One Day in Antwerp, Belgium: Where Art Meets Beer

This isn’t one of those “I was so pleasantly surprised!” blog posts where we’re pleasantly surprised by a destination. I’d been wanting to visit Antwerp, Belgium, since chatting with a cheese expert there who really sold me on its food and culture scene. 

Yes, I talk to cheese experts sometimes. 

With just one day in Antwerp, we knew we’d have to hustle our way through the highlights. And while it’s definitely a place we really liked, we didn’t feel too much grief over the limited time. There’s so much to see out there!

Whether you’re here on a day trip to Antwerp or planning a weekend and need the top attractions, this itinerary for one day in Antwerp follows the route we took!

How many days do you need in Antwerp?

One day in Antwerp is enough to see the city’s main highlights, including the Grote Markt, Central Station, the Diamond District, and food and beer stops along the way. 

If you’re short on time or visiting as a day trip from Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges, you can still get a good feel for the city, even if it’s your first time.

Two days seems ideal. An extra day gives you time to visit more museums, explore neighborhoods outside of the city center, and enjoy Antwerp’s café and beer culture without feeling rushed.

With even more time, you can also use Antwerp as a base for exploring other parts of Belgium and nearby countries.

How to Spend One Day in Antwerp

You can spend one perfect day in Antwerp like this:

• Start on Groenplaats and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum.
• Snap a photo on Vlaaikensgang.
• Eat lunch (and drink beer) at Elfde Gebod.
• People-watch on the Grote Markt.
• See the panoramas from Het Steen.
• Visit the garden at Rubenshuis.
• Stroll the Diamond District to Antwerp Central Station.
• Pick up some treats at Chocolaterie Mary.
• Have dinner at Billie’s Bier Kafétaria.

One Day in Antwerp Itinerary

We were visiting on an Antwerp day trip from elsewhere, so we started our day with sightseeing. If you’re in Antwerp for longer or arrived last night, you may want to start with some breakfast or at least a coffee. 

Brian gets hangry, but I get whatever the word is for someone who needs caffeine to feel alive in the morning.

Caffènation is a popular specialty coffee shop. There are several locations around town, but Caffènation KOCO (12-minute walk) and Caffènation CITY (15-minute walk) are closest to your first stop.

Normo is even closer. That one is known for Scandinavian-inspired pastries in case you’re looking for breakfast, too.

Stop 1: Groenplaats & the Cathedral of Our Lady

We started our day in Groenplaats, one of Antwerp’s main squares and an easy place to get your bearings in the historic center.

The first thing we noticed was the tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady dominating the skyline. You’ll see it throughout the day, even from street blocks away, unless your face is stuck in your phone. Don’t do that.

Originally, we planned to go inside immediately, but a funeral was taking place during our visit. The cathedral is impressive from the outside alone. Its Gothic tower is the tallest church tower in Belgium.

When we came back later, we ended up skipping the interior anyway because admission was €12 per person. 

If seeing Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpieces is high on your list, the Cathedral of Our Lady is probably worth paying for, but I can’t tell you for sure.

It’s known for housing some major works of his that include The Descent from the Cross and The Elevation of the Cross.

Stop 2: Plantin-Moretus Museum

This was my favorite stop in Antwerp. A museum dedicated to printing doesn’t exactly scream “WOW” for most who aren’t already print nerds, but hear me out.

The museum occupies the former home and workshop of the Plantin-Moretus family, one of Europe’s most influential printing dynasties.

Inside, you’ll find historic printing presses, centuries-old books, more artwork by Rubens, and some pretty friggin’ beautiful libraries.

We spent a little over an hour here listening to the audio guide. You’ll want to take one, too, as information is sparse otherwise.

Without the guide, I think I would’ve spent much of the visit staring at old books and wooden machinery, wondering what made them special. The audio guide explains why this family and their printing business mattered so much to Belgian history.

The libraries were the highlight for me. Seeing shelves packed with centuries-old books gave me all of the Beauty and the Beast feels, and we weren’t even in France.

Stop 3: Vlaaikensgang

After the museum, we made a quick detour to Vlaaikensgang, a narrow medieval alley that dates back to the 16th century. I was surprised that it was so empty, as this one had been all over my Instagram feed before our trip. 

Maybe we got lucky, but I fully expected this place to be packed with influencers staging photoshoots. We had most of it to ourselves, and I still didn’t stage a lengthy photoshoot, only a quickie one.

You don’t need long here anyway. Five minutes is enough.

But it’s worth seeking out if you enjoy those small corners of a city that many visitors either accidentally walk right past or pack inside because of the power of social media. I’m glad it was the former in this case.

READ MORE: Want to be less annoying when you’re taking photos? Steal my guide!

Stop 4: Lunch at Elfde Gebod Cathedral

I picked Elfde Gebod (“The Eleventh Commandment”) for lunch because I wanted beers while getting stared at by saints.

I’m not even kidding.

Inside, statues of saints, religious artwork, and churchy goodies cover nearly every available surface. 

Fun fact: “The Eleventh Commandment” is a tongue-in-cheek phrase in Flemish (Belgian Dutch) that means “thou shalt enjoy life” or “don’t take things too seriously.”

I spent a solid few minutes staring around the room before figuring out what I wanted off their extensive beer list. If you’re like Brian, you’ll want to stay on theme with a Trappist beer.

As for the food, we shared a traditional Belgian beef stew and a pot pie. Everything tasted good, but it felt like we paid about 20% more than the meal was actually worth. You’re definitely paying a bit for the atmosphere and location. 

Would I go back? Probably. The setting alone makes it memorable enough to recommend for a one-day visit, and their beer list is stellar. Just be aware that you may feel some sticker shock when it comes to eating.

Note: There’s a second “holy place” along the Suikerrui, Elfde Gebod Riverside, if that one is more convenient for your day!

Stop 5: Grote Markt & Antwerp’s Guild Houses

After lunch, head straight to Grote Markt, Antwerp’s stunning central square. We’ve seen a lot of beautiful squares in Europe, but Grote Markt still managed to impress me.

Fun fact: The square is anchored by the Brabo Fountain, which depicts the local legend of a giant whose hand was thrown into the Scheldt River. The story is often linked to a folk explanation of Antwerp’s name (“hand-throwing”), although historians generally trace the name to more practical river-related origins.

Around the square, you’ll see some of the most elaborate guild houses in Belgium. These were the former homes of various associations around the city, at the peak of their power in the Middle Ages. Make sure you’re looking up around here. 

The Antwerp City Hall deserves some attention, too. The Renaissance building was completed in the 1560s, but heavily damaged during the Spanish Fury in 1576 and rebuilt in the decades that followed.

Incidentally, the “Spanish fury” is what I was feeling when we visited Madrid in July one year. SO HOT. 

Stop 6: Het Steen

From Grote Markt, it’s only a short walk to Het Steen along the Scheldt River.

As Antwerp’s oldest surviving building, Het Steen has worn many hats over the centuries, including fortress, prison, and defensive gateway.

The exterior is impressive enough, but I’d strongly recommend stepping inside. There’s a free panoramic viewing platform on the upper floor!

The views over Antwerp’s rooftops, the river, and the surrounding city are excellent, especially when you remind yourself that this one was free after that holy lunch.

If you’d like a deeper introduction to the city, Het Steen also houses “The Antwerp Story,” an interactive visitor experience. For budget-conscious travelers, though, the free viewpoint is one of the best values in the city.

Stop 7: Coffee & Cake at Café Mundi

At this point, we were due for coffee, but you can carry on if you’re stronger than I.

We ended up at Café Mundi, a small spot just off the main tourist flow. The vibe leans a little hipster, but I like that because I’m an easy mark for “we’re too cool.”

We had coffee and apple cake. It was simple and not overly sweet, which, if you know any Polish people, you know that’s a pretty big compliment. 

Stop 8: Rubenshuis & Meir

Caffeinated and sugared up, we made our way toward Rubenshuis, the former home of Antwerp’s most famous artist. (It’s Rubens, in case it wasn’t clear.)

There is one important caveat with this stop. The house itself won’t fully reopen until 2030 due to ongoing renovations that I guess will take that long.

The gardens, though, remain open and are lovely for a short stroll. There’s also a small visitor experience that introduces Rubens, his life, and his connection to Antwerp. Make sure you time your visit to that bit for English versions of all that.

Even in its reduced form, I thought it was worth stopping by, especially since Rubens’ influence pops up repeatedly throughout the city.

From here, continue along Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street.

Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the architecture makes the walk worthwhile. The street is wide, lively, and lined with elegant buildings that hint at Antwerp’s historic wealth. Keep an eye out for the impressive Meir Palace along the way.

Note: With more time, you can actually visit Meir Palace on guided tours when it’s open to the public, but from the outside, it’s still one of the standout façades on the street.

Stop 9: The Diamond District & Antwerp Central Station

As you approach Antwerp Central Station, you’ll pass through part of the city’s famous Diamond District.

I’ll be honest: unless you’re actively shopping for diamonds, this area is more interesting for what it represents than what you’ll actually see. 

Antwerp has been at the center of the global diamond trade for centuries, and it’s fascinating knowing how much business (and coin) passes through these streets.

We weren’t in the market, and never are, so we treated it as a pass-through to our next destination.

Nearby, you’ll also spot Antwerp’s Chinatown gate and attractions like Chocolate Nation, eventually arriving at Antwerp Central Station.

I had heard this was one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations, but I was still pretty blown away by its massive staircases, ceilings, and stonework.

The dome makes it feel like one of the city’s palaces, but sometimes, that’s how Europe rolls with its transit.

The American in me was sad that we can’t have nice things, like plentiful trains in beautiful stations.

Even if you’re not arriving by train, it’s worth making the trip here before ending your day.

Stop 10: Chocolaterie Mary 

Before wrapping up your day with dinner, stop into Chocolaterie Mary.

We originally intended to buy a small box to take home and somehow ended up leaving with considerably more chocolate than planned.

The selection felt refined, with flavors like Earl Grey tea and coffee cream. The prices were also more reasonable than I expected for luxury Belgian chocolate.

All of the chocolates did not make it back to our place.

Stop 11: Dinner

We had to go back to our accommodations at this point to handle our dog, who definitely would not have been able to handle this Antwerp itinerary.

If we had stayed, Billie’s Bier Kafétaria was on my list.

The restaurant combines Belgian comfort food with an outstanding beer selection (again!), serving both classic Flemish dishes and more modern pub-style plates. I wasn’t looking for formal here, as I like to relax after a big day of being a tourist.

After dinner, you can take one last stroll through the illuminated historic center before calling it a day, after which you can plan your return trip to Antwerp. We really liked this one!

With More Time in Antwerp

If you’re extending your visit beyond the day, lucky you! Here are a few more places worth adding that are still on our list, too:

• Visit MAS – Museum aan de Stroom for its striking architecture, rooftop views, and exhibitions on Antwerp’s port and global history.
• Explore Sint-Andries, Antwerp’s fashion and design district, full of independent boutiques and concept stores.
• Spend some time at Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.
• Wander through the Eilandje district, a redeveloped docklands area with waterfront views, cafés, and modern architecture.
• Visit the Red Star Line Museum for a look at the emigrant journeys that once departed from Antwerp’s port.
• Take some time to explore the South (Zuid) district, known for its galleries, museums, and elegant 19th-century boulevards.
• Taste some local beers at De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery, where you can tour the brewing space and learn about the city’s signature “Bolleke” beer.
• Stop by Het Zuid’s Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) for modern and contemporary exhibitions if you’re into art beyond the classics.

Antwerp also works really well as a base for day trips if you’re spending more time in Belgium. You can easily visit nearby cities like Ghent and Bruges. Brussels is also less than an hour away by train and works well for a contrasting capital-city experience.

For waffle freaks, Liège is an easy option, and cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are all straightforward rail connections north into the Netherlands. Lille in France is also within reach for a quick cross-border day trip.

READ MORE: Love Belgian beer? Check out this for how to taste one of the best bottles in the world!

Best Time to Visit Antwerp

Antwerp is a year-round destination, but spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) tend to offer the best balance of nice weather and manageable crowds.

We were there in the spring, and while we got some cooler, cloudier weather, it was great for exploring. Summer brings longer days and plenty of outdoor dining, but you’ll be sharing the city with more visitors. 

Winter can be chilly and gray, but if you’re not a Scrooge, Christmas markets and a festive atmosphere make it an appealing time to visit if you don’t mind bundling up.

How to Get to Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the easiest cities in Belgium to reach by train. Direct rail connections link the city with Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and many destinations in the Netherlands, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway.

If you’re arriving by car, several parking garages are available throughout the city center, though traffic can be busy during peak periods.

We drove to Antwerp as a day trip. It allowed us to explore the city at our own pace, but garages were expensive, and traffic was no joke.

Once you’re in Antwerp, everything in this itinerary is walkable. If you’d prefer someone else to take over, the city has no shortage of highly-rated guided tours, including cycling tours. Check out some options below:

Where to Stay in Antwerp

We didn’t stay overnight in Antwerp, visiting instead as a day trip from Neupré. (I wouldn’t recommend this. We just had to find a quiet spot for our dog.)

If you’re planning to spend a night or two here, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options throughout the city. The historic center is the most convenient area for first-time visitors.

If you’re arriving by train, the area around Antwerp Central Station offers excellent transport connections and a wide range of hotels. For a slightly quieter stay, consider Zuid (The South).

Use the map below to help you explore your options:

Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Antwerp is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you love a city that blends history, architecture, food, and culture without feeling overly touristy.

It’s best known for its Renaissance architecture, diamond trade history, fashion scene, and beer culture, but we loved its museum and café scene.

With one day in Antwerp, you can comfortably see the highlights while still leaving time for tipple stops and admiring the architecture. This is definitely one I’m sure we’ll return to at some point. We left quite a bit on the table!

Planning a trip to the Netherlands, too? Read these:

• Visiting the Biggest Dutch Flower Field
• A Guide to the Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Is Utrecht Really Worth Visiting?
• A One-Day Itinerary for Utrecht
• How to Spend the Day in Maastricht

How about France? Check these out:

• Is Paris Really Worth Visiting?
• Tips for Visiting France in the Summer
• Why Nantes Should Be on Your List
• A Guide to Brittany’s Most Beautiful Spots
• Visit This Secret Castle From Paris

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