Antwerp, Belgium 7 Day Itinerary
Antwerp, Belgium 7-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)
Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration
- Check-in at your accommodation. Recommended: Pentahotel Antwerpen Centraal or Hotel Julien
- Start your day with a classic Belgian waffle at Le Waffle Fabrique
- Visit the iconic Antwerp Central Station and explore the surrounding area, including the Het Steen (The Stone), the oldest building in Antwerp
- Lunch at De Koninck, try their flagship beer ‘Cesar’
- Afternoon visit to Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) to learn about Antwerp’s history and culture
- Evening stroll along the Havengebied (Harbor District) and enjoy dinner at Terra Mater
- End your day with a visit to Het Stekije, Antwerp’s historic city center filled with bars and restaurants
Day 2: Museums & Diamonds
- Breakfast at Café de Kwispe
- Morning visit to the Rubens House, home of the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens
- Lunch at Den Witte Singhaar
- Afternoon at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to printing and publishing history
- Visit the Diamond District and explore the world’s largest diamond trade center
- Dinner at Brasserie Olof Verschueren
Day 3: Art & Architecture
- Breakfast at Café de Kwispe
- Morning visit to the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world
- Lunch at Bocadero Antwerpen
- Afternoon dedicated to the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), the city’s most iconic building
- Explore the Groenplaats and its historic buildings, including Het Steen and City Hall (Stadhuis)
- Dinner at De Karmeliet
Day 4: Day Trip to Ghent or Bruges
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Day trip to either Ghent or Bruges, both easily accessible by train from Antwerp
- Return to Antwerp for dinner at De Markt
Day 5: Fashion & Shopping
- Breakfast at Café de Kwispe
- Morning visit to the Modemuseum Antwerp, dedicated to fashion and photography
- Lunch at De Schelde
- Afternoon of shopping in Meir Street and Zuidstraatje
- Dinner at Dock’s
Day 6: Relaxation & Green Spaces
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Morning visit to the Sablon Quarter, known for its antique shops and chocolates
- Lunch at Dansaert
- Afternoon at the Wild Planten Tuin Zoo, a tranquil oasis in the city center
- Evening stroll along the Schelde River and dinner at Ter Klooster
Day 7: Departure
- Breakfast at your accommodation
- Last-minute shopping or sightseeing
- Departure
Things to Know:
- Antwerp is known as the city of diamonds and fashion, with over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds being traded here
- The city is easily accessible by train from Brussels Airport or other major European cities
- Antwerp is a vibrant and multicultural city, with a mix of modern and historic architecture
- Belgian chocolate, waffles, and fries are must-tries!
Tips:
- Purchase the Antwerp City Card for free or discounted entry to many attractions, as well as public transportation
- Use the city’s bike-sharing system, Velo Antwerpen, for easy navigation
- Be prepared for inclement weather; pack a raincoat or umbrella!