St Paul's Church (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is St Paul's Church?
What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: Solo visitors can join the free English tour, examine 50+ Rubens works, linger in the Calvary Garden, and enjoy quiet reflection without needing special facilities, so the church suits them very well.
Positives:
- Language options: Guided tours are offered in English, Dutch, French, and German
- Quiet atmosphere: The church is least crowded midday, ideal for solo reflection
Challenges:
- Limited free-tour schedule: Free guided tours run daily April–October and weekends November–March only
- No baggage storage: The church lacks lockers; carry a light pack or leave bags at your hotel
What is St Paul's Church?
- A late Gothic Roman Catholic church built in 1571, crowned by a Baroque tower added after the 1679 fire
- A three-hectare architectural ensemble anchored by a soaring black-and-white marble high altar, the tallest in Belgium
- Home to over sixty seventeenth-century paintings and more than two hundred statues by Antwerp masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens
What is so special about St Paul's Church for solo trip?
- Late-Gothic church with a Baroque tower and 60+ Antwerp masterpieces
- Guided tours in multiple languages ideal for one traveler
- Tallest black-and-white marble altar in Belgium
- Free Treasury visit covers 8 centuries of treasures
- First Tuesday free entry and seasonal evening concerts
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to join a guided tour, view key artworks, and visit the Treasury at a relaxed pace
Solo-Friendly Activities in St Paul's Church
Free individual guided tour:
Join the daily guided tour to learn about Baroque art and woodcarvings
Tip: Tours run in English without booking; check the schedule at the entrance
Self-guided art walk:
Wander the nave to see over 60 paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens
Tip: Buy your €5 ticket and look for numbered plaques on key artworks
Visit the Treasury:
Explore centuries of liturgical treasures at no extra charge
Tip: Access the Treasury with your admission ticket; ask staff for highlights
Photograph stained glass and sculptures:
Capture light through the Gothic windows and detailed woodcarvings
Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens; photography is allowed for personal use
Attend Sunday organ mass:
Hear the historic organ or orchestra during the 10:30 am service
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for a good seat and free admission
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Paul's Church
- Use first Tuesday: Visit free on the first Tuesday of each month from April to October
- Arrive early: Reach the church 10 minutes before tours or mass to avoid lines
Reviews of St Paul's Church
Oksana Vozniuk
Definitely worth to visit! Antique atmosphere like in Den Brown books. There are original Rubens and other famous paintings.
K
Beautiful! It’s a must! A hidden treasure.
Samir Alchaar
You will lose a lot of you don’t come over and enjoy this beautiful 😍 church
Graham Short
The exterior piece of “sculpture” adjoining the side of the church is quite something, the idea was to bring ‘Jerusalem’ to the faithful in Antwerp. The garden is worth asking the guides about. The inside is ornate from the row of confessionals to the pulpit, with many works of art on the walls.
David Peter Fernandes
Such a beautiful church Had a chance to hear the easter Mass Since i was in Antwerp during Easter Maintenance work was on one side of the church, but still such beautiful wood work and a very well maintained church with a beautiful holy service during easter..a beautiful experience of the holy communion and baptism together Also theres a hallway with paintings
When is the best time to visit St Paul's Church (Antwerp, Belgium)?
Visit free on the first Tuesday of April–October. In May and June, book Nocturnes Thursday evenings for baroque concerts and special tours.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission ticket | EUR 5 |
| Coffee at nearby café | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 8 |
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 St Paul's Church
Address: Sint-Paulusstraat 22, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
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About St Paul's Church
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+32 3 231 33 2110 BEST nearby Activities
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