What to Do in Antwerp in 1 Day: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

Antwerp is a center of culture, art, history, and diamonds. Those are probably the connotations you've heard of this city

—and they’re all spot on for anyone planning an Antwerp day trip. You will come across them almost everywhere in this vibrant Flemish gem. Unfortunately, except for the diamonds, I'm afraid. 

With a population of just over 530,000, Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city, home to the world’s largest diamond district, and one of Europe’s top 20 busiest ports. It also boasts four UNESCO World Heritage listings and more than 20 museums—plenty of reasons it consistently ranks among the best city breaks in Europe.

I’ve now returned to Antwerp a handful of times and think it’s a fascinating destination whether you’re here for a quick Antwerp day trip or a longer Belgium adventure. If you’re figuring out what to do in Antwerp for a day, this Antwerp one day itinerary will take you through the city’s best sights without wasting a minute.

I’ve packed in all the must-see spots, a few hidden corners, and my tips on the best places to eat, too. It’s all in a step-by-step day trip plan including distances, prices, and my own experiences at each spot. 

Read more from my Belgium travel blog.

 

Quick summary: What to do in Antwerp for a day? 

Stop 1: Antwerp Centraal 
Stop 2: Saint Charles Borromeo Church 
Stop 3: MAS 
Stop 4: Her Steen 
Stop 5: Grote Markt 
Stop 6: The Cathedral of Our Lady 
Stop 7: Vlaaikensgang 
Stop 8: Vridajmarkt + Museum Platin-Moretus 
Stop 9: The Rubens House 
Stop 10: Plantentuin 
(Alternative stops: ModeMuseum, Royal Museum of Fine Arts) 

If you have more time in Belgium, you can check out my full 7-day Belgium itinerary. But if you only have 24 hours, follow along—this is my honest, tested, and probably the best Antwerp for a day plan you’ll find.

 

Tourist map of things to do in Antwerp

Perfect map for your Antwerp one day itinerary

 

Key takeaways for your 1-day Antwerp itinerary

• Start and finish at the train station—Antwerp Centraal is one of the most jaw-dropping buildings in the city and a staple of any Antwerp one day itinerary.

• Stick to the historic center—everything in this itinerary is walkable, with zero time wasted on public transport.

• Rubens overload in the best way—see his work in churches, museums, and his own former home.

• Views worth the climb—both MAS and Het Steen give you Antwerp panoramas without needing to pay for the Cathedral’s 500+ steps.

• Skip the overrated, see the overlooked—hidden gems like Vlaaikensgang beat overpriced tourist traps.

• Eat like a local—Belgian fries from Frituur No. 1 and dinner at The Jane are my top tips.

• One day is enough—you’ll leave with full camera storage and maybe even tired legs, but without feeling like you missed anything major on your Antwerp day trip.

 

Belgium in one bite—juicy steak, creamy pepper sauce, and the best of Bruges beer

 

Is Antwerp worth visiting?

It’s a very simple yes. Antwerp is compact enough to explore on foot after arriving by train or car. As one of the largest ports in Europe for centuries, the city boasts unique architecture, the legacy of John Paul Rubens, and many museums that reflect its rich history—perfect for an Antwerp day trip or for checking off the best things to do in Antwerp in one day.

 

 

When is the best time to visit Antwerp?

Belgium, including the Flemish region where Antwerp is located, has a reputation for being rainy. The best time to visit Antwerp is from April to late October, with mild temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F). During this period, you'll experience longer daylight hours, and many of the city's outdoor attractions and festivals are in full swing.

However, summer (June to August) tends to be the peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and more crowded attractions. If you're traveling on a budget, consider visiting in April, May, September, or October, when the weather is still good, but prices are generally lower.

If you're not deterred by rain or cooler temperatures, Antwerp is a year-round destination. Even in winter, the city has its charms, especially with its cozy cafes, museums, and festive Christmas markets. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures (around 3-10°C or 37-50°F) and more frequent rain during these off-peak months.

 

How many days should I spend in Antwerp?

One day in Antwerp is more than enough. Antwerp has it all–museums, history, restaurants and makes a great base for traveling around Belgium or day trips to the Netherlands. However, staying more than one day in Antwerp might be overkill in my opinion, since the sights can start to feel a bit repetitive after you've seen the best ones.

Brussels, on the other hand, deserves at least 3 days!

 

Where to stay in Antwerp?

I would definitely stay in the Historic Center (Old Town) as everything is walkable–ideal for first-time visitors in Antwerp, and most of the sights are within easy reach. If you follow my advice about traveling by train in Belgium, you won’t mind that parking spaces are sparse. What I also like about the central location is that it’s more or less equidistant to major attractions like the Cathedral of Our Lady and Grote Markt. 

If you are on a budget, you can consider staying in neighborhoods like Het Zuid (The South), which has an artsy, hipster vibe. Another great area is Eilandje, a modern waterfront district with a new Hanseatic hip style.

 

My Antwerp hotel recommendations

I had the best night's sleep at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp and really enjoyed it after a full day of walking around Antwerp's inner center. I also like that it's quite big, so the prices don't vary that much.

The 5-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has the word ‘sanctuary’ in its name for a reason. The indoor pool, gym, and fantastic spa will keep you rested and rejuvenated, and the incredible restaurant will fill your belly in all the right ways—the hotel has several Michelin-recognized facilities and chefs on site. 

Do I even need to mention that the staff is wonderful? Of course, it is, who wouldn’t be when working in this environment?   

 

Antwerp itinerary in detail: Plan for the morning—Antwerp’s must-see places

See the route of the first half of today's itinerary
 

Main sites visited in the Morning: Antwerp Centraal, Saint Charles Borromeo Church, MAS, Her Steen, Grote Markt, The Cathedral of Our Lady

Restaurant tip: Taste the best Belgian fries at Frituur No. 1

Further reading: The best food and beer in Belgium | My Belgium travel tips

 

 

Stop 1: Explore Antwerp Centraal—a gateway AND a top thing to see in Antwerp!

Kick off your Antwerp one day itinerary at the breathtaking Antwerpen-Centraal station

• Time spent: About 20 mins

Visitor information

• Opening times: from 4:45 am to 1 am
• ​Entry fee: It’s a public place, so it’s free

Unless you spend the night in the city, you'll probably come to Antwerp by train—most Antwerp one day itineraries start here for a reason. I mean, why shouldn’t you? In Belgium, the trains are the best means of transport (as you can read in my Belgium Travel tips). 

Trains in Belgium are super comfortable, fast, and it’s funny to hear the names of all those stops in Dutch, especially in the Flemish part; in Vallonia it's baguette language.  

Antwerpen Centraal is probably the most beautiful train station in the world, at least from what I’ve witnessed so far. Definitely a top thing to do in Antwerp. 

Once you get off the train, be ready to be amazed. All the golden details around, a huge clock, and a big, weird, silver thing? At first, I thought it was a dove, but then I realized it was a hand! Once you know that the hand is a symbol of the legend of how Antwerp was founded, you will see it everywhere.  

 

One of the nicest stations I've ever seen!

The legend of the hand

According to legend, a giant named Druon Antigoon had a bit of a hand-chopping hobby for anyone daring to cross the river Scheldt. But don't worry, a hero by the name of Silvius Brabo came to the rescue and put an end to this madness by defeating the giant. And thus, the legend of Antwerp's hands was born. 

 

Where is Antwerp train station located?

Antwerp Centraal is right in the city center. The station is also equipped with lockers. You can leave your bags there if you can't check into your hotel yet. Then, when you’re done taking too many photos of the domed ceilings, you can just walk out and start sightseeing. 

 

Stop 2: Discover Saint Charles Borromeo Church

Sint-Carolus Borromeus
 

Distance from last stop: 1.3 km/0.8 mi, 15-minute walk 
Time spent there: 20 minutes 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: from 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays only open from 11:30–12:30 )
• Entry fee: It's free

Your second stop is one of the Antwerp must-see places. After a 15-minute walk you get to Hendrik Conscienceplein—you see, I told you the names are fun. Trying to pronounce them correctly will probably break your tongue. It reminded me of the time I thought I would be able to pronounce Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. 

In the middle of this tiny cozy square suddenly Saint Charles Borromeo Church stands in front of you. Locally, it's known as Sint-Carolus Borromeus, so check the signs for this lovely name. The church from the 17^th century is a work of art in itself. The details on its façade are insane. You’ll see all the little instruments and other little knickknacks as you notice you dropped something—your jaw! Pick it up and then go inside, it's about to be dropped again. This isn’t a stop you can leave out of your Antwerp itinerary.

The Saint Charles Borromeo Church's interior
 

The interior was almost fully designed by Peter Raul Rubens, a baroque artist who you will see plenty more of today. In this exact church, Rubens created almost 40 ceiling paintings, but they were destroyed in the fire, and only about half of them were saved and are preserved today.

 

Stop 3: Experience Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)—a must on any Antwerp day trip

Museum aan de Stroom
 

Distance from last stop: 1.1 km/0.7 mi, 13-minute walk 
Time spent there: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (just views vs. exhibits too) 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–5 pm  
• Tickets: EUR 10 can be bought online bought online 

MAS is a must in any list of things to do in Antwerp in one day, whether you’re chasing exhibitions or just rooftop views. 

The Museum aan de Stroom, known also as MAS, is a museum in a cool building that opened its doors pretty recently, in 2011. Compared to other monuments in Antwerp, it's one of the youngsters, but it ain't no underdog! It swiftly became one of the most visited places in Antwerp that I happen to be very fond of too. 

MAS offers exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, with diverse collections. You can see Belgian art, learn about the history and culture of Antwerp, covering everything from the city's role in global trade to its artistic and cultural heritage. 

Caption: Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a must on any Antwerp one day itinerary

 

Traveling on a budget?

In case exhibitions are not exactly your pint of beer, you should visit MAS anyways. Exploring the 10 floors of the museum is one of the best free things to do in Antwerp, comparing the views of the city on every one of them. You need a ticket only to enter the exhibitions. 

 

Get superb views of Antwerp from the rooftop

Check out these rooftop views from MAS

 

Just wait until you get to the roof—you can see all of Antwerp from there! But don’t just stare out into the distance and focus on the ground in front of MAS—look for the hidden artwork in the shape of a skull. Cool right? I mean, it's not exactly Nasca Lines in Peru, but who am I to judge. And also, do you still remember the legend I explained earlier in this article? Then check out the façade of MAS and do a high five with the small hands!  

• MAS official website 
   

Stop 4: See Het Steen Fortress and learn about Antwerp’s history

Het Steen fortress
 

Distance from last stop: 1.1 km/0.7 mi, 13-minute walk 
Time spent there: 30 minutes 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: daily 10 am–6 pm (the terrace 10 am–10 pm) 
• Tickets: €7 for the museum, the panoramic terrace for free

Next, walk back towards the city center along the river, and don’t forget to make a short stop at Het Steen. If MAS is the youngster, the centuries-old medieval fortress is the grandpa of Antwerp. Nowadays, it serves as a museum and visitor center, though it didn’t exactly shake my world.  

What did was its panoramic terrace. You can get one of the best views of Antwerp from there. This is another place to visit in Antwerp for free, so don’t hesitate to climb it and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the busy harbor and the Scheldt River. 

Take in the riverside charm of Belgium as you stroll past Het Steen

 

If you’ve read my other articles, you know that I love museums and castles. So, for me, Het Steen is the best thing to see in Antwerp—especially if you have a bit of a childlike spirit, just like I do. It’s well worth stopping by. 

• Her Steen official website 

 

Stop 5: Explore Grote Markt & notice Brabo’s Monument 

Grote Markt
 

Distance from last stop: 300 m/0.2 mi, 5-minute walk 
Time spent there: 20 minutes 

 

No Antwerp itinerary is complete without Grote Markt—it’s the city’s beautiful central square and the perfect mid-point stop on your day in Antwerp itinerary. 

Antwerp is a super-rich city, which you will pick up on pretty quickly when you see all the houses on every square covered in gold. And the biggest, goldest, perfect-est of the squares is Grote Markt. It's just around the corner from Het Steen. Walk for not even five minutes and once you are blinded by the light reflecting off the gold, you're there. 

I don't know how the Belgians do it, but every city hall there I've seen is a masterpiece (for example one of the best things to see in Ghent—the schizophrenic town hall). The City Hall at Grote Markt with its elaborate façade and beautiful decorations is once again the star of the show. 

 

But there is also something else trying to steal the spotlight…

 

See Brabo’s Monument—the statue throwing a hand

Brabo’s Monument
 

Brabo's Monument in the middle of the square is a fountain/statue which made me wonder for a while trying to figure out “What the hell is that?!” It's the hand legend again! Brabo—the naked jacked fella—is throwing a hand. It took me a minute to connect the dots, maybe because of the three beers I had in one of the cafés while staring at the fountain. Who knows... 

 

Stop 6: Step inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp

Cathedral of Our Lady
 

Distance from last stop: 350 m/0.2 mi, 5-minute walk 
Time spent there: 20 minutes to 1 hour (if going on a tour) 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am–5 pm, Saturday  10am–3 pm, Sunday 1pm–5 pm
• Tickets: EUR 12

If you are looking for something tall, dark, and handsome, you don’t have to go much further...  

I can understand the confusion when you don’t find me on this next stop. Sorry about that. Instead, peeking over the square’s buildings is the Cathedral of Our Lady with its tower you can see from far away. The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most photographed stops on any Antwerp day trip, especially if you climb the tower.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful church with a spectacular white interior and Rubens' work inside. You can visit this Gothic masterpiece on your own or take a guided tour if you want to learn about all the fancy stuff. 

 

The Cathedral of Our Lady—an architectural and artistic highlight in Antwerp you can’t miss

 

Climbing the tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady

The tower sure turns many heads and will make you feel weak in your knees, I can guarantee you that. Or more the 500+ steps to the top of the tower do. I climbed it for a breathtaking view of the city—don’t miss it. 

 

Lunch in Antwerp: Fries and waffles, anyone?

Fries with andalouse sauce
 

If you’re doing Antwerp for a day and following my itinerary, grab a fries break now—you’ll need the fuel for the rest of the trip plan.

In Belgium, there are small shops called frituur that fry whatever you think of! Did you know you can deep fry Asian noodles into a cube shape? In Belgium they call it bami. But I stuck to the classics and got myself a huge portion of fries drowning in sauce. I just love Belgian food!  

Pro Tip: Read all about my favorite (and least favorite) Belgian food, including the story of French vs Belgian fries, in my Belgian Food article.  

 

Where to get the best fries in Antwerp?

My favorite frituur in Antwerp is by far Frituur No. 1, one of the oldest frituurs in the city known for its delicious frits—no French fries here, if you don't want a crowd of angry Antwerp men chasing you around! 

 

Trying Belgian waffles in Antwerp

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering selection of Belgian waffles 

If you have a severe case of sweet tooth at the moment, go get something at The Smallest Waffle Shop In The World. They have the best waffles in Antwerp, almost at the same level as the one we had in Bruges. 

 

 

Antwerp itinerary in detail: Plan for the afternoon

See the route of the second half of today's itinerary

 

Main sites visited in the Afternoon: Vlaaikensgang, Vridajmarkt + Museum Platin-Moretus, The Rubens House, Plantentuin

Restaurant tip: Dinner at The Jane

Further reading: My favorite museums in Belgium | 7-day Belgium itinerary | The perfect day in Ghent

 

Stop 7: ander through Vlaaikensgang, Antwerp—a hidden gem on your Antwerp day trip 

The Vlaaikensgang street
 

Distance from last stop: 100 m/300 ft, 1-minute walk 
Time spent there: 10 minutes for a wander, more if sitting down at a restaurant 

After your stomachs are all packed, you can continue on your lovely walk. Time is of the essence here, we have just too many things to see in Antwerp. Remember, you’re only in Antwerp for a day!  

 

Where to find this secret place in Antwerp

This next stop can be overlooked very easily, so have your eyes peeled. The entrance is through an inconspicuous door from either of three streets—next to Parlement ('t) Restaurant on Hoogstraat, POPOFF Restaurant on Oude Koornmarkt, and Chakana on Pelgrimstraat.  

Vlaaikensgang is an itty-bitty secret street of old, very well-preserved houses from the 16^th century. Hidden alleys like Vlaaikensgang are what make an Antwerp day trip memorable—you won’t find this in the average guidebook list of things to do in Antwerp in one day.

It's a unique alley that gives you a weird feeling that you stepped into some kind of portal and are in a different century. Up until the time you see the first restaurants there, of course.  

 

Charming Vlaaikensgang, one of Antwerp’s hidden gems

 

If you just want to walk through Vlaaikensgang, you’ll be out the other end in 5 minutes. If you stay and sit under the fairy lights at one of the restaurants, it could take a while. Or, come back in the evening and grab a cocktail at Tazu.  

This is somewhat of a local secret in Antwerp, so you don’t have to worry about bumping into crowds of tourists.

 

Stop 8: Explore Vrijdamarkt and Museum Plantin-Moretus

Walking through these wonderful streets to get to the Vridajmrakt in Antwerp
 

Distance from last stop: 350 m/0.2 mi, 5-minute walk 
Time spent there: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (if going to the museum) 

 

The next stop on this Antwerp itinerary is Vridajmarkt, or Friday Market in English. It’s a bustling historic square in the heart of Antwerp and your next cultural stop on the walk.  

 

Hang out with locals on Vridajmarkt 

It is surrounded by centuries-old buildings. But don’t be fooled by its age, it's still a hot spot for both visitors and locals to gather and hang around. Especially on Fridays, when there is—you guessed it right—Friday market, where you can haggle for fresh vegetables, flowers, and second-hand treasures. It's like a flea market, but with more cheese and fewer fleas. 

 

Look at rare books at Museum Plantin-Moretus

Visitor information

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–5 pm 
• Tickets: €12 

The Museum Plantin-Moretus is right on the square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not your typical museum. It's housed in the former home and printing workshop of the Plantin-Moretus family, who were printing pioneers in the 16th century.

The Museum Plantin-Moretus

 

The museum's exhibits consist of original printing equipment and rare manuscripts. It's a great place to show your kids what books were like before Father Internet came along.  

If you have time on your Antwerp day trip, the Museum Plantin-Moretus adds real depth to your Antwerp one day itinerary. It may not have the glitz and glamour AND GOLD of the Grote Markt buildings in Brussels, but it's a real gem for book lovers and my fellow history buffs as we already know Belgians have the best museums. Don’t forget to buy the tickets online before you go

 

Stop 9: Discover the Rubens House, Antwerp—essential itinerary stop for art lovers

The Ruben’s house
 

Distance from last stop: 750 m/0.5 mi, 10-minute walk 
Time spent there: 1 hour 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am–5 pm except Wednesday, Weekend 10 am–6 pm
• Tickets: EUR 8 

 

The Rubens House is essential if you’re choosing what to do in Antwerp for a day and want to immerse yourself in the city’s art heritage. You've probably already noticed they are big Rubens fans, right? Rubens was one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era, known for his extravagant style and larger-than-life works, and he spent his life in Antwerp. Even though he was not born there, he became one of the city's symbols. 

 

What to expect at Rubens House

Today's museum Rubens House used to be the home and studio of the famous Flemish painter. For art lovers, it's the place to go. But even if you don't know your Van Eyck from your Van Gogh—both anecdotes tied to this city—you'll still acknowledge how stunning the architecture and decor of the house are.

Peter Paul Rubens himself and his Le Chapeau de Paille
 

As you wander through the rooms, you can admire original works by Rubens himself, as well as paintings by other artists of the period. 

But the real highlight of the house is the studio. The tools and techniques that Rubens used to create his masterpieces are still there. I found that really cool to see.

And you can even say hi to my old pal Rubens himself (or at least his statue in the garden). Just be warned: he's not very talkative. 

• The Rubens House official website  

 

Stop 10: Relax in Plantentuin—a green escape in central Antwerp

Plantentuin
 

Distance from last stop: 450 m/0.3 mi, 6-minute walk 
Time spent there: 1 hour 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: in summer 8 am–8 pm, in winter 8 am–5:30 pm 
• No entrance fee

 

Plantentuin is a refreshing pause in an otherwise urban Antwerp day trip. I love Belgium, but the huge negative it bears is it has almost no nature in the cities (or anywhere else for that matter). Me coming from the Czech Republic, I'm pretty used to plenty of parks or at least trees everywhere. Here it is more of a concrete jungle rather than a green one. 

If you’re visiting Antwerp in the summer, you’ll still be able to squeeze in a visit to this green energy booster called the Plantentuin (it’s a garden, ok, I just wanted to make it sound better). It’s only a 6-minute walk from the Rubens House, so if you’re up for it, go find this peaceful place hidden in the city center to get away from crowds for a while.  

Or, just head back to your hotel, because there’s no better zen resting place in Antwerp than Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp!  

 

More time in Antwerp? Optional extra stops to add to your itinerary

Got more than a day in Antwerp or moving at a slower pace? These optional stops can easily be added to yourAntwerp one day itinerary or stretched into a second day. They’re not essential if you’re tight on time, but they’ll give you a deeper look at the city’s art, fashion, and culture.

 

Option 1: Enjoy ModeMuseum if you are into fashion

Exhibitions in MoMu—Belgian fashion museum

 

Time spent there: 1 hour 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–6 pm 
• Tickets: EUR 12 can be purchased online 

 

Antwerp is not only a diamond capital, but also a fashion metropole—many famous fashion designers and houses come from Belgium.  

I've put ModeMuseum known as MoMu as an optional stop because you might be running out of time on this 1-day Antwerp itinerary, and I didn’t really enjoy it that much. But I'm not exactly a fashion enthusiast, so that’s probably why. If you’re into fashion, you’ll probably be thrilled and walk out with a list of handbags you NEED to own. 

MoMu showcases the works of Belgian designers and houses a collection of more than 25,000 items, including clothing, accessories, and textiles. It's like a candy store for fashionistas, but instead of candy, it's full of designer shoes and handbags. Most of them are displayed in contemporary and avant-garde ways. 

 

Option 2: Go to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts if you’re an art geek

KMSKA
 

Time spent here: 2 hours 

Visitor information

• Opening hours: weekends 10 am–6 pm, weekdays 10 am–5 pm (excluding Thursday 10 am–10 pm) 
• Tickets: EUR 20 can be purchased online 

If you go to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, be ready to have your mind blown by some awesome pieces. Not literally, that would leave splashes on canvases... But maybe they would leave it there and call it modern art? 

The museum KMSKA (an abbreviation of its Dutch name) is about to take you on a wild ride through seven centuries of art. Some frikin' time machine, am I right? You will see the works of artists you are already familiar with like Rubens, Van Dyck, and other Flemish heavyweights. You'll take a trip not only through time but also through European space and the styles of art of our history. 

You don’t need a PhD in art history to know that it's some top-quality stuff there. It is very easy to get lost in the art at KMSKA, but I think two hours will be enough for just the right amount of admiration.  

 

Final thoughts—Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Antwerp in a day is the perfect mix of grand architecture, sneaky alleyways, and enough Rubens to last you a lifetime. This Antwerp one day itinerary keeps everything close together so you can enjoy the city without wasting time on transport—everything worth seeing is within walking distance, and you’ll get a satisfying hit of culture, history, and food without the fatigue that bigger cities can give.
Would I stay longer? Only if I was using Antwerp as a base for day trips or as an excuse to eat more waffles. Otherwise, do it in a day, do it right, and move on.

 

What are the best day trips from Antwerp?

You can take advante of all the varoius museums in Brussels, like Mini-Europe, Autoworld, Royal museum od the Armed Forces Military History

 

If you’re planning an Antwerp one day itinerary as part of a longer trip, you can easily link it with day trips to Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges. 

Antwerp is an excellent base for exploring northern Belgium, with many destinations less than an hour away by train. I might also be a bit biased toward trains because the last time I drove in Belgium, I racked up nine traffic fines—yes, nine! They really love their speed cameras and radars. But anyway, back to the topic.

 

Day trip from Antwerp to Brussels 

For me, the best city to visit in Belgium is Brussels. I personally recommend spending more than one day in Brussels, but I understand it might not be everyone’s favorite city. I loved the Military Museum and their main square with the Golden City Hall—how rich are they??

 

 

Brussels can be reached by train from Antwerp in 35–45 minutes on the fastest trains.

 

Day trip from Antwerp to Ghent

Ghent is another of my favorite cities in Belgium. And honestly, it's one of the few cities I have visited multiple times because of its youthful vibe and very walkable city center. And by the way, I also got a traffic ticket there for entering their “green zone.” I mean, Ghent's Graslei waterfront is one of the best architectural places I have ever visited, and honestly, their navigable canals and history connected to my all-time favorite historical figure (the man himself—Charles V) are well worth visiting. 

You can read more in my itinerary for One day in Ghent.

Ghent can be reached by train from Antwerp in 1 hour. 

Take a stroll through one of the loveliest Belgian cities, Ghent – ft. St. Michale’s Bridge in the background

 

Day trip from Antwerp to Bruges

Bruges is possibly the most famous tourist city in Belgium, though it’s not my favorite (Ghent and Brussels won me over).. Bruges is incredibly unique and super crowded, thanks to its canals and early Renaissance charm. It has some of the best restaurants I’ve visited in Belgium, and it’s a very walkable city. The main sightseeing experience is from the water during a boat tour. You can read more about visiting Bruges in our 1 day itinerary for Bruges.

Bruges can be reached by train from Antwerp in 1 hour 20 minutes (get on a direct train!).

Exploring the fairy-tale charm of Bruges—Belgium’s most picturesque canal city

 

You might also be interested in reading:

• Belgium Itinerary: 7 Days in the Heart of Europe!

• Belgium Travel Tips: 19 Things That Will Make Your Trip Easier

• The Top 15 Museums in Belgium: From Comics to Beer

• Our 9 Top Restaurants in Belgium

• 7 Best Day Trips from Brussels (Includes Train Details)

 

 

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