Antwerp is one of the most accessible large Belgian cities for wheelchair users -- and at the same time a city where you have to stay alert to the mix of medieval lanes and modern redevelopments. The Central Station consistently features in international top-10 lists of the most beautiful stations in the world, and since the 2007-2009 redevelopment it has been fully step-free with lifts to every platform. From there you can roll to the Grote Markt in 20 minutes, on to the MAS on the Eilandje, and to the Cathedral of Our Lady -- all within a 2 km radius and on largely level paving.
Beforehand: the practicalities
- Train journey: from Brussels-Central in 50 minutes, from Ghent-Sint-Pieters in 60 minutes. Book NMBS assistance at least 3 hours in advance -- see our step-by-step guide. Antwerp-Central is one of the stations with 24/7 permanent assistance, so on-the-spot help is always possible.
- By car: park at the Park & Ride Kievit (near the station) or the underground car park Sint-Jansvliet in the centre. Both have adapted bays and a lift up to street level.
- Hotel: for a central, accessible base: Hotel Indigo Antwerp City Centre (adapted rooms close to the Meir) or Hilton Antwerp Old Town. Mention explicitly when you book that you are a wheelchair user.
9.30am -- Arrival at Central Station
Arrival at Central Station, one of Belgium's architectural gems. The station has three platform levels, all linked by lift as well as escalator. The main platform on level 0 (the original platforms) has had an adapted main route to the exit since 2008. Adapted public toilets are available in the main concourse.
From the Pelikaanstraat exit you roll straight into the Diamond Quarter (small streets dominated by jewellers, easy to navigate). To reach the centre: take the tram (line 2 or 3, low-floor, running underground as far as Meir) or roll along the Meir -- the main shopping street, which has a car-free zone with smooth paving.
10.30am -- The Meir and the Boerentoren
The Meir has been car-free since the 1990s and was relaid in 2018 with flat concrete slabs. It is a wheelchair-accessible promenade street of nearly 600 metres, and most of the shops have step-free entrances.
At the end of the Meir stands the Boerentoren (KBC tower), one of Europe's earliest skyscrapers (1932). Public access to the interior is usually limited, but the exterior architecture in itself is a striking Antwerp landmark. From here you continue via the Schoenmarkt towards the Grote Markt.
11.00am -- Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady
The Grote Markt of Antwerp has the Brabo fountain at its centre and is enclosed by 16th-century guild houses and the City Hall (fully restored in 2024 with an adapted visitor route). The square itself has cobblestones -- uneven in the older sections, smoother in the redeveloped edges. Avoid the square on market days (Saturday) when the stalls narrow the available passage.
The Cathedral of Our Lady stands a few dozen metres from the Grote Markt. It is world-famous for its Rubens collection (four major works). The main entrance has a few steps, but there is a step-free side entrance on the Handschoenmarkt with a bell to call staff. The cathedral is fully accessible at ground level; the tower stairs (415 steps) are not.
1.00pm -- Lunch on the level
For a smooth, step-free lunch on or near the Grote Markt:
- Cafe De Pelgrom -- a historic cellar restaurant on Pelgrimstraat, accessible only via stairs. Not wheelchair-friendly -- alternatives below.
- Brasserie Hubsy -- a modern brasserie with views over the Schelde river, step-free, with a spacious dining room.
- Restaurant De Plek -- a local cafeteria-style spot on the Eilandje, step-free.
For a quick bite: the Pizzeria Da Giovanni in the centre is a reliable favourite -- step-free entrance and adapted facilities.
2.30pm -- KMSKA or MAS
Two top museums on a single wheelchair-accessible route:
Option 1: KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts)
KMSKA Antwerp reopened in 2022 after an extensive 11-year renovation. Fully step-free, with a lift to every floor, an adapted toilet and wide corridors. Ensor, Rubens, Magritte, Van Eyck. One of the best-accessible museums in Belgium.
Option 2: MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)
MAS on the Eilandje is architecturally striking and fully step-free -- including the rooftop panorama, which is free to visit. The temporary exhibitions and the permanent "Antwerp story" are both wheelchair-friendly.
A short roll from the MAS lies the Eilandje, the redeveloped harbour district with quayside walks, water features and the Felix Pakhuis -- a historic dock warehouse now used as an events venue.
5.00pm -- A breather or a little more museum
For a rest break: the De Koninck Brewery visitor centre was renovated in 2017 with full accessibility -- tastings on the ground floor and a lift up to the panoramic rooftop. For those not yet ready to leave: the Plantin-Moretus Museum (UNESCO World Heritage, a 16th-century printing house) is partly step-free -- the ground floor entirely, the upper floor by lift, while a few of the most authentic rooms remain stair-only.
7.00pm -- Dinner or departure
For dinner with atmosphere: Restaurant 't Zilte (Michelin-level, on the MAS building -- step-free, with a lift), The Jane (also Michelin, in a renovated chapel -- step-free). For a budget-friendly option: Restaurant Noordzee -- fish and seasonal dishes in a central setting.
Return journey: again right next to Central, with NMBS assistance booked in advance.
What we do not recommend for wheelchair users
- The cathedral tower climb (415 steps, no lift)
- Cafe De Pelgrom as a wheelchair user -- atmospheric but stairs only
- Grote Markt on Saturdays (market) -- the stalls make passage awkward
- Vlaeykensgang -- a medieval alley, beautiful but too narrow and uneven for a wheelchair
In closing
In a single day Antwerp combines world-class culture (Rubens, Ensor, MAS), first-rate architecture (Central Station, Boerentoren), well-regarded gastronomy (3+ Michelin stars in the city centre) and excellent accessibility on the main routes. For those with more time, a second day is workable with a focus on the Eilandje and a harbour walk, or an outing to Plantin-Moretus and Mayer van den Bergh.
Visiting Antwerp yourself? Share your experience or click on "Have you experienced wheelchair access here?" at the bottom of any location page. The more first-hand information we get, the more accurate this guide stays.