Brussels To Antwerp Day Trip: What To See & Do

This post will share the best things to see and do on a Brussels to Antwerp day trip.

On my third day in Belgium, I headed down to Antwerp, about 45 minutes by train.

I wasn’t exactly thrilled by Ghent and Ostend, but I was hoping Antwerp would blow me away.

Let me say right now that Antwerp was super impressive.

The city made a strong impression on me immediately after I stepped out of the train by taking my breath away with the stunning Antwerp Central station.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a gorgeous train station.

I had to pause and marvel at it for a few moments before exploring the city.

So if you plan to visit Antwerp, you’re in for a treat.

Just when I thought Antwerp Central Station was ideally located, I took a walk away into the city centre, and it was bubbling.

From all the high street brands you could imagine to the street food vendors, there was something for everyone.

You could easily spend the entire day shopping and have enough to do.

Antwerp’s vibe is something you’ll usually find in a capital city. It was incredibly impressive.

Yes, I love Brussels, but Antwerp will always be top-notch.

Getting To Antwerp From Brussels

Like other cities, getting to Antwerp from Brussels was easy.

This time, I didn’t rush.

I took my sweet time, ensuring I had breakfast and a quick shop, and still got there before 1 pm.

The tickets cost €7.70/£6.79 one way, and the journey took about 45 minutes from Brussels Central station.

As always, I got the cheapest tickets using the official Belgian Railways app, the SNCB.

It had all the train schedules for all the stations, making the journey even more seamless.

Moving Around Antwerp

Once I got to Antwerp, it was time to find my way around.

Depending on the size of the city, I typically prefer to take a walking tour instead of using public transport.

For most of the day, I found Antwerp pretty easy to walk around.

The major attractions were all within walking distance, and the train station was in the city centre.

But then, around 3 pm, I wandered slightly away from the principal attractions and found myself at the Antwerp Bruges Port.

It was a great decision as it was less crowded with tourists.

But then, on my way back to the train station, it started to rain.

So I had to find refuge in front of a grocery store.

I did not plan to take the bus back to the train station, but I did eventually.

So I downloaded the public transportation app for Antwerp: De Lijn because I didn’t have the cash to pay the bus fare.

With the app, I could buy a single one-way ticket for €2.50/£2.12 back to the train station before the rain started again.

It’s always important to check the weather beforehand and prepare for predicted rainfall.

Please don’t end up cold and stranded like me.

Thankfully, the citizens of Antwerp and Belgium generally were very friendly, so I felt pretty safe.

Here Are All The Best Places To Visit On A Brussels To Antwerp Day Trip

Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium by geography, with the second-most populous city centre after Brussels.

It has one of the world’s major seaports, but most importantly, it is known as the diamond industry’s international capital, dating back to the 16th century.

Once you step out of the Antwerp Central Station, the first place you’ll step into is the Diamond District of Antwerp.

So, make sure you shop for some affordable diamond pieces when you visit Antwerp.

Aside from the bubbling diamond industry, Antwerp has a lot of history and culture.

Take some time to soak them all in on your trip.

Iconic Historical Landmarks

• Antwerp Central Station: 19th-century eclectic building awarded the most beautiful railway station in the world.
• Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp: 13th century Roman Catholic Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Grote Markt: An iconic town square in the old city quarter with 16th-century architecture.
• Het Steen: The 12th-century medieval fortress, Antwerp’s oldest building and urban centre, is now a youth centre for workshops.
• Antwerp Zoo: The 18th-century zoo is one of the oldest in the world.
• Saint Charles Borromeo Church: 16th-century Baroque church known for its changing altarpieces.

Museums

• Museum Aan de Stroom is the 20th-century’s largest museum, the largest one in Belgium, with a collection of over 400,00 maritime objects for international trade and shipping.
• The Rubens House: The former home and workshop of 15th-century Flemish Artist Peter Paul Reubens.
• Plantin-Moretus Museum: A printing museum that focuses on the work of 16th-century printers and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.
• Red Star Line Museum: An emigration museum based on the famous shipping line.
• Museum Vleeshuis: A local museum on the history of dance and music.
• DIVA Museum for Diamonds, Jewellery and Silver: A newly established museum showcasing the history of diamonds and gemstones in Antwerp.

Shopping, Food & Drink

Asides from the Diamond traders, the other thing you’ll notice when you step out of Antwerp Central Station is a long shopping street that leads into the city centre.

This pedestrianized street is called Meir.

It is the Belgian equivalent of New York’s 5th Avenue.

It is the most expensive shopping street in all of Belgium.

There’s nothing you won’t find on the Meir, so prepare for some shopping.

Also, on the Meir, you’ll find food vendors that sell waffles and ice cream.

You also find fast food and other restaurants, so there’s something for every budget.

In Summary

Depending on your time, there’s so much to see and do in Antwerp.

I was only there for a day, but I could see all the major attractions.

I suggest you set aside about three days to enjoy Antwerp fully.

If you decide to stay for up to a week, you’ll still find a lot to do.

Best believe I’ll be returning to Antwerp next year.