1 Day in Antwerp
Diamonds, Drinks, and a Giant Hand
If you only have 1 day in Antwerp, prepare for a stylish ride. This city has it all: a stunning train station, more diamonds than your ex’s wish list, and a legend involving a giant hand being thrown across a river. No, really.
🚉 Morning: Trains, Hands & Gothic Stuff
Arrive at: Antwerpen-Centraal Station
Even if you came by UFO, go back and enter through this station. It’s absurdly beautiful and makes Brussels Midi cry.
Walk to: Grote Markt & Cathedral of Our Lady
Marvel at the 16th-century vibe, gawk at the statues, and pretend you know your Rubens. The cathedral holds actual art, not just Instagram material.
Stop at: Het Steen
Antwerp’s oldest building. Looks like a mini castle. No dragons, sadly.
🥐 Coffee & Shopping: Brunch, Bling & Concept Stores
Coffee fix: Caffènation or Kolonel Koffie
Indie vibes, latte art, and beards. You’ll fit right in.
Shop: Meir + Kloosterstraat
Meir = big brands. Kloosterstraat = quirky boutiques, antiques, overpriced vintage. Pick your poison.
Bonus: Diamond District
Window shop or go wild. Over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp, and you’re here for it. Or just for the sparkle envy.
🍟 Lunch: Frites or Fine Dining?
Cheap & cheerful:
- Frituur n°1 – greasy, glorious, iconic
- Beni Falafel – budget savior with serious taste
Bougie option:
The Jane – Michelin-starred madness in a former chapel. Book months ahead or just stand outside and weep gently.
🎨 Afternoon: Art, Architecture & Leftfield Adventures
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)
Red modern marvel with panoramic rooftop views (free). Inside: rotating exhibits, weird stuff, local pride.
M HKA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
For lovers of the strange, abstract and “Is this art?” debates. Optional brain explosion included.
Het Eilandje
Trendy docklands area = bars, warehouses, and smug locals who “discovered it before it was cool.”
🍻 Dinner & Nightlife: From Beer Halls to Speakeasies
Pre-dinner drinks:
- Billie’s Bier Kafétaria – for craft beer geeks
- Dogma Cocktails – speakeasy vibes, strong pours
Dinner picks:
- Elfde Gebod – candlelight and creepy religious statues
- Roji – fancy fusion tucked away in a hidden alley
Nightlife?
Try Café d’Anvers or go bar-hopping in Zuid or on the Vlasmarkt. Or pass out from food. Both valid.
🎒 Quick Tips for 1 Day in Antwerp
- Wear comfy shoes – cobblestones strike again
- Skip taxis – everything is walkable or tram-able
- Sunday? Most shops closed. Blame tradition.
🧭 Related Posts
❓ FAQ for 1 day in Antwerp
🧭 Is 1 day enough for Antwerp?
Emotionally? No. Logistically? Yes, if you don’t nap too long after lunch.
🎒 How do I get to Antwerp?
Train, car, broomstick – it’s extremely accessible.
💎 Is it better than Ghent or Bruges?
They’re all different. Antwerp is the cool older cousin who studied design and drinks negronis.
🧭 What’s the best way to get around for 1 day in Antwerp?
Feet, tram, or bike—unless you enjoy endless one-way streets and surprise construction zones. The De Lijn network covers most of the city.
💎 Can I really buy diamonds in Antwerp?
Yes, but unless you’re proposing or auditioning for a rap video, window-shopping at the Diamond District is thrilling enough.
🎒 Is Antwerp safe for tourists?
Yes, but like any city, watch your bag—especially around the station or Meir. Pickpockets love stylish victims.
🛍️ Where should I go shopping?
For a 1 day in Antwerp Start at Meir for high-street brands, then hit Kammenstraat for hipster vibes. Want local Belgian designers? Check out The Nationalestraat.
🖼️ Is the Rubens House worth it?
If you’re into Baroque art and dramatic curtains—yes. If not, just admire the facade and save the euros for fries.
