Antwerp-4-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Day 1: Friday

9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). This stunning Gothic church is one of the largest in Europe and features impressive stained-glass windows.
10:00 AM: Explore the adjacent Grote Markt, a bustling square filled with street performers, cafes, and shops.

12:30 PM: Head to the MAS (Mode-Activiteit-Samenleving), a museum showcasing modern art, design, and fashion. Enjoy the rooftop views of the city!
2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Stadshaven, a beautiful waterfront area with plenty of restaurants and cafes.

7:00 PM: Dine at ‘T Kelderke, a cozy restaurant serving Belgian cuisine in an old cellar.
9:30 PM: Experience Antwerp’s vibrant nightlife by exploring the bars and clubs around the Grote Markt.

Day 2: Saturday

10:00 AM: Visit the Centraal Station (Central Train Station), a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. Take some photos in front of the iconic clock tower!
11:30 AM: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Eilandje, known for its fashion boutiques, art galleries, and street food.

1:00 PM: Lunch at De Koninck, a historic brewery serving delicious Belgian beers and traditional cuisine.
3:00 PM: Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a museum showcasing Antwerp’s history and culture.

7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Café ’t Eilandje, a restaurant located in an old boat house.
9:30 PM: Take a romantic stroll along the Scheldt River and enjoy the city lights.

Day 3: Sunday

10:00 AM: Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and prints.
12:30 PM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Stadshaven, known for its quaint shops, cafes, and street performers.

2:00 PM: Visit the Casteel de Hertogenrode, a medieval castle turned museum featuring an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
4:30 PM: Relax in the beautiful Koningin Elisabethplein, a park filled with gardens, fountains, and statues.

7:00 PM: Dine at De Witte Lelie, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Belgian cuisine.
9:30 PM: End the day with a visit to the rooftop bar of the MAS (Mode-Activiteit-Samenleving) for stunning views of the city.

Day 4: Monday

10:00 AM: Visit the Stadshaven, a waterfront area featuring beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues.
12:30 PM: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Eilandje, known for its fashion boutiques, art galleries, and street food.

2:00 PM: Visit the Museum voor Moderne Kunst (MMK), a museum showcasing modern and contemporary art.
4:30 PM: Relax in the beautiful Koningin Elisabethplein, a park filled with gardens, fountains, and statues.

7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Café ’t Eilandje, a restaurant located in an old boat house.
9:30 PM: Take a romantic stroll along the Scheldt River and enjoy the city lights.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options available in Antwerp. Some popular choices include:

Hotel O.K. Center: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
Ibis Hotel Antwerpen: A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
Antwerp Hostel: A social hostel with dorms, private rooms, and a lively atmosphere.

Transportation

Antwerp has a well-connected public transportation system. You can use the following options to get around:

Bus: Antwerp has an extensive network of buses that cover most areas of the city.
Tram: The tram network is convenient for getting around the city, especially in the downtown area.
Bike: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but can be expensive.

Tips

Learn some Dutch: While many Antwerpians speak English, it’s still nice to learn some basic Dutch phrases like “Hallo” (hello), “Dank je wel” (thank you), and “Sorry” (excuse me).
Try the local cuisine: Belgian cuisine is delicious and worth trying. Be sure to try some fries (frites) with mayonnaise, a waffle with whipped cream and strawberries, or a plate of moules-frites.
Explore the neighborhoods: Antwerp has many charming neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique character and charm.

Other things to know

Weather: Antwerp experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still nice to have some cash on hand.
Safety: Antwerp is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Antwerp!