5 day itinerary for Antwerp

Itinerary

Antwerp is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Antwerp:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Start your day by exploring the historic city center of Antwerp. Take a stroll through the Grote Markt, the central square of Antwerp, and admire the stunning architecture of the City Hall and the Brabo Fountain.
• Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral houses several masterpieces by famous artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck.
• Take a walk along the Scheldt River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline.
• In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of Het Zuid and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Day 2: Art and Culture

• Start your day by visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art from the 14th to the 20th century.
• Next, head to the Rubens House, the former home and studio of the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. The house is now a museum and showcases many of Rubens' works.
• In the afternoon, visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a modern museum that tells the story of Antwerp and its port through interactive exhibits and multimedia installations.
• In the evening, catch a performance at the Royal Flemish Opera, one of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe.

Day 3: Fashion and Shopping

• Start your day by visiting the ModeMuseum (MoMu), a museum dedicated to fashion and design. The museum showcases a collection of Belgian fashion from the 19th century to the present day.
• Next, head to the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street, and explore the many high-end fashion boutiques and department stores.
• In the afternoon, visit the Antwerp Fashion Academy, one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. The academy has produced many famous designers, including the Antwerp Six.
• In the evening, enjoy a drink at one of the many trendy bars in the city center.

Day 4: Food and Drink

• Start your day by visiting the Antwerp Central Market, a bustling market that sells fresh produce, meat, and fish. Sample some of the local specialties, such as Belgian waffles and chocolate.
• Next, head to the De Koninck Brewery and take a tour of the brewery and tasting room. Learn about the history of the brewery and sample some of their famous beers.
• In the afternoon, visit the Antwerpse Handjes Museum, which tells the story of the famous Antwerpse Handjes (Antwerp Hands) biscuits.
• In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

Day 5: Day Trip

• Take a day trip to the nearby city of Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. Explore the charming medieval streets and canals, and visit the famous Belfry Tower and the Church of Our Lady, which houses a sculpture by Michelangelo.
• In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the canals and enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the water.
• In the evening, head back to Antwerp and enjoy a final dinner at one of the city's many restaurants.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Antwerp!