Visiting Antwerp for The First Time, Antwerp, Belgium

I wrote this guide to visiting Antwerp for the first time after visiting Antwerp for the second time

My first visit to Antwerp was on a day trip from Brussels. That was a few years ago, and I realised that one day in Antwerp wasn’t quite enough.

You can definitely see quite a few things in one day, but there’s a lot more to do and see in Antwerp.

So when I had a chance, I booked a longer trip to Antwerp. On my second visit, I stayed for four weeks (I love slow travel).

I got to see a lot of what Antwerp has to offer, while also using it as a base for day trips around Belgium.

In this Antwerp travel guide, I cover general things to do in Antwerp, Antwerp tourist attractions, day trips from Antwerp, and some useful Antwerp travel tips.

For me, Antwerp is just the right size - not too big and not too small. Plenty to do and see, but never overwhelming

As it’s not too big, you can get around on foot or on a bike. It’s flat, very walkable and has cycling lanes everywhere.

If you want to do the same and use the city as a base to explore Belgium, stay near the station. You’ll also be conveniently close to the main shopping street in Antwerp.

Antwerp isn’t a super touristy city, but its touristy part is around the central square (Grote Markt). If you want to see all the main historic sights easily on foot, stay by the main square. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).