---
type: "Article"
title: "A city day trip to Antwerp, where the thrill starts at the train station"
description: "City day trip to Antwerp: An amazing main station, a breathtaking Cathedral and museums as much as you like. Check out our travelogue here!"
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/belgium/antwerp-city-day-trip"
author: "Letizia Lorenzetti"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
tags: ["City Trip", "Culture", "Museum", "Belgium"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/belgium"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/europe"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/city-trip"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culture"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/museum"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/architecture"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/luxury-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/shopping"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/lorenzettil", at: 2026-07-04T13:21:33+00:00 }
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:21:33+00:00
---

# A city day trip to Antwerp, where the thrill starts at the train station

> Antwerp is a Belgian port city that rewards day-trippers with a stunning fin de siècle train station, medieval squares, Rubens paintings, and a thriving avant-garde fashion scene. Its compact historic core is walkable from the central station, making it an easy and richly rewarding stop on a multi-city itinerary.

## Destination
Antwerp, Belgium (Flanders region).

## Getting there
Antwerp is easily reached by train from Brussels; trains run frequently and are rarely crowded even during rush hour. Tickets can be bought by machine at the station using cash or card. The NMBS/SNCB app provides timetable information. For frequent travel within Belgium, a rail pass is worth considering.

## When to go
Avoid Mondays if you want to visit museums, as several (including MoMu and MAS) are closed that day.

## Why visit
Antwerp offers a rare mix of world-class architecture, Rubens masterpieces, Belgium's largest cathedral, a historic market square, avant-garde fashion boutiques, and one of Europe's largest ports — all within easy walking distance of a train station widely considered the most beautiful in the world.

## What to see
- **Antwerp Centraal Train Station** — A fin de siècle landmark with a spectacular multilevel structure housing four stacked platforms; voted most beautiful station in the world by French voters.
- **Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady)** — Belgium's largest cathedral, housing four original Rubens paintings.
- **Grote Markt** — Historic main square lined with magnificent guild houses from the 16th and 17th centuries.
- **Stadhuis (Town Hall)** — Splendid town hall adjacent to the Grote Markt.
- **Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)** — Antwerp's famous waterfront landmark museum on the Eilandje, with Europe's second largest port stretching behind it.
- **Sint-Annatunnel entrance** — Home to what is described as a uniquely beautiful wooden escalator.

## What to do
- **Wander Schuttershofstraat and surrounds** — Explore top Belgian designers and a high concentration of luxury fashion labels off the main shopping drag.
- **Boat ride on the River Schelde** — A relaxing 50-minute cruise departing near the Old Town waterfront.
- **Belgian fries at Fritkot Max** — Reputedly the best frites in town — double-fried and served with mayonnaise.
- **Shopping on the Meir** — Antwerp's main shopping street, running directly from the central station into the city center.
- **Explore Sint Andries district and Kloosterstraat** — A neighborhood recommended for atmosphere and local character.
- **The Chocolate Line** — A noted chocolatier worth visiting for an indulgent stop.
- **Restaurant The Jane** — A unique and highly regarded restaurant worth a look or a meal.

## Good to know
The Antwerp City Card is not valid on trams, buses, or the metro — a separate De Lijn ten-ride ticket must be purchased for public transit. De Lijn tickets are valid across Flanders and can be used in other cities. The City Card's discounts are most worthwhile for stays of at least two days.