Antwerp in a Day: Budget-Friendly Guide

Discover Antwerp's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Antwerp on a Budget

  • Antwerp is a charming Belgian city with stunning architecture and delicious food. If you're visiting on a budget, fear not! Here's how to spend a day in Antwerp without breaking the bank:
  • Start the day with a stroll along the River Scheldt, admiring the colorful riverside houses and the impressive Port House building.
  • Next, head to the Grote Markt square to see the magnificent Gothic City Hall and the impressive Brabo Fountain. Don't forget to snap a photo with the statue of Brabo throwing a hand of Antigoon, the city's legendary giant.
  • For lunch, head to Frites Atelier, a funky and trendy spot serving some of the best fries in town. The prices are reasonable, and you can customize your own sauce combination.
  • In the afternoon, visit the MAS Museum, a contemporary museum that showcases the city's maritime history and culture. Best of all, the panoramic rooftop offers stunning views of Antwerp's skyline, and it's free!
  • For dinner, check out the trendy neighborhood of Het Eilandje and grab a table at Bar Paniek. This hip and bohemian spot serves great food and drinks at reasonable prices, including some local specialties like shrimp croquettes and Belgian beers.
  • End the night with a stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town and marvel at the spectacular architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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 on a budget: 4 days of fun!

Antwerp, Belgium is a beautiful city that can be comfortably explored on a limited budget. With affordable accommodation options like hostels or cheap hotels, visitors can save money while still immersing themselves in the city's history, culture, and architecture. Don't miss out on visiting some of Antwerp's iconic sites like the Antwerp Cathedral, Rubens House Museum, and the Grote Markt without breaking the bank.

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.

Romantic Antwerp: A Day Trip Getaway

Antwerp, Belgium is the perfect destination for a romantic trip. You can stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady, and enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many cozy restaurants. Don't forget to visit the diamond district and pick out a sparkling souvenir to commemorate your romantic getaway.