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Antwerp on a Budget: 3 Days of Charm and Culture

Experience the charm of Antwerp without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Experience the charm of Antwerp without spending too much money by exploring the city's free attractions such as the Rubenshuis Museum or walking through the scenic Grote Markt. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like youth hostels or Airbnb rentals and save money on food by trying out local street food like waffles or frites from a nearby friterie.

Travel plan

• Check-in at Antwerp City Hostel, a conveniently-located budget accommodation with comfortable shared dormitories and friendly staff.
• Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the world's oldest printing presses and a stunning collection of books and manuscripts.
• Wander around the trendy neighbourhood of South Antwerp, where you can find hip cafes, design shops and street art.
• Taste delicious Belgian fries at Frites Atelier, a popular fast-food chain that elevates the humble potato snack to new heights with unique sauces and toppings.
• End the day with a pint of local beer and some live music at Antwerp's oldest pub, Den Engel.

• Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at Barnini, a cosy cafe serving organic and fair-trade products.
• Discover the art museum of contemporary art M HKA, which features thought-provoking exhibitions and installations from Belgian and international artists.
• Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, a gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows and artworks by Rubens and Van Dyck.
• Indulge in some retail therapy on the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street filled with high-end fashion boutiques and department stores.
• Get a taste of Antwerp's diamond industry at one of the many diamond shops in the city centre, where you can admire and purchase high-quality gems.

• Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Domestic, a trendy brunch spot with a stylish decor and a diverse menu.
• Explore the charming old town of Antwerp, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and picturesque squares like the Grote Markt and the Vrijdagmarkt.
• Learn about the city's dark past at the Museum aan de Stroom, a fascinating museum that covers Antwerp's maritime and social history, as well as its role in the slave trade.
• Sample some delicious Belgian chocolates at local chocolatiers like Burie and Neuhaus, or savour some traditional Belgian dishes, such as stewed beef with Belgian beer and fries, at De Groote Witte Arend.
• End your Antwerp adventure with a sunset stroll along the Scheldt river, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and the harbour.