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Antwerp Central Station
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Antwerp Central Station, often referred to as the Railway Cathedral, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. It was constructed between 1895 and 1905 during the reign of King Leopold II. The station was designed by architect Louis Delacenserie, who blended various architectural styles, including Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau. The monumental station building features a massive 75-meter-high dome, while the train shed is an impressive glass and steel structure designed by Clément Van Bogaert. Between 1993 and 2007, the station underwent a massive renovation and expansion to accommodate high-speed trains on four different levels. Today, it remains a vital transport hub and a major architectural landmark of Antwerp, frequently cited in global rankings of top railway terminals.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Briluil · Aziatische volière · Vogelgebouw
- Nearby: Mortsel (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Antwerp Central Station is a public transport hub that is accessible at any time. You can admire the impressive architecture of the main hall and dome for free.
Typical hours
The station is open 24 hours, but shops and counters have separate opening hours. Most retail shops are open from 7:00 to 20:00, with shorter hours on Sundays.
Photography
Photography in the station is allowed without restrictions, handy for architecture shots. Be careful not to obstruct travellers and avoid flash in crowded areas.
Time needed
A first walk through the main hall and platforms takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you also visit the surrounding shops or the café in the dome hall, allow 45 minutes.
Combine with
The station is centrally located in Antwerp, near the Diamond District and the Zoo. Combine the visit with a walk to the Rubenshuis or the cathedral.
Getting there
The station is naturally reachable by train, but also by tram and bus. The 'Centraal Station' stops are directly in front of the main entrance.
Insider tip
Look at the ceiling paintings in the dome hall - they are a hidden detail. For the best photo of the station, go to the pedestrian bridge above the tracks.
Geography
Facts
- The construction of the station took 10 years, from 1895 to 1905.
- The station's prominent dome reaches a height of 75 meters.
- The glass and steel train shed is 186 meters long and 66 meters wide.
- Since 2007, the station has operated on four different levels.
- More than 20 different types of marble were used for the interior decoration.
- In 2014, Mashable magazine ranked it as the most beautiful station in the world.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Antwerp Central Station (10)
Europese, Afrikaanse en Amerikaanse volière
Viewpoint in Antwerp.
Vlindertuin en Kleine apengebouw
Attraction in Antwerp.
Zoo Antwerpen
Zoo of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA).
Moerasvolière
Attraction in Antwerp.
Pagodepoort
Paifang in Antwerp, Belgium.
Chocolate Nation🏛 museum
Museum in Antwerp.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to visit the station?
No, the station is a public building and access is free.
Are there luggage lockers?
Yes, there are automatic lockers of various sizes in the station area.
Is photography allowed in the station?
Yes, private photography without a tripod is allowed and very popular due to the architecture.
Are there shops in the station?
Yes, there are numerous cafes, bookstores, and even diamond shops in the building.
How many levels does the station have?
The station is uniquely constructed with tracks on four different levels.
Antwerp Central Station: where is it located?
Antwerp Central Station is located in Belgium.
Antwerp Central Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Briluil, Aziatische volière, Vogelgebouw.
Antwerp Central Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Antwerp Central Station: why is it worth visiting?
Antwerp Central Station, often referred to as the Railway Cathedral, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
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