Antwerp is a city that welcomes travelers with both beauty and depth—where historical architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class museums exist in close reach of one another. This travel itinerary ebook is crafted for independent explorers who value thoughtful direction without the limitations of rigid structure.
With this guide, you’ll move with ease through Antwerp’s cultural highlights, gaining a stronger sense of place along the way.
Begin at Antwerp Central Train Station, a landmark in itself, where your journey naturally flows toward nearby cultural spots like the Zoo and Chocolate Nation. Each stop along the way introduces a new angle of the city: the influence of trade, the legacy of art, or the daily rhythm of local life.
The Old Town offers quiet courtyards and layered streets that contrast with the open space of Grote Markt. In this historic heart of the city, the façades, sculptures, and street layout offer insight into centuries of civic pride and European connection.
A visit to the House of Rubens reveals the artistic roots that still define the city’s creative identity, while the Plantin Moretus Museum, a former printing house, speaks to Antwerp’s role in the spread of knowledge and culture across Europe.
The nearby MAS Museum presents another view—literally and figuratively—by connecting local stories to global themes, all from the edge of the city’s evolving docklands.
You’ll also discover Het Steen, a riverside fortress that stands as one of the city’s oldest buildings, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose tall spire and detailed interior reflect Antwerp’s enduring religious and architectural history.
Along the way, smaller stops like Saint Paul’s Church and the Diamond Museum offer additional context without ever overwhelming the path forward.
