FREE 1 Day in Antwerp Itinerary For Your First Time Visit

Antwerp has been one of my favourite cities since 2023. I keep coming back for its architecture, history, excellent coffee scene, art and random yet fascinating stories. If I had only 1 Day in Antwerp for a first visit, I would wander along the Meir, explore some of the city’s 16th century merchant houses, drink good coffee and browse the unique shops on Kloosterstraat.

Sounds good? Then come along. 

My FREE 1 Day in Antwerp itinerary includes free and paid activities, food recommendations and practical tips to help you make the most of your time.

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1 Day in Antwerp Itinerary at a Glance

Here is a quick outline for your 1 Day in Antwerp:

9:00 am: Arrive at Antwerp Centraal Station
9:30 am: Walk to the Meir
10:00 to 11:00 am: Explore classic Antwerpian landmarks
11:30 am to 12:00 pm: First coffee stop

12:00 to 1:30 pm: Lunch in the Old Town
1:30 to 3:00 pm: Explore sights of the Old Town

3:00 to 7:00 pm: Free time to explore, with a second coffee stop
7:00 pm: Return to Antwerp Central Station

My 1 Day in Antwerp itinerary is designed for the curious cultural traveller who visits Antwerp for the first time. I’ve kept the day flexible, with a mixture of free sights and experiences that give you a feel for the city. There are so many sides, from art, to food, to culture and history that it is impossible to see everything in one day. However, I hope my carefully curated itinerary will give you a good introduction and you’ll come back in future for more Antwerpian adventures.

TOP TIP: Pin the places you want to visit on Google Maps so you can follow the itinerary and keep track of my recommendations.

1 Day in Antwerp: Arrival & Morning

Timeframe: 9am to 12pm

If you arrive in Antwerp by train, you’ll get your first wow moment before you even leave the station. Antwerp Centraal often ranks among the world’s most beautiful railway stations, so take a moment to admire its impressive entrance hall, which resembles a cathedral.

Locals are rightly proud of their station, and I admit it has a special place in my heart, too. 

From here, walk down De Keyserlei. Take a quick look at the diamond shops before continuing past the fast food chains towards the Meir, the local High Street. I regard the Meir as one of Europe’s most beautiful High Streets since it combines grand architecture with historic merchant houses and modern shops. It is neat, beautiful and a perfect place for flanering.  

Did You Know: The name “Antwerp” is traditionally linked to the legend of Silvius Brabo and the giant Druon Antigoon. According to the story, Antigoon controlled the Scheldt and charged travellers hefty fees to enter the city, cutting off the hands of anyone who refused to pay. Brabo eventually defeated the giant, cut off his hand and threw it into the river. As you explore Antwerp, you’ll spot the hand motif throughout the city, linking back to this famous legend. 

Whilst following along the Meir look out for these highlights:

• Stadsfeestzaal: Originally built as an exhibition and events venue in 1908, the building received monument protection in the 1980s before becoming a shopping centre in 2000. The restoration of its famous gold ceiling took almost three years. The effort paid off: the shopping centre now attracts nearly 7 million visitors a year.
• 18th century merchant houses: Only two of Antwerp’s grand merchant houses survived today. Uniqlo occupies Maison Osterrieth, once home to a wealthy German businessman. The Paleis op de Meir still has its spectacular banquet halls, but you can only visit them during private events. Still want to get a glimpse of the wealthy heritage inside? Take a look at the spectacular chocolate shop The Chocolate Line.  
• The Wapper: This historic square is currently being reconstructed, but it once formed an important link between the Meir and Hopland. Archaeologists uncovered a sophisticated historic water system beneath the square, which the city plans to incorporate into the new space.
• De Slegte: This second hand bookshop is one of my favourites. Dutch language books can be expensive, but here you can pick them up for a fraction of the original price. The well curated selection also includes new but discontinued or misprinted art books. I can easily spend a few hours browsing here.
• Rubenshuis: Next to De Slegte, you’ll find the former home and workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp’s most famous resident. The house is currently undergoing extensive restoration, but you can still visit the gardens and immersive experience. In 2027, Dresden will honour Rubens with a major exhibition.

For your first coffee break, I recommend Cafe Recup on Hopland. This charming café has a lovely covered terrace where you can sit in the shade and watch Antwerpian life unfold around you. You can also order directly from your table via QR code.

Good to Know: If you visit on a Saturday, check out the local market at Stadsschouwburg. You’ll find local produce such as spices, cheese, meat and flowers, as well as food trucks. It’s super popular with locals, who often stop here for lunch.

1 Day in Antwerp: Lunch & Early Afternoon

Timeframe: 12pm – 3pm

After your coffee, continue along the Meir towards Antwerp’s Old Town. Along the way, you’ll pass these points of interest: 

• Old Stock Exchange: The entrance is easy to miss, so don’t walk past it. Turn right at the Belfry Chicken shop to find Antwerp’s Handelsbeurs. This 16th century building impresses with its neo gothic interior and was a role model for other European stock exchanges such as Milan and London. Today it’s used as an events space, but during the day you can stop for a coffee and even play the free piano.
• Groenplaats: Antwerp’s central square is currently undergoing reconstruction, but you can still spot the Rubens memorial. Look out for the Willem Elsschot plaque too, which commemorates his Antwerp novel Het Dwaallicht. You’ll find another memorial for the writer at Mechelseplein.
• Cathedral of Our Lady: Antwerp’s impressive cathedral stands at the heart of the Old Town and houses several Rubens paintings. The cathedral and its neighbouring Belfry form part of Antwerp’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can occasionally climb the Belfry, but visits require advance booking and only take place during the summer. Get free entrance with your Credential as Antwerp is predominately catholic and the cathedral is a Camino church. 

• Nello & Patrasche: Outside the cathedral, you’ll find a boy and his dog sleeping among the cobblestones. The statue depicts Nello and Patrasche from the Flemish children’s story A Dog of Flanders, which became particularly popular in Asia. The pair have since become a symbol of Antwerp.
• Vlaaikensgang: This beautifully preserved 16th century alleyway survived demolition thanks to a private art dealer who bought and restored it. The passage connects 11 historic houses and hides one of Antwerp’s more unusual details: a “drunk man’s lock”, designed for residents who might struggle to find their keyhole after a night out.
• Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain: Antwerp’s Grote Markt brings together the City Hall, Brabo Fountain and the city’s distinctive guild houses. The fountain depicts the legendary story behind Antwerp’s name and was financed by the Nottebohm family, who also gifted a lavish library to the city. Notice the 16th century guild houses lining the market. Unfortunately, these are replicas, as the originals were demolished in the 18th century.Inside the City Hall, you can visit a free exhibition about Antwerp’s history and urban development. Guided tours are also available, but you need to book in advance.

For lunch, I recommend Bateau Perdu, located behind the Grote Markt. This small family run restaurant occupies an authentic Antwerpian house with wooden beams and serves modern Belgian cuisine. The portions are generous and the personal service makes it feel like a genuinely local experience. It sits right in the Old Town, but away from the tourist packed restaurants around the Cathedral.

Did You Know? Antwerp has a rich food scene and is known as Europe’s most affordable destination for fine dining. There are in total 22 Michelin-star restaurants serving the finest cuisine using local produce. 

1 Day in Antwerp: Afternoon & Early Evening

Timeframe: 3pm to 7pm

For the rest of the day, explore Antwerp at a slower pace and choose the stops that interest you most.

• Het Steen: Antwerp’s oldest historic building sits beside the Scheldt and now houses the Tourist Information Centre. It also has a great selection of souvenirs. At the entrance, look out for the statue of Lange Wapper, another  legendary figure from Antwerp’s rich folklore and fairy tales.
• Sint Anna Tunnel: Take the tunnel beneath the Scheldt and stroll the 572 metres to Linkeroever, where you’ll get excellent views over Antwerp’s skyline. The tunnel is an actual surviving piece of 1930s infrastructure, complete with the last remaining pair of wooden escalators in Europe. 

• Hoogstraat: On your way back through the tunnel, turn left after the Mushroom House, a local frituur, and stroll along Hoogstraat. You’ll find smaller concept shops, chocolate shops and one of my favourites, bi:antwerp. This independent bookshop specialises in Antwerp and covers niche subjects, from food and linguistics to old filming locations, art history and the city’s historic links with immigration to America.
• Lighthouse Cafe: Stop here for a second round of coffee. I like that it is rarely super busy and offers a modern, relaxed space for a genuine break. The café is part of a Christian community project that uses the space to build connections and support its wider work in Antwerp. There are also plenty of sockets, so you can charge your phone, or read your book in silence. 

From here, stroll back towards Antwerp Centraal Station via Groenplaats and the Meir.

1 Day in Antwerp: What I Would Skip With Only One Day

If you only have 1 Day in Antwerp, I would skip the museums. They can easily take two hours or more, and Antwerp has plenty of sights and experiences you can enjoy without committing several hours to one place. For a first visit, I think you will get more out of your day by exploring the city rather than spending most of it inside a museum.

1 Day in Antwerp: Travel Insights

Here are a few practical things to know before planning your 1 Day in Antwerp:

Monday is quiet: Many museums, independent shops and other businesses close on Mondays. It’s their new Sunday. Check opening days when planning your visit, especially if you want to visit specific museums or shops.

Coffee is part of the culture: Antwerp has a strong coffee scene, from traditional koffiebars to third wave cafés and local roasters. I would definitely leave time for at least one proper coffee stop.

Find out more about Antwerp’s Coffee Culture in my guide. 

Antwerp is worth returning to: One day gives you a good introduction, but the city has plenty more to offer if you return. You can spend more time exploring museums, fashion, literature, food, art and local events without trying to squeeze everything into one day.

Didn’t get enough of Antwerp? Check out my 30 Things to Do in Antwerp and see how many you managed to fit into your 1 Day in Antwerp. Or: Unusual Things To Do & Hidden Gems in Antwerp

FAQs About My 1 Day in Antwerp Itinerary

Have a quick question about spending 1 Day in Antwerp? Here are my short answers to some of the most common questions.

Is 1 Day in Antwerp enough?

A clear and loud no. Antwerp has so much to offer if you love culture, history, good food, quirky stories and enjoy the laid back lifestyle. I have visited Antwerp over and over again and still discover new and interesting sides of the city that keep me engaged for days. One day will give you a good first impression, but ideally, you’ll come back for a longer stay.

Is Antwerp solo travel friendly?

Yes, Antwerp is safe and solo travel friendly. I have had the occasional odd comment when dining solo, but most restaurants are fine with solo diners.

What is the best way to get around Antwerp for One Day?

The historic centre is very walkable, so you can cover most of this itinerary on foot. Antwerp also has an extensive public transport network if you want to cover longer distances or save your legs.

What should I not miss in Antwerp in One Day?

If you are short on time, I would prioritise the Antwerp classics such as the train station, the Meir, the Old Town, Grote Markt, the Cathedral and Vlaaikensgang. If you have enough time, cross the Scheldt river through the Sint Anna Tunnel for a different perspective of the city.

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed my free 1 day in Brussels itinerary and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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