Budget-Friendly Antwerp Adventure: 5 Days of Fun

Discovering Antwerp's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploring

  • Check in at the budget-friendly City Hotel in the heart of Antwerp
  • Visit the historic Grote Markt and marvel at the stunning Brabo Fountain
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront of the Scheldt River
  • Visit the stunningly beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the tallest in Europe
  • Enjoy a bowl of mussels at the cozy Publik, and wash it down with a locally brewed Belgian beer
Day 2

Art and Design

  • Visit the Rubens House, home and studio of the world-renowned painter
  • Check out the cutting-edge art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Get inspired by the innovative design displays at the Fashion Museum
  • Take a walk through the scenic Stadspark and admire the sculptures and fountains
  • Indulge in a delicious waffle at the charming Waffle Factory
Day 3

Shopping and Culture

  • Explore the trendy South district for unique boutiques and vintage shops
  • Visit the Red Star Line Museum and learn about the immigrant experience
  • Check out the world-famous Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest in the world
  • Stroll through the Chinese district and discover the vibrant Chinatown culture
  • Enjoy a hearty sandwich and refreshing beer at Den Engel, a traditional Belgian cafe
Day 4

Nature and History

  • Visit the beautiful Vrijbroek Park and wander the lush gardens and ponds
  • Explore the royal history of the Palace of Justice, one of the largest buildings in Europe
  • Check out the fascinating city history at the Antwerp Museum at the Butchers’ Hall
  • Learn about the diamond industry at the Diamond Pavilion Museum
  • Savor a delicious plate of frites at Frituur Number One, a local favorite
Day 5

Leisure and Relaxation

  • Relax in the rejuvenating thermal baths and sauna at Aquatopia
  • Visit the charming Middelheim Park and admire the outdoor sculpture collection
  • Check out the eccentric street art in the trendy Zurenborg district
  • Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic paths of the River Scheldt
  • Feast on a delicious bowl of Belgian stew at Bier Central, paired with a refreshing pint of Trappist ale.

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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