Handelsbeurs (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Handelsbeurs?
What makes it 66% Kids-Friendly: Kids may enter for free on weekends, spot gargoyles, or watch the 30-min Genesis show, but there is no playground, no interactive tour, and parents must manage without child-specific toilets.
Positives:
- Barrier-free access: Ground-floor entrances and smooth floors make strollers or wheelchairs easy.
- Spacious hall: Open layout lets kids move around safely without feeling crowded.
Challenges:
- No play area: There is no indoor playground; plan short museum-style visits only.
- Limited baby facilities: No changing tables or nursing rooms onsite; use nearby cafes if needed.
What is Handelsbeurs?
- A mid-19th-century neo-Gothic trading hall in Antwerp, originally built to house one of Europe’s first organized commodity exchanges
- A listed heritage monument characterized by its red brick façade, polychrome archways and slender cast-iron columns supporting a vaulted roof
- A preserved landmark in the city’s financial quarter, now repurposed for cultural and public events while retaining its industrial-era architecture
What is so special about Handelsbeurs for with kids?
- Kids can hunt for gargoyles and stained glass reflections
- Enjoy a 30-minute family-friendly light & sound show
- Wide open space offers safe free exploration
- Barrier-free entry and stroller-friendly floors
- Easy to combine with nearby City Hall square
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore the hall, enjoy the light show, and let kids roam safely without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Handelsbeurs
Count gargoyles and spot stained glass:
Let kids stroll the colonnade to find animal carvings and colorful window reflections.
Tip: Turn it into a scavenger hunt with simple checklist.
Genesis immersive light & sound show:
Watch a 30-minute projection mapping journey through the Creation story.
Tip: Bring small cushions or a blanket for floor seating to keep kids comfy.
Family photo under the arches:
Capture memories in the neo-Gothic colonnade bathed in morning light.
Tip: Arrive before 11 AM for softer light and fewer visitors.
Explore nearby City Hall square:
Combine your visit with a quick walk to the Livestock and City Hall plazas.
Tip: Grab a snack or ice cream at nearby cafes after the hall tour.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Handelsbeurs
- Check event calendar: Review public events online before you go to catch family workshops.
- Visit early: Mornings are quieter and perfect for photos and exploration.
- Pack light snacks: No food sold inside; bring water and small snacks for kids.
Reviews of Handelsbeurs
Peter Agoston (Coram Deo)
Wonderful building from the worlnderful ear of beurs. Nowadays it's a venue for various events including concerts or conferences, dinner parties etc. Admissions are free on weekends
Sajal Islam
The server drop a good portion of my food "on the floor" while serving. That's okay! Everyone makes mistakes. But he never showed up on my table again to make it right! Another server cleaned the floor. She also took no attempt to make it right. 🙂
R Suresh Kumar
Wow! Marvelous building! If you happen to be in Antwerp, a must visit place. The ground floor is covered with world map in oil canvas.The map shows the different parts of the World.The architecture is fantastic and difficult to take of your eyes from the fantastic building.
Irma Zandl
Spectacular building. And if you're staying at the Sapphire House Hotel, it's right next door. It's free to wander around but only open on the weekends for the public. Well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
Maya 123
Beautiful building! “When visiting the ground floor, be sure to take a look at the walls above the negotiation rooms: these are covered with large maps of the world, in oil on canvas. These unique paintings were painted in situ, between 1879 and 1884, by Captain at sea Ghesquière, who also signed and dated them all separately. The maps depict, in great detail, the different parts of the world with...
When is the best time to visit Handelsbeurs (Antwerp, Belgium)?
On weekends and school holidays the hall is open free 10 AM–6 PM. In winter (Nov–Jan) book the Genesis show early as slots fill fast.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Genesis show tickets (2 adults + 2 kids) | EUR 34 |
| Optional kids workshop or concert | EUR 10 |
| Underground parking (2–3 hours) | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 49 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Handelsbeurs
Address: Borzestraat 31, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
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About Handelsbeurs
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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