Multi-day Excursions in Antwerp

If you’re sticking around Antwerp for a few days, you’ve got some nice options to explore the region without the rush. A couple of days wandering through Antwerp’s historic neighborhoods and then hopping on a train out to nearby places like Mechelen or Breda can really change up your trip. And, honestly, don’t overlook the quieter spots just a short ride away,like the little town of Lier with its crooked towers and lovely river views, or the old fishing village of Het Steen near the river docks. You get the charm without the crowds.

One tip from living here: try renting a bike and heading along the Scheldt river for a day, then plan a stay overnight in a local B&B in one of those smaller towns. Some of the best Belgian meals I’ve had were outside the city center, off the beaten track. Plus, you’ll soak up a side of Antwerp’s region most tourists miss out on. And don’t worry, trains run frequently enough that planning a two- or three-day loop is a breeze, even if you’re not a hardcore planner. It’s about slowing down and enjoying the little discoveries, something Antwerp locals do all the time.