Day Trips in Antwerp

If you’ve spent a few days in Antwerp and want to stretch your legs outside the city without too much hassle, you’re in luck. There are plenty of spots you can hit in a day that feel totally different but are easy to reach by train or car. Take Mechelen, for example , just a short train ride away, it has this laid-back old town vibe with less of the tourist crowd. You can grab a coffee near the beautiful main square and wander streets where the locals pop in and out of quirky shops.

And then there’s the coast. Oostende might not be everyone’s idea of a beach getaway, but local seafood spots and the fresh North Sea air make it worth the trip, especially if the sun decides to show up. If you time it right, the tram ride along the coast provides some unexpectedly great views. A local tip? Try checking the train schedules on weekends , if you leave Antwerp in the morning, you’ll have plenty of daylight to stroll around without rushing.

Don’t forget the Waasland region if you want some countryside and castles without going far. The Sint-Niklaas market is also a treat if you happen to be nearby on a Saturday. Day trips from Antwerp don’t have to be complicated , sometimes it’s about the simple things: good food, fresh air, and a slower pace just outside the city buzz.