Handelsbeurs (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Handelsbeurs?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can freely roam the neo-Gothic hall on weekends, photograph the arches, or book small-scale recitals and light shows, and the venue is easily reached and barrier-free.
Positives:
- Quiet ambience: The hall stays calm at opening hours, ideal for solo reflection or reading.
- Architectural details: Neo-Gothic arches and stained glass windows offer rich photography opportunities.
Challenges:
- Limited opening hours: The main hall opens only on weekends and school holidays; plan your visit accordingly.
- No regular guided tours: There is no permanent tour schedule; you must request private tours by email in advance.
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 solo trip?
- Solo-friendly photography spots in a grand neo-Gothic hall
- Immerse in a 30-minute light and sound show
- Enjoy intimate piano recitals suited for solo visitors
- Option to arrange private guided tours via email
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to explore the colonnade, attend a light show, and enjoy a recital or a café break.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Handelsbeurs
Morning photography and reflection:
Explore the empty colonnade and Beursplein for quiet reading, sketching, or photography.
Tip: Visit right after opening on weekends for soft light and fewer visitors.
Genesis immersive light show:
Experience the 30-minute projection mapping and sound journey through the Creation story.
Tip: Book your slot online in advance to secure your preferred time.
Evening piano recital:
Attend a small-scale concert featuring classical and contemporary piano pieces.
Tip: Check the event calendar and reserve a beanbag or floor seating ticket ahead.
Private historical tour inquiry:
Arrange a bespoke guided visit to learn behind-the-scenes history.
Tip: Email info@handelsbeursantwerpen.be at least one week before to request availability.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Handelsbeurs
- Book events online: Reserve Genesis show and recital tickets ahead to secure your preferred timeslot.
- Visit early: Arrive right at opening to enjoy soft morning light and avoid crowds.
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)?
From November to January, book the Genesis light show for a 30-minute immersive visit. In spring and summer, come at sunrise for soft light through the arches. Check the venue calendar for occasional weekend openings.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Colonnade photography and reflection | EUR 0 |
| Genesis immersive show ticket | EUR 12 |
| Solo recital ticket | EUR 15 |
| Coffee at nearby café | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 30 |
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 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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