Interested in visiting Brussels but eager to get away from overly touristy places? Antwerp's the place for you, baby. Flemish people love this authentic gem and often go for day trips to shop and get inspired by its rich history and culinary hotspots. In this itinerary I've bundled when to go, where to go, and how to go. Carefully curated for you by a local. This city trip skips overrated tourist traps and lays out a step-by-step weekend like the locals.
🚉✈️ How long is this trip?
This itinerary is based on a three-day weekend, assuming you'll arrive on Friday evening and depart on Sunday. You can absolutely adapt this plan to a two-day stay, just make sure to read the advice I provide with my recommendations. This way you're in on best times for different activities.
🅰️ Why Antwerp?
- historic port city with rich history
- hotspot for gastronomic delights and lavish art
- like Brussels, but without the tourist traps
- home to one of the world's leading fashion academies and the internationally renowned Fashion Museum
- authentic Flemish (European) experience
- safe city (check out advice for female solo travelers below)
If you've just arrived in Antwerp, it'll probably be by train. Antwerp-Central directly connects you to every large city in Flanders, as well as Brussels Airport. And even if you're not planning on arriving by train, the station is worth a visit because of it's striking beauty and rich history. Click below for details on prices, departure times and destinations.
This eclectic-style landmark is a must-see for architecture lovers.
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🥖Tip: if you're hungry after travelling, the Central Station is filled with places to grab a bite!
The Central Station is the heart of the vessel system of public transportation, both locally and provincially. Apart from trains, Antwerp has an extensive network of buses and trams. Although the city is perfectly doable on foot (which is actually recommended), if you're struggling with suitcases, you might want to consider taking some form of public transportation. The link below navigates you to the route planner.
From the Central Station, you should be able to get anywhere in Antwerp. The link below will help you navigate.
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🚇Tip when navigating metro stations
The metro station below the train station is called 'Diamant', so don't panic when you can't find the metro station called 'Central Station'. 'Astrid' is the metro station below the square next to the train station. Google sometimes gets these mixed up because they're so close together. Escalators such as the ones seen in the photo above will lead you to the metro from within the station.
🏨Hotels on different budgets
I've collected a list of different hotels I feel confident are the best stays in Antwerp. Each hotel has a unique quality to it, from authentic and budget-friendly, to luxury at a higher price point. I've attempted to make a healthy range, collecting the best selection of each.
This place is unbelievably beautiful and unique. As an outdoor girly, this feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. You're staying in a 15th century monastery complex inside a garden. On top of that, it's located in the center of the historic city with a metro station right outside. It does come at a higher price point, but this hotel truly is an experience on it's own.
A staple, a classic, a must-have-done-once. Located in the center of Antwerp, with a view of the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt. Antwerp Zoo and Antwerp Central Station are less than four kilometers away from this hotel.
This is a more affordable gem that reminds me of the Botanic Sanctuary. A dupe, if you will. A little further out from the city center, but located in the trendy district of Berchem, should you want to head a little more local.
Whenever I try to travel budget friendly, IBIS is my go to. It's usually the cheapest yet most reliable option I can find. I don't like to compromise on hygiene and safety when on a budget, and IBIS feels like a good middle ground. I haven't stayed at the Antwerp one yet, since I live nearby. But since they're a chain, they're typically very consistent in their services.
Another trendy, beautiful and unique stay. This hotel offers comfortable lodging for a fair price. Another hidden gem not a lot of international tourists know about.
A safe and cozy hostel for people wanting to keep things budget-friendly.
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🗝If you do decide to stay at one of these locations, I would appreciate you booking them through the provided links above. That way costs you nothing extra, but I get to keep making these itineraries free 😌
🦪🛍️Day 2: markets and shopping
Morning market
On Saturday morning, it's vital to visit my favorite market (and arguably the favorite of all Antwerp locals). Filled to the brim with Flemish delicacies, the Exotic Market is the place for foodies to experience the fine taste of Antwerp.
At the most popular food stands, it's even recommended to make a reservation. Serena-van-der-Woodsen-Style, locals drink their hangover away with bubbles, and keep it all down with shrimp croquette's.🦐🍾
From 8am to 4pm on Saturday, you'll find me here... well... every week.
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🍤🎣Tip: my order at the exotic market
There are tons of fresh food stands at this market. I usually go up to the fish vendors and ask for 'Kibbeling' (kih-buh-ling). See photo below. This is deep-fried freshly caught cod with a tartar sauce and a unique blend of herbs that just... hits the spot, man. If you know, you know. Also featured in the photo below is a fresh beverage from another vendor. I believe this was an alcohol-free mojito.
Afternoon: shopping areas🛍️
Since Antwerp is so big on fashion, there's really not one area I'd recommend for shopping. Each has their own charm and assets. What I can do is provide you with a list of areas you can't miss + my personal favorite stores.
Personal favorites:
- My Jewellery (Lombardenvest 40)
- & Other Stories (Korte Gasthuisstraat 17)
- Frites Atelier (Korte Gasthuisstraat 32, affordable fries by an internationally renowned star chef)
There's truly nothing you cannot find on this boulevard. From big brands to exclusive items, all the trends are bundled here. This street attracts the most tourists by far, because of a variety of shops. This main street cleverly connects the Central Station to the heart of the shopping district and historic center.
This area is beloved by locals, and unbeknownst to most tourists. This is where the true natives set up their unique stores, with pieces of art and fashion only found exclusively here. My favorite store: Ringz and Thingz (Kammenstraat 65), for affordable and tarnish free jewelry.
At the port, culinary hotspots rule. My favorites are Fiskeskur and Bar Paniek.
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Restaurants 🥘🌮🫔🫒
Oh, where to begin. There are so many amazing places to dine out, and not only for typically Belgian food. When in Antwerp, I like to taste the world. That's why I've made a list of my favorite restaurants, offering both local and international cuisines.
If you don't mind a pricier dinner, this is the best place to go. It's my whole family's favourite restaurant. Our go-to when we have something to celebrate. This truly encaptures the umami in fine dining. Tip: go for the experience menu! This never EVER fails ;)
Authentic Mexican food has my heart. Baby I'm talking spicy cocktails and real mole. This place doesn't serve overly fatty junk food you usually find when going for Mexican food, but the real thang. Tip: make sure to book a table before coming here. This tiny, charming restaurant rarely has free tables for walk-ins.
This food sharing concept never fails. So so so cosy to do with your loved ones. A little out of the city, but so worth the trip. Tip: if they've got the chicken strips, go with the mf chicken strips. Just trust me on this one. The crunccchhhhhh, the juuiiiiiceeeeee!!!
Den Artist is considered a more high-end brasserie (a typical Belgian blend of a bar and a restaurant), and has ensured quality each time my family visited.
I drool when I think about this place. Sergio Herman, a famous Dutch Michelinchef, has his own take on Belgian fries. The only Dutchman I'll trust with making my frietjes. Please just go here. Trust me with this.
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Drinks🍸🥂🍻🥃
Want to grab some Belgian beer on a night out? Or are you interested in a decent glass of wine after a long day of exploring? These are some of my favorite recs:
This bar is a really authentic one at Mechelseplein, which is a hotspot for me. Korsakov, Zeppos and De Pallieter are great options at this location, too.
This is such a charming café. Definitely a favorite of mine. They also serve an interesting array of cocktails and rum. And they serve mezcal, too!
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🏰☕️Day 3: strolling
Another market on the plan for today. Feast your eyes on the Vogeltjesmarkt. Its name translates to the 'market of birds', a reference to the poultry, songbirds, and rodents that were sold here in the Middle Ages. Conveniently enough, this market is at the same location as the one from yesterday (and still sells some fuzzy friends).
I usually bring my mom a bouquet of these beautiful flowers, for only €15. They're a big attraction, and locals often bike around with a similar bouquet on Sunday.
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Apart from the market, this is also an amazing moment for a walk around the city. This could be a route along the historic sites, with a focus on architecture or art, or it could be an interactive walk with the kids. There are tons of routes available, you can find a plethora (in different languages) here:
Easy to miss when not looking, but the smell will lead you towards greatness. Don't be shy. Have a waffle.
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Afternoon🎨🖼️
Beware: on Sunday (and most official holidays), most shops close in Belgium, including a lot in Antwerp. The exception is the first Sunday of every month. But closed stores on Sunday also means time to visit museums. And here too, Antwerp has a great selection to offer. My personal favorites:
Each different space that displays fashion is completely transformed with every exhibition. This ensures a constant cycle of unique experiences for visitors.
If you think the facade of this building is impressive, wait until you get inside. This cathedral offers a treasure trove of art, with nothing less than originals by Rubens himself.
Not a museum, but worth a trip. This is a beautiful location for photography, but also for learning about the trade fair history (when once, Antwerp was Europe's capitol). Apart from that, the Handelsbeurs also hosts temporary exhibitions.
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✨ Safety tips for solo female travelers
Good news: Antwerp is very safe. I've partied here, took the metro and biked back home at night. I've done this for 10+ years and have never had serious incidents happen to me. Belgium itself is very safe. Of course, some parts are best avoided, like in every other country. But Antwerp, especially the historic center, is very safe. Some neighborhoods I personally would avoid are rarely visited by tourists and not mentioned in this itinerary so far, because they're so far out of the city center. I would only advise to maintain your regular caution, and avoid the city park at night.
This park is very safe and family-friendly during the day, but, as with every big city park, I wouldn't start running laps here at night.
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I hope this itinerary helps you plan your weekend to Antwerp! If you want a deeper dive into other essential information, different areas, food recommendations and so on, I'm currently writing an extensive Antwerp guide. Available soon :)
Heyhoi! I'm Luka :) I combine female solo-travelling with family-based trips. I was born and raised in the heart of Europe on a Burgundian lifestyle, which means I'm an expert in small pleasures and enjoying the fine things in life. Apart from that, I have a passion for nature and wildlife. On my page, you'll find both gastronomic and outdour gems, tipped by locals. I have an eye for the quiet and little things, and love to share my secret spots. Apart from that, I'm a full time employee at the public broadcaster for radio and television in Flanders, which means I'm also putting my journalism skills to professional use. Welcome!
