Antwerp, Belgium-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Grote Markt, a beautiful square in the heart of Antwerp’s old town. Admire the stunning City Hall building and take a moment to relax on one of the many benches.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), a magnificent Gothic church that houses two paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at ‘T Eiland, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Belgian cuisine. Try their famous fries and waffles!
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the stunning Rubenshuis (Rubens House), the former home of Peter Paul Rubens. This 16th-century house has been beautifully restored to its original glory.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Head to the trendy Kattendijkdok area for dinner at De Vagabond, a restaurant serving tasty burgers and other comfort food.
  • 8:30 PM: Catch a performance or concert at the Concertgebouw (Antwerp Concert Hall), one of Europe’s most prestigious music venues.

Where to Stay

  • Consider staying at the charming Hotel Oude Zager in the heart of Antwerp. This family-run hotel offers cozy rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet.

Transportation

  • The city has an excellent public transportation system. Use the De Lijn (Antwerp Bus) or S-Trein (Antwerp Train) to get around.
  • You can also rent a bike at Velorium, a local bike rental shop with several locations throughout the city.

Day 2: Thursday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Central Station and its adjacent Gingerbread House, a quirky building that’s home to a café, shops, and exhibitions.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the fascinating Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of Jewish immigration during the 19th century.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Bistro des Deux in the heart of Antwerp’s old town. This cozy bistro serves delicious French-inspired cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the beautiful Horta Museum, a stunning Art Nouveau museum showcasing the works and life of Victor Horta, one of Belgium’s most famous architects.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Karmel, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Belgian cuisine.
  • 8:30 PM: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Antwerp, with its many bars and clubs.

Day 3: Friday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) for a guided tour.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the charming Sint-Pauluskerkhof, a small park with a beautiful church and plenty of street art.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Café ’t Smiske, a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a stunning 16th-century printing press museum that showcases the works of Christophe Plantin, one of Antwerp’s most famous printers.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bistrot des Deux in the heart of Antwerp.
  • 8:30 PM: Depart for your next destination or explore more of what Antwerp has to offer!

Things to Know

  • Antwerp is generally very safe, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with many bars, clubs, and events catering to this community.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t miss the stunning Antwerp Flower Carpet, a beautiful flower installation that takes place every 2 years (next edition is in 2024).
  • Visit the Marktplaats, a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from fresh produce to second-hand goods.
  • Take a stroll along the Kattendijkdok, a picturesque harbor area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops.

Other Things of Interest

  • The Antwerp Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoos, is home to over 5,000 animals from around the world.
  • Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a stunning museum that showcases Antwerp’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Take a day trip to nearby Bruges, a beautiful medieval city with plenty of historic landmarks and charming streets.