Antwerp

Day 1: Old town, printing heritage and the river

Ease into Antwerp’s historic core where Gothic spires, Renaissance guildhalls and quiet medieval alleys sit within a few minutes’ walk. Today balances headline masterpieces with atmospheric streets and a sunset on the docks.

• Morning: Step into the Cathedral of Our Lady to see Rubens’ monumental altarpieces in situ, then wander the Grote Markt for a 360° read of the city’s Renaissance wealth before slipping into the Vlaeykensgang alley for a time‑warp pause. Continue to the Museum Plantin‑Moretus to meet Europe’s golden age of printing in its original house and workshops; buy timed tickets and consider an Antwerp City Card if you’re planning three or more paid entries this trip.
• Midday: Lunch near the Groenplaats on classic Flemish staples (vol‑au‑vent or stoofvlees are reliable benchmarks), then amble up the Meir for grand 19th‑century façades and a coffee in a brown café. If it’s raining, this is a good window for the Nottebohmzaal (check if open) or an extra half‑hour among Plantin‑Moretus’ courtyards.
• Afternoon: Stroll north along the quays to Het Eilandje. Take your time at MAS: dip into the Visible Storage on level 2, then ride the glazed escalators that double as a free “vertical boulevard” with changing city views.
• Evening: Watch sunset from the MAS rooftop (free access) before dinner on the docks (seafood suits the setting; book Zilte far ahead if you’re going all‑out). End with a bolleke at a nearby café; in summer the quays hum late, while in winter the red stone of MAS glows beautifully after dark.

Day 2: South district art day (Old Masters to ultra‑contemporary)

Het Zuid is Antwerp’s cultural engine: museums, galleries, and strong bistronomy. Plan around Monday closures; on Thursdays some institutions run late, and Saturdays are best for gallery crawls.

By Air

• Antwerp International (ANR, Deurne) – 5 km from centre; limited regional flights. Bus 51/52/53 to Antwerpen-Berchem (10–15 min) then tram/train to Centraal (5–10 min). Taxi: 15–20 min.
• Brussels Airport (BRU, Zaventem) – 45 km. Direct IC trains to Antwerpen-Centraal/Antwerpen-Berchem every ~30 min; 32–45 min. Driving: 35–50 min.
• Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) – 115 km. Shuttle to Brussels-Midi (55–70 min) + train to Antwerp (35–45 min); total 1.5–2 hours. Driving: 80–100 min.
• Eindhoven (EIN, NL) – 90 km. Bus to Eindhoven station + train via Breda; 1.5–2 hours. Driving: 1–1.5 hours.
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS, NL) – 150 km. Direct high-speed/IC trains to Antwerp: 1h10–1h30. Driving: 1h45–2h15.

By Train

• Main stations: Antwerpen-Centraal (primary hub) and Antwerpen-Berchem (key interchange, handy for BRU).
• Domestic times (typical): Brussels (Midi/Central) 35–45 min; Mechelen 15–20 min; Leuven 45–60 min; Ghent 55–70 min; Bruges 1h25–1h45; Liège 1h35–2h.
• International:
  • Amsterdam 1h10–1h30 (IC/Eurostar); Rotterdam 30–50 min.
  • Paris ~2h direct on some Eurostar (ex-Thalys) services; via Brussels ~2h20–2h40.
  • London ~3h00–3h40 (Eurostar to Brussels-Midi + IC to Antwerp).
  • Cologne ~2h20–2h50 (via Brussels or Liège); Frankfurt ~3h30–4h30.

Antwerp: A compact, crowd-light cultural heavyweight where Old Masters, cutting-edge design and a stellar food scene shine without the crush.

• Culture first, without the queues: take in Rubens altarpieces in the Cathedral of Our Lady, the reimagined KMSKA and MAS’s free rooftop views, then plug into Antwerp’s vernissage culture and galleries in Het Zuid for a contemporary pulse.
• Neighbourhood charm over tourist gauntlets: wander Eilandje’s docks (Port House, MAS), Zurenborg’s Art Nouveau streets and Borgerhout’s murals, or decompress in the free Middelheim open-air sculpture park.
• Authentic flavours and real value: graze the Saturday Exotic Market, refuel at a frietkot or a brown café with a Bolleke, and splurge smartly at top bistronomy spots—Antwerp rewards curiosity more than budgets.
• Living heritage, not set dressing: UNESCO-listed Museum Plantin-Moretus, church-treasures like St. Paul’s, and fashion-forward streets meet everyday local rituals—gallery hopping, market mornings and late café chats—minus the crowds.

Antwerp suits travellers who want a compact, creative city where Old Masters meet avant‑garde galleries and striking contemporary architecture. Food lovers will find a dining scene to rival Brussels, from Michelin temples to brilliant bistronomy and lively markets. It’s perfect for a stylish weekend packed with culture—typically with lighter crowds than Bruges.

• History lovers: See Rubens masterpieces in situ at the Cathedral, explore the UNESCO‑listed Museum Plantin‑Moretus, and wander medieval lanes like the Vlaeykensgang.
• Art & design fans: Dive into the reopened KMSKA, M HKA and Het Zuid’s galleries, plus the free Middelheim sculpture park and Antwerp Art Weekend.
• Foodies: Feast on Michelin‑starred dining (Zilte, The Jane), top bistronomy and street markets, then toast with a local Bolleke at De Koninck.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at the “Railway Cathedral,” Art Nouveau Zurenborg, MAS’s red‑stone tower and Zaha Hadid’s Port House, with the Boerentoren’s rebirth on the horizon.
• Fashion & shoppers: Browse MoMu, indie boutiques and concept stores in Sint‑Andries—the city that launched the Antwerp Six.
• Active travellers: Bike the riverside quays and parks, hop trams between districts, and roam the open‑air Middelheim for art‑filled green time.

These are the unmissable highlights of Antwerp, distilled for a first-time visit. From Old Masters to avant‑garde architecture, they capture the city’s soul.

• Walk the Gothic heart from Grote Markt to the Cathedral of Our Lady to see Rubens’s altarpieces in situ.
• Explore the reborn KMSKA and the cutting-edge galleries of Het Zuid on a Saturday crawl.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Museum Plantin-Moretus for the world’s oldest presses and Rubens portraits.
• Take the escalators to MAS’s free rooftop for city-and-port panoramas, then wander the Eilandje docks to the Port House.
• Hike the leafy paths of the free Middelheim Open-Air Museum among sculptures by Rodin, Moore and Ai Weiwei.

These are the unmissable highlights of Antwerp, distilled for a first-time visit. From Old Masters to avant‑garde architecture, they capture the city’s soul.

• Walk the Gothic heart from Grote Markt to the Cathedral of Our Lady to see Rubens’s altarpieces in situ.
• Explore the reborn KMSKA and the cutting-edge galleries of Het Zuid on a Saturday crawl.
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Museum Plantin-Moretus for the world’s oldest presses and Rubens portraits.
• Take the escalators to MAS’s free rooftop for city-and-port panoramas, then wander the Eilandje docks to the Port House.
• Hike the leafy paths of the free Middelheim Open-Air Museum among sculptures by Rodin, Moore and Ai Weiwei.

Antwerp’s port-city heritage meets avant‑garde dining: from humble frietkoten and brown cafés to Michelin temples, locals prize quality, seasonality, and conviviality. Saturdays buzz around Theaterplein’s markets, where grazing with a glass of cava is a ritual.

• Frietkot cone – Twice‑fried frites in a paper “puntzak” with mayo, andalouse, or stoofvleessaus; join the queue at a neighbourhood kiosk for true street‑side vibes.
• Stoofvlees (carbonnade flamande) – Slow‑cooked beef‑and‑beer stew served with frites; hearty comfort food best savoured in a cosy brown café or bistro.
• Mussels & frites – A steaming pot of Zeeland mussels (use a shell as pincers) with golden frites; lively brasserie energy, especially July–September.
• Bolleke (De Koninck) – Amber Antwerp ale poured in its iconic chalice, caramel‑tinged and sessionable; order “een Bolleke” at a neighbourhood bar or café.

Antwerp’s port-city heritage meets avant‑garde dining: from humble frietkoten and brown cafés to Michelin temples, locals prize quality, seasonality, and conviviality. Saturdays buzz around Theaterplein’s markets, where grazing with a glass of cava is a ritual.

• Frietkot cone – Twice‑fried frites in a paper “puntzak” with mayo, andalouse, or stoofvleessaus; join the queue at a neighbourhood kiosk for true street‑side vibes.
• Stoofvlees (carbonnade flamande) – Slow‑cooked beef‑and‑beer stew served with frites; hearty comfort food best savoured in a cosy brown café or bistro.
• Mussels & frites – A steaming pot of Zeeland mussels (use a shell as pincers) with golden frites; lively brasserie energy, especially July–September.
• Bolleke (De Koninck) – Amber Antwerp ale poured in its iconic chalice, caramel‑tinged and sessionable; order “een Bolleke” at a neighbourhood bar or café.

Choosing the right area shapes your Antwerp trip more than the hotel itself. Decide what you want on your doorstep—Old Masters, galleries, waterfront sunsets, or quiet, local streets—and pick a base that cuts down on transit time. Here’s a quick guide.

• Historic Centre (Grote Markt & Cathedral) — Storybook cobbles, guildhouses and Rubens altarpieces; perfect for first‑timers and history lovers, but busy and noisy on weekends.
• Het Zuid — Leafy, art‑forward (KMSKA, M HKA) with bistronomy and cocktail bars; ideal for gallery‑hoppers, design fans and foodies.
• Het Eilandje — Waterfront basins by MAS with big views, modern stays and seafood; suits walkers, sunset seekers and those wanting buzz without the crowds.
• Zurenborg — Belle‑Époque/Art Nouveau gems (Cogels‑Osylei) around villagey Dageraadplaats; great for families and architecture buffs, with easy tram links.

Choosing the right area shapes your Antwerp trip more than the hotel itself. Decide what you want on your doorstep—Old Masters, galleries, waterfront sunsets, or quiet, local streets—and pick a base that cuts down on transit time. Here’s a quick guide.

• Historic Centre (Grote Markt & Cathedral) — Storybook cobbles, guildhouses and Rubens altarpieces; perfect for first‑timers and history lovers, but busy and noisy on weekends.
• Het Zuid — Leafy, art‑forward (KMSKA, M HKA) with bistronomy and cocktail bars; ideal for gallery‑hoppers, design fans and foodies.
• Het Eilandje — Waterfront basins by MAS with big views, modern stays and seafood; suits walkers, sunset seekers and those wanting buzz without the crowds.
• Zurenborg — Belle‑Époque/Art Nouveau gems (Cogels‑Osylei) around villagey Dageraadplaats; great for families and architecture buffs, with easy tram links.

Antwerp is an easy city to navigate: compact, well signed, and with excellent public transport. A few small details make planning smoother—book popular museums and restaurants for weekends, and remember many museums are closed on Mondays.

• Affordability: Expect a mid‑range European cost level—cones of fries €4–5, bistro mains €22–30 (lunch dagschotel €15–20), museum tickets €12–20, mid‑range hotels often €120–180 per night, with Michelin splurges far higher (city cards can save on multiple entries).
• Transport: The historic centre and Zuid are very walkable; trams and Velo bike‑share cover longer hops, and frequent trains from Antwerpen‑Centraal make easy day trips to Mechelen, Ghent, Brussels and Bruges (cars rarely needed; the Scheldt waterbus is a pleasant extra).
• Language: Dutch/Flemish is the main language, but English is widely understood in museums, restaurants and shops—opening with a friendly “goedendag” is appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and very solo‑/family‑friendly; watch for pickpockets in crowded spots and mind silent trams and bike lanes, especially around the old town and Zuid on busy weekends.
• Crowds: Peak times are May–September, Antwerp Art Weekend (May), summer weekends and December’s Christmas period; for fewer crowds come midweek or in shoulder/winter months, and note most museums close on Mondays.

Antwerp is an easy city to navigate: compact, well signed, and with excellent public transport. A few small details make planning smoother—book popular museums and restaurants for weekends, and remember many museums are closed on Mondays.

• Affordability: Expect a mid‑range European cost level—cones of fries €4–5, bistro mains €22–30 (lunch dagschotel €15–20), museum tickets €12–20, mid‑range hotels often €120–180 per night, with Michelin splurges far higher (city cards can save on multiple entries).
• Transport: The historic centre and Zuid are very walkable; trams and Velo bike‑share cover longer hops, and frequent trains from Antwerpen‑Centraal make easy day trips to Mechelen, Ghent, Brussels and Bruges (cars rarely needed; the Scheldt waterbus is a pleasant extra).
• Language: Dutch/Flemish is the main language, but English is widely understood in museums, restaurants and shops—opening with a friendly “goedendag” is appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe and very solo‑/family‑friendly; watch for pickpockets in crowded spots and mind silent trams and bike lanes, especially around the old town and Zuid on busy weekends.
• Crowds: Peak times are May–September, Antwerp Art Weekend (May), summer weekends and December’s Christmas period; for fewer crowds come midweek or in shoulder/winter months, and note most museums close on Mondays.

Antwerp has a temperate maritime climate with changeable skies year‑round; rain is possible in any month. Expect lively terraces and festivals in summer, and cosy, culture‑rich city breaks in winter.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild temperatures, blossom or crisp autumn light, manageable crowds; ideal for museums, gallery crawls, and café terraces without the rush.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warmest weather (about 22–26°C) and longest days; busiest period with vibrant festivals, packed terraces, and a buzz around the riverfront.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Chilly and often grey (0–7°C) with thinner crowds and good hotel deals; snug cafés, hearty food, and festive lights/Christmas markets make for a cosy cultural escape.

Antwerp has a temperate maritime climate with changeable skies year‑round; rain is possible in any month. Expect lively terraces and festivals in summer, and cosy, culture‑rich city breaks in winter.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild temperatures, blossom or crisp autumn light, manageable crowds; ideal for museums, gallery crawls, and café terraces without the rush.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warmest weather (about 22–26°C) and longest days; busiest period with vibrant festivals, packed terraces, and a buzz around the riverfront.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Chilly and often grey (0–7°C) with thinner crowds and good hotel deals; snug cafés, hearty food, and festive lights/Christmas markets make for a cosy cultural escape.

• Morning: Start at KMSKA to thread seven centuries from Van Eyck to Ensor in its luminous new “vertical museum.” Pre‑book weekend slots; bring headphones if you like app‑based guides, and note quietest hours are right at opening.
• Midday: Walk 10 minutes to M HKA for post‑1970 art and moving‑image work; pair it with a quick stop at FOMU if photography tempts. Lunch on Vlaamsekaai or Waalsekaai at a neo‑bistro (short, seasonal menus are the local sweet spot).
• Afternoon: If it’s Saturday, do the informal gallery circuit in Het Zuid (Plus‑One, Tim Van Laere, Zeno X and neighbours) — vernissages often pour a glass and welcome browsers. Alternatively, hop a tram or Velo bike to the Middelheim open‑air sculpture museum for a free, slow ramble among Rodin, Moore and contemporary commissions; it’s magical in golden‑hour light.
• Evening: Dine in ’t Zuid (book ahead Thu–Sat). Natural‑wine bars double as small‑plates spots; in asparagus season (Apr–Jun) look for asperges op z’n Vlaams, in autumn for game dishes. If it’s a Thursday, you can loop back for KMSKA’s late opening to savour favourites without daytime buzz.

Day 3: Architecture, neighbourhood flavour and churches as galleries

Today connects Antwerp’s “railway cathedral” to dreamy Art Nouveau streets, a craft‑food hub, and Baroque‑rich churches. If you’re here on a weekend morning, fold in the local markets; if it’s Monday, prioritise churches and outdoor sights.

• Morning: Arrive via or detour to Antwerpen‑Centraal and ascend from the platforms to the domed concourse — it’s theatre. Tram 11 (or a 20‑minute walk) takes you to Zurenborg for a loop of Cogels‑Osylei, Waterloostraat and Transvaalstraat; look up for sgraffito, stained glass and named houses like De Zonnebloem. Saturday visitors can also start at the Exotic Market on Theaterplein for oysters and a glass of cava at the stall.
• Midday: Head to the De Koninck brewery campus for a self‑guided tour and lunch among on‑site artisans (butcher, affineur, bakery and chocolatier make this a one‑stop tasting hall). Order a bolleke with lunch, and pick up picnic bits if you plan to sit out later.
• Afternoon: Dive back into Baroque in the city centre: St. Charles Borromeo Church and St. Paul’s Church are treasure‑chests with works by Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck, typically calmer than the cathedral. Note the Rubenshuis proper is closed for renovation until 2027; seek “Rubens in Residence” loans across the city and the new reception building and garden at Hopland for context if open during your dates.
• Evening: Farewell dinner options span casual mussels‑and‑frites (best in summer mussel season, Jul–Sep) to destination dining (book The Jane or Hertog Jan weeks in advance). In August, check for Museumnacht late openings; in May, Antwerp Art Weekend turns the whole city into an after‑hours art trail.

Notes that help across all three days:

• Most museums close on Mondays; churches, architecture, Middelheim and MAS rooftop keep your Monday lively.
• Pre‑book KMSKA and top restaurants for Thu–Sun; vernissages are usually open‑door.
• The Antwerp City Card pays off from about three museum entries and includes public transport; Velo bikes are ideal for hops to Middelheim or Zurenborg.
• Photography is generally fine without flash; always check temporary‑show rules.

By Car

• Motorways: E19 (Brussels/Amsterdam), E17 (Ghent/Lille/Paris), E34 (Eindhoven/Zeebrugge), E313 (Liège).
• Ring (R1) often congested; Kennedytunnel is a bottleneck. Liefkenshoektunnel (toll) can bypass city traffic.
• Low-Emission Zone (LEZ): city centre and parts of Linkeroever. Foreign vehicles must register online; older vehicles may be restricted or need a day pass. Fines apply.
• Parking: Limited/expensive in centre. Use Park & Ride sites (P+R Linkeroever, Luchtbal, Merksem, Wommelgem) with frequent tram/bus to the centre.
• Typical drive times: Brussels 45–70 min; Ghent 45–60 min; Bruges 1h15–1h40; Liège 1h15–1h45; Rotterdam 1h–1h30; Amsterdam 1h45–2h15; Lille 1h30–1h50; Paris 3h–3h45 (traffic dependent).

Antwerp suits travellers who want a compact, creative city where Old Masters meet avant‑garde galleries and striking contemporary architecture. Food lovers will find a dining scene to rival Brussels, from Michelin temples to brilliant bistronomy and lively markets. It’s perfect for a stylish weekend packed with culture—typically with lighter crowds than Bruges.

• History lovers: See Rubens masterpieces in situ at the Cathedral, explore the UNESCO‑listed Museum Plantin‑Moretus, and wander medieval lanes like the Vlaeykensgang.
• Art & design fans: Dive into the reopened KMSKA, M HKA and Het Zuid’s galleries, plus the free Middelheim sculpture park and Antwerp Art Weekend.
• Foodies: Feast on Michelin‑starred dining (Zilte, The Jane), top bistronomy and street markets, then toast with a local Bolleke at De Koninck.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at the “Railway Cathedral,” Art Nouveau Zurenborg, MAS’s red‑stone tower and Zaha Hadid’s Port House, with the Boerentoren’s rebirth on the horizon.
• Fashion & shoppers: Browse MoMu, indie boutiques and concept stores in Sint‑Andries—the city that launched the Antwerp Six.
• Active travellers: Bike the riverside quays and parks, hop trams between districts, and roam the open‑air Middelheim for art‑filled green time.