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 diamond-trading past and its vibrant atmosphere full of cafés, designer shops and world-class museums. If you're in the Belgian capital and want to get to know Antwerp in a single day, here's a selection of the best excursions 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'll 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 sites such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House or the vibrant diamond quarter. The price of a return 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. These usually last 8-10 hours and include guided tours of the historic centre, 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 specialities such as the famous Belgian waffles. The price of these tours varies between €40 and €60, 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 into one tour. These two destinations, only an hour apart, give you a complete tour of what Flanders is all about. The tour usually starts 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 see its most emblematic monuments. This type of tour lasts approximately 10-11 hours and costs between €50 and €70, depending on whether meals or entrance fees to monuments are included.

For the active tourist, some excursions from Brussels include train transfers and a guided bike tour of Antwerp. It's a great way to explore the city's cobbled streets, harbour and trendy neighbourhoods without missing a beat. These tours usually include your 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 length of the tour 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, taking in 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 sights, 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 personalised tour, some agencies offer private tours to Antwerp from Brussels. These are usually in comfortable chauffeur-driven vehicles and allow you to tailor the itinerary to suit your interests. You can stop at less touristy places, spend more time at museums or even include a meal at a recommended restaurant. It's the ideal option if you're travelling 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 from €150-€200 per person.

Belgium is famous for its beer and chocolate, so why not combine a tour of Antwerp with a beer and chocolate tasting? Some tours include visits to artisan chocolate factories, where you learn about Belgian chocolate making 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 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, the bike tour offers a fun way to get around, while combined tours to Ghent or Brussels make the most of the day. Whatever your choice, Antwerp awaits you with its Flemish charm, art and delicious cuisine. Which of these tours best suits your travel style?