Antwerp 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Antwerp International Airport (ANR) or take the train to Antwerpen Centraal station
  • Check-in at Hotel Julien or similar in the city center
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café De Foyer

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (free admission)
  • Explore the surrounding Grote Markt square, featuring the City Hall and beautiful guildhalls
  • Wander through the nearby Vlaeykensgang, a charming pedestrian street lined with medieval buildings and quaint shops

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at De Foyer, 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, featuring an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art (€10 admission)
  • Stop by the nearby Museum aan de Stroom, showcasing the city’s history and cultural heritage (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy Eilandje neighborhood, known for its street art, boutiques, and hip cafes
  • Visit the MoMu (ModeMuseum), a fashion museum housed in a beautiful 19th-century building (€10 admission)

Evening

  • Savor dinner at Het Pomphuis, offering seasonal Belgian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Catch a performance or concert at the deSingel arts center

Day 3: Diamonds and Fashion

Morning

  • Learn about Antwerp’s rich diamond history at the Diamond Museum (€7 admission)
  • Visit the Antwerpen Diamond Bourse, one of the four main diamond exchanges in the world

Afternoon

  • Explore the Meir shopping street, lined with high-end boutiques and international brands
  • Discover the latest fashion trends at the Antwerp Fashion Museum (free admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at De Kiosk, a cozy restaurant serving contemporary Belgian cuisine
  • Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center

Day 4: Day Trip to Mechelen

Morning

  • Take the train to Mechelen ( approx. 30 minutes journey)
  • Visit the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, featuring an impressive tower and beautiful stained-glass windows (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Explore the charming Grote Markt square, surrounded by medieval buildings and picturesque alleys
  • Visit the Kazerne Dossin, a former military barracks turned cultural center with exhibitions and events (free admission)

Evening

  • Return to Antwerp and enjoy dinner at Bistro Bij Ons, serving traditional Belgian dishes
  • Relax with a drink at Café ’t Foyer, a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere

Day 5: Waterfront and Green Spaces

Morning

  • Visit the Antwerp Harbour, one of Europe’s largest inland harbors (free admission)
  • Take a stroll along the Scheldt River promenade, offering scenic views of the city skyline

Afternoon

  • Explore the beautiful Park Spoor Noord, featuring walking trails, gardens, and a picturesque pond
  • Visit the Botanical Garden, home to over 2,000 plant species (€5 admission)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Den Amand, serving seasonal Belgian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Take a sunset cruise along the Scheldt River (approx. €20-30 per person)

Day 6: Street Art and Markets

Morning

  • Explore the vibrant Street Art scene in Antwerp, featuring works by local and international artists (free admission)
  • Visit the bustling Vrijdagmarkt, a weekly market offering fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs (free admission)

Afternoon

  • Browse the stalls at the Exotic Market, featuring international cuisine, crafts, and exotic goods (free admission)
  • Relax with a coffee or snack at Café De Studio, a cozy spot with a artistic vibe

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at De Peerdestok, serving traditional Belgian dishes in a rustic setting
  • Catch a live music performance or comedy show at the Arenberg cultural center

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you may have missed
  • Depart from Antwerp International Airport (ANR) or take the train back home

Transportation:

  • Antwerp has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can purchase a 10-journey ticket (€14) or a day pass (€7)
  • Taxis are readily available, but more expensive
  • Bike rentals are also an option, with many bike lanes throughout the city

Tips and Essentials:

  • Antwerp is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • The official language is Dutch, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with rain showers possible even on sunny days
  • Don’t forget to try some of Belgium’s famous chocolate and beer during your stay!

Other Things of Interest:

  • Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe (€20 admission)
  • Red Star Line Museum, showcasing the history of the Red Star Line shipping company (€10 admission)
  • Het Eilandje, a trendy neighborhood with street art, boutiques, and hip cafes
  • Antwerpen by Bike, guided bike tours exploring the city’s hidden gems (approx. €30-40 per person)