Antwerpen is a beautiful city. Though it’s more “Metropolitan” than Brugge, I love it just the same as Brugge. I visited Antwerpen after Brugge, and since i only have one day, I focused on its Grote Markt and some unique architecture Antwerpen famous at. And therefore, i would like to suggest some places to visit in Antwerp, if one day is all you have.
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Places to Check if you have only one Day
So many beautiful places with so little time may give us predicament when planning a trip. However, this is often the case with travel. Oftentimes, too much is never enough as well. If you arrive at Antwerpen by train, and only have 9-12 hours, focus on the area near to Antwerpen Central Station. Lucky us, Antwerpen historical area located near the central station. So, without further ado, here’s a few place worth checking out if you have limited time in Antwerpen.
Admire the beauty Antwerpen Central Station
I think this is a must-see place in Antwerpen, and a gateway to Antwerpen. Antwerpen Central Station is one of the most beautiful Train Station in The World. The station was built between 1895 to 1905 and first used in 1905. The station has 4 level, and throughout its expansion between 2000-2000, it’s now able to accommodate the high speed rail line.
Visiting Antwerpen Grote Markt
Antwerpen Grote Markt is surrounded by beautiful buildings. If Brugge grote markt has colourful houses, Antwerpen grote markt has golden-ornamed rows of houses. In the middle of the square is a statue of the mythical Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo. In it, Silvius Brabo about to throw the severed hand of a giant. Legend has it, City of Antwerp’s name come from this statue, “Hand Werpen” or “Hand Throw”.
Grote Markt originally was a forum or square just outside the medieval residential quarter. In 1220 Duke Henry I of Brabant (1165-1235) donated this community land to the city. The name Merckt was used for the first time in 1310. (source:visitantwerpen.be)
Visiting Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
Still around Grote Markt, don’t miss a chance to visit this beautiful Roman Catholic Gothic Church. This Cathedral was built on 14th centuries. The length is 120 meters, and the height is 123 meters (the spire). Its carillon has 49 bells. This cathedral is also burial for some important nobles.
Lost in Het Steen
Just 10 minutes from Cathedral of Our Lady, lay the oldest building in Antwerp, Het Steen. Het Steen was a fortress once during 12th to 13th centuries. In 1823, this building was used as a prison, and in 1862 served a function as a museum. Antwerp’s plan toward Het Steen is to make it a Tourist Gateway in 2021. It will become cruise terminal, welcome center, and interactive experience Route.
Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS)
This could be a stretch to your short itinerary if you only have 9-12 in Antwerp. However, should you choose this over other point of interest, it would be a nice addition to your already packed itinerary. I have to admit that visiting this museum was in fact included on my plan. However, I spent too much time checking out Justicie Palais which located quite far away from the Central Station. As a result, I did not have a chance to visit this museum.
The wonderful building of MAS attracted me in instance. The construction of this building begun at 2011 and it’s the largest museum in Antwerp. Collections in this museum focus on maritime history of the city as well as art and history. Entrance fee to both permanent and temporary exhibition is 10 EUR (Free with Antwerp City Pass), and 5 EUR for permanent exhibition only. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5pm, and it is closed on Monday (except Easter Monday and White Monday).
I would also Suggest an alternative place to visit, which is Antwerp Zoo (25% discount with Antwerp City Card). If you travel with children this could be a perfect destination, and it would be perfect to your limited time, since it’s basically just behind the Antwerp Central Terminal. This is assuming your point of entrance to Antwerp is Antwerp Central Terminal.
How to Get Around in Antwerp
Again, if you coming to this city by train and entering from Antwerpen Central Terminal, then the perfect way to experience the places I mentioned above is by walking. The above itinerary is doable by just walking. If you have so many luggages with you, you may want to store your luggage in the terminal. Though it’s usually occupied, you it worths trying. Otherwise, you may want to narrow your option to Antwerp Zoo (behind the terminal), and or the Grote Markt.
The other option to get around is by bus or tram. There are two ways to pay for this public transport. First, buy either M-ticket or SMS-ticket. These ticket can be accessed through Delijn (Antwerp Public Transportation Official Website) website and its app. That way, the tickets are now paperless.
- m-ticket is for ocassional journey, costs 1.8 EUR, valid 1 hour after activation only for 1 journey
- m-card10 is for multiple journey (consists of 10 journey), cost 15 EUR
- m-daypass of one day of unlimited travel (valid for 24 hours after activation period) and costs 7,5 EUR
SMS-ticket cost 2,5 EUR for occasional journey, while SMS day pass is for 24 hours and costs 7,5 EUR. You have to send a text to 4884 or buy them via the app before boarding a bus or a tram.
The second way to pay for the public transport is to buy the Antwerp City Pass (29 EUR for 24 hours, 37 EUR for 48 hours, and 42 EUR for 72 hours). It contains some discounts to 50 attractions in Antwerpen, including ticket for De Lijn buses and trams. The pass also comes with city guide, map, and booklets with discounts for shops and attractions throughout the city. You can read the detail of the benefits here.
To me however, if one day or less is all you have, walking (without luggage) seems the best choice to go around Antwerp. Buy the m-card for occasional journey if you tired. Enjoy Antwerp!
