5 Days of Flemish Fun: Antwerp Adventure Guide

Discover diamonds, chocolate, and a charming old town in Antwerp.

22 April 2023

Antwerp is a vibrant city rich in Flemish history and architecture, offering a delightful taste of Belgian culture and gastronomy. Visitors can explore the city's famous diamond district, stunning cathedrals and museums, and indulge in delicious waffles and chocolate. Highlights of Antwerp include the historic Grand Place, the medieval fortress of Het Steen, and the towering Gothic spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Antwerp

  • Check into the boutique hotel 'HotelO Kathedral' with views of the cathedral spire from your window.
  • Head to the UNESCO-listed Antwerp Central Station, grab a coffee, and soak up the old-world charm.
  • Discover the fascinating history of diamonds at the Diamond Museum.
  • Take a stroll through the 16th-century Grote Markt square, admire the Renaissance Town Hall and the Brabo Fountain.
  • Enjoy some traditional Belgian cuisine at De Rooden Hoed, the oldest restaurant in Antwerp.
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Explore the stunning Gothic Revival architecture of the Antwerp Cathedral, home to Rubens' 'Elevation of the Cross'.
  • Visit the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO heritage site and former residence of the famous printing family.
  • Admire the contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA).
  • Discover Antwerp's vibrant street art scene with a guided tour.
  • Try some delicious Belgian waffles from Wafelhuis Van Hecke.
Day 3

Fashion and Shopping

  • Shop for unique, vintage finds at the Kloosterstraat Flea Market.
  • Discover the world-famous Belgian fashion scene at the ModeMuseum.
  • Browse the trendy boutiques and design shops in the Het Zuid district.
  • Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, home to works by Van Dyck and other Flemish masters.
  • Indulge in some Belgian chocolates at Neuhaus.
Day 4

Beer and Nightlife

  • Take a brewery tour and taste the local brews at De Koninck Brewery.
  • Wander along the historic streets of the old city center.
  • Sip cocktails at the speakeasy-style Cocktails @ Nine.
  • Catch a concert or gig at the legendary concert hall, Ancienne Belgique.
  • Sample some Belgian fries and beer at 't Antwaerps Bierhuiske.
Day 5

Nature and Relaxation

  • Escape the city buzz for a day trip to the stunning nature reserves of Kalmthoutse Heide or De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide.
  • Take a relaxing stroll through the spacious oasis of greenery that is the Stadspark.
  • Visit the exotic animals at Antwerp Zoo.
  • Enjoy a massage and wellness treatment at the urban retreat, Sauna Oase.
  • End your stay with a dinner at The Jane, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautifully restored chapel.

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Antwerp: A Quirky Adventure for the Whole Family

Antwerp, Belgium offers an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip with its beautiful blend of history, culture, and excitement. Explore the iconic Antwerp Central Station and Grote Markt, filled with stunning architecture and vibrant markets. Don't miss out on the family-friendly attractions like the Antwerp Zoo and the interactive Museum aan de Stroom, offering an immersive learning experience for both kids and adults.

Antwerp Affair: Uncover Art, Fashion, and Family Fun

Embark on a family-friendly adventure to Antwerp, Belgium, a vibrant city offering something for visitors of all ages. Explore the captivating Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the world, with its wide array of exotic animals. Immerse yourselves in history at the impressive MAS museum, where interactive exhibits and stunning views from the rooftop will captivate both kids and parents alike.

Budget-Friendly Antwerp Adventure: 5 Days of Fun

Antwerp, Belgium is a charming city that offers a variety of affordable activities to do. Start off by exploring the Old Town, where you'll come across the famous Grote Markt, which is lined with cafes and restaurants offering Belgian delicacies. Visit museums and galleries such as the Rubenshuis, which houses the famous works of Peter Paul Rubens, and the Museum Plantin-Moretus, which traces the history of printing.

Antwerp's Affordable Adventure: 2 Fun-Filled Days!

Antwerp, Belgium is a charming port city with stunning architecture, rich history, and a bustling art scene. While it may not be the cheapest destination, budget travelers can still explore the city's highlights by visiting free museums, strolling through scenic parks, and indulging in street food. With affordable accommodations like hostels and Airbnb options, a trip to Antwerp can be enjoyed even on a limited budget.