5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Antwerp

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Centre

Places to Visit:

• Grote Markt: The main square of Antwerp, surrounded by beautiful buildings like the Town Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Cathedral of Our Lady: A stunning Gothic cathedral with an impressive collection of art pieces, including works by Peter Paul Rubens.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour of the city to get an overview of its history and culture.
• Explore the lively streets around the Grote Markt, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Where to Eat:

• De Coninck: A historic brewery and restaurant serving traditional Belgian beer and food.
• De Karmeliet: A cozy eatery offering a range of international dishes in a charming atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel ’t Sand: A stylish hotel with comfortable rooms, located in the heart of the city.
• B&B Hotel Antwerp: A budget-friendly option with clean and functional rooms.

Things to Know:

• Antwerp has a well-developed public transportation system. You can use the bus or tram to get around the city.
• Be prepared for crowds and noise on weekends, especially in the city centre.

Day 2: Diamond District and MAS Museum

Places to Visit:

• Diamond District: A neighbourhood famous for its diamond trade and shopping. Visit the Antwerp Diamond Bourse and browse through the various shops.
• MAS Museum: A contemporary art museum with a stunning architecture and an impressive collection of artworks.

Activities:

• Take a tour of one of the diamond factories or visit the diamond market to learn about the trade.
• Explore the vibrant streets around the MAS, lined with street art, cafes, and galleries.

Where to Eat:

• Bistro Balthazar: A trendy eatery offering delicious Belgian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
• Café ’t Eilandje: A charming cafe serving coffee, pastries, and light meals.

Tips:

• Don’t miss the beautiful views of the Scheldt River from the MAS Museum’s rooftop.
• Explore the nearby streets to discover some of Antwerp’s most vibrant street art.

Day 3: Antwerpen Zoo

Places to Visit:

• Antwerpen Zoo: A popular zoo with a wide variety of animals, including penguins, giraffes, and monkeys.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour of the zoo to learn more about the different species.
• Enjoy the beautiful gardens and greenhouses within the zoo.

Where to Eat:

• The Zoo Café: A cozy eatery serving light meals and snacks inside the zoo.
• De Zeeuw: A nearby restaurant offering Belgian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.

Day 4: Rubenshuis Museum and Het Eilandje

Places to Visit:

• Rubenshuis Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Peter Paul Rubens, one of Antwerp’s most famous sons.
• Het Eilandje: A trendy neighbourhood with a stunning harbour view.

Activities:

• Take a tour of the Rubenshuis to learn about the artist’s life and works.
• Explore the lively streets around Het Eilandje, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Where to Eat:

• De Waterkant: A cozy eatery serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
• Café De Zeeuw: A nearby cafe offering coffee, pastries, and light meals.

Day 5: Departure

Places to Visit:

• Grote Markt: Take a last-minute stroll around the city centre before departing.
• Antwerp Cathedral: Say goodbye to Antwerp by visiting the stunning cathedral one last time.

Tips:

• Don’t forget to try some of Antwerp’s famous waffles or chocolates before leaving the city!
• Make sure to leave enough time for your departure, as traffic in the city can be unpredictable.