One Day in Antwerp Belgium: The 15 BEST Things to Do in Antwerp in 2025
Last Updated on: 26th July 2025, 10:10 am
As a PhD student based in my beloved university town of Leuven, I’ve spent my study breaks discovering the absolute best of Belgium. While I adore the fairytale canals of Bruges and the historic charm of Ghent, Antwerp offers a unique and dazzling energy you have to experience. This guide distills my personal trips into the perfect one-day Antwerp itinerary, packed with the very best things to do in Antwerp. Whether you’re on a day trip from Brussels or a quick cruise stopover, get ready to fall in love with the world’s diamond capital and some of the most beautiful hisotric suqares and churches in all of Belgium!
Cate’s Quick Look Cheat-Sheet for a Last-Minute Trip to Antwerp
| 🚶♀️ Best Way to Get Your Bearings | Historic Antwerp 2-Hour Walking Tour — My top recommendation! Learn from a local guide and see the highlights efficiently. |
| 🚲 Fun Way to Explore | Antwerp City Highlights Group Bike Tour — Perfect for covering more ground and biking like a true Belgian! |
| 🏨 Great Hotels in Antwerp | Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt — Luxurious stay right on the Grote Markt ($$$) Hotel Julien — Gorgeous boutique hotel with a spa ($$) Hotel National— Budget-friendly and convenient near the fashion district ($-) |
| 💶 Travel Insurance | Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! I recommend SafetyWing Travel Insurance — affordable and reliable! |
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Morning in Antwerp: The Best Things to Do in Antwerp for a Quick Trip!
If you only have one day in Antwerp – or even if you have a few but want to see the best sites in Antwerp first: spend the morning taking in some of Antwerp’s must-see sights, like the beautiful Central Station. Also wander along the Grote Markt, and visit Antwerp’s oldest building – Hat Steen.
I also highly recommend that you visit Antwerp’s famous cathedral: the Church of Our Lady in the morning – it’s my personal favorite thing to do in Antwerp ( ⛪ aren’t churches always my favorites though?!)
1. Visit Antwerp Central Station: The World’s Most Beautiful Train Station
📍: Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen
🎟️: Free to enter and explore!
🕰️: Open 24/7 for transit; best viewed during daylight hours.
It’s easy to begin your one day in Antwerp at Antwerp Central Station, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. If you’re taking the train from Brussels to Antwerp, or arriving after visiting Ghent, Belgium or my own university town, Leuven, Belgium (which you must see! It’s so underrated!), you will naturally start your day in Antwerp at the train station!
The Atwerp Central Station is was completed in the early 20th century and is just gorgeous to see. The station features lots of architectural styles, including neo-Baroque, neo-Renaissance, and Art Nouveau.
Make sure you do not miss the main hall. The dome, arches, glass, and intricate stone carvings could keep me looking for hours!
But there are so many more things to do in Antwerp – it’s time to get going towards the center of historic Antwerp!
Thankfully, it’s only a short walk or tram ride from the station to your next stop, the Grote Markt in Antwerp.
2. Explore Antwerp’s Famous Grote Markt (Market Square)
📍: Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Free to wander!
🕰️: Open 24/7; individual shop, café, and restaurant hours vary. A flower market is held on Wednesdays.
The Grote Markt is the focal point of Antwerp and where everyone needs to start their visit to Antwerp, whether it’s a one-day visit or for a month! This is one of the absolute best things to do in Antwerp and is perfect for a few photo-ops!
The Grote Markt is known for its incredibly preserved medieval architecture. This square is also home to many of Antwerp’s most famous restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Dominating the Grote Markt is the magnificent Antwerp City Hall, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site beacuase of it’s absolutely beautiful facade. (Leuven also has an extraordinary City Hall!). In front of the City Hall is the famous Brabo Fountain – don’t miss a photo opportunity here! 📸
Just what does the Brabo Fountain depict?! A brave Sailor, Silvius Brabo, they symbol of symbol of the city and founder of Antwerp who – as the legend says – finally defeated the giant who lived in Het Steen Castle (see below) and demanded tolls from Sailors who wanted to cross the river. One day Silvius Brabo cut the giants own hand off!
Every Wednesday, the Grote Markt in Antwerp hosts a real-life market where you can wander amongst a variety of local products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. I never miss a market when I can find one! (Padua, Italy has one of my favorite markets if you are sticking around Europe for a few weeks!).
The Grote Markt square in Antwerp is also home to several guild halls, once the headquarters of various trade guilds. These are the very picturesque and “classic” Belgian tall medieval buildings that you’ll find on most Antwerp postcards!
While I recommend that everyone start their day in Antwerp by visiting the Grote Markt, you can also join a 2-hour Antwerp walking tour to get your bearings from the Grote Markt – before visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady. On the walking tour you will learn a lot more about the Grote Markt and many other beautiful places to visit in Antwerp in this guide. I really do believe walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know a new city!
Getting To Antwerp’s Grote Markt: Take tram line 9 or 15 to Groenplaats from Antwerp Central Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Grote Markt.
Book Your Walking Tour Here —>>>>
3. See the Beautiful Antwerp Cathedral: Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
📍: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Adults €12 | Concessions €10 | Children Under 18 FREE. More info about Admissions on the official Cathedral webiste.
🕰️: Monday-Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM | Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
The Cathedral of Our Lady is just extraorinday – I could really stop this whole section and tell you JUST GO! Of course I think it’s the very best thing to do in Antwerp!
Unsurprisingly, the Cathedral of Our Lady is one of Antwerp’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning Gothic cathedral, with its soaring spire reaching 123 meters, dominates the skyline and is an unmissable highlight of any visit to Antwerp and one of the most important Cathedrals in Europe. This is one of my absolute favorite Cathedrals in Belgium, perhaps second only to Ghent’s St. Bavo Cathedral with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece.
The cathedral’s construction began in 1352 and took nearly 170 years, resulting in a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The outside of the cathedral is absolutely covered with more stone carvings and statues than you can possibly take in during a single visit. The impressive facade alone is worth the visit! If you aren’t a huge church person, at least do not miss exploring the outside of the Cathedral of our Lady in Antwerp!
The interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady is just as breathtaking as its exterior, and I do believe worth the moderate admission charge. The nave of the Cathedral is lined with soaring arches and columns – some of the most impressive you will ever see in your life!
The Antwerp Cathedral also houses numerous chapels and is home to some truly magnificent artworks, including four masterpieces by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens – who is originally from Antwerp.
When you are done with your visit – I’ve recently learned this is apparently a Bar inside the Cathedral with their own special Beer! Definitely try and find it and have a nice cool drink!
Here’s a lovely video with music to take a close look at the Ruben’s masterpieces in Antwerp’s Cathedral!
4. Visit Antwerp’s Oldest Building: Het Steen Fortress or Steen Castle
📍: Ernest Van Dijckkaai, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Free to enter the visitor center; admission required for “The Antwerp Story” exhibit.
🕰️: Hours for the visitor center and exhibit vary; check the official website for current times.
Continue your morning in Antwerp by looking at Het Steen, also known as Steen Castle or Fortress – Antwerp’s oldest building and one of the most popular things to do in Antwerp! It helps that it also serves as Antwerp’s visitor center for tourists!
This medieval fortress on the banks of the Scheldt River dates back to the early Middle Ages and makes for another wonderful photo opportunity!
Initially built in the 9th century as part of a larger castle complex, Het Steen has served various purposes over the centuries. It was a defensive fortress, a prison, and even a residence for the city’s nobility!
There has recently been renovation work on Het Steen, and right now (I’m writing in September of 2024) there is an exhibit there called “The Antwerp Story” that takes you through the castle in an interactive exhibit of Antwerp’s history!
Getting There: From the Cathedral of Our Lady, walk 10 minutes along the picturesque streets of Antwerp’s old town to reach Het Steen.
✈︎ Travel insurance has saved my bum & wallet more than a few times!
Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you leave for Antwerp! I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have always been very happy with their service and pricing!
5. Enjoy Lunch in Antwerp
Antwerp offers various restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets for lunch. I personally tend to try and go off the major tourist trails to eat – don’t worry about language barriers, nearly everyone in Belgium speaks quite good English!
Here are some of my favorite spots for lunch in Antwerp:
- Pelican Rouge – A cozy café offering delicious sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It’s an excellent place for a quick, affordable lunch.
- Bourla – A French/Belgian restaurant with outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Smallest Waffle Shop in the World – If you feel like a sweet lunch, this shop is one of the best places in Belgium to try waffles.
The Two Kinds of Belgian Waffles: Belgium is famous for not one but two kinds of waffles! Be sure to try the Brussels style – light and crispy, best hot right from the iron with a dusting of powdered sugar! I also love the Liege waffle – dense and sugary – with a coffee! Don’t be afraid to customize your waffle with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to decadent chocolate sauce, though note that most local enjoy them plain and simple!
When I’m traveling solo in Belgium or other spots in Europe, one of my favorite ways to replace a sit-down lunch is with a food tour! This allows me to try lots of local specialties, meet other travelers, and continue exploring! Here’s a 5 🌟 rated food tour in Antwerp Belgium that would be a great option for solo and family travelers in Antwerp!
Book your food tour today before they sell out! —>>>>>
One Day in Antwerp, Belgium: Things to Do in Antwerp in the Afternoon
If you have time to spend the afternoon in your one day in Antwerp, I recommend you start your afternoon with a visit to Carolus Borromeus Church – it’s another amazing church in Antwerp you really shouldn’t miss! Then it’s definitely worth it to visit the main shopping street in Antwerp and explore Antwerp’s famous diamond district!
6. Visit the Carolus Borromeus Church in Antwerp
📍: Hendrik Conscienceplein, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Adults €5 | Concessions €3 | Children Under 13 FREE
🕰️: Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM (Watch for the Mass schedule so you don’t disturb worshippers.)
Carolus Borromeus Church was built between 1615 and 1621. The Jesuit order originally designed the church dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo – once archbishop of Milan (another one of my favorite cities for a one-day visit!) and major figure in the Counter-Refomation.
Interestingly – this church in Antwerp was originally dedicated to Ignatius Loyola but church suffered a fire in 1718 which destroyed 39 ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. Tragic! Once it was rebuilt and reopened in 1779, the church was re-dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo.
Inside the Caolus Borromeus church in Antwerp is an impressive collection of art and intricate woodwork.
One of the church’s unique features is its Baroque mechanism, which allows the altar paintings to be changed to show different masterpieces throughout the year!
7. See Antwerp’s Best Shopping Area: Meir Shopping Street
📍: Stretches from Keyserlei (near Central Station) to the Groenplaats
🎟️: Free to wander!
🕰️: Open 24/7; individual shop hours are typically 10 AM – 6:30 PM.
Meir Shopping Street is Antwerp’s premier shopping destination and one of the busiest shopping streets in Belgium.
Stretching from the Keyserlei near Antwerp Central Station to the Groenplaats, the street is lined with high-end retailers, popular international brands, and unique local boutiques.
As you know, shopping is not usually what I recommend as the best thing to do in Antwerp or other places – but this is such a busy, fun shopping street even I enjoy it!
Getting There: From Carolus Borromeus Church, head south towards Schoenmarkt and turn left onto Wapper, which leads directly to Meir Shopping Street, a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, take tram lines 3, 5, 9, or 15 from the nearby Meirbrug stop
8. Explore Antwerp’s Famous Diamond District
📍: Located near Antwerp Central Station
🎟️: Free to explore the district!
🕰️: Open 24/7; individual shop and museum hours vary.
When in Antwerp, the “Diamond Capital of the World,” a visit to the Diamond District is a must. Located near Antwerp Central Station, this area is the center of the global diamond trade, with over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds passing through its exchanges.
I can’t write about Antwerp being the world’s diamond capitol without acknowledging that this came about through Belgium’s colonial endeavors in Central Africa, particularly in what we now call Congo – and has left a legacy of civil disruption that continues to cause profound suffering today.
If you’re interested in the history and intricacies of the diamond trade, guided tours are available. This 2 hour Diamond and Jewish District walking tour is perfect. The Diamond District also boasts several museums, such as the DIVA Museum where you can learn more!
Getting There: From Meir Shopping Street, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Diamond District, located near Antwerp Central Station.
9. Enjoy Dinner in Antwerp
Now it’s time to settle in for a bit of rest and rejuvination over some of the most delicious food in Belgium! Even if I only have one day in a place like Antwerp – I really enjoy taking time for a sit-down dinner and reviewing the day over a glass of wine and traditional Belgian fare!
For dinner in Antwerp, here are some great options:
Frites Atelier—For the best Belgian fries, head to Frites Atelier, which offers gourmet fries with various toppings! (Of course, this is a casual option – and you might need to find something more substantial elsewhere…although I’ve been known to make an entire dinner out of “Frites!”)
De Peerdestal– A traditional Belgian restaurant known for its steaks and seafood dishes. I love a good steak in Belgium as a treat!
De Pottekijker—This cozy restaurant serves classic Belgian cuisine in the old town. Their mussels and frites are particularly popular.
Late Evening in Antwerp: Enjoy Live Music!
If you’re staying later into the evening in Antwerp and still have energy, the city is famous for its live music and bars – so make sure to research what kind of music you enjoy and find something that interests you!
10. Enjoy Antwerp’s Live Music and Bars
Antwerp has a fantastic nightlife scene, with numerous bars and live music venues.
For a relaxed atmosphere, visit De Muze, a jazz café featuring live music performances in an intimate setting. The Irish Times Pub is another popular spot known for its incredible selection of beers with regular live music.
Billie’s Bier Kafetaria offers an impressive selection of Belgian brews if you love craft beer.
More Time in Antwerp? Here are some Bonus Things to Do in Antwerp!
I really love Antwerp and although I’ve only ever popped up there on the train, I highly recommend staying overnight and exploring Antwerp for a little longer than one day! You really do need more than one day in Antwerp (or one day in Ghent, or one day in Bruges!) if you are going to fully appreciate all there is to do in Antwerp!
If you are limited in time and, like me, particularly enjoy exploring museums when exploring Europe, think of substituting something above (except the churches of course!) to visit one of these museums in Antwerp. Alternatively, consider spending two days in Antwerp or more!
11. Try Belgian Chocolate in Antwerp at Chocolate Nation
📍: Koningin Astridplein 7, 2018 Antwerpen
🎟️: Adults €19.90 | 12-17-year-olds €18.50 | Children 4+ €14.50 | Under 4 FREE
🕰️: Daily from 10:15 AM – 6:30 PM (last tour at 5:00 PM)
Hours: Daily from 10:15 AM-6:30 PM (last tour at 5:00 PM)
Price: Adults €19.90 | €18.50 for 12-17-year-olds | Children 4+ €14.50 | Under 4 FREE
Another amazing thing to do in Antwerp is to visit Chocolate Nation, a museum dedicated to Belgian chocolate.
This immersive experience is the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, with interactive exhibits that take you from the cocoa plantations to the chocolate factories, demonstrating the entire process of chocolate production.
One of the highlights of Chocolate Nation is the tasting experience. You’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the finest chocolates in the world, from classic pralines to new creations. The tasting sessions are sure to delight your taste buds.
The museum also includes a live demonstration area where you can watch Chocolatiers at work.
There’s also a boutique where you can purchase a wide range of chocolate products to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
12. Visit the Museum Plantin-Moretus: Printing House Museum in Antwerp
📍: Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: 26+ €12 | 18-25 €8 | Under 18 FREE
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerpen
Admission: 26+ € 12 | 18-25 € 8 | Under 18 FREE
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Museum Plantin-Moretus is a must-visit destination in Antwerp, especially if you love history and printing.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the former home and printing workshop of the Plantin-Moretus family, well-known printers and publishers from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The museum will teach you about the world of early printing and publishing. Inside, you’ll find the world’s oldest printing presses, dating back to the late 1500s, and an extensive collection of original typefaces, manuscripts, and printed works.
You can explore the living quarters, which feature period furnishings and artwork, and the printing workshops, where many of the world’s earliest printed books were created.
I recommend taking the guided tour first and then exploring on your own! This is a really cool museum – not for everyone if you aren’t big on history or books – but if you are into either of those topics this might just be one of your favorite museums ever!
13. Visit Antwerp’s Red Star Line Museum
📍: Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Standard €12 | Discounted €10
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp is a tribute to the millions of emigrants who left Europe for a new life in America between 1873 and 1934. This is a moving museum and one of the best things to do in Antwerp!
Housed in the original Red Star Line warehouses, this museum brings to life the personal stories of those who went on this extraodinary journey.
The museum’s exhibits are organized to reflect the stages of the emigrants’ journey. You start with why people chose to leave their homes, whether due to economic hardship, persecution, or the dream of a better life.
The museum effectively conveys these individuals’ and families’ emotions and challenges through photographs, personal belongings, and interactive displays. While I wouldn’t say this is a must-do in Antwerp if you only have one day in Antwerp – if you have more time, or are particularly inspired by history and these immigrant stories, I recommend taking time for it!
14. Visit Antwerp’s Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
📍: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen
🎟️: Museum: 26+ €10.00 | 18-25 €6 | Under 18 FREE. The panoramic rooftop terrace is free to access!
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is one of Antwerp’s most modern landmarks in the docklands area.
The MAS houses exhibits that explore Antwerp’s past and present. The museum’s collections are spread over several floors, each dedicated to themes such as trade and shipping, art, culture, and the city’s relationship with the river Scheldt.
One of the highlights of the MAS is its panoramic rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking views of Antwerp’s skyline, the river, and the port area. Important Tip!: The terrace is open to the public and can be accessed for free.
Since this museum focuses on Antwerp’s history itself – I recommend trying to squeeze it in, even if you only have one day in Antwerp! At least pop up to the amazing rooftop terrace and get a view of (and some great photographs!) the Antwerp skyline!
My Best Tips for Getting the Most out of Antwerp in One Day!
- Plan Your Itinerary Ahead of Time – but be flexible!: Prioritize the must-see attractions in Antwerp from our list above and follow your own interests. Use our suggested one-day itinerary as a guide, but be flexible and allow time for unexpected discoveries.
- Pay Attention to Opening Hours at Museums in Antwerp: Many museums featured in this itinerary are closed on Mondays. Consider this when deciding when to do your Antwerp day trip!
- Start Early: Begin your day in Antwerp early to avoid crowds at popular spots like the Grote Markt and Cathedral of Our Lady. The earlier you start at the most popular activities, the more you’ll be able to see without feeling rushed.
- Use Public Transport in Antwerp and Throughout Belgium: Take advantage of Antwerp’s excellent public transport system. Trams, buses, and bikes are efficient and can quickly get you to all major attractions. It’s very easy to get around Belgium on the trains, too, so no need to rent a car unless you have a large family.
- Currency: The currency in Antwerp is the Euro (EUR). While most of Belgium is very well connected for card payments, I still like to carry some Euro in cash to make quick purchases easy (like a cheeky extra Belgian waffle here or there…!)
- Language: Dutch is the official language in Antwerp, but English is spoken by almost everyone (and French – if that’s your primary language). The only time I’ve really struggled with a language barrier in Belgium is far out in the countryside, with young children, or older adults from before they taught English in schools. Even then I could look around and easily find someone who spoke English to help.
How to Get to Antwerp, Belgium
Travel to Antwerp by Train
The train is the very best way to get to Antwerp (in my opinion!). Antwerp Central Station is well-connected throughout Belgium and also to major European cities, with frequent intercity trains running from Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris (in just a few hours!).
It’s just a 40-minute ride from Brussels to Antwerp, making it a convenient day trip destination. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be in the city center, with many of Antwerp’s main attractions just a short walk away.
Arriving at Antwerp Airport
Antwerp International Airport is tiny and has flights from a few European cities. It is about 5 km from the city center, but is connected by taxi, bus, or train.
My advice? Just fly into Brussels and take the train right from Brussels airport to Antwerp if you want Antwerp to be your main destination – even for a short weekend city-break in Antwerp!
If you do fly in to Antwerp Airport, a taxi from Antwerp Airport is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the city center. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, and the journey to the city center typically takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is around €15-€25.
Bus numbers 51, 52, or 53 can be boarded from the bus stop outside the airport terminal. These buses connect to the Antwerp-Berchem railway station, where you can transfer to tram lines 9 or 11 to reach the city center. The fare is €3.
Zeebrugge Port to Antwerp
If you are arriving by cruise ship in Belgium and want to visit Antwerp for the day, you’ll arrive at Zeebrugge Port. The post is around 17 km from Antwerp.
Unless you are arriving on a very small or river ship – in which case you might just dock right across from Het Steen and be able to walk directly into Antwerp! Now that’s convenience!
You can take a shuttle bus provided by the cruise line or a local bus to Bruges. Many cruise lines offer shuttle bus services directly from Zeebrugge Port to Antwerp. Some tours of Antwerp directly geared for cruisers will get you from Zeebrugge right into Antwerp city, too!
Take a local bus or taxi from the port to Zeebrugge-Dorp or Zeebrugge-Strand train station. From there, take a train to Blankenberge, where you will transfer to a direct train to Antwerp Central Station. The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
There is always the option of booking a private tour for you and those you are traveling with to pick you up right at the cruise terminal and take you direclty into Antwerp as well as guide you to the best things to do in Antwerp in one day to make most of your excursion! This is the most $$$ option by far – but one I have gladly paid for myself before in a similar situation just to take all the worry away!
Where to Stay in Antwerp – The Best Antwerp Hotels for All Budgets
I really do encourage you to spend more than one day in Antwerp! If you spend one night in Antwerp, choosing a central location for your place to stay in Antwerp is paramount so it’s walkable and you can dip in and out as needed. Thankfully there are hotels in Antwerp to fit all budgets!
Here are my top recommendations that I would stay at (if I wasn’t popping back to Leuven – probably for more exams!)
Budget: Hotel National
For budget travelers, Hotel National is an excellent choice. This hotel is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk of Market Square and looks really nice. It’s a great choice fo a quick overnight!
The rooms look comfortable and well-appointed, and sleeping is between 1 adult, four adults, and three children, depending on the room type chosen, so you have a lot of flexibility for your family.
A daily complimentary breakfast is also served.
Book your stay at Hotel National >>>
Mid-Range: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt
Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt is a great option just 1 minute from Market Square in Antwerp! This charming hotel features comfortable, well-appointed rooms and traditional décor.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast and stunning views of the city of Antwerp. Rooms sleep up to 2 adults and 1-2 children.
Book your stay at Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt >>>
Luxury: Hotel Julien
For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at Hotel Julien. This five-star hotel is in a beautifully restored historic building and offers breathtaking city views.
The spa is in the 16th-century cellars and offers a steam bath, sauna, and rain shower. Now that sounds like my kind of hotel!
The hotel features elegant rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, and a cozy bar with a fireplace. Rooms can sleep up to 2 people.
Book your stay at Hotel Julien >>>
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Antwerp
Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, 100% yes! Antwerp is an amazing city with a unique vibe that I’m confident you’ll fall in love with, just as I have. It has the perfect blend of stunning architecture, world-class art (it was Rubens’ hometown!), and fascinating history. Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets, shopping on the famous Meir, marveling at the Diamond District, or just enjoying a delicious Belgian waffle, there are so many wonderful things to do. It’s a must-visit destination in Belgium.
What’s the best way to get to Antwerp from Brussels?
The train is the very best way to get from Brussels to Antwerp, in my opinion! It’s super convenient and only takes about a 40-minute ride, making it the perfect day trip destination. The best part? You’ll arrive at Antwerp Central Station, which is an attraction in itself and puts you right at the edge of the city center, ready to explore. It’s so easy, there’s really no need to rent a car.
Is one day in Antwerp enough to see the city?
You can definitely see the main highlights of Antwerp in one day, and my itinerary is designed to help you do just that! A day trip is perfect for getting a taste of the city’s magic, from the Grote Markt to the stunning cathedral. However, I really do love Antwerp and highly recommend staying overnight if you can! With more time, you can explore fantastic museums like the Plantin-Moretus, the Red Star Line Museum, or Chocolate Nation (yum!) without feeling rushed. So, one day is great, but two days or more is even better!
What is Antwerp famous for?
Antwerp is world-famous for so many incredible things! It’s widely known as the “Diamond Capital of the World,” with over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds passing through it (that figure blows my mind!). It’s also home to what many call the world’s most beautiful train station, Antwerp Central Station, and boasts a stunning historic city center with the Grote Markt and magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady. Add in rich history, amazing Belgian food, and masterpieces by the painter Peter Paul Rubens, and you have a truly unforgettable city!
What are the best things to do in Antwerp?
If it’s your first time in Antwerp (how exciting!), there are a few things to do in Antwerp you absolutely cannot miss! I recommend starting your day at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Antwerp Central Station. From there, head to the historic heart of the city, the Grote Markt, to see the incredible medieval guild halls and the famous Brabo Fountain. Just a short walk away is my personal favorite, the Cathedral of Our Lady, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece. Finally, don’t miss Het Steen, the city’s oldest building, a medieval fortress right on the river.
More to Explore in Northern Belgium!
Whether you’re exploring Grote Markt, visiting the Church of Our Lady, or taking in panoramic views from the MAS Museum, there’s something for everyone in Antwerp.
Antwerp is the perfect destination for a day trip or longer if time permits. We hope we’ve helped you make the most of your one day in Antwerp, Belgium.
Most tourists to Belgium combine visits to Antwerp with a visit to Bruges (famous from the movie “In Bruges”) and Ghent – another beautiful city in Belgium with amazing religious art! As a student there, I also have to recommend Leuven – an overlooked University town that has some amazing architecture and food!
Enjoy my guides to the best cities in Nothern Belgium as you plan your trip:
- Leuven, Belgium is a gorgeous student town just minutes from Brussels – start here as you make your way North in Belgium.
- Next stop in Ghent, a great city for art and culture and enjoying a canal cruise!
- Bruges is a great stop for film history, and classic Belgian architecture perfect for those travel photo souvenirs!
Author Bio
Cate Michelle is currently a PhD student in Theology and Religious Studies at KU Leuven Belgium and a researcher in religion, health, and pediatrics internationally. Cate was previously pastor of the oldest Mennonite church in America and is a Board Certified Chaplain and qualitative researcher. Cate is passionate about traveling to monasteries, cathedrals, and spiritual destinations in Europe and globally – and she strives to make spiritual and religious travel more accessible to all those who wish to incorporate faith into their travel experiences.
More Travel Resources from Sacred Wanderings
💳 Best Travel Credit Cards:
✈︎ For years I’ve been loyal to American Express, and these days exclusively use American Express Platinum whenever I can. The travel benefits on the Platinum Card are 100% worth the steep fee if you use them consistently. The built-in travel insurance has been a godsend and each of the last two years has fully covered the annual fee for me.
✈︎ Check out American Express Platinum and its benefits here.
✈︎ I also carry the Venture Rewards card as an Amex alternative since some countries aren’t great about American Express. The 2x points per dollar is a great incentive for Venture Rewards!
✈️Find Cheap Flights:
✈︎ Most travel bloggers don’t recommend Google Flights for one reason: bloggers don’t make a commission off of them. But here’s the thing – I still think Google Flights is the best platform for finding cheap flights and comparing different options! It’s what I use daily. I appreciate the alerts feature as well, and it will notify me if a flight I’m watching is likely to go up in price.
✈︎ As an alternative, Expedia has a good search platform for flights and I occassionally see deals there I didn’t find anywhere else.
💶 Travel Insurance:
✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, especially for international travel or if you are international coming to the USA. I always use SafetyWing Travel Insurance to make sure I’m covered for medical bills abroad, and have always been very happy with their service and pricing. They have great options for long-term travel, too, and provide insurance that includes the USA and covers Covid-19.
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