Antwerp, Belgium 5 Day Itinerary

Antwerp, Belgium 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Accommodation: Consider staying at the boutique Hotel Julien or the historic Steenhuis de Leemput. Both are centrally located and offer comfortable accommodations.

  • Transportation: Antwerp has an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and trains. A MOBIB card is recommended for multiple journeys. You can also explore the city on foot or rent a bike.

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at ’t Kafeke van het Varken (The Pig’s Cafe), a local favorite known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Then, stroll around the picturesque Grote Markt (City Square) and admire the magnificent City Hall.

  • Evening: Enjoy a meal at ’t Zilte**, a 2-Michelin-star restaurant serving contemporary Belgian cuisine.

  • Night: End your day with a visit to one of Antwerp’s bustling bars or nightclubs, such as Trix or De Muze.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Morning: Head to the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) for an overview of Antwerp’s history and culture.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the city’s printing history. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful garden!

  • Evening: Dine at Dock or Het Staal, both offering modern cuisine with stunning waterfront views.

  • Night: Spend your evening exploring the trendy district of Waerendreef. Visit cocktail bars like Duke’s BrewVenture and Café Bar Haiti.

Day 3: Fashion & Diamonds

  • Morning: Start at the ModeMuseum (Fashion Museum Antwerp), where you can learn about local and international fashion design.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Diamond District, the world’s largest diamond trading center outside of Israel. You can even take a guided tour to understand the industry better.

  • Evening: Dine at Den Olifant, an iconic Antwerp eatery known for its hearty Flemish dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ghent or Bruges

  • Transportation: Consider taking a train from Antwerp Central Station to either Ghent (30 minutes) or Bruges (1 hour). Both cities are easily explored in a day.

  • Returning to Antwerp: If you choose Ghent, return by 6 pm for your evening plans. If Bruges is your destination, come back by 5 pm to allow enough time for dinner and evening activities.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or try a new spot before checking out and storing your luggage.

  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Antwerp exploring any missed sights or revisiting favorite spots. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs!

  • Departure: Head to the airport or train station for your journey home, with fond memories of your time in Antwerp.

Things to Know:

  • Antwerp is a vibrant city, so there are plenty of street performers and events happening throughout the year. Keep an eye out!
  • Belgian chocolate, waffles, and fries are must-try treats.
  • English is widely spoken in Antwerp, but knowing a few Dutch phrases can be helpful.