How to Plan Your Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels

If you’re looking for a day trip from Brussels that offers the perfect combination of rich history, fashion, diamonds, and stunning architecture, look no further than Antwerp. This bustling city, known as Belgium’s diamond and fashion capital, is located just a short train ride away from Brussels. This Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels is the perfect way to experience all that this city has to offer. Here is a guide on how to plan your trip to Antwerp.

Experience

During this day trip, you will discover the rich architectural heritage of Antwerp and visit its famous diamond and jewelry district. You will marvel at the city’s spectacular sights and explore its world-renowned fashion scene. Your tour guide will take you to Antwerp’s Central Train Station, known as the ‘iron cathedral.’ The station is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance Revival architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. You will also visit the Portuguese synagogue.

Highlights

Here are some of the best highlights of the Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels:

Discover Architectural Heritage

Antwerp boasts an impressive architectural heritage, with stunning medieval buildings and rich history. You can explore the towering Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, which dates back to the 14th century. Marvel at the stunning Guildhouse of the Free Sailors, a striking Renaissance building constructed in the 16th century. Another popular attraction is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, which is dedicated to the city’s printing and publishing history.

Visit Diamond and Fashion Capital

Antwerp is globally renowned as a diamond trading hub and the world’s center of expertise for diamond cutting and polishing. Its diamond and jewelry district is located just a stone’s throw from the city center. Here, you can admire and purchase an exquisite collection of diamonds, as well as other precious stones. Besides its diamond industry, Antwerp is also home to a vibrant fashion scene. The city attracts fashion designers from around the world, and fashion-conscious visitors will find plenty of boutiques and fashion houses to explore.

Marvel at the Sights

Antwerp is a visually stunning city, with plenty of spectacular sights to take in. One of the most breathtaking is the Grote Markt, a large square situated in the heart of the city. It’s surrounded by some architecturally impressive buildings, including the town hall and Brabo Fountain. Another unmissable attraction is the Steen Castle. Located on the banks of the river Scheldt, the castle boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century.

Complete Itinerary

Here is the complete itinerary of your Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels: – Meet your guide at the Brussels Central Train Station. – Take a train ride to Antwerp. – Explore the city’s diamond and jewelry district. – Visit the Portuguese synagogue. – Explore the city’s architectural heritage. – Shop in the fashion district. – Marvel at the sights of Antwerp. – Return train ride to Brussels.

Inclusions

The Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels includes the following: – Local guide – Round-trip by train journey – Entry fees to attractions – Food and drinks

Booking

To book your Antwerp Day Trip from Brussels, please visit the following link: Book the tour here

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In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun day trip from Brussels, the Antwerp Day Trip is an excellent choice. It offers an opportunity to explore the rich history, fashion, and diamond heritage of Antwerp, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. With an experienced guide, you are sure to have an enjoyable and unforgettable day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels City

Brussels is a city located in the central part of Belgium. It is often referred to as the “heart of Europe” and is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious chocolate and beer, and its status as the European Union’s capital. In this FAQ, we will go over some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Brussels.

1. What is the best time to visit Brussels?

Brussels is a great city to visit all year round, but the best time to visit would be during the spring and summer months, between March to September. During this time, the weather is mild, and there are many outdoor events and festivals to enjoy, making it a great time to explore the city.

2. How do I get to and from Brussels?

Brussels is located in the heart of Europe, making it easily accessible by plane, train, or car. Brussels Airport is located just 12 km from the city centre, and several airlines operate flights to and from Brussels daily. Both local and international train services operate from the Brussels Midi Station, connecting the city to several other European destinations.

3. What are the popular tourist attractions in Brussels?

Brussels is full of historical landmarks and tourist attractions that will take your breath away. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are: – Grand Place: A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. – Atomium: This iconic symbol of Brussels is a stunning example of modern architecture. – Manneken Pis: This small bronze statue is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. – Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: These museums boast a collection of 20,000 artworks, including works by Rubens, Magritte, and van Gogh. – Mini-Europe: A miniature park that showcases Europe’s most famous landmarks in 1:25 scale.

4. What are the must-try foods in Brussels?

Brussels is a food lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of delicious dishes that you must try during your visit. Some of the must-try foods in Brussels are: – Belgian Waffles: These crispy, fluffy waffles are a true Belgian delight. – Chocolate: Brussels is famous for its chocolate, and there are plenty of chocolatiers in the city where you can sample some of the best chocolate in the world. – Moules-frites: A classic Belgian dish of mussels and fries. – Belgian beer: From fruity beers to strong Trappist beers, there is a beer for every taste in Brussels. – Speculoos: These delicious cookies are a favourite Belgian treat.

5. Is it easy to get around Brussels?

Brussels has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metros. There is also a bike-sharing scheme in the city, making it easy to explore Brussels on two wheels. For those who prefer to walk, Brussels is a relatively small city, and most of the popular tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

6. What are the best areas to stay in Brussels?

Brussels has several neighbourhoods that are perfect for tourists. Some of the best areas to stay are: – Grand Place: This area is the heart of Brussels, and it is perfect for those who want to be close to the city’s main attractions. – Sablon: This neighbourhood is known for its antique shops, art galleries and beautiful architecture. – Ixelles: A neighbourhood that has something for everyone – from trendy bars and restaurants to beautiful parks and outdoor markets.

7. What is the currency used in Brussels?

Belgium is a part of the European Union, and the currency used in Brussels is the Euro. It is easy to exchange money in the city, and most shops and restaurants also accept major credit and debit cards.

8. Is English widely spoken in Brussels?

English is widely spoken in Brussels, along with French and Dutch. Most locals in the city are multilingual, so it is easy to communicate with them in English.

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Brussels is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone, from stunning architecture to delicious food and drink. With this FAQ, we hope that we have answered some of your most pressing questions about visiting the city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Brussels is a destination that you won’t want to miss.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Brussels

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, has many attractions that offer a quintessential European experience to tourists. Visitors can marvel at the exquisite architecture, go on a gastronomic journey, or enjoy quaint cafes with Belgium’s signature chocolate and beer varieties. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Brussels.

1. Visit the Grand Place

A trip to Brussels is incomplete without visiting the Grand Place, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is a stunning open square surrounded by historic buildings from the 17th century. The gilded facade of the Town Hall and the exquisite architecture of the Maison du Roi (King’s House) are mesmerizing. Visitors can also witness the world-famous flower carpet display on the square every two years.

2. Explore Belgian Chocolate and Beer

Belgian chocolate and beer are some of the best in the world, and Brussels offers a unique opportunity to explore them. Visitors can join chocolate and beer tasting tours or visit famous shops like Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Godiva for their chocolate cravings. The Belgian Beer Weekend in September is a must-attend event for beer enthusiasts. The city offers breweries and beer bars that tourists can visit to learn and enjoy in-depth about beer making processes and styles.

3. Visit Atonium

Atonium is a defining monument of Brussels that is famous globally. It was built for the 1958 World Expo and represents a model of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The monument structures nine spheres in the shape of an atom and has a lot of interactive exhibitions, including views from the observation deck atop the monument.

4. Go to Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is an amusement park that showcases miniatures of over 350 iconic monuments of Europe, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Tower Bridge in London. Visitors can appreciate the intricate details of these monuments, including the sounds and lights installations, and spend a fun-filled day with family and friends.

5. Explore Museums

Brussels houses some of the best museums in Europe, catering to all niches. The Museum of the City of Brussels presents the rich history of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. Magritte Museum features an extensive collection of surrealist art by René Magritte, Belgium’s most famous artist. The Belgian Comic Strip Center, Horta Museum, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts are some other popular attractions.

6. Take a Food Tour

Belgium is famous for its cuisine, and Brussels food tours are an excellent way to appreciate them. Visitors can explore famous foodie streets like the Rue des Bouchers and the Sablon or join a Belgian food tour, where they can try the famous Belgian waffles, fries and seafood.

7. Stroll Through Parks

Brussels is full of greenery and has numerous parks for visitors to enjoy a nice walk or a picnic. The Royal Park of Brussels is the most famous and is adjacent to the Royal Palace of Brussels. The Bois de la Cambre, Leopold Park, and Cinquantenaire Park are other popular parks, and visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature within the bustling city.

8. Go to the Atomium’s Food Exhibition

Brussels houses numerous food exhibitions, and an extraordinary one is held inside the Atomium. The exhibition platform spreads across five of the monument’s nine spheres and showcases some of the best food producers, restaurants, and chefs in Belgium.

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These are some of the best things tourists can do while visiting Brussels. The list is by no means exhaustive, and visitors can always explore new attractions and experiences with every visit to the city. By following this guide and exploring Brussels, visitors can have an unforgettable experience filled with rich history, gastronomic delicacies and awe-inspiring architecture.