Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Antwerp?

Q: Is one day enough time in Antwerp?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the vibrant port city of Antwerp, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, and enjoy an evening out. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around one to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Antwerp?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Antwerp, Belgium? Most people spend one to three days in Antwerp during their visit. After all, the vibrant port city will let you go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, and enjoy an evening out.

Antwerp is an industrial port city that is a cultural, culinary, and shopping destination in Flanders. The city is larger than many other nearby cities and it has a large and impressive train station that offers connections to many nearby areas. There's a bustling old town area that brings together locals and tourists who dine, shop, and explore. Visitors enjoy the city's cathedrals and architecture, as well as popping in the many chocolate shops and waffle stands.

Do you have one or two days to visit Antwerp? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Antwerp?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the vibrant port city of Antwerp, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, and enjoy an evening out. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around one to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Antwerp

Shopping in Antwerp is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

This port city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Antwerp is a very walkable city. With only a day in the port city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Antwerp?

A weekend offers a good amount of time to enjoy much of what Antwerp has for visitors. In addition to the shopping and museums and landmarks, visitors can enjoy the nightlife, big city activities, and food. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here.

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How to spend 2 days in Antwerp

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Antwerp will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the port city.

Don't miss Antwerpen-Centraal during your trip to Antwerp, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

A few tour suggestions include:

Tour and Tasting if alcoholic Ginger-beer in a gluten-free nano-brewery ($62)
Antwerp Shore Excursion and Bruges Private City Tour including Chocolate Tasting ($184)

Public transit in Antwerp is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the port city quite easily. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Antwerp, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.