Antwerp may have held the title of “Diamond Capital of the World” more than 400 years ago, but Antwerp shines beyond that status. With its melting pot of architectural styles, antique-filled streets, museums filled with works by old masters (many of them by Flemish hero Peter Paul Rubens), and stylish boutiques showcasing designs by the highly coveted Antwerp Six, there’s a culture worth discovering.
The city's name is derived from the Dutch word meaning “hand throwing”, a nod to the folklore giant of the Scheldt who chopped off the hands of any passing boatman who evaded his toll. You'll have a fulfilling weekend in this Belgian port city, including a stroll through the old town and an afternoon at a gallery. Along the way, you'll find modern cafes, cozy waffle houses and natural wine bars. There's a lot of cobblestone ground to explore, so here's our guide to how to spend 48 hours in Antwerp.
Friday afternoon
Julian Hotel
Antwerp International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the city center, but there are no direct flights from the UK; instead, you can land in Brussels (or take the Eurostar), which is a half-hour train ride from Antwerp Central Station. It's an impressive welcome: the gilded-domed station looks more like a fairytale palace than a railway hub, so you'll instantly be ticking off a must-see attraction. Just 10 minutes by tram or taxi to reach your neighborhood in the Old Town Hotel Flora and Julian Hotel It's two comparisons Stay. The former is a 15th-century house that has been given a maximalist makeover with bold colors, Gert Voorjans furniture and a central garden; Julien is an urban tonic of earthy tones, Aesop-scented bedrooms and a vaulted spa area.
Hotel Flora
Direct flights from London to Brussels arrive early in the day so you can arrive in Antwerp in time to enjoy an afternoon of art. A few minutes walk from Flora and Julien is the little-known Baroque church saint charles borromeoits magnificent altarpieces, which rotate seasonally, and Snyders & Rocks-Hughesa gallery that provides an in-depth look at art from the city’s centuries-old history. Then it's a 10-minute walk Caminowhere you can start with a glass of organic wine and pair it with vegetarian-friendly Asian dishes. It can be reached in 15 minutes on foot Rubenius — The museum is currently closed, but its restored façade overlooks a leafy garden with marble-framed busts and citrus trees that remains open; around the corner is the concept store Grand Market 13 Offering a selection of homewares and clothes, there's also a restaurant downstairs.
friday night
Osaka
Just south of the Latin Quarter, a 15-minute walk or trolley ride from the Old Town, you'll find French wines, Japanese-inspired small plates and daily-changing cocktails at this restaurant. Osakachrome and silver-plated bars; or during intimacy rubythe Malbec is as juicy as the red, tile-covered interior. Belgium is a Michelin hotspot, and there are more than a dozen star-rated restaurants in downtown Antwerp alone: dimly lit dining It may be low on romance, but it royal hair Menus shine side by side Sake pair; Northern Bistro It looks traditional but gives French cooking a sophisticated modern twist. If you want a nightcap, head down fleckensgang (A tree-lined medieval alley restored by a local antique dealer) Tazuthe cocktails here are very rich in flavor with Toki whiskey. Cherry blossoms absinthe and guanlu Sake.
Saturday morning
Our room rates usually include breakfast Antwerp Hotelsa sumptuous multi-course feast is served at every stay. But if you don’t want to linger, you can grab a cup of coffee from the coffee bar and have it toasted tartor or pastry shop Fresh egg tarts. Caffeine and sugar high as you admire the gothic behemoth's creamy, noble interior Cathedral of Our Lady (The spire is almost within reach Julian Hotel’s little rooftop terrace), on its way to the postcard-worthy Grote Markt — The festive effect is enhanced by the impressive town hall that looks like a gingerbread house Christmas market Come December.
Momu
You can then choose a museum to spend the rest of your morning in: Dive In Plantin-MoretusPrinting origins, including a collection of old world printing presses, books and tapestries; or appropriately fashionable Momu Focusing on Antwerp's diverse design heritage, the collection features a permanent collection of looks from Martin Margiela and Marina Yee, with additional fashion elements on display on a rotating basis.
Saturday afternoon
All this art will work up an appetite, so head around the corner for some authentic tacos Mexican Taqueria Restaurant Or the comfort dishes of a Belgian bistro in Droscam. You're now in the fashion zone, ready to test the limits of your baggage allowance: Dries Van Noten's flagship store Located in Renaissance Modepalais; Pull to favorites Is a curator whose work is worth investing in; and Yuanzhuang Featuring the perfect edit of vintage and second-hand pieces. on the way to kloster streetPicturesque street lined with antiques and home furnishings stores in an old metro station Santa Ana Tunnel near Linkeroever — It may seem like an odd attraction, but it’s worth seeing (and riding) the Art Deco wooden escalators that have been rattling around since the thirties.
Located in De Roscam and Sint-Annatunnel naar Linkeroever
Back above ground, people watch as well-dressed residents of the Zuid neighborhood sip oat milk lattes from a plant-based bakery Funk or a treat of the same name from Canele Cafe. if you Not running out of steam yet, more museums are calling: Royal Museum of Art (aka KMSKA) is a cultural behemoth with works by old and new Flemish masters for you to contemplate; contemporary art museum (MHKA) is its more zeitgeist counterpart, with avant-garde installations and films. In Nieuw Zuid, Gallery Tim Van Leer and Sophie van de Velde Walking –Your guide to finding creative ideas in your city.
saturday night
Take the tram (or walk if you have a few extra steps) to arrive at the port before 5pm and enjoy the panoramic view from the pier Stroomside MuseumYou'll be rewarded with a free-entry rooftop terrace; from the top of this Lego-like building, you'll find the Zaha Hadid-designed haven. Natural and cask wines if you miss the boat (figurative) beer exist Paloma It's a nice consolation prize. From the water's edge, you may want to take the main road – this will avoid the city's red light district – in Tango Restaurant: This is an intimate candlelit setting serving seasonal small plates, or you can order tapas from the eponymous bar next door. Next to Tango is the most popular spot in the Sint-Paulusplaats scene, soil; soil; A listening bar and restaurant offering reimagined classic dishes, spirited cocktails and an extensive collection of vinyl records. If you want to walk until early morning, Jazz Cafe Demuz It’s been attracting beer and crowds for decades.
sunday morning
In Belgium, waffles feel like a fitting way to start the day. apt name waffle house Located next to the cathedral, it offers both sweet and savory toppings. Sunday across Europe is synonymous with markets: st jensfleet Occupying a basketball court, it’s filled with knick-knacks and antiques. When you're done searching for treasure, you can buy a cup of coffee here Polly Cafe on the way there zulenburga rich “hood” with joyous squares, too Kogels-Osilayan enviable street lined with Art Nouveau buildings. Convent-turned-boutique hotel August Antwerp Just in this quiet wooded area; this is the sister hotel to the Hotel Julian, which looks just as beautiful, and its pool is perfect for a morning dip (non-guests are welcome too).
sunday afternoon
Just around the corner, on the way to your next destination, Nevis The perfect place for a relaxing lunch, the light-filled interior smells of specialty coffee beans, freshly baked bread and homemade soups. Then go for a bike ride or stroll into the open air Middleheim Museum Open-air works by Ai Weiwei and Henry Moore make woodland walks even more picturesque, making them the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Rest on Sunday and return Antwerp Botanical ReserveSet in a former monastery, this hotel features a high-tech spa, a first-class restaurant, comfortable suites, gardens and a wine cellar.
sunday night
french fries studio
Spend your weekend in Antwerp like a local – Dinner Elfd Gerbold Feels like a religious experience and not just because of the plates stoffris (Flemish stew) and vol-au-vents What makes it so delicious is the atmospheric votive candle and the majestic icon that watches over you. For a modern interpretation of Belgium's rich tradition, head to french fries studio Michelin three-star chef Sergio Herman graces these fries with tons of toppings rendang Curry or parmesan with basil mayonnaise. Patrice Valle is a casual spot next to the cathedral that serves Bolleke (a Belgian pale ale from the De Koninck brewery so named for the bowl-shaped glass it’s served in) late into the night. Just a drink and a hearty last word'Prost' Start your Belgian adventure.
need to know
transportation Antwerp is a small city and can easily be explored on foot. Or you can do like the locals and hop on a city bike (use Vero or donkey app). If you plan to take the tram or bus, you will need to buy your ticket at the station in advance Delaine App or at the station – you will not be able to purchase on board.
when to go Antwerp is fairytale-like at any time of the year, but November and December are naturally especially festive, with illuminated Baroque and Gothic buildings and Christmas markets. But summer is also special: Zomel van Antwerpopen-air activities lasting two months, and middleheim jazz is the annual June Park Music Festival.
good to know Those looking for a long weekend should note that Antwerp's museums are closed on Mondays and many restaurants are also closed at the beginning of the week, only open for lunch or dinner (all-day dining is not common here). For a day trip, Brussels and Ghent are easily accessible by train. Or add Amsterdam to your itinerary, which takes about 90 minutes by train.
what to buy Those with big bucks can shop for high-fashion clothing from Antwerp's Six, but you can also find tempting pieces in the city's independent vintage boutiques. Belgian chocolate for those with a sweet tooth (of course), handmade cookies that pay homage to the city’s legendary name, and gooey caramel sandwich cookies Stroop Waffles From local bakers such as Dessert Shop O Hotel.
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