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 in a Day: Budget-Friendly Guide

Antwerp is a charming European city with plenty to offer, even for travelers on a tight budget. Visitors can explore affordable museums, enjoy delicious street food, and take advantage of free walking tours to see the city's historical landmarks. With its picturesque streets and welcoming locals, Antwerp is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an affordable European getaway.

5-Day Romantic Antwerp: Fashion, Art, and Cuisine

A romantic trip to Antwerp, Belgium offers the opportunity to explore fascinating historical landmarks and wander through charming neighborhoods with your loved one. With its lovely cafes, intimate restaurants, and scenic views along the river, Antwerp is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Whether you're interested in visiting museums, shopping for designer clothes or enjoying Belgian chocolate, Antwerp offers something for every couple.

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.

Antwerp Untangled: 5 Days of Family Fun and Hidden Gems

Antwerp, Belgium offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and family-friendly attractions. Discover the majestic Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world, where children can marvel at a wide variety of animals. Explore the stunning Antwerp Central Station, a masterpiece of architecture, before indulging in delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles that will leave the whole family craving for more.