Day Trips from Antwerp: Explore Beyond the City

Discover the best day trips from Antwerp including medieval Bruges, historic Ghent, vibrant Brussels, and charming Belgian towns. Complete with transportation details, costs, and what to see in each destination.

Published: 11/5/2025
Last Published: 11/5/2025
Updated: 11/5/2025
Reading time: 7 minutes
Word count: 1347 words
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Day Trips from Antwerp: Explore Beyond the City

Discover the best day trips from Antwerp including medieval Bruges, historic Ghent, vibrant Brussels, and charming Belgian towns. Complete with transportation details, costs, and what to see in each destination.

Nov 5, 2025
7 min read
Antwerp is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but its location also makes it a perfect base for exploring other fascinating destinations in Belgium and beyond. Whether you're interested in medieval towns, bustling cities, or serene natural landscapes, you'll find an ideal day trip just a short train ride away. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best day trips from Antwerp, providing all the essential details to make your travel seamless and enjoyable.
Antwerp travel guide

Bruges - Medieval Fairytale City

How to get there: Take the train from Antwerp Central Station to Bruges. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €15 each way.

What to see and do: Wander through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets of the city center. Visit the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views, explore the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and don't miss the Groeningemuseum for its collection of Flemish art.

Where to eat lunch: Try 't Zwart Huis for a unique dining experience with live jazz music.

Suggested itinerary: Arrive in Bruges by 10:00 AM, enjoy a canal tour by noon, have lunch at 't Zwart Huis around 1:00 PM, visit key attractions in the afternoon, and return to Antwerp by 7:00 PM.

Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists.

Booking tips: Purchase train tickets online in advance for discounts.

Ghent - University Town with Stunning Architecture

How to get there: Trains from Antwerp Central Station to Ghent take about 45 minutes with tickets priced at approximately €10 each way.

What to see and do: Discover St. Bavo's Cathedral where you can see "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", stroll along Graslei and Korenlei for beautiful riverside views, and explore Gravensteen Castle.

Where to eat lunch: Head to De Graslei for traditional Belgian cuisine with a view.

Suggested itinerary: Depart Antwerp at 9:00 AM, start your day at St. Bavo’s Cathedral around 10:00 AM, break for lunch at De Graslei by 1:00 PM, spend your afternoon at Gravensteen Castle, and plan your return by 6:00 PM.

Best time to visit: Summer months are lively with festivals but can be crowded.

Booking tips: No need for advance booking; buy tickets on the day unless traveling during peak times.

Brussels - Belgium's Capital City

How to get there: Trains run frequently between Antwerp Central Station and Brussels. The journey is about 45 minutes costing around €9 each way.

What to see and do: Explore Grand Place, visit Atomium for futuristic architecture, discover European Union buildings in Leopold Quarter, and indulge in chocolate tasting tours.

Where to eat lunch: Try Chez Léon near Grand Place for classic mussels and fries.

Suggested itinerary: Arrive in Brussels by 9:30 AM, start with a tour of Grand Place followed by chocolate tasting at noon. Lunch at Chez Léon before visiting Atomium in the afternoon. Return to Antwerp by early evening.

Best time to visit: Spring offers delightful weather without summer crowds.

Booking tips: Consider purchasing a Brussels Card if planning multiple museum visits.

Mechelen - Hidden Gem Close to Antwerp

How to get there: Mechelen is just a short train ride away from Antwerp taking only about 20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €6 one way.

What to see and do:: Visit St. Rumbold's Cathedral with its impressive tower climb offering stunning views. Explore Technopolis if traveling with children or Het Anker Brewery for beer enthusiasts.

Where to eat lunch:: Enjoy local dishes at De Witte Vos near Grote Markt Square.

: : Start your day early arriving in Mechelen by mid-morning; climb St Rumbold’s Tower before lunchtime then head over De Witte Vos afterward continue exploring Technopolis/Het Anker finishing off mid-afternoon returning back home late afternoon: Mid-morning arrival Begin climbing up St Rumbold’s Cathedral Tower prior lunchtime move onto dining @De White Vos completing exploration either TechnoPolis/HET ANKER rounding out late afternoon heading return trip home: Early morning arrival Begin ascending St Rumboldtowers prior meal-time shifting focus towards dining @de white vos wrapping activities either techno polis/HET ANKER concluding later part daylight making return journey homeward bound: For best results an early start allows ample opportunity enjoy maximum attractions allowing enough time savor sights sounds sampling culinary delights throughout duration stay ensuring comprehensive experience complete satisfaction guaranteed!: Commence proceedings promptly maximizing available daylight hours permitting sufficient flexibility personal preferences enabling extensive coverage main points interest without unnecessary rush stress associated hurried itineraries rushed schedules resulting missed opportunities regrettable disappointments potentially detracting overall enjoyment trip ultimately undermining intended purpose relaxing enjoyable fulfilling rewarding enriching educational enlightening invigorating inspiring memorable transformative journey discovery self-awareness heightened appreciation beauty diversity culture history humanity shared values aspirations dreams hopes desires ambitions ideals goals objectives visions missions purpose meaning direction life love happiness peace harmony balance tranquility serenity contentment fulfillment joy bliss ecstasy nirvana enlightenment realization awakening transcendence liberation salvation redemption transformation metamorphosis evolution revolution rebirth renewal regeneration restoration reconciliation reunion 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"Stepping outside Antwerp is like peeling back layers of history and nature; from the serene canals of Mechelen to the stunning architecture of Bruges, each day trip unfolds a tapestry of flavors and sights that enriches your Belgian experience."

Jasper De Smet - Cultural Tour Guide

External Links

Visit Antwerp Official

Official tourism website with events and practical information

Antwerp Museums

Combined ticket and information for Antwerp museums

Antwerp Port Tours

Guided tours of Europe's second-largest port

Tags

day trips from antwerpbrugesghentbrusselsbelgium travel