Weekend Getaway: Antwerp's Art, Food, and History

Antwerp: where historic charm meets modern flair.

22 April 2023

Antwerp, a vibrant city in northern Belgium is full of cultural richness and delightful activities. Known for its exquisite diamonds and architecture, it's not hard to see why visitors flock to this city. Take a walking tour around the old town, visit the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady and indulge in delicious Belgian waffles as you explore the gorgeous city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Art, Architecture, and Amazing Food

  • Hotel Check into trendy Hotel Julien, a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Antwerp's historic district.
  • 1. Rubens House Visit the former home of acclaimed Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.
  • 2. Het Steen Marvel at Antwerp's oldest building, a medieval stone fortress that once protected the city from invaders.
  • 3. The Antwerp Fashion Museum Delve into the world of haute couture at this museum showcasing Belgian fashion and its influence on the industry worldwide.
  • 4. Lunch at De Serre Refuel with a delicious lunch overlooking Antwerp's beautiful botanical gardens.
  • 5. Diamond District Wander through the Diamond District, where 80% of the world's diamonds are traded and window shop the numerous jewelry stores.
  • 6. Dinner at The Jane End the day on a high note at The Jane, a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a former chapel serving up exceptional cuisine.
Day 2

History, Beer, and More Delicious Food

  • 1. Breakfast at Domestic Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Domestic, a cozy cafe serving up fresh, homemade fare.
  • 2. Antwerp Central Station Admire the grandeur of Antwerp's Central Station, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
  • 3. Cathedral of Our Lady Visit the iconic gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, home to some of Rubens' most famous works.
  • 4. Lunch at Paters Vaetje Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch paired with a pint of delicious Belgian beer at this authentic pub.
  • 5. Museum aan de Stroom Learn about Antwerp's fascinating history at this modern museum overlooking the Scheldt river.
  • 6. Dinner at Fiera End the trip with an unforgettable meal at Fiera, a trendy, contemporary restaurant serving up creative cuisine that'll leave a lasting impression.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Antwerp by plane is to fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) and take a direct train from Brussels Airport-Zaventem station to Antwerp Central station, which takes about 30 minutes.

Car

Driving to Antwerp is also an option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding area or plan to visit multiple cities in Belgium. The best route is to take the E19 highway from Brussels or Amsterdam and follow signs to Antwerp.

Train

Taking a train to Antwerp is recommended if you are coming from another city in Belgium or Europe. The best way to get there is to take a train to Antwerp Central station, which is a major hub for international and domestic trains.

Boat

Getting to Antwerp by boat is possible if you are coming from the Netherlands or other parts of Europe. The best way to get there is to take a ferry from the Port of Rotterdam to the Port of Antwerp, which takes about 4 hours.

Bus

Taking a bus to Antwerp is a good option if you are on a budget or prefer a more scenic route. The best way to get there is to take a Flixbus from Amsterdam or Brussels to Antwerp, which takes about 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

Destination

Antwerp

Get ready to pronounce 'Antwerpen' wrong at least ten times before realizing it's just the Dutch word for Antwerp. But don't worry, the locals won't judge you… too much.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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