My BEST 1 Day In Antwerp Itinerary For First-Timers

Antwerp is a remarkable city, perfectly combining modern architecture and historic charm.

Here’s how to spend 1 day in Antwerp!

What To See In Antwerp In One Day?

Antwerp Central Train Station

If you’re taking a train to Antwerp, you’ll see the first attraction as soon as you reach the city!

Antwerp Central Railway Station is often referred to as the most beautiful train station in the world, and I agree—it is simply stunning. 

The train station dates back to the early 20th century and features several architectural styles, giving it its unique look. 

My favorite part is the entrance hall, with a striking gold clock above the majestic staircase and an impressive glass dome above the waiting area. 

Join A Walking Tour

I love free walking tours in Belgium because you learn so much about the rich history of the cities. 

That’s why I suggest joining a free walking tour in Antwerp if you’re interested in learning more about the city beyond admiring its architecture. 

You’ll walk around the city with a local guide who will tell you stories about the city, and point out hidden gems you might not have noticed on your own, perfect for exploring Antwerp in one day!

🚶‍♀️Check Antwerp walking tour availability here!

Visit Rubenshuis

If you’re an art lover, you must visit Ruben’s House, a museum inside the artist’s 17th-century home.

It is quite an interesting experience as the house is a museum and a gallery at the same time. 

The museum covers 4 different exhibitions: the artist’s residence, Rubens’ Experience, the garden, and the library.

In the residence, you’ll get to see the rooms the painter lived in, decorated with furniture from his time, and you’ll get to see some of his best work.

Update 2026: The artist’s residence is temporarily closed due to renovations until 2030. Currently, you can only visit the Rubens Experience, the garden, and the library.

See the art in the Cathedral of Our Lady

Antwerp’s Cathedral is one of the rare churches you have to pay to get into.

Sure, it’s a beautiful cathedral, but what makes it really special is the valuable artwork within its walls. 

If you want to see Rubens’ work without visiting a dedicated museum, this cathedral is the perfect spot. 

Here, you’ll find some of his most iconic paintings. Also, don’t forget to scan the QR codes to learn more about their history!

Take a photo with the Nello & Patrasche Statue

Nello & Patrasche Statue is probably the cutest statue I’ve ever seen, so you must take a photo with it. 

It’s a statue of a little child sleeping with a dog covered with a blanket, which is also the sidewalk. 

Nello and Patrasche are characters from the 19th-century children’s novel “A Dog of Flanders,” which is set in Antwerp.

Admire the iconic Grote Markt

My favorite area of every Belgian city is always the Grote Markt!

If you’ve visited Bruges or Brussels, you know that the main squares are always lined with beautiful historic houses. Antwerp is no exception!

The Grote Markt is surrounded by stunning architecture, with the grand Antwerp City Hall as its centerpiece. 

However, the most recognizable buildings are the ornate Guild Houses along the northern side of the square.

Brabo Fountain in the center of the square is a tribute to the mythical Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo. He can be seen throwing a hand, which is linked to the name of the city.

Grab A Lunch

Visiting the Market Squares concludes the first part of this itinerary and makes for a perfect break to have lunch.

There are plenty of lunch spots in the city center, but whenever I visit Antwerp, I always go to Falafel Tof. 

They have one of the best falafel sandwiches I’ve ever had!

After you’ve had a quick lunch, it’s time to continue exploring Antwerp. 

Visit Plantin-Moretus Museum

Did you know that the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp is the first UNESCO-listed museum in the world?

Antwerp was one of the leading cities of early European printing, and this museum was a printing plant and publishing house dating back to the early 16th century.

I didn’t get around to visiting this museum yet, as printing is a bit of a niche topic I wasn’t particularly interested in at the time. 

However, if you love museums, it’s worth knowing it’s an option!

See Het Steen Castle

Het Steen Castle is Antwerp’s oldest building, dating back to the 11th century.

The castle is recently renovated and looks great, from the outside and inside! 

It reminds me of the classic fairytale castle with a grand entrance and rounded princess towers along the edge. 

While there is a paying exhibition inside the castle, you can visit some areas for free, as it also serves as a tourist info point. The visit is quick, so you can definitely add it to your one day in Antwerp itinerary.

Admire The View From The Mas Museum

One of my favorite things about Antwerp is how this city seamlessly blends new and old, and the area around the MAS museum is one of the best examples. 

The building itself is quite interesting, but I recommend going inside and checking out some of the exhibitions too!

Every floor has a different exhibition, and a few are free to visit! The exhibitions are constantly changing, and I visited the one that had a range of different items.

You don’t have to visit all the exhibitions if you only have 1 day in Antwerp, but the main reason to visit the museum building is the view from the top floor.

It is completely free and the best viewpoint in the city!

Explore The Historic Beguinage

While many people take a day trip to Leuven to visit its famous Beguinage, most don’t even know there’s one in Antwerp, too!

Antwerp Beguinage looks a lot like Groot Begijnhof in Leuven, with the iconic red brick houses and cobbled streets.

I loved exploring Antwerp Beguinage because I was the only one there at the time, and it felt like discovering a hidden gem. 

Just like other Beguinages in Belgium, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a residential area, so be respectful to the people living there and don’t make noise.

Stroll Through the Diamond District

Did you know that Antwerp has been the focus of the diamond trade since the 15th century?

Antwerp’s Diamond District is where the majority of the world’s rough diamonds were brought for cutting and polishing. 

Today, you can stroll through the Diamond District and see many shops where this tradition still lives.

The district is conveniently located next to the train station, making it the perfect last stop on this Antwerp 1-day itinerary.

Is One Day In Antwerp Enough?

Yes, one day is enough time to visit all the main tourist attractions in Antwerp.

Antwerp is a big city, but most tourist attractions are in the city center, which is quite compact and walkable. 

Most people visit Antwerp on a day trip from Brussels, which I’ve done several times. I had enough time to see everything on this itinerary. 

Should You Spend A Night In Antwerp?

While you can see everything on this Antwerp itinerary in a day, you can also spend a night in Antwerp.

Spending a night in Antwerp allows you to explore this lively student city at night and early in the morning without crowds. 

Also, since most people visit Antwerp on a day trip,  you’ll find higher-quality accommodations at more affordable prices compared to Brussels.

Finally, you can use Antwerp as a base and take a day trip to Bruges, Ghent, or Brussels!

Where To Stay In Antwerp?

The best area to stay in Antwerp is in the historic center. That way, you’re close to all the restaurants and picturesque walking streets.

• TOP Pick: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (Stunning luxurious hotel!)
• Best Mid-Range Option: Hotel ‘T Sandt
• Best Budget Pick: Motel One Antwerp
• Best Hostel: YUST Antwerp (One of the best I’ve seen!)

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antwerp?

I lived in Belgium, and I visited Antwerp in all seasons. 

This Belgian city is truly a year-round destination, as I’ve equally enjoyed visiting in June and December.

Most tourist attractions are not weather-dependent, and you can have a great time in Antwerp whenever you visit. 

Visiting in December will allow you to explore one of the best European Christmas markets and see the city’s festive decorations.

Those visiting Belgium during summer will get great weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get To Antwerp?

Antwerp is easy to reach from all over Belgium by train or bus. 

Getting to Antwerp by train

The best way to get to Antwerp is by train.

Antwerp is well connected by railway to virtually every other city in Belgium. It takes just about an hour to reach it from Brussels or Ghent, so you can easily visit Antwerp in a day and go back. 

Train ticket prices remain the same whether you book in advance or at the last minute, so you can be spontaneous. 

It’s good to know there are some promo deals like 50% return tickets on the weekend. 

You can book your train tickets on the SNCB website, or buy them on ticket machines at the train station. I tried both options, and they both work great.

Getting to Antwerp by bus

You can also take a bus to Antwerp if you’re visiting from neighboring countries. 

Flixbus is the most common bus company in Antwerp, and the bus station is right next to the central train station. 

Flying to Antwerp

Antwerp doesn’t have an international airport, so you’ll have to fly to Brussels before getting to Antwerp. 

If you’re flying to Brussels Zaventem Airport, you can take a train directly from the airport to Antwerp or a Flibco shuttle bus.

If you’re flying to Brussels Charleroi Airport, you’ll have to take the Flibco shuttle bus. 

I recommend booking in advance, as there’s just one shuttle bus every two hours and you don’t want to miss it.

Summary: Antwerp 1 Day Itinerary

A day in Antwerp is enough time to see all the main tourist attractions, and you can even explore a museum or two if you start your day early.

Antwerp is one of the most underrated destinations in Belgium, with a charming walkable city center, interesting history, and many hidden gems.

You can easily reach Antwerp from most places in Belgium, and it makes for a perfect day trip if you’re spending 3 days in Brussels and you want to escape the crowds.

Now that you know what to do in Antwerp, which other cities are you adding to your Belgium itinerary?