Antwerp is Belgium's historic port city that seamlessly blends its medieval roots with modern cosmopolitan lifestyles. With nearly half a million residents, Antwerp is by no means a small town. But somehow, it remains relatively unvisited by the tourist masses. Antwerp doesn’t have the cliché offerings or iconic attractions that you find in more famous Belgian cities like Brussels or Bruges. Honestly, I think Antwerp is fairly off-the-beaten path and relatively undiscovered by most travelers. What a missed opportunity for them, because Antwerp is a sensational city. 

Antwerp feels like a city built for locals. It just has a cool vibe about it.

From progressive urban modalities to stunning modern architecture, Antwerp is a city for design lovers, foodies and culture vultures. Sam and I were really surprised by how much we enjoyed our long weekend in Antwerp. There was something about Antwerp that really resonated with us, on top of all the incredible food we ate here. 

Perfect for a weekend getaway or a short city break, I am sharing all of my favorite things about Antwerp in this blog post. From exploring the city's rich history and culture to indulging in delicious Belgian cuisine, this travel guide will help you make the most of your 2 days in Antwerp. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Antwerp.

How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Antwerp

Travel Logistics in Antwerp

Arrival & Departure

While Antwerp does have an airport, most people arrive to Antwerp via train from Brussels. It is only 1 hour away. I am trying to reduce my carbon emissions from travel-related transportation, so I typically try to travel by train in Europe anyway. Plus, train is the perfect way to arrive into Antwerp because one of the most popular attractions in Antwerp is the Central Railway Station.

Antwerp has one of the most beautiful train stations I have ever seen!

The Central Railway Station in Antwerp was built in the late 19th century and is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Walking into the towering main atrium, you’ll notice gilded details, multi-colored marble and massive clock. Plus, the glass ceiling is a showstopper. The whole train station feels like walking onto the set of a romantic Humphrey Bogart movie. If you want to learn more about the history of the train station, they offer guided tours.

How to Get Around Antwerp

Antwerp isn't a massive city, and you can see many of the touristic highlights on foot. There are also trams & buses to cover longer distances. Multi-day or single ride tickets are available. To cover more ground, I would go for a bike rental though. With 700 km of cycling lanes throughout the city and cycle-friendly infrastructure, even novice bike riders can feel confident spending an afternoon exploring Antwerp on two wheels. 

Many hotels offer bike rentals, and this is probably the easiest way to rent a bike for a day or the weekend.

Another easy-to-use and affordable option for bike rentals in Antwerp is VeloAntwerpen. To use these small red and white bicycles, you need to purchase a pass on their convenient app (one day or week passes available). Once you’ve got your pass, you can use a code to rent a bike at any of the velo stations around Antwerp. Your first 30 minutes are included, and then you’ll pay a premium for longer rides.

Day 1

Morning: Grote Markt & Old City

Grote Markt is the heart of Antwerp. Spreading out like a maze around a large square, this area dates back to medieval times. Historic landmarks and cultural institutions are all within a few minutes walk from one another. While it is the most touristy part of Antwerp, I would recommend simply wandering around and exploring this area freely. If you’re interested in learning more about Antwerp’s history, a guided tour is a good idea. 

Worthwhile attractions to visit in Antwerp’s Old City: 

• Cathedral of Our Lady: Monumental building that has graced the Antwerp skyline since the beginning of the 14th century. It is the largest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Inside, you can find four of Ruben’s masterpieces.
• City Hall: beautiful Renaissance building with various Baroque touches and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Brabo Fountain: This depicts the legend that gave Antwerp its name. According to the story, the heroic Brabo took on the evil giant Antigoon who was terrorising the city. Brabo won the fight, cut off the defeated giant’s hand and threw it into the river. “Hand” and “werp” (throw) eventually became “Antwerp”.
• Vlaeykensgang Alley: Tucked just off the market, this is my favorite narrow street, which has secret restaurants, perfect for lunch! 

The best part of the Old City is definitely the charming streets. Narrow alleys and picturesque squares are lined with quaint shops and cafes between frites stalls and beer bars. Wash down your lunch with a beer at the quirky Elfde Gebod just next to the church. Translating as the 11th Commandment, this “church bar” features statues of saints all over the place. It will make you feel like a Trappist monk.

Early Afternoon: Rubens Highlights

Essentially synonymous with the city, Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) is Antwerp’s most famous painter and one of the most influential Baroque artists. Rubens was renowned for his vibrant, dramatic style, blending the realism of the Northern Renaissance with the dynamism of Italian Baroque. To fully experience Rubens’ legacy in Antwerp, begin at the Rubenshuis, his former home and studio, now a museum that showcases his masterpieces in the very setting where he lived and worked.

Next, I recommend walking to Hendrik Conscienceplein, a lovely square that is dominated by Antwerp’s most Rubentian church: St. Charles Borromeo’s Church. The master provided it with both paintings and sculptural works, and contributed to the church’s tower, facade, ceiling decorations and chapels. His altarpiece The Return of the Holy Family was painted specifically for this location.

Also in this square is the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. Tracing its history back to 1481 when the city received its first donated book collection, the library boasts over 1.5 million items, including rare manuscripts and centuries of printed works. Covered in dark wood paneling and a two-story library chamber, the Heritage Library reminds me a lot of the Long Hall at Trinity College in Dublin.

Late Afternoon: Scheldt River Bike Ride

For long-time readers of Traverse, this suggestion probably doesn’t come as a surprise – I am obsessed with cycling during my travels! But genuinely, biking around Antwerp on a gorgeous summer day was one of my fondest memories from our entire week-long vacation in Belgium. Renting a bike will give you tons of freedom and flexibility to explore different corners of the city. With 700 km of cycling lanes throughout the city and cycle-friendly infrastructure, even novice bike riders can feel confident spending an afternoon exploring Antwerp on two wheels. 

There is a great bike path that runs along the Scheldt River, running the entire length of Antwerp. This is a great place to go for a ride! A few highlights to notice along the ride include:

• Sint-Annatunnel: An underwater commuter tunnel that connects the left and right banks of Antwerp. If you are looking to add some Wes Anderson flair to your Instagram feed, this a great stop! Opening in 1933, the old-school wooden escalators are the highlight here. Soak in the 1930s aesthetic as you walk through the 1.2 km tunnel. You’ll pop up on the other side with a lovely view of the Antwerp skyline. 
• Het Steen: the oldest preserved building in the city. This former castle is now home to Antwerp's visitor centre. Visitors there discover more about Antwerp during the interactive experience trail 'The Antwerp Story'. 
• Lange Wapper Statue: In front of Het Steen, a modern statue tells the story of the mythical Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, a nod to the city's legendary origin story. Unlike the more elaborate fountain in the Grote Markt, this sleek, contemporary version captures Brabo mid-motion, just as he prepares to toss the severed hand of the giant Druon Antigoon into the river. Its placement near the Scheldt and the historic castle ties the myth directly to the city’s waterfront heritage.
• Museum aan de Stroom (often shortened to MAS): Antwerp’s city museum. With 7 floors of different exhibitions and galleries, MAS is an architectural marvel with red brick and glass sides. It is well worth a visit in itself, and its breathtaking rooftop panorama doubly so. Visit the roof at sunset for an ultimate other-worldly view of the city.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in Het Eilandje

Antwerp has one of the largest ports in Europe, and Het Eilandje is the old port neighborhood. In recent years, this area has gone through massive transformations. Antwerp’s government has made a conscious effort to regenerate the port into an attractive public space with cultural, culinary and business offerings perfect for pedestrians. It is now one of the trendiest areas of the city, full of design shops, street art, and hole-in-the wall bars. 

Take a bike or bus up to the award-winning architectural marvel Havenhuis. While it is only a government building, the striking shape is meant to look like a ship coming into the harbor (although it reminded me a little bit of those imperial walkers from Star Wars). Stop for a beer at the nearby Paniek Bar. Surrounded by greenery, this shabby-chic bar is a great place to sit on a nice summer day. 

There are a number of pleasant restaurants in the Het Eilandje neighborhood, which you can see summarized in my Antwerp food guide. The harbor area is a cool place to come for a happy hour especially on a nice day when the weather is good. One of our favorite bars in the port area was Dr. Beer. This cozy little bar fills up with locals so if you want to go where the locals go, check this spot out. We really enjoyed the Amer-Amer IPA and Dulle Griet Dubbel beers they served.

Day 2

Morning: Brunch & Vintage Markets

Start your second day in Antwerp doing what locals do best – wandering street markets. The weekends are when Antwerp really comes alive with a number of markets set up across the city. You should strategically plan your visit to include a weekend, because Antwerp’s markets really are legendary. Grab a coffee to go as you leisurely wander and browse at your own pace. This is not a morning for rushing. 

Best Markets to Visit in Antwerp

• Brocantwerpen (approximately 10 times a year) – Held at Grote Markt, this upscale flea market features quality antiques and quirky home décor items like birdcages and vintage sleds.
• Flea Market Dageraadplaats (1 Sunday per month, May–September) – Located in the charming Zurenborg neighborhood, this cozy market offers nostalgic finds such as '70s wallpaper and old cameras.​
• Sint-Jansvliet Market (every Sunday) – Situated near the Sint-Anna Tunnel, this traditional Flemish market is known for its eclectic mix of books, crockery, and various knick-knacks.​
• Vrijdagmarkt (every Friday) – A longstanding Antwerp tradition, this lively auction market sells a variety of items, including office supplies and vintage furniture, amidst spirited bidding.

Early Afternoon: Shopping & Zuid Neighborhood 

I’m just going to come out and say it – Belgians are stylish people! Belgian style is effortless, on-trend, and cool. Similar to walking the streets of Copenhagen, the street style you’ll notice in Antwerp will make you want to update your wardrobe. So many cool outfits! Thankfully, Antwerp has a great shopping scene throughout the city, but especially in the Zuid neighborhood. 

If you have some extra time on your hands, pop into Museum Plantin-Moretus. This authentic mansion (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been turned into a museum featuring works by a family of renowned printers and publishers. It will give you a unique insight into life in Antwerp in the Golden Age.

Kloosterstraat, a picturesque street in the heart of Antwerp's trendy Zuid neighborhood, serves as a key connection point between the Old City and the southern parts of Antwerp. It is known for its charming architecture, lively atmosphere, and great shopping. I absolutely loved this neighborhood, and I found myself biking and walking through this area a few times during our short visit. Each time, I would notice new boutiques that I wanted to pop into or dig for treasure in one of the cool antique shops. In general, Kloosterstraat is a great place to leisurely stroll and explore.

Late Afternoon: Beer Tour

You simply cannot visit Belgium without sampling some of the country’s finest beers. It is world famous for its strong Trippels and monk brewed Trappists. Naturally, my beer snob husband did lots of research about where to drink in Antwerp but it is not difficult to find somewhere with a good selection of beer on tap and in bottles. 

To really learn about the history & culture of brewing in Antwerp, consider a tour of De Koninck Brewery. Established in 1833, De Koninck Brewery is a cornerstone of Antwerp's brewing heritage. Their flagship beer, the "Bolleke," is a distinctive amber ale served in its iconic round glass. Visitors can embark on a self-paced, interactive tour that delves into the art of Belgian beer-making through immersive exhibits and audiovisual displays. The experience includes two tastings—one before and one during the tour—allowing guests to savor De Koninck's celebrated brews firsthand.

If you don't want to do a full brewery tour, visit a beer bar in Antwerp that has a selection of different taps to do your own DIY beer tasting. Bier Central is a great choice for sampling a lot of different types of beers – they have over 300 Belgian beers! With a cool vibe and chance to sit inside of a beer barrel, they offer flights of beer with highlights like Delirium Red, La Chouffe, Triple d’Anvers, and Cuvee des Trolls.

Evening: Fancy Dinner

Belgium has great restaurants all over the place, but Antwerp specifically offers one of the most diverse high-end culinary scenes in the country. It is definitely an emerging foodie destination. There are a number of Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended meals to enjoy in Antwerp. I would say it is worth the splurge for your last night! 

The most well-known fine dining establishment in Antwerp is the Jane. This two Michelin star restaurant specializes in contemporary, seasonal Belgian cuisine prepared to perfection. The stylish restaurant is housed in a former chapel which has been renovated with sleek decor, striking light fixtures and beautiful stained glass windows.The food is refined with a strong emphasis on fresh flavors and stunning plating and presentation.

Where to Eat in Antwerp

I really believe that Antwerp is an emerging foodie destination. The restaurant scenes strikes me as woefully underrated. There are lots of delicious eateries throughout Antwerp, and you will definitely be eating well during your visit! To avoid this post getting too long, I have a separate blog post featuring all of my favorite restaurants in Antwerp. Sorted by meal from breakfast to after-dinner drinks, you'll have all the recommendations you need to eat delicious food at every meal in Antwerp.

Where to Stay in Antwerp

Being a design-focused city, there are a number of lovely boutique hotel options in Antwerp. Two of my favorite hotels in Antwerp are:

De Witte Lelie

With a quirky and colorful design, De Witte Lelie only has 10 rooms, each with a unique design. It has a feeling of old-world luxury without any of the stuffy vibes or uptight staff. In fact, the incredibly friendly host upgraded us to one of the biggest rooms in the hotel. We had a bathroom that was the same size as the bedroom with a freestanding tub directly in the center! This was such a special and romantic stay for us, all of which really just speaks volumes about how much hospitality you’ll feel during your stay at the De Witte Leile. The breakfast in bed in the morning was a lovely touch. 

August

The second hotel we stayed at was August in the southern part of Antwerp. This was a completely different type of stay. August absolutely nails the chic modernist vibe inside of refurbished Augustinian convent. With 44 individually styled rooms, the details at August are impeccable. It has this new luxury feeling about it, ideal for millennials and design-minded travelers. The bar and restaurant inside are absolute showstoppers from a design perspective, and the food is pretty darn good too!

Have thoughts or questions about visiting Antwerp? Tell me in the comments!