If you’re currently planning your Belgium itinerary and wondering how to spend one day in Antwerp, this detailed one day itinerary for Antwerp has you covered!
After several visits to Antwerp, I created this travel guide to help you maximize your limited time and experience the very best that this enchanting city has to offer.
Spending a day in Belgium’s second largest city will have you wandering through charming streets and marvelling at centuries-old buildings, in between eating frites and drinking beer, of course.
Nestled in the heart of Belgium, Antwerp is a captivating city that delights visitors with its medieval charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant contemporary scene.
If you’re planning to stay in a nearby city such as Brussels or Bruges, taking a day trip to Antwerp is a great way to see more of Belgium if you’re short on time. If you happen to have more time in the city, I’ve also included a few extra Antwerp attractions that you should add to your itinerary.
In this guide I share all of my top tips to ensure you make the most of your one day in Antwerp. So keep reading to discover how to plan the perfect 1-day Antwerp itinerary!
Table of Contents
Important Information to Plan The Perfect Day in Antwerp
Top Rated Tours and Tickets for One Day in Antwerp
If you’re short on time and you’re hoping to see the best highlights of Antwerp in just a few hours, then joining a tour is the best way to go. See a few of Antwerp’s most popular city tours below.
2 Hour Walking Tour of Antwerp’s Highlights
See the very best of Antwerp on this popular 2 hour walking tour led by an experienced guide in either English or Dutch. Taking a walking tour upon arrival in Antwerp is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city’s landmarks and learn some insider tips and history from a local.
→Find prices and availability for the 2-hr walking tour here←
Antwerp City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
Joining a cycling tour of Antwerp is an exciting way to explore the city and visit its top sights. You’ll be able to cover more ground than a walking tour and discover Antwerp through the eyes of a local.
During this 2 hour tour, you’ll pass by famous landmarks such as the old port, Het Steen, Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady, the MAS Museum, and of course the iconic train station.
→Find prices and availability for Antwerp City Bike Tour here←
Exploring the narrow lanes of Antwerp
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Antwerp
If you’d prefer to see the city of Antwerp at your own pace, then perhaps doing a self-guided audio tour would suit you best. With a choice of 7 different languages, you can follow an app to guide you through each historical landmark of the city, listening to an insightful commentary as you go.
→Find prices and availability for the self-guided tour of Antwerp here←
One Day Antwerp & Ghent Tour from Brussels
If you’re staying in Brussels and looking to explore Antwerp on a day trip, then this tour is for you. This full day trip lasts for 10 hours and includes a tour guide and transportation to and from Brussels.
After meeting in central Brussels first thing in the morning, you will be whisked away by bus to Antwerp. Starting off with a guided tour of Antwerp’s best attractions followed by some free time to walk around the city on your own.
The afternoon will be spent in the magical city of Ghent where you’ll take in the stunning sights on an informative guided tour. This day trip offers a convenient way to see two of Belgium’s most beautiful cities if you’re on a tight schedule.
→Find prices and availability for the Antwerp & Ghent day trip here←
Go shopping on Meir Street
Best Time to Visit Antwerp
Antwerp is a great city to visit year-round with a range of exciting attractions, museums and events on offer. If it happens to be raining during your visit, no worries just head inside a museum or two. If the weather is sunny and warm, spend the day strolling the charming streets, taking a seat for a coffee or a beer at an outdoor patio.
The most popular time for tourism in Antwerp is of course the summer months of June – August. You’ll have a higher chance of warm weather and sunny days. However, Belgium can see rain and grey skies no matter what time of year you visit so you should always come prepared with a rain jacket and umbrella.
I personally visited Antwerp in October and July, both times were great for sightseeing with a bit of sun and rain in the same day (very typical Belgian weather!)
I can also recommend visiting Antwerp during December to experience the magic of the Christmas Markets. This is when the Grote Markt comes to life with glistening lights, market stalls and festive decorations.
Packing Checklist for Your 1-Day Antwerp Itinerary
- Day pack – A good day pack is a necessity for a full day of sightseeing around Antwerp.
- Good walking shoes – This itinerary involves a fair amount of walking so be sure to have a pair of comfortable shoes.
- Portable charger – It will be a long day and there will be many beautiful sites to capture so make sure your phone stays fully charged.
- Travel Tripod – If you’re traveling solo (or in a couple), taking a phone tripod is the best way to get great shots in the city without asking a stranger. These are small, quick to set up and ensure that you’ll always get the photos you want without relying on other people!
- Collapsible water bottle – Bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Sunglasses – You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors so make sure to protect your eyes from the harsh sun.
- Sunscreen – As mentioned above, keep yourself protected from the sun if you’re visiting Antwerp during summer!
- Umbrella – The weather in Belgium is unpredictable so don’t forget to bring a compact travel umbrella.
- Rain jacket – As stated above, the weather in Belgium can change quickly no matter the season, it’s always best to come prepared.
Where to Stay in Antwerp
For ease of sightseeing, booking your hotel in a central location of the city is best. This way you will be within walking distance of the best cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions of Antwerp. Find a few of the top-rated Antwerp hotels in each price range below.
Budget
Antwerp City Hostel – Visiting Antwerp on a budget? Stay in this popular hostel located right in the heart of the city. You’ll be able to get everywhere by foot and there’s even a nice breakfast included in your stay!
Midrange
B&B HOTEL Antwerpen Centrum – With comfortable, modern rooms, a terrace and bar, you really can’t go wrong with this top-rated Antwerp Hotel. Located in the centre of Antwerp, staying here will give you a head start to your full day of sightseeing with a handful of main landmarks only steps from the building.
Luxury
Hilton Antwerp Old Town – Set within a gorgeous historic building, this luxurious 4-star hotel overlooks the beautiful Groenplaats Square of Antwerp. With cozy rooms and all the amenities you could wish for, a stay at the Hilton will make for a memorable time in Antwerp.
→Browse more accommodation options in the city centre of Antwerp←
The Hilton is set in the picturesque Groenplaats square
Best Travel Insurance for Europe
Are you travelling to Belgium from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.
The last thing you want is to have an unexpected medical emergency occur while you’re in a different country with no insurance to cover the costs!
Even if you don’t end up using it, getting travel insurance is a small investment to make for peace of mind. This allows you to focus on having a memorable, relaxing vacation instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
I always go with Heymondo. They’re one of the most reliable companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you’d like to protect against medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, Heymondo has you covered!
As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!
►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄
Is One Day in Antwerp Enough?
Whether you take a day trip to Antwerp or spend the night there, one day is enough to cover the main highlights, get an overview of the city and visit the inside of several attractions.
Of course, if you’re able to spend 2 days in Antwerp then you’ll be able to visit each item on this 1-day itinerary at a more leisurely sightseeing pace.
Spending more time in Antwerp also gives you the chance to delve deeper into the city’s dynamic food scene, visit a few more of the fantastic museums, spend some time shopping and checking out a few of Antwerp’s hidden gems.
Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?
Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders and has so much more to offer than its beautiful architecture and rich history. With a diverse culinary scene, a collection of fascinating museums, amazing shopping opportunities and a world-famous arts scene, Antwerp really has something for everyone.
Antwerp is especially great for those looking to get a little more off the beaten path in Europe as I found it to be far less touristy than Brussels and Bruges yet still just as scenic.
To be completely honest, I preferred the vibe in Antwerp as a tourist a lot more than Brussels. I’d highly recommend either taking a day trip to Antwerp or spending a few days there if your schedule allows for it.
Its central location makes it the perfect European city break, Antwerp can be reached in under 1 hour by car or train from Brussels and Ghent as well as 2 hours from Amsterdam. So go ahead and add Antwerp to your Belgium itinerary and thank me later!
Exploring the scenic Grote Markt in Antwerp
Historic Facts and Info About Antwerp
● Antwerp is a global diamond trading hub, handling a significant portion of the world’s rough and polished diamond trade. The city’s diamond district is a bustling hub of diamond dealers, jewelers, and traders, making it an a great destination for anyone interested in shopping for some new jewelry.
● The city boasts a unique blend of architectural styles, from Gothic cathedrals like the Cathedral of Our Lady to contemporary marvels like the eye-catching Port House. The city’s skyline is a testament to its rich history and progressive modernity.
● After the decline of Bruges in the 16th century, Antwerp entered a golden era becoming one of Europe’s most important trading ports. Its prime location along the Schedlt River allowed the city to flourish as its bustling port handled goods from around the world such as spices, textiles, and diamonds.
● The 16th century in Antwerp also saw a rise in artistic talent and was home to famous artists like Peter Paul Rubens. His masterpieces can be seen in various museums across the city, most notably The Rubens House.
● Antwerp is known as one of the fashion capitals of Europe featuring excellent shopping opportunities such as Meir Street and Stadsfeestzaal, a shopping mall in a historic building. The buildings in this shopping district are beautiful and full of character giving you a shopping experience like no other.
Antwerp 1-day Itinerary Map
Below is a map of all the best places to visit in Antwerp in one day. Luckily Antwerp is a very walkable city which means you don’t have to worry about catching trains or buses to travel between attractions.
As you can see on the map below, the total walking time for the day is estimated around 50 minutes which is easy to fit into your day of sightseeing. Simply follow the map below to make the most of your one day in Antwerp.
*Note* The diamond district is closed on Saturdays and Sundays so you can avoid this area if you’re visiting on a weekend.
How to Spend One Day in Antwerp – The Best Places to Visit in Antwerp in One Day
Central Station – Antwerpen Centraal
Antwerp Central Station is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and considered one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. I’ve seen some pretty impressive train stations in my time and I have to say, it’s right up there with the Sao Bento Station in Porto.
The train station was built in the late 19th century and completed in the year 1905. The building’s interior is often compared to a cathedral due to its grandeur, massive dome, and intricate details, it’s extremely photogenic!
Whether you are arriving in Antwerp by train or don’t have a train to catch, this amazing train station is worthy of stopping by to admire the majestic interior and snap a few photos.
The majestic Antwerp Central Station
Walk Through the Diamond District
Are you in the market for some new diamonds or jewelry? Even if you’re not, you’ll pass by this area anyway as you make your way from Antwerp Central Station to the Rubens House.
Since the 15th century, Antwerp has been one of the world’s top diamond trading hubs. The city’s diamond district is where you’ll find a huge assortment of diamond and jewelry shops making it the largest concentration in the diamond industry.
It is said that around 80% of the world’s diamonds are traded in Antwerp so there’s really no better place in the world to treat yourself to something sparkly. I found it fun to window shop and admire the beautiful gems as I passed through this iconic part of Antwerp.
**Note** Many shops in the diamond district are closed on the weekend, so it’s best to confirm the opening hours of a specific shop before you go. Otherwise, avoid the diamond district if you’re visiting Antwerp on a Saturday or Sunday!
Check out a few shops in Antwerp’s diamond district
The Rubens House
Take a step back in time by visiting the former home and studio of the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens. This beautiful 16th century house in the centre of Antwerp has been turned into a museum where you can find some of his original paintings and personal belongings on display.
The museum includes a reconstruction of Rubens’ studio, offering visitors a glimpse into the space where the artist created some of his most famous works. This is easily one of Antwerp’s most popular museums and it won’t take much time out of your day, making it easy to fit into your Antwerp itinerary.
**Update** The Rubens House is currently closed for renovations until 2026. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp offers a great alternative for those who still wish to see some of his work until Rubens House re-opens its doors to visitors.