4-Day Adventure in Antwerp: Art, Fashion, and Fun!

Discover the allure of Antwerp's architecture, art, and diamonds.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Antwerp, Belgium offers a delightful experience full of history, art, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the city's stunning architecture, including the 16th-century Gothic cathedral, and head to the beautiful Belgian Diamond District to shop, eat, and drink. Antwerp is also renowned for its fashion, hosting one of Europe's most prominent fashion academies, attracting fashion enthusiasts from across the world.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Get Acquainted with Antwerp

  • Check-in at Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt, an elegant historic hotel in the heart of Antwerp.
  • Visit the Gothic beauty Cathedral of Our Lady, the largest church in Belgium with stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Wander through the cobbled medieval streets of the Old Town, admiring the ornate gilded facades of guildhalls.
  • Indulge in traditional Flemish pub fare at Paters Vaetje, with their selection of over 100 Belgian beers!
  • End the evening with a stroll around the illuminated square of Grote Markt and take a selfie with the towering statue of Brabo.
Day 2

Art and Architecture

  • Join a guided tour of the opulent 17th century Baroque masterpiece, Rubenshuis, former home of Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens.
  • Take a ride up the panoramic escalator to the roof of MAS Museum for fabulous views of Antwerp City and the River Scheldt.
  • Admire the Art Nouveau architecture of the Central Station, known as the "Railway Cathedral".
  • Indulge in sweet treats and Belgian chocolates from the famous pastry chef Roger van Damme at his flagship store Het Gebaar.
  • Enjoy modern Belgian cuisine with a twist at The Jane, set in a converted chapel with soaring ceilings and chandeliers.
Day 3

Fashion and Shopping

  • Browse the avant-garde and edgy designs from Antwerp's renowned fashion designers, known as the Antwerp Six, at MoMu Fashion Museum.
  • Tour the impressive 16th-century royal palace, City Hall, built in the Renaissance style with stunning ceiling murals.
  • Hunt for vintage treasures and unique souvenirs in the trendy and youthful Zuid neighborhood.
  • Sample authentic Belgian waffles from the legendary Wafelhuis Van Hecke.
  • Treat yourself to a chic and stylish meal at The Butcher's Son, with their seasonal gourmet menu and hip industrial décor.
Day 4

Hidden Gems and Local Hotspots

  • Take a ferry to the charming waterside district of Het Eilandje and discover the cute and quirky Red Star Line Museum, dedicated to the stories of emigration to America.
  • Visit the vibrant and eclectic street art scene in the hip area of Borgerhout.
  • Discover the atmospheric and intimate jazz club, De Muze, featuring live performances and a cozy fireplace.
  • Feast on delicious and hearty Belgian stew at the charming and rustic De Rooden Hoed, one of the oldest restaurants in Antwerp.
  • End the night with a pint of Belgian beer at the cozy brown café, Den Engel, beloved by locals and visitors alike.

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.

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4-Day Adventure in Antwerp: Art, Fashion, and Fun!

As a tourist, a trip to Antwerp, Belgium offers a delightful experience full of history, art, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the city's stunning architecture, including the 16th-century Gothic cathedral, and head to the beautiful Belgian Diamond District to shop, eat, and drink. Antwerp is also renowned for its fashion, hosting one of Europe's most prominent fashion academies, attracting fashion enthusiasts from across the world.