Best of Antwerp in 1 to 3 Days

Best of Antwerp in 1 to 3 Days

If You Have 1 Day

Head straight for the Grote Markt, the heart of Antwerp's Oude Stad and a tribute to Flanders's Golden Age with its elaborate town hall and guild houses. The nearby Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is Antwerp's finest cathedral, remarkable for not only its late Gothic architecture but also its art, including four Rubens altarpieces. Wander the narrow streets of the Oude Stad, window-shopping and perhaps sampling some local beer along with a lunch of the ubiquitous mussels and french fries. Then head to Rubenshuis to see a faithful and rich re-creation of the famous painter's own house and studio, filled with some of his finest works. Afterwards, make a trip to see the Bruegels at the Museum Mayer Van den Bergh.

Next stop is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the home and printing plant of a publishing dynasty that spanned three centuries. The 16th-century building is a delight for history buffs, art lovers, and bibliophiles alike. The museum overlooks a tranquil square, just the place for a restful café visit at day's end.

If You Have 3 Days

Follow the suggestions above for Day 1. On Day 2, start with a walk along the river Scheldt to appreciate Antwerp's centuries-long tradition as a major European port. If you've made an early start, you could take a boat tour to see the modern, working harbor. The 9th-century Steen fortress now houses a maritime museum. Absorb a sense of the city's religious history by visiting some of its churches, including Sint-Pauluskerk with its vast art collection, Sint-Jacobskerk, where Rubens is buried, and Sint-Andrieskerk, which has a spectacular 19th-century pulpit. The Baroque Sint-Carolus Borromeus is another highlight bearing Rubens's mark.

Take a break from history with a trip to the Zoo Antwerpen to see its Egyptian temple as well as the animals. Or visit Aquatopia, Antwerp's newest attraction, offering a journey into the mystical underwater world. Indulge your covetous streak with a trip to the Diamantwijk and the Provinciaal Diamantmuseum. If it's peace and quiet you're after, head to the Begijnhof, an almost hidden 13th-century convent.

On your last day, use the morning to take advantage of Antwerp's ranking as a key European fashion center. First hit the Mode Museum, then window-shop along the smaller streets radiating off the Meir. Those who love antiques and rare books should head for the Oude Stad as well as Oever, a street near the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Rent a bike for the afternoon and venture southeast of the city to marvel at the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings at Cogels Osylei. After that, head south to greener areas and stop at the Openluchtmuseum Middelheim for a welcome break to enjoy the sculptures in this open-air museum. Finish with dinner and a nightcap in the chic Het Zuid neighborhood.