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Belgium/Things to Do in Antwerp, solo trip

Cathedral of Our Lady (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Cathedral of Our Lady?

92%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 92% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can explore Rubens art at own pace, join free tours in many languages, climb the tower if fit, and needs no special facilities, making the cathedral highly rewarding.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 12,278 reviews)
The amazing, completed Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp, Belgium)
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The amazing, completed Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp, Belgium)
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CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY, ANTWERP  |  Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
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CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY, ANTWERP | Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
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Positives:

  • Quiet mornings: Early visits before 10:00 tend to be calm, letting you focus on art without crowds.
  • Free audio guide: The QR-code audio descriptions offer in-depth stories at no extra cost.

Challenges:

  • Narrow staircases: The tower climb involves steep, tight steps, not ideal for those with dizziness.
  • Limited weekday snacks: The on-site bistro is closed Monday–Thursday, so bring your own refreshments.
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🏖️ Explore Cathedral of Our Lady with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Cathedral of Our Lady. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Cathedral of Our Lady?

  • A Gothic cathedral begun in the 14th century, acclaimed as the largest medieval church in the Low Countries
  • Home to paramount Baroque masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross
  • Features a 123-meter-high spire, intricate traceries and flying buttresses that define Antwerp’s historic skyline

What is so special about Cathedral of Our Lady for solo trip?

  1. See under-the-radar Rubens masterpieces at your own pace
  2. Scan free QR-code audio guides for rich, multilingual commentary
  3. Climb a hidden tower for private viewpoints over Antwerp
  4. Join daily free tours to connect with fellow solo travelers

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Solo travelers can view key artworks and join a free tour without feeling rushed.

(View Cathedral of Our Lady on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Cathedral of Our Lady

Self-guided art walk:

Roam the nave to admire Rubens’ altarpieces, 15th-century frescoes, and Gothic vaults.

Tip: Scan QR codes next to each work for free audio commentary in your language.

Join a free guided tour:

Meet at reception for English-language tours running several times daily.

Tip: Arrive 5 minutes early to secure a spot and ask questions of the guide.

Climb the small tower:

Book the €15 behind-the-scenes tour to climb narrow stairs to a private city view.

Tip: Reserve online in advance and avoid if you feel uncomfortable on tight steps.

Attend Saturday English Mass:

Experience a 5:30 pm Eucharist with live organ music in a calm setting.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to sit near the organ and enjoy the acoustics.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cathedral of Our Lady

  1. Buy entry ticket online: Purchase your €12 ticket in advance to skip the cash line at reception.
  2. Use Antwerp City Pass: If you hold the City Pass, admission is free—save €12 instantly.
  3. Check free tour times: Confirm the daily guided-tour schedule at reception to join a group right away.
🏖️ Tour Cathedral of Our Lady like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Cathedral of Our Lady. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Cathedral of Our Lady

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Steven Cheng

Steven Cheng

Sep 2025

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, stands as one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and a symbol of the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Construction began in 1352 and spanned nearly two centuries, resulting in an awe-inspiring structure that dominates Antwerp’s skyline with its soaring 123-meter spire, the tallest church tower in the Low Countries. Inside, the cathedral ...

Nataliia Semenenko

Nataliia Semenenko

Sep 2025

Gorgeous architecture of this cathedral stands out in the centre of the old town. Getting inside is quite pricey and I was not happy to see that guy actually have to pay to get into a church. But given how many tourists are there, they just make it for a living. Try getting to the old town in the early morning - then you can enjoy the cathedral exterior without crowds of people.

Patrick Farrell

Patrick Farrell

Aug 2025

This place is incredible. Such beautiful ornate details and awe inspiring architecture. I am constantly fascinated by these old world buildings and love to visit them. This is one of the biggest cathedral’s I’ve seen with many spaces to worship, walk around and see beautiful art and sculptures. Highly recommended when you visit Antwerp.

Tom Alfred Lindstad

Tom Alfred Lindstad

Jul 2025

A magnificent and grand cathedral with a rich and fascinating history – an absolute must-visit if you’re in Antwerp. The architecture is breathtaking, both inside and out, showcasing intricate details, stunning stained glass windows, and towering spires that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. Walking through the cathedral, you're immediately struck by the atmosphere – peaceful, maje...

Ken Hook

Ken Hook

Jul 2025

We experienced the Cathedral of Our Lady with a local guide as part of a Viking Cruise excursion. The tour was excellent and our guide (Mary) was trained as a historian so we had an in-depth history of this beautiful cathedral. Expect to take at least 30 minutes for even a quick tour as the cathedral is expansive. The Rubens paintings are exceptional. Having a guide to explain them is most helpful...

When is the best time to visit Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp, Belgium)?

From April to September, visit before 10:00 to avoid summer crowds and enjoy cooler air inside. In winter, aim for midday to see sunlight cast colors through the stained-glass windows.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Antwerp on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Cathedral entryEUR 12
Tower-climb tourEUR 15
Coffee at De PlekEUR 4
Total EstimatedEUR 31

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Cathedral of Our Lady

Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

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About Cathedral of Our Lady

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday:1:00 – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+32 3 213 99 51

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