Antwerp: A Day Trip to Belgium’s Boldest City

📍 Sunday, October 12th, 2025 – Meeting at 11:00 in front of Antwerp Central Station
💡 Please note: this will be our final city walk of the season due to the approaching winter weather, so we’re doing something special!

Let’s end this year’s city walking series in style – with a full day in Antwerp (Antwerpen), one of Belgium’s most fascinating cities. From centuries of maritime glory to groundbreaking fashion, art, and architecture, Antwerp is a layered and lively place, and it’s just around the corner: only 1.5 hours from Amsterdam, and even less from Rotterdam!

🗺️ What we’ll do
We’ll spend the day exploring the rich history and vibrant present of this Flemish gem, from elegant cathedrals and market squares to the post-industrial port and modern architecture. The walk will be divided into three main parts, with plenty of stops for culture, food, and beer:

### ✨ Morning – The Cultural Core

Meeting point: 11:00 in front of Antwerp Central Station

We’ll start with a walk from the station into the city, passing by iconic sites including the (currently closed) Rubens House, and heading toward the beautiful Plantin-Moretus Museum, one of the world’s most important printing and book heritage sites. We’ll visit the museum (entry: €12), where you’ll see 16th-century printing presses, rare books, and a perfectly preserved aristocratic home.

### 🍫 Early Afternoon – A Sweet Stop

Around 13:00, we’ll stop at Gunther Watte, one of Belgium’s most acclaimed chocolatiers, for coffee, dessert, or his award-winning chocolate. A cozy and refined spot, perfect for a quick pause and indulgence.

### 🏛️ Mid Afternoon – Historic Antwerp

Starting around 14:00, we’ll continue into the heart of the old city: the Cathedral of Our Lady (entry: €12), the Grote Markt, and the riverside views around the medieval fortress. Expect cobbled streets, beautiful facades, and Antwerp’s historic charm in full display.

### 🏙️ Late Afternoon – The Other Antwerp

At around 15:30, we’ll move into Antwerp’s less touristy, but equally intriguing areas: the former harbour district, home to striking modern architecture like the MAS Museum, where we’ll take the elevator to the 10th floor (free) for a panoramic view of the city. We’ll also walk through the red light district, which holds a long and complex place in Antwerp’s history.

### 🍻 17:15 – Beers to End the Day

To close our day, we’ll head to Billie’s Bier Kafétaria, one of Belgium’s best craft beer bars (and home of the legendary Billie’s Craft Beer Fest). Expect an amazing selection of Belgian and international beers, and a chance to unwind with food, drinks, and good company. Whether you want a stew, a snack, or a serious pint – you’ll find it here.

***

📝 NOTES:
– The walk will be about 9–10km throughout the day. Comfortable shoes highly recommended.
– This event will require some travel planning, but Antwerp is easily reachable from most Dutch cities (Amsterdam is 1h30min, Rotterdam 1h, and so on - we went much further in the Netherlands in the past!).
– Entry fees for the Plantin-Moretus Museum and Cathedral are optional, but recommended (you can wait outside if you don't want to go).
– Bring curiosity, good energy, and a bit of Belgian spirit! 🍻

Let’s make this last city walk of the season a great one. See you in Antwerp! 🇧🇪