Antwerp in One Day: The Ultimate City Guide
Are you only in Antwerp for a day? Discover the best sights, cosy lunch spots, great shops and trendy food recommendations here!
Planning a day trip to Antwerp but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you can see plenty of the city in just one day. From the historic centre and famous shopping streets to Eilandje and some great places to eat: Antwerp is buzzing around every corner.
We’ve put together an itinerary that lets you explore Antwerp at a relaxed pace. Perfect if you’re visiting for the first time or simply fancy being a tourist in your own city.
09:00 – Start Your Day at Antwerp Central Station
Arriving in Antwerp by train? Your day begins in one of the city’s most beautiful spots. Antwerp Central is much more than an ordinary railway station. Make sure you look up when you enter the main hall. The soaring dome, staircases and intricate details make this building truly special. Take a little time to look around before walking towards the city centre.
09:30 – First, a Coffee
Before heading towards Meir, we’ll stop at Madmum, a new coffee bar in Central Station. Stop by for a delicious coffee and something sweet, such as a pastry or a cookie from Cookiele. It’s a handy spot if you’re arriving by train and want a leisurely start to your day. Afterwards, we’ll continue towards Meir.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 27, Antwerp
10:30 – Shopping on Meir
We’ll head towards Meir, Antwerp’s most famous shopping street. You’ll find major high-street brands here, as well as plenty of beautiful buildings. Make sure you step inside the Stadsfeestzaal shopping centre. Its interior, with its golden details, is well worth a look. Not in the mood for shopping? Simply keep walking towards the historic centre.
11:30 – Grote Markt and the Cathedral
Once you reach the old town, you’ll naturally come across some of Antwerp’s best-known sights. Start at the Cathedral of Our Lady, then walk on to Grote Markt. With its historic façades, city hall and inviting café terraces, this is one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
The surrounding streets are lovely to explore too. Take a short detour into the Vlaeykensgang, for example: a small historic alley that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
12:30 – Time for a Bite to Eat
After a morning of walking, you’ll probably be feeling hungry. You’ll find plenty of lovely lunch spots in and around the historic centre. Fancy some pasta? Or perhaps a sandwich packed with tasty fillings? You won’t have to look far. Want to choose somewhere in advance? Browse our restaurants page to find your lunch spot.
14:00 – Walk Towards Het Steen
After lunch, we’ll head towards the River Scheldt. On Steenplein, you’ll find Het Steen, a historic building right by the water. It’s one of Antwerp’s oldest surviving buildings and a well-known city landmark.
You’ll also enjoy lovely views across the Scheldt from here. Take a short stroll along the waterfront before continuing towards Eilandje.
Address: Steenplein 1, Antwerp
15:00 – Eilandje and MAS
From the historic centre, we’ll make our way to Eilandje, one of the city’s loveliest neighbourhoods for a stroll. You’ll find old warehouses, inviting terraces and plenty of waterfront restaurants. The neighbourhood’s most famous building is undoubtedly MAS.
Even if you’re not visiting the museum itself, it’s worth stepping inside. The panoramic rooftop offers beautiful views of Antwerp and its port.
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, Antwerp
16:30 – Fancy Something Sweet?
After all that walking, a little break will be welcome. Perhaps you fancy a slice of cake, a cookie or just another coffee. Antwerp has plenty of patisseries and coffee bars where you can sit down for a while. We certainly find it hard to resist a stop for something sweet.
18:00 – Finish off with a Lovely Dinner
Staying in Antwerp a little longer? Finish your day with dinner out. In the city centre and Eilandje, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, serving everything from Italian and Asian cuisine to Belgian classics.
Choose whatever you’re in the mood for and book ahead if possible, especially at weekends.
Useful Tips for Your Visit
How Do You Get to Antwerp?
Travelling by train brings you straight into the city centre. From Antwerp Central Station, you can easily walk to Meir and the main sights.
Can You Do Everything on Foot?
Most places on this route are within walking distance of each other. Bear in mind that you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, especially if you also want to explore the shops and little side streets. If you fancy giving your feet a rest for a while, you can always rely on trams, the underground or buses.
Is One Day Enough?
One day gives you enough time to see many of Antwerp’s best-known sights. Want to visit museums, spend more time shopping or explore several neighbourhoods? A weekend is a better option.
