Budget · 5 Days
€365
Mid-range · 5 Days
€850
Best months
April to October
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€105
With 5 days in Antwerp, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Forget predictable sightseeing. In Antwerp, discovery happens in layers: beneath the 't Steen castle lies a medieval harbor, behind an unassuming facade on Nationalestraat is the revolutionary Dries Van Noten boutique, and within the MAS Museum's towering silhouette are stories of global trade that built this city.
Perfect for fashion lovers
Perfect for art enthusiasts
Perfect for diamond shoppers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Antwerp adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Central Station
Experience Central Station, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Cathedral
Experience Cathedral, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Antwerp like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Belgium.
1
Rubens House
Experience Rubens House, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
MAS Museum
Experience MAS Museum, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Antwerp. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Diamond District
Experience Diamond District, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Grote Markt
Experience Grote Markt, one of Antwerp's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Belgium's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Bruges (Brugge)
Leave Antwerp behind for a day and head to Bruges (Brugge) (1 hour 20 min by train).
1
Bruges (Brugge)
The quintessential medieval 'Venice of the North,' a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled lanes, serene canals, and postcard-perfect squares. It's a step back in time, though can be very crowded with tourists.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: Belfry of Bruges climb, Boat tour on the canals, Market Square (Markt), Historic Beguinage (Begijnhof).
Day 5: Het Eilandje & the Port & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Het Eilandje & the Port and seek out a few places most visitors to Antwerp never find.
1
Het Eilandje & the Port
A formerly derelict dockland area transformed into a beacon of modern urban renewal. The vibe is industrial-chic, maritime, and trendy, centered around the striking MAS museum and repurposed warehouses now housing restaurants, apartments, and cultural venues.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: MAS Museum & rooftop view, Red Star Line Museum, Port House (Zaha Hadid).
2
Cogels-Osylei
A spectacular street in the Zurenborg district, renowned for its breathtaking concentration of eclectic and art nouveau mansions from the Belle Époque.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's an open-air architecture museum showcasing flamboyant, imaginative houses that tell the story of Antwerp's wealthy 19th-century expansion. Far quieter than the main tourist trails.
3
De Koninck Brewery 'Antwerp City Brewery' Experience
The interactive visitor center and tasting experience for Antwerp's iconic city brewery, De Koninck, located in Berchem.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's a more intimate and locally-focused alternative to the giant Stella Artois tour in Leuven, offering a deep dive into the beer that truly defines Antwerp's pub culture.
Top tours and experiences in Antwerp
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
All things to do in Antwerp →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Antwerp
Port-Side Renaissance: Explore the revitalized Eilandje district, where the red-brick MAS Museum offers panoramic city views and narratives of migration and trade, and the renovated docks are now lined with innovative restaurants and the fascinating Red Star Line Museum.
A Beer Lover's Canvas: Move beyond Stella Artois to Antwerp's own De Koninck brewery (visit the Bolleke Café) and a thriving scene of craft beer bars like 'Beer Central' in Central Station or 'Paters Vaetje' opposite the cathedral, where the drink is treated with monastic reverence and modern experimentation.
Architectural Theatre: Witness the 'Railway Cathedral,' Antwerp Central Station, a breathtaking blend of stone, iron, and glass where trains arrive under a monumental dome. Then, contrast it with the Zaha Hadid-designed Port House, a diamond-like structure perched atop a old fire station, symbolizing the city's forward thrust.
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How much do 5 days in Antwerp cost?
Plan on roughly €365 on a budget, €850 mid-range or €1,565 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Antwerp.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €45 | €105 | €180 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €18 | €40 | €78 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €10 | €25 | €55 |
| Total per day | €73 | €170 | €313 |
| Total for 5 days | €365 | €850 | €1,565 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Antwerp
Hotels close to the centre of Antwerp, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Antwerp is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Antwerp is April to October. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Dutch go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Antwerp
Frietjes met Mayonaise
Stoofvlees (beef stew) with beer
Mosselen met Friet (mussels)
Antwerpse Handjes cookies
💡 Dine where the chefs do: the area around Marnixplaats is packed with innovative, high-quality restaurants favored by the city's culinary insiders, like The Jane or Het Gebaar.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Antwerp
Historic Centre (Grote Markt & Cathedral)
The medieval heart of Antwerp, centered around the magnificent Grote Markt square with its ornate 16th-century City Hall and guildhouses.
Het Zuid (The South)
Antwerp's elegant 'Borough of Museums,' characterized by wide, Parisian-style boulevards and beautiful fin-de-siècle architecture.
The Fashion District (ModeKwartier) & Jewish Quarter
A dynamic, eclectic mix of high fashion, diamond trade, and orthodox Jewish life.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Antwerp, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Ghent
50 min by train
A stunning medieval rival to Antwerp, Ghent boasts an incredibly well-preserved historic core with a fairy-tale castle, breathtaking guildhouses along the canals, and a vibrant student energy.
Brussels
40 min by train
Belgium's bustling, multilingual capital offers a stark contrast to Antwerp's cool confidence.
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