Antwerp, Belgium-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
    • Take a taxi or bus ( De Lijn, line 7) to your hotel
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Indigo Antwerpen (4-star), located in the historic city center
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Grote Markt, a charming square surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, and street performers
    • Admire the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) nearby
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at ’t Pakhuis, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Red Star Line Museum, showcasing the history of immigration and emigration in Antwerp (€10 admission)
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Karmeliet, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Belgian cuisine

Day 2: History, Art, and Fashion

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a modern museum featuring interactive exhibits on Antwerp’s history, art, and culture (€12 admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Diamond District, where you can see diamond polishing at work and shop for high-end jewelry
    • Stop by the Diamantmuseum (diamond museum) to learn more about this fascinating industry
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Café Mozart, a popular spot for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, showcasing the life and work of Antwerp’s most famous printer and publisher (€10 admission)
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at ’t Eilandje, a restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on seafood

Day 3: Parks, Gardens, and Shopping

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Antwerpen Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world (€20 admission)
    • Stroll through the adjacent Parks Plantin-Moretus, featuring beautiful gardens and a pond
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, a bakery-café with organic options
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Shopping streets of Antwerp, including:
    • Meir, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets
    • Schuttershofplaats, a charming square lined with upscale boutiques and cafes
    • Korte Gasthuisstraat, a street known for its high-end fashion stores
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Chez Léon, a popular restaurant serving Belgian cuisine

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Antwerp City Hall (Stadhuis van Antwerpen), a beautiful example of Gothic architecture (free admission)
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Erlangen Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of art and artifacts (€8 admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at De Konijn, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Antwerp Opera House (De Schouwburg), one of Europe’s most famous opera houses
    • Catch a performance or take a guided tour (€15-30 admission)
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Gare, a restaurant serving French-Belgian cuisine

Day 5: Markets and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Grote Markt Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and souvenirs
    • Stop by the adjacent Cathedral of Our Lady for a visit or prayer
  • 11:30 AM: Grab lunch at De Markante, a restaurant serving international cuisine
  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Antwerp Central Market (Centraal Station Markt), where you can find fresh produce, cheese, and more
    • Stop by the nearby Central Train Station for your departure

Additional Tips and Information

  • Transportation: Antwerp has an efficient public transportation system. Buy a Day Pass (€6) or use a prepaid card like the Belgian Ticket.
  • Language: Dutch is the official language, but many locals speak English. You can also use Google Translate to help with communication.
  • Safety: Antwerp is generally a safe city, but be aware of pickpocketing and petty crime in crowded areas.
  • Weather: Pack for unpredictable Belgian weather: bring rain gear and layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Accommodations

  • Hotel Indigo Antwerpen (4-star)
    • Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 16, 2000 Antwerp
    • Phone: +32 3 233 33 00

Restaurant Reservations

  • Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants like De Karmeliet and Chez Léon.

Enjoy your trip to Antwerp!