Antwerp 5 Day Itinerary

Antwerp 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive in Antwerp and check-in to your hotel:
    • Hotel Julien: A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Antwerp.
  • Start your day at Grote Markt, the main square of Antwerp, surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, and shops.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic church with impressive architecture and artwork.
  • Explore the Vlaeykensgang, a charming pedestrian street lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at De Foyer, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Take a stroll along the Scheldt River and admire the city’s skyline.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), featuring an impressive collection of Flemish and European art.
  • Stop by the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a museum showcasing the history and culture of Antwerp.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Eilandje neighborhood, known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
  • Visit the Red Star Line Museum, dedicated to the history of shipping and migration.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at ** Het Pomphuis**, a modern restaurant serving creative Belgian dishes.
  • Catch a performance or concert at the deSingel International Arts Centre.

Day 3: Diamonds and Fashion

Morning

  • Learn about Antwerp’s diamond industry at the Diamond Museum.
  • Visit the Fashion Museum (MoMu), showcasing a collection of fashion and textiles.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Meir shopping street, lined with high-end boutiques and department stores.
  • Visit the Antwerpen Centraal shopping center, offering a range of shops and restaurants.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bistro De Schaar, serving traditional Belgian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mechelen

Morning

  • Take a train or bus to Mechelen (approximately 30 minutes).
  • Visit the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church with impressive architecture.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Grote Markt of Mechelen, surrounded by beautiful buildings and shops.
  • Visit the Kazerne Dossin, a museum showcasing the history of Mechelen.

Evening

  • Return to Antwerp and enjoy dinner at Bocadero, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
  • Relax with a drink at CafĂ© De Kat, a cozy bar with a charming atmosphere.

Day 5: Markets and Waterfront

Morning

  • Visit the Vrijdagmarkt, a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Explore the Scheldt River waterfront, lined with cafes and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Take a boat tour of the Scheldt River and admire the city’s skyline from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Petroleum Zuid, a trendy neighborhood with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at De Brooderij, serving traditional Belgian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Take a stroll through the city, admiring the beautiful architecture and soaking up the atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Antwerp is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
  • The official language is Dutch, but many locals speak English, French, and German.
  • Be sure to try some traditional Belgian dishes, such as waffles, chocolate, and beer!

Transportation

  • Antwerp Airport (ANR) is located approximately 5 km from the city center. Taxis, buses, and trains are available for transportation.
  • The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains.

Tips

  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Antwerp, with layers and waterproof gear.
  • Take advantage of the city’s many bike lanes and rent a bike to explore the city.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Antwerp’s famous chocolate!

Other Things of Interest

  • Antwerp Zoo: A historic zoo housing over 7,000 animals from around the world.
  • Het Eilandje: A trendy neighborhood with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Summer Festival: An annual festival featuring music, theater, and dance performances.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, fashion, and fun, showcasing the best of Antwerp. Enjoy your trip!