Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp

A grand train station, Rubens's paintings and a soaring Gothic cathedral.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Antwerp

Day 1

  1. MorningSee Antwerp Central Station and walk down the Meir shopping street.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Cathedral of Our Lady for its Rubens paintings, then the MAS museum.
  3. EveningHave drinks in the old Eilandje dock area.

Day 2

Visit the Rubens House and the fashion boutiques of the Zuid district.

What to eat

Antwerpse handjes biscuits and a De Koninck 'bolleke' beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Antwerp

Beat the crowds

The Grote Markt and cathedral are busiest midday. The station area is calmer early in the morning.

Best photo spot

Antwerp Central Station's grand hall, and the city from the roof of the MAS museum, free to visit.

Getting there

Trains from Brussels take about 40 minutes. Trams run through the centre.

Don't miss nearby

The pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt river, with old wooden escalators.

Good to know

Antwerp is famous for diamonds, fashion and the painter Rubens, whose house you can visit. The cathedral has four Rubens masterpieces.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Antwerp

Our most hidden places around Antwerp: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Antwerp to take with you.

15 km away
63 km away
65 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Antwerp

Getting there

  • Antwerp Airport (ANR)5 km away
  • Brussels Airport (BRU)35 km away
  • Brussels40 km away
  • Leuven45 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryBelgium

Questions

Antwerp: good to know

Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A grand train station, Rubens's paintings and a soaring Gothic cathedral.

How many days do you need in Antwerp?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Antwerp?

You can visit all year. The Grote Markt and cathedral are busiest midday. The station area is calmer early in the morning.

How do you get to Antwerp?

The nearest airport is Antwerp Airport (ANR), about 5 km away. Trains from Brussels take about 40 minutes. Trams run through the centre.

What is there to see near Antwerp?

Nearby hidden places include Brussels (41 km), Leuven (43 km) and Ghent (51 km).

Day trips from Antwerp: 18 hidden places nearby
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