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de Gulden Poorte Luxury Hotel | Antwerp

Itineraries

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With so many options to choose from and so little time, visiting Antwerp can be overwhelming. Allow us to offer our recommended one day, three-day and seven-day list of activities you may consider for your perfect visit to de Gulden Poorte. Please contact us to help you prepare for your ideal visit to Antwerp:

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One-Day Itinerary

A Taste of Antwerp

Morning:

  1. Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal):
    • Start your day at this stunning Gothic cathedral, home to works by Peter Paul Rubens.
    • Explore the interior and take in the impressive artwork.
  2. Grote Markt:
    • Walk to the nearby Grote Markt, the central square surrounded by beautiful guild houses.
    • Admire the Brabo Fountain and take some photos.

Afternoon: 3. Museum aan de Stroom (MAS):

  • Head to this modern museum located along the river. The exhibitions cover Antwerp’s history, culture, and the port’s significance.
  • Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the rooftop.
  1. Lunch in Het Eilandje:
    • Enjoy lunch in the trendy Het Eilandje district near MAS, with plenty of cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine.

Evening: 5. Meir and Stadsfeestzaal:

  • Stroll along Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street, and visit the beautiful Stadsfeestzaal, a historic shopping hall.
  1. Dinner and Drinks:
    • Finish your day with dinner in the old town, perhaps trying Belgian specialties like mussels, fries, and local beer.

3-Day Itinerary

Immersive Antwerp

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Highlights

  • Follow the 1-Day Itinerary to cover the major sights in the city center, including the Cathedral, Grote Markt, and MAS.

Day 2: Art and Fashion

  1. Rubenshuis:
    • Visit the former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, filled with his works and personal collection.
  2. Plantin-Moretus Museum:
    • Discover the history of printing at this UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the oldest printing presses in the world.
  3. Lunch:
    • Grab a meal at a local cafe near the museum.
  4. ModeMuseum (MoMu):
    • Explore Antwerp’s vibrant fashion scene at the Fashion Museum, which highlights the city’s reputation as a fashion capital.
  5. Antwerp Zoo:
    • If you have time, visit one of the oldest zoos in the world, located near the Central Station.

Day 3: Exploring Antwerp’s Districts

  1. Central Station and Diamond District:
    • Start at Antwerp’s magnificent Central Station, and then explore the nearby Diamond District, known for its diamond trade.
  2. Zurenborg and Cogels-Osylei:
    • Wander through the Zurenborg district, famous for its eclectic and art nouveau architecture, especially along Cogels-Osylei.
  3. Lunch in Zurenborg:
    • Enjoy lunch in one of the cozy cafes or restaurants in this area.
  4. Middelheim Museum:
    • Spend the afternoon at this open-air museum and sculpture park, located a bit outside the city center.
  5. Dinner:
    • Return to the city center for dinner at one of Antwerp’s top restaurants.

Seven-Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary: Deep Dive into Antwerp

Day 1-3:

  • Follow the 3-Day Itinerary to explore the main attractions and different districts.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mechelen or Ghent

  1. Mechelen:
    • Visit this charming nearby city, known for its beautiful architecture, the impressive St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, and the historical Hof van Busleyden museum.
    • Or, consider a trip to Ghent, which offers medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and the famous Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
  2. Return to Antwerp:
    • Return to Antwerp in the evening for dinner.

Day 5: Antwerp’s Lesser-Known Gems

  1. Red Star Line Museum:
    • Learn about the emigrants who left Europe for America from this historic port, with moving exhibits about their journeys.
  2. Lunch in Het Zuid:
    • Head to the Zuid district for lunch, known for its bohemian vibe and trendy eateries.
  3. Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA):
    • Spend the afternoon exploring this recently renovated museum, which houses an impressive collection of old masters and modern art.

Day 6: Antwerp by the River

  1. Port of Antwerp:
    • Take a boat tour of the Port of Antwerp, one of the largest in Europe, to understand its significance to the city.
  2. Het Steen:
    • Visit this medieval fortress on the banks of the Scheldt River, offering insights into Antwerp’s history.
  3. Lunch at the River:
    • Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, with views of the water.
  4. MAS at Sunset:
    • Revisit MAS for sunset views and perhaps explore any remaining exhibits you missed.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect

  1. Day in the Parks:
    • Spend your last day relaxing in one of Antwerp’s parks, such as Park Spoor Noord or Rivierenhof.
  2. Local Markets:
    • If it’s the weekend, visit a local market like the Exotic Market at Theaterplein for some unique shopping.
  3. Farewell Dinner:
    • End your stay with a memorable dinner at a top-rated restaurant, savoring the local cuisine one last time.
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