Antwerp day trip from Brussels from the station to the Scheldt
Antwerp's railway station is part of the visit, so leave time to look around before heading into town. Walk west through the shopping streets to the cathedral and Grote Markt, then continue to the Scheldt. The train journey is around 40 minutes on a suitable service, and the route works best with one chosen museum or a longer fashion district walk.
At a glance
- Getting there
- Train, around 40 minutes on a suitable service
- Book ahead
- Check museum exhibition tickets
- Tours
- Day trips on Viator
How to get to Antwerp from Brussels
Train, around 40 minutes on a suitable service
Check SNCB for a train to Antwerpen-Centraal from your Brussels station. Confirm the service stops at Centraal rather than another Antwerp station. Buy through the official app or a station machine and begin your visit inside the station.
Car, about an hour, with extra time for traffic and parking
Check Antwerp's official low emission zone rules before driving, including any vehicle registration requirements. Choose an official car park or park and ride, then continue on foot or public transport. Central traffic makes the train easier for many visitors.
What to see in Antwerp
Antwerpen-Centraal
Look up in the main station hall before leaving and compare it with the platforms below. Keep clear of passengers and railway access routes while taking photographs.
Meir
Follow this main shopping street toward the old center, looking above the shopfronts at the buildings. It provides a straightforward walking link from the station area.
Cathedral of Our Lady and Grote Markt
Visit the cathedral if its official opening hours suit your day, then walk to Grote Markt. Look at the guild houses and town hall around the square.
Nationalestraat and the fashion district
Walk along Nationalestraat for fashion shops and the area around MoMu. Check the museum's current exhibition before deciding whether to make it your main indoor stop.
The Scheldt waterfront and Het Steen
Continue to the river near Het Steen for a change from the shopping streets. The waterfront is a useful turning point before walking back or taking local transport.
Go on your own, or take a tour?
Go independently for a simple station-to-river walking route, especially if you want to browse fashion shops at your own pace. A guided walk adds context to the cathedral area and old streets. Choose one with a clear meeting point and leave enough time to return to Antwerpen-Centraal.
Tips for the day
- Save time for the station on arrival, rather than relying on a hurried look before your return train.
- Check cathedral visiting hours before lunch so you can arrange the old center walk around access.
- Choose one museum at most if you also want the fashion district and riverfront in a single day.
Questions people ask
Which Antwerp station should I arrive at?
Choose Antwerpen-Centraal for this route. The station itself is worth exploring, and it gives a straightforward starting point for the walk west.
Can I walk from the station to the old center?
Yes. Allow roughly 25 to 35 minutes toward Grote Markt, with longer needed if you stop along Meir or visit shops.
Is driving easier than taking the train?
The train is usually simpler for this central route. Driving requires checking low emission zone rules, finding parking and allowing for road traffic.