Antwerp-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). This stunning Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and features impressive architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and an impressive art collection.
  • 11:00 AM: Take a short walk to the nearby Grote Markt, a vibrant square surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Lunch

  • Head to De Karmeliet for lunch. This cozy restaurant serves traditional Flemish cuisine in a warm atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), an innovative museum that tells the story of Antwerp and its people through interactive exhibits.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the charming streets and shops around the Sint-Janshuismarkt, a beautiful square with a historic fountain.

Dinner

  • Enjoy dinner at The House of Élise, a modern Belgian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes.

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Rubens - Grote Markt, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Antwerp’s historical center, offering comfortable rooms and a charming atmosphere.

Transportation

  • The nearest airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), which is about 45 minutes from Antwerp by train. You can take a taxi or bus to get to your accommodation.
  • Within Antwerp, you can use public transportation (trams and buses) or walk/bike around the city.

Tips and Essentials

  • Don’t forget to try some delicious Belgian waffles at Wafelhuis!
  • Be sure to visit the Antwerp City Hall, a beautiful Renaissance building with impressive architecture.
  • If you’re interested in shopping, head to the Korte Gasthuistraat, a street lined with unique boutiques and souvenir shops.

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Rubens House (Rubenshuis), a beautiful 16th-century house where Peter Paul Rubens lived and worked. Explore the impressive art collection and learn about the life of this famous painter.
  • 11:30 AM: Take a short walk to the nearby Cruyssenhuis, a charming neighborhood with historic houses and a picturesque atmosphere.

Lunch

  • Enjoy lunch at ‘T Eilandje, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a warm setting.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA), which features an impressive collection of contemporary art from around the world.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the Eilandje harbor, a charming waterfront area with shops, cafes, and a beautiful view of the river.

Dinner

  • Enjoy dinner at ‘T Kelderke, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Flemish cuisine in a warm atmosphere.

Accommodation (same as Day 1)

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe, featuring a wide range of animals and a beautiful botanical garden.
  • 11:30 AM: Take a short walk to the nearby Diestsesteenweg, a street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Lunch

  • Enjoy lunch at Café Veritas, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a warm atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Groenplaats, a vibrant square surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the charming streets around the Sint-Jacobspark, a beautiful park with a pond and walking paths.

Dinner (same as Day 1)

Things to Know

  • Antwerp has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major cities. However, be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs, especially when visiting churches or museums.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled water for drinking purposes.

Other Tips

  • Consider purchasing a Mobipass, an Antwerp public transportation card that offers unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metro lines.
  • Take advantage of the city’s many bike rental options to explore the city on two wheels.
  • Don’t miss the vibrant nightlife scene in Antwerp; head to areas like the Groenplaats or Sint-Jacobspark for bars, clubs, and live music venues.