7 Best Day Trips to Antwerp From Brussels

Antwerp is one of those cities that combines history, art and modernity in perfect harmony. Just 45 minutes from Brussels, this port city is famous for its Gothic cathedral, its past linked to the diamond trade and its vibrant atmosphere full of cafés, designer shops and world-class museums. If you are in the Belgian capital and want to take advantage of the opportunity to discover Antwerp in a single day, here is a selection of the best day trips from Brussels so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style.

If you prefer to explore Antwerp on your own, the best option is to take the train from Brussels Central Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes, with frequent trains throughout the day. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the impressive Antwerp Central Station, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With this option, you can explore the city at your own pace, visiting places such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House and the vibrant diamond district. The price of a return ticket is around £15-£20, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you buy it.

If you prefer to discover Antwerp with an expert, many agencies offer guided bus tours from Brussels. These usually last 8 to 10 hours and include guided tours of the historic centre, stops at key monuments such as the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady, and free time to explore at your leisure. Some even include admission to museums or tastings of local specialities such as the famous Belgian waffles. The price of these tours varies between £35 and £55, depending on the services included.

If you want to make the most of your day, one of the most popular options is to combine Antwerp and Ghent in a single excursion. These two destinations, only an hour apart, allow you to take a complete tour of the essence of Flanders. The excursion usually starts in Ghent, where you will visit the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, St. Bavo's Cathedral and the famous Herbaeien and Graanmarkt squares. Then, after a bus transfer, you continue to Antwerp to see its most emblematic monuments. This type of excursion lasts approximately 10-11 hours and costs between £45 and £60, depending on whether it includes meals or entrance fees to monuments.

For lovers of active tourism, some excursions from Brussels include train transfers and a guided bike tour of Antwerp. It's a fantastic way to explore the cobbled streets, the port and the most modern neighbourhoods without missing a thing. These tours usually include a bike, helmet and the company of an expert guide who will take you to places such as the Eilandje neighbourhood, the MAS Museum and the bohemian Zuid District. The price of these excursions varies between £45 and £65, depending on the duration and any extras included.

If you are in Brussels and want to see the best of the Belgian capital before venturing to Antwerp, you can opt for a combined tour. These excursions begin with a guided tour of Brussels, visiting iconic sites such as the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Atomium, before heading to Antwerp. There, you will take a tour of the main points of interest, with free time to explore the city at your leisure. This type of excursion lasts 10-12 hours and costs around £50-£60, depending on the tickets included.

If you prefer a more personalised trip, some agencies offer private excursions to Antwerp from Brussels. These are usually in comfortable vehicles with a driver and allow you to tailor the itinerary to your interests. You can stop at less touristy places, spend more time in museums or even include a meal at a recommended restaurant. This is the ideal option if you are travelling with your family or a group and are looking for a more exclusive experience. The price varies greatly depending on the number of people and the services included, but usually starts at £150-£200 per person.

Belgium is famous for its beer and chocolate, so why not combine a tour of Antwerp with a tasting of these products? Some tours include visits to artisan chocolate shops, where you can learn about Belgian chocolate making and try different varieties. You'll also visit local breweries where you can sample some of Flanders' finest beers. These tours last 8-9 hours and cost €50-€80, depending on the number of tastings included.

If you like to travel at your own pace, the train is the best option. If you prefer to learn about the city's history with a guide, there are organised bus tours to suit all tastes. For the more adventurous, a bike tour offers a fun way to get around, while combined tours with Ghent or Brussels allow you to make the most of your day. Whatever you choose, Antwerp awaits you with its Flemish charm, art and delicious cuisine. Which of these tours best suits your travel style?