Is the Eilandje walk worth visiting for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The wide quays are safe for children, and the MAS building offers an exciting 'walkway' with views that kids usually enjoy. Park Spoor Noord is also nearby if they need a playground break.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

Late afternoon or the 'Golden Hour' is best. The glass facets of the Port House and the curved windows of the MAS reflect the sunset beautifully, and the water in the docks becomes very still.

Can I enter the Zaha Hadid Port House?

The Port House is an active office building. While you can admire the exterior and the public square at any time, interior visits are usually restricted to pre-booked guided tours on specific days. Check the Port of Antwerp-Bruges website for details.

Is the MAS museum free to enter?

The 'walking boulevard' and the panoramic roof of the MAS are typically free to access, offering great views of the city. However, the themed museum galleries on each floor require a paid ticket.

Is this walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

Mostly yes. The route follows modern paved quays. Some small sections near the oldest docks have cobblestones, but there are usually smoother paved paths alongside them.

Where is the best place to start the walk?

The best starting point is the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom). It is easily reachable by tram from the city center and serves as the most recognizable landmark in the neighborhood.

What should I wear for a walk in Eilandje?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a windbreaker. Because Eilandje is right on the Scheldt river, it can be significantly windier and cooler than the sheltered streets of the old town.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Antwerp’s Eilandje district, or 'The Little Island,' is a masterclass in urban transformation. Once a gritty industrial port that had fallen into neglect, it has been reborn as the city’s most vibrant architectural playground. This self-guided walk takes you through a landscape where 19th-century warehouses stand alongside futuristic glass monoliths, all set against the backdrop of the historic docks. This neighborhood stroll captures the transition from Antwerp’s golden age of shipping to its modern identity as a global design capital. You will begin at the iconic MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), a towering structure of red sandstone and curved glass that serves as the neighborhood's anchor. From here, the route winds past the historic Nassaubrug and into the heart of the old docks, where the Felix Pakhuis showcases how industrial heritage can be repurposed for modern life. The walk highlights the dramatic contrast between the old harbor basins, commissioned by Napoleon, and the cutting-edge Red Star Line Museum, which tells the poignant story of millions who departed these shores for America. The journey concludes at the Havenhuis, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. This walking route is perfect for those who love photography, maritime history, and seeing how old spaces find new souls. Throughout this self-guided adventure, you can explore the docks at your own pace, stopping for a coffee by the water or lingering to admire the way the light hits the Scheldt river. It is an essential experience for anyone looking to understand the soul of modern Antwerp, far beyond the traditional medieval center. This self-guided walk offers a deeper look at the city's relationship with the sea and its bold vision for the future, making it a standout walking tour Antwerp has to offer for architecture enthusiasts.

Highlights

The 'vertical city' architecture of the MAS Museum
Historic warehouse vibes at the Felix Pakhuis
Emotional history at the Red Star Line Museum
Napoleon's legacy at the Bonapartedok
Zaha Hadid’s spectacular Port House (Havenhuis)
Panoramic views of the Scheldt river and modern port

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

MAS - Museum aan de Stroom

Standing 60 meters tall, the MAS is more than just a museum; it is a 'vertical city.' Designed by the Dutch firm Neutelings Riedijk, its facade features hand-cut red sandstone from India and giant curved glass panels. As you walk around the base, look for the thousands of tiny silver hands—the symbol of Antwerp—embedded in the stone. The building’s design mimics the stacking of traditional harbor warehouses. While the museum inside chronicles Antwerp’s history as a global crossroads, the building itself sparked the entire Eilandje revival when it opened in 2011. It serves as a bridge between the historic city center and the industrial docks you are about to explore.

2

Nassaubrug

This historic swing bridge is a reminder of the mechanical ingenuity required to keep a 19th-century port running. The Nassaubrug connects the Willemdok and the Bonapartedok, allowing ships to pass through while keeping the city connected. As you stand here, you can feel the transition from the modern MAS area into the more rugged, historic dockland atmosphere. The bridge is part of a series of iron structures that once defined the movement of the port. It is a perfect spot to observe the leisure boats that now occupy the docks where massive merchant vessels once unloaded their cargo from across the globe.

3

Felix Pakhuis

The Felix Pakhuis is perhaps the finest example of industrial repurposing in the Eilandje. Originally built in 1860 as a warehouse for bulk goods like coffee, grain, and tobacco, it survived a devastating fire and years of neglect. Today, it houses the city archives and a vibrant food hall. Notice the central 'indoor street' that runs through the building; this was originally designed to allow for the safe transport of goods under cover. The brickwork and heavy timber beams have been meticulously preserved, creating a space where the city's past records are stored within a shell of its commercial history.

4

Bonapartedok

This dock carries the name of Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered its construction in 1811. He envisioned Antwerp as a 'pistol pointed at the heart of England,' intended to be a massive naval base. While his military dreams faded, the dock laid the foundation for Antwerp's growth as a world-class commercial port. Today, the water is much calmer, often serving as a mooring site for historic ships. The dock marks the oldest part of the port expansion and offers a wide-angle view of the MAS, illustrating how the neighborhood has evolved from a Napoleonic naval hub to a modern cultural destination.

5

Red Star Line Museum

Between 1873 and 1934, over two million passengers boarded the Red Star Line steamers here, seeking a new life in North America. This museum is located in the original historic sheds where emigrants were screened and their luggage disinfected. It is a place of deep emotional resonance, telling stories of hope, fear, and the search for the American Dream. The modern tower added to the building is shaped like a ship's funnel, offering a view over the Scheldt river—the last sight many emigrants had of Europe. It stands as a testament to Antwerp's role as a gateway to the world.

6

Port Authority of Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The Havenhuis, or Port House, is the crowning jewel of the Eilandje’s architectural revival. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, it consists of a shimmering, diamond-shaped glass structure perched atop a heritage fire station. The design evokes the hull of a ship and the facets of a diamond, referencing Antwerp’s twin legacies. It is a bold statement of the port's future as a global leader in innovation. Standing beneath this massive structure, you can see how the glass panels reflect the sky and the water, changing appearance throughout the day. It is the perfect place to conclude your exploration of Antwerp's maritime evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. The distance is roughly 3.5 kilometers from the MAS to the Port House, including time to admire the architecture.