Antwerp, Belgium-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Antwerp, Belgium

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Antwerp International Airport (ANR) or take the train to Antwerp Central Station
  • Check-in at Hotel Julien (€100-150 per night), a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city
  • Start your day with breakfast at Café De Foyer (€10-15 per person), a cozy spot serving delicious pastries and coffee

Afternoon

  • Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady (free admission), a stunning Gothic church with impressive architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows
  • Explore the surrounding Grote Markt, a picturesque square filled with cafes, shops, and historic buildings
  • Walk to the Scheldt River and enjoy the scenic views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at De Foyer (€25-35 per person), serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a warm atmosphere
  • Take a stroll through the lively Meir shopping street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Rubenshuis (€10-12 per person), a museum showcasing the life and work of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens
  • Stop by the Rockoxhuis (free admission), a beautiful baroque house with an impressive art collection

Afternoon

  • Explore the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom (€10-12 per person), a modern museum featuring exhibits on Antwerp’s history and culture
  • Relax in the adjacent Eilandje, a peaceful island with walking paths and scenic views

Evening

  • Dine at Het Pomphuis (€25-35 per person), serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy setting
  • Catch a performance or concert at deSingel , a popular cultural center with various events and activities

Day 3: History and Architecture

Morning

  • Visit the Battleship Aken (€10-12 per person), a historic warship turned museum showcasing Antwerp’s maritime history
  • Explore the nearby Vlaamse Kaai, a picturesque harbor with historic buildings and scenic views

Afternoon

  • Walk through the Jewish Quarter, a historic neighborhood with beautiful synagogues, shops, and restaurants
  • Visit the Red Star Line Museum (€10-12 per person), showcasing the history of transatlantic travel and immigration

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bistro Bij Ons (€20-25 per person), serving traditional Belgian comfort food in a cozy atmosphere
  • Take a romantic evening stroll through the Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city

Day 4: Day Trip to Mechelen

Morning

  • Take the train to Mechelen (approximately €10-15 per person, round-trip)
  • Visit the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral (free admission), a stunning Gothic church with impressive architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows
  • Explore the surrounding Grote Markt, a picturesque square filled with cafes, shops, and historic buildings

Afternoon

  • Visit the Kazerne Dossin (€10-12 per person), a museum showcasing the history of Mechelen’s military past
  • Relax in the adjacent Vrijbroekpark, a peaceful park with walking paths and scenic views

Evening

  • Return to Antwerp and enjoy dinner at De Groeninger (€25-35 per person), serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
  • Take a stroll through the lively Kammenstraat, a popular street filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring local boutiques on Meir and Kammenstraat
  • Visit the Antwerp Flea Market (free admission), a bustling market filled with vintage goods, antiques, and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Depart for Antwerp International Airport (ANR) or take the train back to your destination

Things to Know

  • Language: Dutch, French, German, and English are widely spoken
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Antwerp has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers
  • Safety: Antwerp is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings

Transportation

  • Train: frequent connections from Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities
  • Bus: several bus companies operate in Antwerp, including De Lijn and Flanders Expo
  • Bike: rent a bike at one of the many rental shops throughout the city
  • Taxi: widely available, but can be expensive

Tips

  • Buy an Antwerp City Card (€20-30 per person) for free admission to several attractions and discounts on public transportation
  • Try some traditional Belgian cuisine, such as waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer
  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in the historic center
  • Don’t forget to try some of Antwerp’s famous diamonds at one of the many jewelers throughout the city

I hope you enjoy your trip to Antwerp!