Antwerp Belgium 5 Day Itinerary

5 Days in Antwerp: A Diamond in the Rough Itinerary

Antwerp, the vibrant diamond capital of the world, offers a unique blend of history, art, culture, and delicious Belgian cuisine. This itinerary focuses on exploring some of its key attractions and culinary delights:

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center

  • Morning: Arrive in Antwerp and check into your hotel in the historic center, such as the charming Hotel Julien or the luxurious Hotel Van Eyck**. Explore the Grote Markt, a stunning square surrounded by guildhalls and the iconic City Hall. Enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Grab a waffle at Waffle Factory Antwerp (try their Liege waffles!), and enjoy a Belgian beer like Chimay or Duvel in the square.
    • Explore: Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady (climb the tower for stunning views!), the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Savor traditional Belgian cuisine at De Groote Witte Arend in a cozy setting.
    • Activity: Take a leisurely stroll along the Scheldt River, enjoying the views and the vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts to explore masterpieces by Flemish painters like Rubens and Van Dyck.
    • Enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fresh juice.

  • Afternoon:

  • Things to do:

    • Wander through the charming streets of the historic center, discovering its hidden gems and exploring museums like the Rubens House or the Plantin-Moretus Museum.

  • Eat: Have lunch at Het Elfde Gebod and enjoy their delicious “Belgian classics” menu.

Day 3: Diamonds & Fashion

  • Morning: Explore Antwerp’s Diamond District, home to the city’s world-renowned diamond trade. Visit the Diamond Museum for a glimpse into this sparkling industry or browse the numerous boutiques and ateliers in the area.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the stunning architecture of the Antwerp Fashion District and maybe even catch a fashion show at one of the many trendy stores.

Day 4: Exploring Antwerp’s History

  • Morning: Visit the [Plantin-Moretus House**, a historical building that once housed the printing house of Christophe Plantin, a renowned printer and publisher.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the Historic District and explore the historic churches, including the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady.

Day 5: Exploring Antwerp’s Architecture & Art

  • Morning: Explore the architectural wonders of Antwerp, like the Grote Markt (Grand Market) or the Cathedral of Our Lady’s intricate facade and interior.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Botanical Garden at the University of Antwerp.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Antwerp is a walkable city: Most attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic center.

  • Public transport is efficient: Consider using trams or buses to get around. The De Waterbus offers a unique way to experience the city’s waterways.

  • Antwerp has a rich history:

Explore it!

  • The city is famous for its fashion and art scene: Learn about the Antwerp Six, renowned for their innovative designs.
  • Learn a few basic Flemish phrases: While many speak English in Antwerp, learning “hallo” (hello), “dank u wel” (thank you), and “tot ziens” (goodbye) will be appreciated.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in:

  • Historic areas: For a charming experience, choose hotels near the Grote Markt or in the trendy Diamond District like The Hotel Julien or the Hotel Rubens**.

  • Modern hotels: If you prefer a contemporary stay, Antwerp offers plenty of modern options with stylish architecture and amenities.

  • Unique stays: For a unique experience, consider Airbnb options or boutique hotels for a taste of local life.

Things to eat & drink:

  • Belgian waffles: Enjoy these sweet treats at the many waffle stands and cafes in the city.

Try the “Liege wafels” in the Grote Markt** for a taste of local tradition.

  • Moules-frites: This classic dish (mussels & fries) is a must-try, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants that specialize in it, like the famous “Chez Leon”

(for delicious mussels!)

Restaurants:

  • Enjoy a traditional Belgian experience at the historic MAS Restaurant on the top floor of the museum overlooking the city.
  • Experience fine dining with a modern twist at the Michelin-starred The Jane**.

Things to do:

  • Explore the culinary scene: Enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine, like “Vlaamse stoofkarbonaden” (beef stew) and “frietjes” (fries with mayonnaise) at local restaurants like De Gulden Boom**

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Antwerp.

  • Explore the MAS: This museum offers stunning views of the city and a chance to learn about its history, art, and architecture.

  • Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of printing and showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the past.

  • Enjoy a Belgian beer at the Grote Markt:

The iconic “De Grote Markt” is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, including traditional Belgian dishes.

Enjoy a beer at a local brewery:

  • Gusto, a popular restaurant and bar in the historic center, features a wide variety of Belgian beers on tap, making it perfect for a taste test.
  • Explore the Antwerp Six: Discover the innovative designs and artistic vision that made this group of designers famous.

You can explore the history and legacy of these figures through their creations and exhibitions dedicated to them.

Other things to see and do:

  • Take a stroll through the historic city center, exploring the charming streets and architecture.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

  • Visit the MAS: The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a must-see for any fashion enthusiast.

  • Explore Antwerp’s renowned museums:

  • The Rubens House

offers a glimpse into the life of this famous Flemish painter, and you can even see some of his original works on display.

  • Discover the history of the city’s diamond trade:

Get a taste of the fashion scene:

Visit the Fashion Museum Antwerp, which has exhibits showcasing the history of the diamond industry in Belgium.

  • Enjoy the nightlife: Explore the bars and restaurants near the Diamond District: It’s a great place to enjoy a lively evening with friends.

  • Browse the “Groningen” website: This online resource can help you discover local events, exhibitions, and festivals happening during your visit.

  • Visit the Antwerp Six

This group of six Belgian fashion designers (Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Marina Yee, and Dirk Van Saene) revolutionized the fashion world in the 1980s.

  • Enjoy a variety of restaurants:

From traditional “friteries” (fries shops) to modern cafes and fine dining establishments, there’s something for everyone.

Explore the culinary scene:

Visit the MAS website, which has information about the city’s history, including the history of its cuisine.

  • Discover Antwerp’s unique art scene: Explore the works of the “Antwerp Six”

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Visit the “Groningen”

website to find out about the bars and clubs in the area.