Weekend getaway Antwerp
Citytrip to Antwerp with Eurostar or Intercity Brussels
- From € 21* one-way trip with Intercity Brussels
- Within 1.15 in the heart of Antwerp with Eurostar
- Travel in comfort and arrive well-rested
- Directly from Amsterdam, Schiphol and Rotterdam
Day trip Antwerp
Because Antwerp is so close to the Netherlands, the city also lends itself extremely well for a day trip. A day trip to Antwerp by train is ideal if you don't have time for a full weekend but want to get away from it all. The first trains from Amsterdam leave before 06:30 hrs.
Depending on where you live, you can catch a train back to the Netherlands between 21.00 and 21.30 hrs. That way, you can get a bite to eat before you get on the train. Do you fancy a trip across the border? Then a day in Antwerp by train is the ideal option.
What can you do in Antwerp?
Shopping
Antwerp is not called the Fashion City for nothing. Besides the famous shopping street Meir, you will also find the Fashion district. In this part of the city, almost all major Flemish designers have a shop. In addition, Antwerp is bursting with unique shops full of curiosities and antiques.
A day of shopping in Antwerp by train is ideal. The station is very central and from there you can walk to the Meir and other shopping areas in just 10 minutes. On the way back, you can store all your bought items safely in the luggage rack above your head. Bring some nice food and drinks for the way back and a day of shopping in Antwerp by train will be a wonderfully relaxing experience.
The Antwerp Zoo
As soon as you walk out of the station you'll be at the gates of Antwerp Zoo. When you walk inside, it will feel like you are entering a new world. In this beautiful garden you can observe all the extraordinary animals up close as well as play, learn and take a stroll. If you are going to Antwerp with your family, then Antwerp Zoo should definitely not be skipped.
Read more about Antwerp Zoo
Boat trip in Antwerp
Antwerp Harbour is located next to the Schelde. You can't really go to Antwerp without taking a boat trip on the river, it will give you a completely different perspective of this young, dynamic city. You can also visit places in the vicinity per boat and so discover the real Antwerp.
‘Diamonds are a girl's best friend’
Antwerp is the diamond city of Europe and perhaps even the world. Since the 15th century, Antwerp plays an important role in the diamond industry. If you want to get to know this side of the city you can visit the diamond museum or take a walk through the diamond district.
A Night Out
Antwerp has a great nightlife, whether you want to sit in a pub or a trendy cocktail bar, or whether you want to dance in a club till the sun comes up or just enjoy a relaxed dinner. Make sure that you do visit one of the many beer cafes and taste a real Belgian beer during your citytrip.
Rubens
Rubens was and is the most famous artist of Antwerp. Unlike many artists, he was already very popular when alive. The rich and famous of Belgium let themselves be painted by him. If you like Baroque art then Antwerp is the place to be as many of the masters can be found here. During a weekend getaway in Antwerp you can, for example, visit the Rubens House to admire Rubens art up close.
Rubens House
Train and hotel Antwerp
If you are going on a city trip to Antwerp, you can choose to take the train and book your hotel in Antwerp in one go. You can book the train to Antwerp including a hotel with NS International’s reliable tour operator partners. The hotels are located in the heart of the city and for a train trip and night in Antwerp, these are ideal accommodations. From the station, you can walk to these hotels in just a few minutes. This way, your city trip to Antwerp can start immediately. Of course, it is also possible to book a hotel separately.
At booking.com, you will find a wide range of accommodations for a night in Antwerp .
Intercity Brussels becomes Eurocity Direct and EuroCity from 15 December
From 15 December 2024, the name and route of Intercity Brussels will change. The fast train to Brussels will soon be called Eurocity Direct. In addition to the Intercity, there will also be an extra train to Belgium, EuroCity. Until that date, you can continue to travel on the current trains.
More information about the new trains between the Netherlands and Belgium
Tips to book cheap train tickets to Antwerp
For Intercity Brussels you can buy tickets 180 days before departure. Up until 3 days before departure, you are able to buy our cheaper Early Bird tickets. The availability is limited.
You can also travel with Eurostar to Antwerp. The earlier you book, the lower the price. With this ticket, you will have a reserved seat. And for all tickets: book from your nearest station. This is the cheapest way to travel.
Weekend getaway Antwerp
Museums in Antwerp
There are more than 40 museums in Antwerp. Read all about the 6 best ones.
Zoo Antwerp
Antwerp Zoo allows you to discover almost 5,000 animals from all continents in a romantic and majestic zoo.
Antwerp with children
Make the most of your visit to this child-friendly city with interesting museums, a wonderful zoo and great children's theatres.
Tips Antwerp
This city is full of culture and hospitality: fashion, museums and excellent food and drink.
Cycling in Antwerp
The big sights are not all in the centre and this way you can see a lot in a short time. Hire a bicycle or bring your own on the train.
Shopping in Antwerp
Antwerp has a lot of attractive and authentic shops. You can also find well-known brands in the Fashion District.
Train and hotel Antwerp
Antwerp is perfect for shopping, visiting museums and eating delicious cuisine. It's also easy and quick to reach by train! Book train and hotel now.
Walking tours Antwerp
Zigzag through streets like Hopland and Schuttershofstraat, the trendy Kammenstraat and stately squares.
Restaurants in Antwerp
Antwerp is bursting with delicious restaurants and there are so many places to choose from.
Hotels in Antwerp
Budget accommodation and unique places. We have the best tips for an overnight stay in Antwerp.