Best Day Trips to Antwerp From Brussels

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Antwerp is one of those cities that combine 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 cafes, designer stores and world-class museums. If you are in the Belgian capital and want to take the opportunity to visit Antwerp in a single day, here is a selection of the best tours from Brussels for you to 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 tour the city at your own pace, visiting sites such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House or the vibrant diamond district. The price of a round-trip ticket is around €15-€20, depending on the time 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. They usually last 8 to 10 hours and include guided tours of the historic center, stops at key monuments such as the Grote Markt or the Cathedral of Our Lady, and free time to explore at your leisure. Some even include entrance to museums or tastings of local specialties such as the famous Belgian waffles. The price of these excursions varies between €40 and €60, depending on the services included.

If you want to make the most of the day, one of the most popular options is to combine Antwerp and Ghent in one tour. These two destinations, separated by only one hour, allow you to make a complete tour of the essence of Flanders. The tour usually begins in Ghent, where you visit the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, St. Bavo's Cathedral and the famous Herb and Grain Quay. Then, after a bus transfer, you continue to Antwerp to visit its most emblematic monuments. This type of excursion lasts approximately 10-11 hours and costs between €50 and €70, depending on whether it includes meals or entrance fees to monuments.

For active tourism lovers, some excursions from Brussels include train transfers and a guided bike tour of Antwerp. It's a great way to explore its cobblestone streets, harbor and trendy neighborhoods without missing a beat. These tours usually include the bike, helmet and the company of an expert guide who will take you to places like the Eilandje Quarter, the MAS Museum or the bohemian Zuid District. The price of these tours varies between €45 and €65, depending on the duration and the 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 start with a guided tour of Brussels, visiting landmarks such as the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis and the Atomium, before heading to Antwerp. There, you will be taken on a tour of the main points of interest, with free time to explore the city at your leisure. This type of tour lasts 10-12 hours and costs around €60-€80, depending on the entrance fees included.

If you prefer a more personalized trip, some agencies offer private tours to Antwerp from Brussels. These are usually in comfortable chauffeur-driven vehicles and allow you to tailor the itinerary according to your interests. You can stop at less touristy places, spend more time at museums or even include a meal at a recommended restaurant. This is the ideal option if you are traveling as a family or group and are looking for a more exclusive experience. The price varies greatly depending on the number of people and 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 excursions include visits to artisanal chocolate shops, where you learn about the making of Belgian chocolate and taste different varieties. In addition, you will visit local breweries where you can taste some of the best beers in Flanders. These tours last 8-9 hours and are priced from €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 the history of the city with a guide, there are organized bus tours for all tastes. For the more adventurous, the bike tour offers a fun way to get around, while combined excursions to Ghent or Brussels allow you to make the most of the day. Whatever your choice, Antwerp awaits you with its Flemish charm, art and delicious cuisine. Which of these excursions best suits your travel style?