Best One-Day Trips from Antwerp: Explore Nearby Gems
Bruges
Explore the best of Bruges in a day!
Ghent
Explore the best of Ghent in a day!
Brussels
Explore the best of Brussels in a day!
Mechelen
Explore the best of Mechelen in a day!
One-Day Trip from Antwerp to Bruges
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Antwerp: 90 km (56 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car, 1 hour 20 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E34 and E403 highways. Parking is available at various locations in Bruges.
- By Train: Direct trains run from Antwerp Central Station to Bruges Station approximately every hour.
Main Attractions
The Belfry of Bruges The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the heart of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Bruges and its surroundings. The tower houses a carillon with 47 bells, and the climb is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.
The Markt The Markt is the central square of Bruges, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity. It's a great place to start your exploration, with horse-drawn carriages, cafes, and shops. Don't miss the colorful facades of the guild houses.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood This basilica is famous for housing a relic of the Holy Blood, believed to be a drop of Christ's blood. The basilica's interior is stunning, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate decorations. The relic is displayed every Friday.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Belfry of Bruges. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the city. Afterward, explore the Markt and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes.
- Afternoon: Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood and take a leisurely stroll along the canals. Have lunch at a local eatery and try some traditional Flemish dishes.
- Evening: Spend your evening wandering through the charming streets of Bruges, visiting shops, and enjoying the picturesque scenery. Head back to Antwerp in the late evening.
Local Food
- Flemish Stew: A hearty beef stew made with beer.
- Moules-Frites: Mussels served with fries.
- Belgian Waffles: A sweet treat that you can find at various street vendors.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The canals, the Belfry, and the Markt are perfect for capturing the essence of Bruges.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Beguinage, a tranquil courtyard with whitewashed houses and a beautiful garden.
One-Day Trip from Antwerp to Ghent
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Antwerp: 60 km (37 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E17 highway. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Direct trains run from Antwerp Central Station to Ghent St. Pieters Station frequently.
Main Attractions
Gravensteen Castle Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent. Explore the castle's history through its exhibits and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
St. Bavo's Cathedral This cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of early Netherlandish painting. The cathedral itself is an architectural marvel with stunning stained glass windows.
The Graslei and Korenlei These picturesque streets along the Leie River are lined with historic buildings and are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area is vibrant with cafes and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Begin your day at Gravensteen Castle. Explore the exhibits and enjoy the views from the top. Then, head to St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then take a walk along the Graslei and Korenlei. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and the lively atmosphere.
- Evening: Spend your evening exploring the city center, visiting shops, and enjoying the local cuisine. Return to Antwerp in the late evening.
Local Food
- Waterzooi: A creamy stew made with chicken or fish.
- Gentse Stoverij: A traditional beef stew cooked with beer.
- Cuberdons: Cone-shaped candies with a raspberry flavor.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Graslei and Korenlei, Gravensteen Castle, and St. Bavo's Cathedral.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Patershol district, a charming area with narrow streets and historic buildings.
One-Day Trip from Antwerp to Brussels
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Antwerp: 45 km (28 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes by car, 40 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E19 highway. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Direct trains run from Antwerp Central Station to Brussels Central Station frequently.
Main Attractions
Grand Place The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the Town Hall. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for its stunning architecture.
Atomium The Atomium is a unique building and museum in Brussels, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It offers panoramic views of the city and houses exhibitions on various topics.
Manneken Pis This famous statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain is a symbol of Brussels. It's a quirky and iconic landmark that attracts many visitors.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Grand Place. Take in the beautiful architecture and visit the Town Hall. Then, head to the Atomium for a tour and enjoy the views from the top.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit Manneken Pis. Spend some time exploring the nearby streets and shops.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening in Brussels, visiting cafes and trying local delicacies. Return to Antwerp in the late evening.
Local Food
- Belgian Chocolate: World-renowned and available at numerous shops.
- Stoofvlees: A traditional beef stew cooked with beer.
- Speculoos: Spiced shortcrust biscuits that are a local favorite.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade with elegant architecture.
One-Day Trip from Antwerp to Mechelen
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Antwerp: 25 km (16 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by car, 20 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E19 highway. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Direct trains run from Antwerp Central Station to Mechelen Station frequently.
Main Attractions
St. Rumbold's Cathedral This cathedral is known for its impressive tower, which offers panoramic views of Mechelen. The interior is equally stunning, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate decorations.
Het Anker Brewery One of the oldest breweries in Belgium, Het Anker offers guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process and taste their famous Gouden Carolus beer.
Toy Museum The Toy Museum in Mechelen is a fun and nostalgic experience for all ages. It features a vast collection of toys from different eras and cultures.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at St. Rumbold's Cathedral. Climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Then, head to Het Anker Brewery for a guided tour and beer tasting.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Toy Museum. Spend some time exploring the exhibits and reliving childhood memories.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening in Mechelen, visiting shops and cafes. Return to Antwerp in the late evening.
Local Food
- Mechelse Koekoek: A local chicken dish.
- Asparagus Flemish Style: Asparagus served with a sauce of butter, eggs, and parsley.
- Gouden Carolus Beer: A famous local beer brewed at Het Anker.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: St. Rumbold's Cathedral, Het Anker Brewery, and the Toy Museum.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Kruidtuin, a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of Mechelen.
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