Antwerp Belgium 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Antwerp, Belgium

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Centre

  • Morning: Arrive in Antwerp and check-in at your accommodation. Start your exploration from Grote Markt (Large Market), a vibrant square surrounded by historic buildings.

  • Places to Go: Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic church known for its five massive spires. Don’t miss the Museum aan de Stroom (Museum on the River) located near the river Scheldt.

    Where to Eat: For lunch, head to ‘De Karmeliet’, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative cuisine in an elegant setting.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at ‘L’Air du Temps’, a renowned restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients. End your day by taking a leisurely walk along the river Scheldt.

Day 2: Art, Architecture, and History

  • Morning: Start your day at the Red Star Line Museum, dedicated to the history of immigration from the port city. It’s a poignant reflection of the city’s past.
  • Places to Go: Visit the Central Station (Centraal Station), an architectural gem that dates back to 1908 and features a unique mix of Art Nouveau and Gothic styles. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘Bacchus’, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the EYE (House of Architecture), an interactive museum that offers insights into the city’s architectural history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at ‘De 7 Sterren’, a cozy restaurant with a focus on Belgian specialties.

Day 3: Castle and Park Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day by visiting the historic castle of Lier, located just outside Antwerp. It features beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views.
  • Places to Go: Visit the nearby ‘Coolsingel’, a unique park with a Japanese garden and a beautiful flower festival in spring. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘T’Kamers’, a restaurant serving innovative cuisine in an elegant setting.
  • Afternoon: Explore the picturesque town of Bergeijk, known for its charming canals and historic architecture.

Day 4: Museum and Shopping

  • Morning: Start your day by visiting the Plantin-Moretus Museum, located in a former printer’s house that dates back to the 16th century. It features an impressive collection of printing equipment.
  • Places to Go: Visit the Museum Hof van Busleyden, which houses the largest collection of Flemish and Dutch art outside of Brussels. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘De Karmeliet’, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative cuisine in an elegant setting.
  • Afternoon: Spend some time shopping at the trendy ‘Het Eilandje’ neighborhood, known for its unique boutiques and art galleries.

Day 5: History and Culture

  • Morning: Start your day by visiting the Rubens House (Rubenshuis), a former residence of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. It features an impressive collection of his artwork.
  • Places to Go: Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (Museum on the River) located near the river Scheldt. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘Bacchus’, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at ‘L’Air du Temps’, a renowned restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Day 6: Nature and Wildlife

  • Morning: Start your day by visiting the Antwerp Zoo, which features a wide range of animals from around the world.
  • Places to Go: Visit the nearby ‘Kasteel van Burcht’, a beautiful castle with gardens and a small lake. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘De 7 Sterren’, a cozy restaurant with a focus on Belgian specialties.
  • Afternoon: Explore the picturesque town of Lier, known for its charming canals and historic architecture.

Day 7: Last Day in Antwerp

  • Morning: Spend your last day shopping at the trendy ‘Het Eilandje’ neighborhood, known for its unique boutiques and art galleries.
  • Places to Go: Visit the Central Station (Centraal Station), an architectural gem that dates back to 1908 and features a unique mix of Art Nouveau and Gothic styles. Where to Eat: For lunch, try ‘T’Kamers’, a restaurant serving innovative cuisine in an elegant setting.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Red Star Line Museum, dedicated to the history of immigration from the port city.

Tips and Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Antwerp is by using public transportation, including buses and trams.
  • Consider purchasing a day ticket for unlimited travel on public transport.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the local specialties, such as waffles or Belgian chocolate.

Accommodation:

  • For accommodation options in Antwerp, consider staying at the ‘Hotel ‘T Kofschip’, which offers comfortable rooms and is located near the city centre.
  • Alternatively, you could stay at the ‘B-Aparthotel ’t Koopje’, which features modern apartments and a quiet location.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit Antwerp is in spring or summer, when the weather is mild and sunny.
  • Don’t miss the annual ‘Antwerpen Jazz Festival’ if you’re visiting during this time.