Groenplaats

One of the most recognizable and lively locations Antwerp offers travelers is the picturesque Groenplaats square. Located in the heart of the historic center of this amazing country, Belgium is rightly proud of this site's architectural ensemble. The square serves as a link between ancient streets and the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, whose 123-meter spire dominates the skyline.

The central feature of Groenplaats is the bronze monument to the legendary artist Peter Paul Rubens, erected here in 1843. Today, this space is full of life: the cozy terraces of numerous cafes and restaurants invite you to relax, while the flower market fills the air with a delicate fragrance, creating a unique atmosphere of European charm.

Despite its modern role as a major transport hub and popular meeting spot, the square preserves the memory of its past — its name ("Green Square") refers to the former cemetery that once occupied the site. Today, it is the perfect place to feel the city's pulse and admire the elegant building facades from different eras.

For those planning a visit to Groenplaats, it’s helpful to have the exact coordinates of the location. The square is situated in the heart of the city and is easily accessible to all tourists. Below is the official information to help you find your way while planning your walk through Antwerp.

Visiting Groenplaats is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Europe. Be sure to set aside some time to sit on one of the outdoor terraces with a cup of coffee or a glass of Belgian beer. From here, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the cathedral, and watching the urban bustle will be a pleasant pause in your itinerary.

Photography enthusiasts should head to the Rubens monument to capture a classic shot with the cathedral in the background. If your visit coincides with the flower market, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and scents. Additionally, the square is surrounded by many shops, making it a convenient spot for a bit of shopping between excursions.

In the evening, Groenplaats is transformed by artistic lighting that gives the buildings a fairy-tale appearance. Thanks to the proximity of transport, it’s a convenient starting point for walks to the Scheldt river embankment or the neighboring Grote Markt square. Street events often take place here, so you will always find yourself at the heart of Antwerp life.

Getting to Groenplaats is easy, as it is located at Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen, right in the city center. The square is a vital transport hub for Antwerp: directly beneath it lies a metro station where tram lines connecting various city districts stop. For those preferring to travel by car, there is a spacious underground parking lot beneath the square, making it one of the most convenient entry points to the historic center.

If you arrive at the magnificent Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), the walk to the square takes about 10–15 minutes through bustling shopping streets. Alternatively, you can take a tram, which reduces travel time to about 5 minutes. From another popular location — Grote Markt — Groenplaats is just a few minutes' leisurely walk away.

The square is also easily accessible by taxi or on foot from the Scheldt river embankment. The De Lijn public transport system allows for easy route planning, making a visit to the heart of the city simple and comfortable for every traveler.

The history of Groenplaats dates back to the Middle Ages when the area served a very different purpose. For a long time, it was the site of the cemetery for the Cathedral of Our Lady. It was intended for citizens who could not afford an honorable burial inside the cathedral itself, which was constructed between 1352 and 1521.

The cemetery was finally closed at the end of the 18th century. Gradually, the space was transformed into an open city square surrounded by elegant buildings. This transformation marked the transition from a place of seclusion to the center of public and commercial life that we see today.

A landmark event for the square was the installation of the bronze monument to Peter Paul Rubens in 1843. This work by sculptor Joseph Geefs was timed to honor the great Flemish painter as Antwerp's most distinguished citizen. The statue replaced a massive crucifix that had previously stood there, finally cementing the square's status as a major cultural site.

Today, Groenplaats has evolved into a modern space where historical heritage blends harmoniously with the everyday bustle. It remains a living testament to how the city grows and changes while maintaining respect for its past and its great historical figures.

For a quick introduction to Groenplaats, including viewing the Rubens monument and taking a few photos against the backdrop of the majestic cathedral, you will need about 30–60 minutes. This is quite enough time to feel the energy of the place and appreciate its architectural setting.

If you decide to combine your walk with a break at one of the local cafes or plan to tour the interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady, you should allow at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit. The leisurely pace of the square invites you to linger and watch the city go by.

Since Groenplaats is an open public space, it is accessible 24 hours a day. You can come here early in the morning to see the square in silence, or late in the evening when the spectacular lighting comes on.

The official schedule confirms that access to the area is open 24/7 every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays. This makes the square an extremely convenient place for a walk at any time, regardless of your travel schedule.

The prime location of Groenplaats makes it an excellent starting point for exploring other iconic city sites. Both historical monuments and modern entertainment centers are concentrated nearby, allowing you to create a rich sightseeing itinerary.

Exploring the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the region's culture, revealing new facets of Antwerp at every turn. Below are some interesting sites located nearby: