One Day in Antwerp – 12 Amazing Things to See and Do!

I visited Antwerp as a day trip from Brussels, and while I overlooked it when planning, it pleasantly surprised me. It is not as charming as the canal filled Bruges or Ghent but I really enjoyed my time here. Antwerp is a working port city, a fashion capital, a historic trading hub and a place where you can stare at diamonds worth more than your flat and then go eat €4 fries around the corner. More importantly it is the place where it handles the most cocoa beans imported in Europe if not the world!

If you only have one day in Antwerp, you absolutely can see the main highlights without rushing like a maniac – as long as you plan a logical route and don’t try to do every single museum in the city. This one day in Antwerp guide focuses on walkable sights, free viewpoints, and experiences that are mostly free with some options for museums like the Chocolate Story, but more on this later on.

We’ll start with how to get to Antwerp (especially from Brussels), then walk through 12 amazing things to do in Antwerp in a realistic day trip itinerary. After that, you’ll find where to eat and drink, and whether it’s worth staying overnight or better as a day trip.

How to Get to Antwerp From Brussels

Antwerp is in the north of Belgium, around 40–45 km from Brussels. Trains between Brussels and Antwerp are frequent, fast and usually the easiest option, especially for a day trip.

By train (best option)
The train is the easiest and most sensible way to do a Brussels–Antwerp day trip.

• Direct trains run roughly every 10–30 minutes from Brussels-Nord, Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi to Antwerpen-Centraal or Antwerpen-Berchem.
• The journey is around 30–40 minutes depending on the service.
• Second-class tickets typically start around €6–€10 one way if you buy a standard ticket.

If you’re travelling on a weekend, look at SNCB’s Weekend Ticket on the Belgian Rail (NMBS/SNCB) website – return tickets are often about 50% off the normal adult fare on Saturday–Sunday, which makes Antwerp a very budget-friendly day trip.

You can buy tickets from the Belgian Rail site or app, or directly from the machines in any station. I found the application to be particularly easy to navigate and recommend buying the tickets directly from there on your wider Belgium trip as opposed to other train booking websites.

From central Brussels, the simplest route for a day trip:

• Depart from Brussels-Central (easy to reach from most of the city).
• Get off at Antwerpen-Centraal.
  This drops you inside one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, which is literally your first attraction.

By bus (cheapest, but less flexible)
FlixBus runs buses from Brussels-North to Antwerp (Rooseveltplaats).

• The journey takes around 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
• Prices can be as low as €4–€7 each way if booked in advance.

Fine if you’re on an extreme budget and your timing matches the bus schedule, but for a one day in Antwerp itinerary, the train’s frequency and speed win. Not to mention that the Flixbus option is a bit out of the way and most likely you will need to travel further to get to the departure point

By car
Driving from Brussels to Antwerp takes roughly 35–45 minutes in good traffic via the E19 motorway. However, Antwerp city centre is a low-emission zone (LEZ). If you’re driving an older diesel or petrol car, you may need to register or pay a fee, and some vehicles aren’t allowed at all. You must check your licence plate in advance on the official LEZ website before you drive into the central zone. Parking is not exactly cheap either. Honestly unless you are doing a wider Europe trip it is not worth renting a car in Belgium. The trains are cheap and very efficient

From Amsterdam & the Netherlands

There are also direct train rides from the Netherlands as well as some Flixbuses. Intercity and high-speed services (Eurostar/Thalys-type services) run from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague towards Belgium, stopping at Antwerpen-Centraal or Antwerpen-Berchem. Typical travel times:

• Amsterdam → Antwerp: around 1h 15–1h 45 depending on the service.
• Rotterdam → Antwerp: roughly 30–60 minutes.

These can be very cheap if you book well in advance, and very expensive if you buy last-minute, so if Antwerp is part of a longer route, lock these tickets in early.

From Brussels Airport & Other Airports

If you land at Brussels Airport (BRU) and want to go straight to Antwerp:

• Direct trains run from Brussels Airport–Zaventem station to Antwerpen-Centraal and Antwerpen-Berchem, usually at least twice an hour.
• The journey is roughly 30–40 minutes.

There’s a small airport supplement on tickets, but it’s still cheaper than taxis, which will run well over €100 one way.

Things to Do in Antwerp (One-Day Itinerary – 12 Highlights)

Finally it is time to find out how you are spending your one day in Antwerp. This city is big enough to be interesting but compact enough that you can walk between the main sights. This itinerary assumes you arrive by train around 9:00–10:00 and leave in the evening while also taking into consideration the order in which you will tour the attractions on the map below. So here are all the things to do in Antwerp!

1. Start at Antwerp Central Station – the Railway Cathedral

You literally step off the train into your first attraction. Antwerp Central Station is regularly described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Walk up into the main hall and give yourself a few minutes just to look around

There are 2 distinctive features that struck me in this train station.

• Look up at the huge glass dome and the arches.
• Check the different levels – platforms stacked like a vertical layer cake.

The best bit? It’s completely free. If you’re doing a day trip, spend 10–15 minutes taking photos and maybe grabbing a quick coffee from a kiosk before you head out into the city.

2. Walk Through the Diamond District

Step out of the station and you’re immediately in the Diamond District – Antwerp has been one of the world’s major diamond trading centres for centuries. This is the definition of window shopping, it is worth a small detour just to marvel at the sheer volume of jewelry shops that are compact in one small area. I didn’t spend too much time here just a walk through before starting to make my way inside the city’s centre.

3. Stroll Down Meir into the City Centre

While you can take some shortcuts to get into the centre, I opted to head down the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. I did this because it gives you a sense of the city, some life with people doing their shopping as it is full of the usual international brands. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the walk is worth it because the architecture is really beautiful that feels more of a historic boulevard than a shopping mall.

I stepped into some shops but honestly much like the diamond district all I did was window shop. Belgium is surprisingly expensive and I struggled to find deals. If you want to shop, then I would suggest the Maaschemelen Shopping Village in which you can read my blog post on how to do a day trip to Hoge Kempen National Park and then do some shopping after! One particular shop to note is “It’s all about Christmas” which if you adore Christmas this shop is a must and I stumbled upon it by accident. It has anything and everything to do with Christmas decorations and is perfect for some gifts to take home to the family.

4. Antwerp’s Old Town – Grote Markt & the Brabo Fountain

At the end of Meir, drift into the old town until you suddenly find yourself in Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main market square. This is the classic postcard view of the city and one of the must-see places if you only have one day in Antwerp.

Around you, you’ll see:

• Antwerp City Hall (Stadhuis) – a Renaissance building on the UNESCO list, loaded with flags and details.
• A row of guild houses with ornate gables – a throwback to Antwerp’s period as a rich trading city.
• The dramatic Brabo Fountain, which tells the legend of Silvius Brabo supposedly chopping off the hand of a giant and throwing it into the Scheldt (this “hand throwing” story is sometimes linked to the name “Antwerp”).

Unfortunately I visited on a weekend and there were some event going on so there were loads of built up stages and stands so I couldn’t really do a panoramic shot in my mind of the square uninterrupted. Nevertheless the iconic landmarks are still impressive individually.

5. The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)

From Grote Markt it’s a very short walk to the Cathedral of Our Lady, whose spire dominates the skyline. This is one of the major landmarks in Antwerp and is worth going inside if you’re at all into architecture or art. There are beautiful stained glass scattered across the church. I only caught glimpses from the entry point as did not want to pay to enter.

There is an entry fee (around the €12 mark for adults at the time of writing – double-check the current price and any concessions on the official site before you go). The Cathedral official website is updated with the opening times and prices. I opted to check out the exterior and the view from Groenplaats, the square nearby, which looks back at the cathedral and often has market stalls or events.

6. Find the Hidden Vlaeykensgang Alley

People rave about Antwerp’s big-ticket sights, but one of the city’s loveliest corners is actually tiny. Right next to the Grote Markt you will find Vlaeykensgang, a hidden medieval alleyway tucked just off the busy streets.

You enter through a modest passage, and suddenly you’re in a quiet courtyard that feels a century or three older than the city outside. It’s free to wander but I have really thought that I wandered into someone’s backyard. Keep noise down as there are actually people living and working there. It is worth detouring here as it gives you a sense of what pre-19th-century Antwerp might have looked like away from the big squares.

7. Wander to Het Steen & the Scheldt Riverfront

From the old town, continue walking west until you hit the Scheldt river and Het Steen, a small, chunky fortress that’s one of Antwerp’s oldest buildings. Het Steen itself has been renovated into a visitor centre and cruise terminal area. I didn’t go inside however it is still worth walking around the fort and head up to a small panoramic view across the river. Mind you it was nothing that blows you out of the water but it is free so why not!

Then take a stroll along the Scheldt promenade to our next stop. This is where Antwerp feels like a proper working city – you’ll see cargo ships, cranes further up the river, and locals commuting on bikes.

8. Cross the River via St Anna’s Tunnel for Skyline Views

Now for one of the more underrated things to do in Antwerp: cross to the left bank using St Anna’s Tunnel (Sint-Annatunnel). The entrance is near the river at Sint-Jansvliet. You ride old wooden escalators down to a pedestrian and bike tunnel that runs under the river Scheldt. The tunnel is about 572 metres long and sits roughly 30–31 metres below the river.

It is completely free to use and is worth hopping over the other side just to get a view of Antwerp’s skyline. Also there is something really cool about the vintage wooden escalators at each of the entrances. If you’re into photography, try to come here in the late afternoon or golden hour for better light. Morning and late afternoon are often recommended for the prettiest skyline photos from the left bank.

9. Climb to the Rooftop of MAS for a Free Panorama

Head back through the tunnel to the right bank and walk about 15–20 minutes north along the river (or take a short tram) to MAS – Museum aan de Stroom.

The MAS is a modern museum about Antwerp’s history, its port and its place in the world. The museum exhibitions are paid, but the real budget gem is the boulevard and rooftop terrace, which give you 360° views over Antwerp, the Scheldt and the port, and are free to access.

Opening hours shift a bit by season, but as a rule:

• Museum galleries: generally 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays.
• Boulevard & rooftop: usually open longer than the museum itself (often until late evening in summer), and free – but still check the exact current opening hours before you go.

10. Explore Eilandje’s Docks & Portopolis

Around the MAS you’ll find Eilandje, the old docklands area that has been transformed from purely industrial to a waterside neighbourhood full of bars, restaurants and modern buildings.

Just next to MAS is Portopolis, a free interactive visitor centre about the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Inside, you can:

• Walk over a huge aerial photo of the port.
• Use VR headsets and interactive screens to understand how the port works.
• Get a deeper sense of how important this port (Europe’s second-largest by cargo) actually is.

It’s an easy win for kids and adults, and perfect if you want something interesting and free after you’ve done the MAS rooftop.

11. Finish The Day With Dessert – Antwerp’s Chocolate Story!

Antwerp has a long tradition of chocolate-making, and if you’ve got even the slightest sweet tooth like me then ending your day with something indulgent is a must. One easy option is Antwerp’s Chocolate Story, a small but fun tasting experience run by local chocolatiers right in the historic centre a few minutes walk outside the train station.

It is not cheap with tickets are around €20. The experience involves telling a story how chocolate is mage and how specifically Belgian chocolate is made and the process from cocoa bean to chocolate. I enjoyed the story and learning about how chocolate was made of but what I enjoyed most was of course the tastings after.

There was a wide range of chocolate to try with a spoon and you can pour as much as you like. I would carry some water with me to just clear it down before tasting the others. Every chocolate there was it tells you the mix of cocoa to milk and it starts from white chocolate and goes all the way to the darkest chocolate.

12. Visit the Zoo (Optional)

It will be very hard to fit in the Antwerp zoo on a day trip without sacrificing some of the attractions above. However it is right next to the train station and is perfect for families. It is one of the oldest zoos in the world and it is home to more than 5,000 animals across 500 species, including big cats, okapi, sea lions, penguins and one of the most impressive reptile houses in Belgium.

Because it’s small and well laid out, you can explore most of it in around 2–3 hours, but realistically, fitting it into a busy one-day Antwerp itinerary means you will have to choose were to go.

If you’re visiting in winter or on a rainy day, Antwerp Zoo is actually one of the better cold-weather activities in the city thanks to its many indoor sections. Tickets tend to be on the pricier side for Belgium (usually around €30+ for adults)

Eat/Drink Options in Antwerp.

Antwerp isn’t the cheapest city in Europe, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well for one day. If you’re travelling on a budget, think in terms of one “proper” sit-down meal plus cheaper snacks and supermarket stops.

Here’s how to approach food and drink without draining your wallet.

Budget Lunch Ideas Near the Centre

Around Grote Markt, Groenplaats and the cathedral, almost every second place looks cute and many of them are tourist-priced. To keep lunch affordable:

Look for snack bars, friteries and kebab/pizza places on the side streets away from the main squares. A large cone of Belgian frites with sauce will usually cost a fraction of a sit-down meal, and honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying cheap eats in Belgium and the option I chose on most days.

Well-known spots include places like Frituur N°1 near the historic centre and other long-running frites stands, as well as modern takes like Frites Atelier; both have plenty of online reviews so you can see current quality before you go. If the weather is decent, you can grab takeaway and eat it sitting on a bench on Groenplaats or by the river.

Dinner & Drinks – Where to Go in the Evening

Where you end your day will shape where you eat and drink.

Option 1 – Stay Central (Groenplaats / Cathedral / Old Town)
If you want something atmospheric without walking far:

• Look for restaurants on the side streets around Groenplaats and the cathedral rather than right on Grote Markt.
• You’ll find classic Belgian dishes (moules-frites, stews, Flemish specialities) plus the usual Italian/Asian options.

Expect central sit-down mains to start around €18–€25 in many places. If that’s too much, go back to the frites / kebab / pizza strategy for dinner and keep your money for a drink instead.

For drinks, Belgian beer bars around the old town will happily relieve you of your cash in exchange for strong, delicious beer. A couple of carefully chosen beers here is a more local experience than yet another cocktail bar that could be anywhere.

Option 2 – Eilandje (around MAS)
If you’ve followed this itinerary and end up around MAS and Eilandje later in the afternoon:

• The docks are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants with waterfront views.
• It feels a bit more relaxed and mixed (locals + visitors) than the medieval core.

Expect similar pricing to the centre, but the atmosphere is different – more modern, more water, fewer cobblestones.

Option 3 – De Koninck Brewery & Beer Culture

If you’re really into Belgian beer and have more than a day, De Koninck Brewery on the southern side of the city offers a visitor experience and brewery tour, plus bars and food on site.

On a tight one-day schedule you probably won’t have time to do it properly unless you sacrifice other sights, but if beer is your priority, you could:

• Skip one of the museums.
• Head to De Koninck for a late afternoon guided tour and tasting.

Option 4– Dine Back in Brussels

In my case I prefered to go back to the apartment we were staying at in Brussels and then went out again for dinner in Brussels. By following this itinerary you should be back in Brussels at around 5pm unless you go to some of Antwerp’s museums / zoo

Is It Worth Staying Overnight or Leave Antwerp For A Day Trip?

Short answer: yes, but you don’t have to.

You can see a lot with one day in Antwerp. A well-planned day trip from Brussels that starts reasonably early and finishes after dinner gives you everything that is mentioned in this itinerary. That already makes for a full but not insane one day in Antwerp.

If you’re in Belgium for 3–4 days total, I’d treat Antwerp as a day trip unless you’re obsessed with art or port cities.

If you’re in Belgium for a week or longer, staying 1 or 2 nights in Antwerp might be justified. You’ll see a deeper, less tourist-surface version of the city, especially if you spend time beyond the old town.

Conclusion – One Day in Antwerp

One day in Antwerp is enough to tour most of the city if not all. Antwerp is certainly not to be missed when visiting Belgium and is high up on the list of cities you must visit behind Bruges & Ghent. There’s certainly enough things to do for a full day and with this itinerary you should be able to plan it nicely with walkable paths and pacing it according to your needs.

If you’ve got limited time in Belgium and you’re asking yourself “should I spend one day in Antwerp or skip it?”, the honest answer is: go. Antwerp feels different from Bruges and Ghent and is unique in many ways, feels more lived-in and less fairy-tale – and that makes it a nice contrast to the classic canal towns.

If you are looking for a break from Belgian day trips from Brussels that involve cities then I would suggest you visiting the Hoge Kempen National Park. It is a national park right outside the Dutch border and offers serene views and nice laid back walks. If you want more inspiration of where to go on your Belgium trip then check out my list of 19 Day Trips From Brussels! Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions – One Day in Antwerp