Antwerp 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Antwerp’s Rich History & Art

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Belgie, located in the historic center of Antwerp.

  • Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), an impressive Gothic structure that houses works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and other Flemish masters.

  • Take a stroll around the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square, lined with 16th and 17th century buildings, including the City Hall (Stadhuis).

Afternoon:

  • Head to Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS), located on the River Scheldt. It offers an interactive exploration of Antwerp’s history, art, and culture.

  • Visit the nearby Rubens House (Rubenshuis), where one of the world’s greatest painters lived and worked for over two decades.

Evening:

  • Dine at De Koninck, a historic brewery dating back to 1833, offering traditional Flemish dishes along with its famous ‘Bolleke’ beer.

  • End your day with a walk along the Havenkaai, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 2: Antwerp’s Modern Side & Fashion District

Morning:

  • Begin with breakfast at Mokum, a charming café in the fashion district.

  • Visit the Mode Museum (Fashion Museum), showcasing over 4,000 years of fashion history and Antwerp’s vibrant fashion scene.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world and home to over 700 species of animals.

  • Explore the Square Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Antwerp’s famous printing family.

Evening:

  • For dinner, visit De Zwarte Koe, known for its creative and delicious dishes in a lively atmosphere.

  • Spend your evening strolling through the fashion district, browsing boutiques and enjoying the city’s nightlife.

Things to Know:

  1. Antwerp is easily navigable by foot or bike, but there are also trams, buses, and taxis available.
  2. Belgian chocolate and waffles are a must-try!
  3. Antwerp is known for its diamond industry, with the Diamond Quarter being one of the world’s largest.
  4. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the annual Antwerp Art Weekend in October.
  5. Belgian beer, particularly Trappist and Lambic styles, is renowned worldwide.

Transportation:

  • Antwerp has an extensive public transportation system, with trams, buses, and trains connecting various parts of the city. You can purchase a MOBIB card at any metro station for travel within the city.

Tips:

  1. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  2. Dress smartly if you plan to visit high-end fashion boutiques in the district.
  3. Always carry small change, as many public restrooms require a fee for use.
  4. Don’t forget to try local specialties such as mussels and fries (known as ‘mossel- en frituur’)!