just after opening tend to be the quietest, especially on weekdays. Afternoons can be busier with tour groups.
Best days: Tuesdays to Thursdays are generally less crowded. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest.
How long to allow: Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes to fully appreciate the cathedral’s architecture, art and Rubens altarpieces.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions
- Start at Groenplaats and admire the cathedral’s spire from outside.
- Enter the cathedral and head straight to the Rubens paintings before crowds gather.
- Explore the chapels, choir and stained glass windows at a relaxed pace.
- Visit the gift shop, then enjoy a coffee on Groenplaats or nearby Meir shopping street.
- Combine your visit with the Rubens House or Museum Plantin-Moretus, both within walking distance.
Antwerp Cathedral FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I attend Mass at the cathedral? | Yes, Mass is celebrated daily. Entry is free for worshippers, but sightseeing is not permitted during services. |
| Is photography allowed? | Yes, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use. Tripods are not allowed. |
| Is the cathedral wheelchair-accessible? | Yes, most areas are accessible, and staff are available to assist if needed. |
| Are guided tours available? | Yes, bookable guided tours and audio guides are available in multiple languages. |
| Do I need to book tickets in advance? | It is possible to buy tickets on site, but advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons. |
| What is the dress code? | As an active church, visitors should dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered during services. |
Planning tip: Arrive early in the morning, allow time to admire the Rubens altarpieces, and combine your cathedral visit with nearby attractions such as the Grote Markt and Museum Plantin-Moretus. Check the official website for up-to-date ticket prices and opening hours before your visit.
More Antwerp travel
Other Antwerp travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Antwerp is one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
- 5 excellent reasons to make a day trip to Antwerp.
- Discovering the migration stories of the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp.
- How to spend the perfect weekend in Antwerp.
- A practical guide to MAS in Antwerp.
