Antwerp 3 Day Itinerary
Antwerp 3-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Discovering Antwerp’s History and Art
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café ’t Gastenhuis, located in the historic center.
- Visit Grote Markt, the main square of Antwerp, to admire the city’s iconic architecture, including the Town Hall and Brabo Fountain.
- Head to Rubens House, the former home of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, now turned into a museum.
Afternoon:
- Explore Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS), Antwerp’s contemporary cultural center with panoramic views of the city.
- Take a stroll along the River Scheldt and visit Het Steen, the oldest building in Antwerp and a former fortress.
Evening:
- Enjoy a casual dinner at Dok, offering a variety of Belgian dishes with a modern twist.
- End your day with a visit to Het Patronaat, Antwerp’s vibrant nightlife hotspot with multiple bars and clubs under one roof.
Day 2: Shopping and Fashion Experience
Morning:
- Begin your day with breakfast at Kaffeenatie, a cozy café in the fashion district.
- Explore Zwijntoren, one of the city’s oldest towers and enjoy the panoramic views over Antwerp.
- Visit ModeMuseum Antwerpen, also known as the Fashion Museum, to learn about Antwerp’s rich fashion history and contemporary designers.
Afternoon:
- Spend your afternoon shopping in Dansaert and Waardebuurt, Antwerp’s fashion districts, featuring both high-end boutiques and independent designers.
- For a unique shopping experience, visit Vintage Atelier for a selection of vintage clothes and accessories.
Evening:
- Dine at Sea Grill by Noorun, offering delicious seafood dishes with stunning views of the river.
- Visit Tiqets Antwerp to check out upcoming events or concerts in the city.
Day 3: Exploring Antwerp’s Multicultural Neighborhoods
Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien in Sint Andries, a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood.
- Visit Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp’s grandest church and home to Rubens’ famous masterpieces.
- Head to Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of the world’s first modern printer.
Afternoon:
- Explore Waalse Kaai, Antwerp’s picturesque quay with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Visit Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) if you missed it on day 1 to learn more about Antwerp’s history and culture.
Evening:
- Dine at Dock’s, offering a variety of dishes in a modern setting with views of the river.
- Take a sunset cruise along the River Scheldt to see Antwerp from a different perspective (Antwerpen op Maat).
Things to Know:
- Antwerp is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike rentals and lanes available throughout the city.
- Public transportation, including trams and buses, is frequent and easy to navigate. You can purchase tickets at any ticket machine or from the driver (cash only).
- English is widely spoken in Antwerp.
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected; a service charge is often included in your bill.
- Be sure to try Belgian waffles, frites, and beer during your visit!
Transportation:
- By train: Antwerp Central Station is the main hub for national and international trains (SNCB).
- By tram or bus: De Lijn operates public transportation in Antwerp. You can find routes, schedules, and ticket information on their website.
- By bike: There are numerous bike rentals throughout the city (Antwerp City Bikes).