Antwerp 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Antwerp Itinerary:

This itinerary is designed for a traveler spending 5 days in Antwerp. It’s just a suggestion, feel free to customize it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Antwerp Airport (ANR) or take the train to Antwerp Centraal Station.

    • Things to know:
      • Antwerp Centraal is a beautiful station, worth a wander through even if you’re not staying near it.
      • Public transportation in Antwerp is excellent. Consider a day pass for easy travel.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Grote Markt: This central square is a must-see, with its stunning guildhalls and the iconic Brabo Fountain.
    • Enjoy a traditional Belgian waffle at Waffle Factory (various locations) or Nello (renowned for its waffles and delicious ice cream).

  • Evening:

    • Cathedral of Our Lady: This magnificent cathedral boasts the tallest spire in Europe and is home to masterpieces like Rubens’ “The Elevation of the Cross”.

  • Things to see & do:

    • Antwerp Cathedral: Admire the breathtaking architecture and climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
    • Historic guildhalls (Gildehuizen): Take a closer look at these architectural gems, like the House of the Guilds and the Butchers’ Hall.

Day 2: Art & Architecture Day

  • Morning:

    • MAS Museum: Explore the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Antwerp.

  • Afternoon:

    • Plantin-Moretus Museum: Discover the fascinating history of printing with the works of the famous Plantin-Moretus printing house.
    • Rubens House: Immerse yourself in the life and work of the Flemish master painter, Peter Paul Rubens.

  • Evening:

    • Museum Night: Enjoy a special evening at one of Antwerp’s many museums, often offering extended hours and free entry on special occasions.

Day 3: Exploring the City & Its Flavors

  • Morning:

    • Cycle through Antwerp: Rent a bike and explore the city like a local. Cycle paths are abundant and make navigating the city a breeze.
    • Lunch: Stop for a traditional “Frietkot” experience, indulging in freshly fried Belgian fries with a variety of sauces at a charming street food stall.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Meuse River: Take a relaxing boat trip or stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
    • Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy a delicious dinner and a local beer at a “frites” restaurant, followed by a taste of Antwerp’s nightlife in the vibrant Antwerp district.

**Day 4: A Day at the Zoo

  • Morning:

    • Antwerp Zoo: Explore the historic Antwerp Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and diverse animal collection.

  • Afternoon:

    • Ruins of the Roman Fort: Discover the remnants of a Roman fort while you’re there.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at “The ZOO” restaurant: This restaurant is located within the zoo and offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the animal enclosures.

Day 5: History, Culture & Farewell

  • History of Antwerp: Enjoy a final day exploring the historical charm of the city.
    • Visit the Rubens House: Immerse yourself in the art and history of this renowned painter.
  • Enjoy Belgian beer and food: Experience the local brewery scene by taking a tour at one of Belgium’s famous breweries, followed by a meal and drinks at a traditional “biertuin” (beer garden).

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation: Antwerp has an excellent public transportation system including buses, trams, and trains. Purchase a
  • Multi-day Public Transport Pass: This will save you money and hassle if you plan on using it frequently to explore different parts of the city.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel suggestions:
    • Hilton Antwerp Old Town: For luxury and comfort.
    • Hotel Rubens: A boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere.
    • Airbnbs in the historic center: Offers a variety of options for a more immersive experience.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The currency used in Belgium is the Euro (€).

  • Language: Dutch is the official language, but Flemish (a Dutch dialect) and French are commonly spoken throughout the city.

  • Language Tips:

    • “Hallo” - Hello
    • “**Dank u wel/Dankjewel” - Thank you (formal and informal)
    • “Dankjewel” (informal) / “Dank u wel” (formal) - Thank you
    • “Tot ziens” / “Tot ziens tot later” (casual) / “Tot ziens”

(formal) - Goodbye

* **Transport Pass**: For a 5-day trip, consider getting a 5-day multi-day pass for public transport.

Antwerp is known for:

  • Its historical significance: Explore the city’s rich past by visiting the historic city center with its iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Grand Place, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum.
  • Its diamond trade: Visit a diamond workshop or museum to learn about the history of Antwerp as the “Diamond Capital of the World”

Public Transport Options:

  • Diamond District tours: Take a guided tour of the city’s famous diamond district.
  • Historic Trams: Explore the historic tram network, a great way to see the city and its charm.

Transportation Tips:

  • Buy a multi-day transport pass: These are usually cheaper than buying individual tickets for each journey.

  • Learn about the different zones: Antwerp has several distinct districts. A good transport guide will help you navigate them efficiently.

  • Plan your journeys in advance: Tram and bus routes are well-defined, but it’s a good idea to check timetables as they can vary.

Other things to experience:

  • Taste the local beers: Antwerp has a vibrant beer scene, with many breweries and pubs offering a wide variety of unique and delicious brews.
  • Experience the Diamond District: Visit a diamond workshop or take a guided tour to see how these precious stones are cut and polished.

Things to remember:

  • Public transport is efficient: Use it for exploring the city.

  • Buy a public transport pass: This will save you money on multiple journeys, especially if you’re visiting during Antwerp’s famous Diamond Week.

  • Travel responsibly: Remember to respect the local culture and environment.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine: Antwerp is known for its traditional “frites” (Belgian fries).

  • Embrace the cultural experiences:

    • Buy a “Diamond City” map: This will help you identify the locations of all the major diamond retailers and workshops in the city.
    • Explore the MAS: Visit the museum’s website or contact them for information on opening hours, exhibitions, and events.

Things to do:

  • Attend a festival: Antwerp hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the “De ZOO”: This is a great way to experience local culture while enjoying delicious food.

  • Explore the city’s museums:

    • Explore the “Frites” map: Find out what exhibitions and events are happening at the museum during your visit.

  • Enjoy a scenic walk: The “Groenplaats” is a beautiful square with plenty of places to eat and drink.

  • Try the local delicacies:

    • Museum cafes: Experience the unique atmosphere and enjoy food and drinks while learning about the history of the city.
    • Historic restaurants and bars: Explore the culinary heritage of Antwerp.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Experience the “Flea Market”: Discover unique treasures at a bargain price.

  • " MAS" Restaurant: Enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine with a modern twist while learning about the museum’s history.

Culturally significant locations:

  • Explore the “Rubens House”: A historical museum dedicated to the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.

  • Enjoy the “Antwerp Zoo”, known for its incredible collection of animals from all over the world.

  • Historical Significance:

    • Museum Plantin-Moretus: Visit the “Rubens House” and learn about the life and times of this renowned artist.
    • The “Flea Market”: Immerse yourself in the history of Antwerp.

Enjoy the culinary scene:

  • Explore local restaurants and cafes: Discover the hidden gems of the city, from traditional eateries to modern bistros and cafes.

Other tips for visiting the “Antwerp Zoo”: *

Transportation Tips:

  • Public Transport: Use the “De Lijn” bus and tram network to get around.

  • Walking: Explore the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets and charming alleyways.

  • Public transport pass: Purchase a **“De Lijn”

  • “De Link”

  • Historical Restaurants & Cafes: Experience the local culture by sampling traditional dishes or enjoying the ambiance of one of the historic cafes.

Enjoy “the city of diamonds”:

  • Explore Antwerp’s Diamond District: Visit the workshops and learn about the art of diamond cutting.
  • Antwerp’s history: Learn about the history of Antwerp, from its medieval origins to its role in the world’s diamond trade.

Nightlife Options:

  • Enjoy a variety of nightlife experiences, such as pubs, bars, and clubs.

  • Explore different neighborhoods: Discover the vibrant nightlife scene in Antwerp’s various districts.

  • Consider trying a “frites” stand for a local experience or a cocktail bar for something more modern and sophisticated.

Remember:

  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Drink responsibly, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city’s nightlife.

Let me know if you have any other questions about your trip to Antwerp!