As big and vibrant as Antwerp is, it has not been spoiled by over-tourism and still feels slightly off the beaten track. It’s a historic city with character, colour, and fun on every corner, and should be on every European bucket list. Antwerp is by no means a small city, so you’ll need a lot longer than a weekend to fully appreciate it, but it’s a great place to start. There are dozens of things you can see and do in Antwerp over a weekend as long as you have a good itinerary and centrally located accommodation. Choose PREMIER SUITES Antwerp and enjoy comfortable, great value accommodation and an excellent location. Follow our weekend itinerary and get the best from your stay.
Day 1
You can check into your Antwerp accommodation from 3 pm but if you arrive early and want to get started, we can keep your bags safe while you explore. One of the first stops on your trip should be to explore the beautiful Antwerp Central Station, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy the good weather with a walk through Stadpark and to Caffènation, a funky little café with excellent coffee and dining options.
Spend your afternoon exploring Antwerp Old Town, which spreads out like a maze around Grote Markt. It’s the most touristy part of Antwerp but there are some very interesting buildings and monuments worth seeing. Explore Grote Markt, Rubens House, Plantin-Moretus Museum and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady. The best part of the old town is the beautiful cobbled streets and narrow laneways. A great place to grab a beer along the way is the quirky Elfde Gebod just next to the church. Translating as the 11th Commandment, this “church bar” features statues of saints everywhere and a great selection of drinks.
After a day of exploring, you could head back to your suite to freshen up for dinner. We’re ideally located so you can pop back anytime without too much of a disruption to your day. Antwerp offers one of the most diverse high-end culinary scenes in the country but there are restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. The most well-known fine dining establishment in Antwerp is the Jane, boasting two Michelin stars and serving an array of delicious Belgian food and drink. Walk a little way to the brilliant Bistrot du Nord, a small intimate fine dining space with an old-world charm. Closer to home Hoffy’s is a famous kosher restaurant and deli with a selection of carefully prepared familiar and unfamiliar dishes. Finish the day with a couple of drinks in a local bar on the way home. There are dozens to choose from.
Day 2
Your only full day in Antwerp should be packed with exciting and interesting things. Start slowly with a leisurely wake-up time before heading out to brunch. Weekends are extra special in Antwerp as it’s when the city comes alive with markets. Wander the street markets around the city, like Brocantwerpen, Sint-Jansvliet Sunday Market and Flea Market Dageraadplaats. Grab a coffee to go as you leisurely wander and browse at your own pace. This is not a morning for rushing.
A great way to get to know the city better and from a locals perspective is to join a walking tour of Antwerp. Your guide will take you to the best-known sights of Antwerp, giving you context about places you have already seen, and introducing you to hidden gems. They usually take a couple of hours on foot or there are cycling tours available too if you want to get some exercise in too. Many tours are free of charge bar a donation at the end. Pick one from the dozens online or ask our team to help you choose.
Late afternoon would be well spent exploring the MAS museum, a fascinating exploration of Belgian, European and worldwide history and art. The views from the top are magnificent and a sight well worth climbing the stairs for. It would be a shame to spend so much time in Antwerp and not visit a couple of beer bars. It’s hard to recommend just one as there are dozens of excellent options. The region is world-famous for its strong Trippels and monk-brewed Trappists and you should sample as many as possible. Retire for a great sleep in your serviced apartment in central Antwerp.
Weekends in Antwerp are full of interesting things to do, great food and drink and fascinating architecture. Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Antwerp on our website to enjoy our best available rates, guaranteed.
