Brussels or Antwerp: which Belgian city should you visit?
Belgium’s two most prominent cities make fascinating destinations for short breaks.
Large enough to have a wealth of sights, yet small enough to explore in a few days, Brussels and Antwerp showcase distinctive Flemish architectural landmarks, beautiful buildings, excellent (and original, sometimes quirky) museums, as well as great eateries and bars.
Thanks to the country’s fast, regular and affordable train services, another bonus is you can travel between Brussels and Antwerp in about 50 minutes on a fast train.
That means combining the two cities in one visit and taking a day trip to each is a distinct possibility. However, if you did this, you may struggle to cover all but the main central attractions in both cities.
So, if you have just a few days for a short break and can only choose one to visit, which of these two fascinating European cities should you prioritise: Brussels or Antwerp?
In this post, I’ve provided information to help you decide which of the two cities you might prefer to visit if it is your first time here. In choosing Brussels or Antwerp, I’ve recommended select highlights in each destination. There’s also information on their location, how to get to Brussels and Antwerp and how to get around. I’ve mentioned a few notable museums you might want to consider popping into, and some suggestions on recommended day trips.
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Brussels or Antwerp? A summary
As Belgium’s two largest cities, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do in Brussels and Antwerp. Both boast impressive landmarks, interesting areas, and a wealth of excellent museums.
The location
Brussels and Antwerp are both cities in western Europe in the northern (Flemish) half of Belgium. But there are notable differences between the two.
The big difference is Antwerp’s port location. As Europe’s second largest seaport after Rotterdam, the city has a long relationship with the sea and international trade, especially with diamonds. It is also distinctly Flemish in architecture, culture and language.
Brussels is also international, thanks to it being home to EU institutions, NATO’s headquarters, and a large migrant population. However, unlike Antwerp, it is located more centrally.
Getting to the cities and getting around
Brussels
Most people who visit Brussels will either arrive by train or plane. Brussels has three main train stations – Gare du Midi (Brussels South), Gare de Bruxelles-Central (Brussels Central), and Gare du Nord (Brussels North).
If you are arriving via Eurostar in London, the train will terminate at Gare du Midi. It’s then one stop north on the overland train to Gare de Bruxelles-Central.
Most, if not all, Belgian trains and international intercity services from France, Germany and the Netherlands will stop at both Gare de Bruxelles-Central and Gare du Midi. For Belgian trains, this includes those coming from Brussels Airport (also known as Brussels-National Airport or Brussels-Zaventem Airport).
Once you arrive in central Brussels, you can get around the Lower Town’s attractions on foot. Should you want to explore beyond this area, Brussels has a superb public transport system that consists of buses, the metro, overland trains and trams.
The hop-on hop-off bus
Another option for getting around Brussels is to book a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus. This is a great way to see the main sights if you don’t have much time. It covers the main sights in the central area and takes you out to attractions beyond, notably the Atomium (the famous molecule-shaped structure with its giant metal spheres).
Highlights include the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the Belgian Comic Strip Center, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg, the Atomium, and the Magritte Museum. You can also visit the Mont des Arts, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Parc du Cinquantenaire using the bus.
The Brussels Card
Should you choose Brussels as your destination – rather than split your time between the two cities – I’d recommend purchasing the 24-hour Brussels Card. This gives you free admission to around 50 museums. There are also 48-hour and 72-hour options.
If you pay a bit more, the card will also allow you to use Brussels’ local transport system for free. So, you can jump between buses, the metro, overland trains and trams at will!
You can buy the Brussels Card here.
Guided tours
Like all large cities, there are lots of guided tours that you can book onto.
You can book walking tours that will take you around the main sights and that give you the benefit of a guide who can tell you about the history of the city.
Some of these cater to specific interests.
For example, this tour includes chocolate and waffle tasting, and this tour includes 7 beer tastings.
And if you’re interested in architecture, then you might enjoy this 3 hour art nouveau tour.
Antwerp
Antwerp has its own airport located on the outskirts of the city. However, a limited number of airlines operate from it. So if you want to arrive by air, the best bet is to fly into Brussels Airport and pick up one of the direct trains to Antwerp from there.
It’s about 30 minutes from there to the city, and a single, standard ticket is reasonably priced. It will bring you into one of Europe’s great railway stations – Antwerp Central Station (Centraal Station). This bulbous masterpiece is one of Antwerp’s architectural landmarks.
If you travel from central Brussels by train, you’ll terminate at the same station. The travel time is about 50 minutes for a fast train. You pass through Antwerp’s second station, Antwerp Berchem. Get off here if you want to explore the attractive Zurenborg district on the outskirts of the city centre.
Once you arrive at Antwerp Central Station, the best way to explore the historic centre is on foot. For the sights that are a bit further out, you may also want to use buses and trams. This is worth doing because the public transport is both affordable and efficient.
To get to the centre from the station, walk down De Keyserlei (past the many jewellers), cross the large intersection and pass the statues of Flemish artists David Teniers and Antoon Van Dyck and then head down the pedestrianised shopping street called Meir. This will bring you to all the main central attractions.
These include Antwerp’s own Grote Markt (market square) and the huge Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady.
The Antwerp City Pass
Should you decide to spend all your time in Antwerp, it would be worth purchasing the Antwerp City Pass. This is excellent value for money as you can use all De Lijn buses and trams for free during your stay; there are 24, 48 and 72 hour options. On top of that, you get free admission to 15 museums, and four churches – including the cathedral -plus three other attractions, including the De Konick brewery. You will also get decent discounts on some other things such as tours.
Our separate Antwerp blog provides more detail on what the pass covers.
Guided tours
There are also a range of guided tours that you can book if you’d prefer to see Antwerp this way.
As with Brussels, there are various walking tours you can go on, including more tailored ones, especially for foodies.
This food walking tour includes five tastings, whereas this beer tour includes 5 beers and a gin tasting.
Things to do in Brussels and Antwerp
Being the capital of Belgium (and its largest city), Brussels has arguably more attractions than Antwerp. You’ll find most of the leading attractions, such as the majestic Grand Place (the main central square), in the Lower Town, although you will need to travel beyond the city centre to visit other main sights, including the Atomium.
The same is true for Antwerp. You will find many of the top sights around the city’s own central square. But you will miss out on other must-see attractions if you don’t venture further afield, particularly to the docks area where you’ll find two of Antwerp’s best museums.
Below I’ve outlined a priority list in both cities and then provided a short Brussels vs Antwerp comparison to help you decide which of the two to choose.
Top things to do in Brussels
Brussels is a great city, and below are 10 of the top attractions here. As Belgium’s capital, however, this selection is only scratching the surface; you’ll no doubt find many more things to see and do while here.
This list is organised in terms of area, rather than necessarily priority, so you can plan your trip effectively and maximise your time exploring the suggested attractions. I’ve deliberately not included museums and put those in a separate section.
See our separate post on Brussels for more information.
Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Tourists typically start their Brussels trip in the city’s vast (and pedestrianised) main square (the market square). This is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Lower Town. You can’t help but be wowed by the scale of this eye-catching landmark which is lined with beautifully decorated baroque buildings.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the Hotel de Ville, with its distinctive tower soaring above its surroundings.
Directly facing it is another stunning building – the La Maison du Roi (The King’s House). This is where you’ll find the Brussels City Museum.
One of the top spots for views towards the Grand Place is the beautiful Mont Arts garden, which is very near the central station. You could stop here briefly before walking down to the Lower Town to explore the Grand Place and the nearby attractions described below.
Explore the Ilot Sacre area
This charming neighbourhood, with its maze of medieval streets, is a short walk from the Grand Place.
Attractions to add to your itinerary include wandering through Rue des Bouchers and the restaurants that line this main artery (night time is very atmospheric). There’s also the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert: three glass-covered arcades that date from the 19th century and that are home to jewellery outlets, luxury boutiques, and cafes, among other things.
This neighbourhood also houses the Royal Theatre Toone. This is the only remaining theatre where you can catch a traditional puppet show.
See Brussels’ famous (and unique!) statues
Fancy seeing a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain? If the answer is yes, then the Manneken Pis is only a short walk south from the Grand Place and is one of Brussels’ most photographed sights.
You can also visit the Garderobe Mannekin Pis museum nearby, which houses costumes to dress him.
In the Ilot Sacre neighbourhood there is a female equivalent – Jeanneke Pis.
Visit the St-Gery and St-Catherine districts
These two neighbouring districts, a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, are worth exploring both during the day and at night. They are located on the other side of the massive (now pedestrianised) boulevard Anspach, and are home to great bars, cafes, and restaurants.
While exploring St-Gery check out the attractive Halles St-Gery. These are covered market halls dating from the 19th century.
One of the highlights of St-Catherine is the stunning church of the same name. You will also find Canal de Charleroi and a superb selection of seafood restaurants.
Visit the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
Named after Brussels’ two patron saints, this stunning religious landmark opened in the early 1500s. If you want to go and visit this, it is part of the hop-on, hop-off bus route.
Aside from its architecture, which reflects different styles and the distinctive twin towers, it’s worth exploring inside the cathedral. You will get to see the cathedral’s incredible stained-glass windows.
See Brussels from The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg
Cited as being the fifth largest church in the world, this marvellous, green-domed basilica is impossible to miss on the city’s skyline.
Part of the bus route, you can go up to the observation deck, where you will be rewarded with fabulous views of Brussels on a clear day.
Visit Our Lady of Laeken Church
This neo-classical church is where the Belgian Royal family is laid to rest; you can reach this significant landmark using the bus route.
The Belgian Royal family’s residence, the Royal Palace of Laeken, is not far away from here if you want to add this to your Brussels itinerary.
Tour The Atomium
Built for Expo ‘58, this molecule-shaped, futuristic structure is one of the top attractions in Belgium and – like Big Ben in the UK and the Eiffel Tower in France – is arguably the country’s most iconic landmark. It’s another place you can reach as part of the hop-on hop-off bus route.
When you book a tour, you can access the main panorama section in the upper sphere. This gives you 360-degree views across the area.
Near the building’s entrance is the Mini-Europe attraction, with 350 monuments reproduced at a scale of 1/25.
See the Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is located at the opposite end of Brussels Park from Belgium’s Federal Parliament. This impressive building is where the Belgian King receives his guests and undertakes various other functions.
You can book tours to visit the rooms (although note that these only run between July and early September).
Wander through the Parc du Cinquantenaire
Photos of this major landmark show a striking triumphal arch and its arcades, but this is only part of this attraction. You can also wander through its extensive gardens and admire monuments and sculptures.
Nearby are a handful of excellent museums, such as the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History and Autoworld.
The top things to do in Antwerp
Like Brussels, Antwerp is a great place to visit.
Below I’ve listed 10 of the top attractions in Antwerp. Again, these are not necessarily in order of importance. Although Brussels is the capital, and a larger city, Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest seaport and offers an excellent choice of attractions beyond what is listed below.
See our separate post for more information.
Marvel at Antwerp Central station
I have put this first because this is the gateway to Antwerp from both central Brussels and its international airport. When you come into the station and see it, you’ll probably be awe-struck by its cavernous and beautifully decorated entrance hall and the spectacular glass-domed roof.
Look up at this iconic structure from out front; its bulb-shaped entrance is a major landmark on the skyline.
Pop into the zoo
Antwerp’s zoo – one of the oldest in the world – is literally right next to the central station, and is arguably more geared up for those with kids. It is home to an impressive collection of animals from around the world.
If you choose not to go in, you can walk up to the ticket office, turn around and soak in the unrivalled views you get of the train station.
Window shop for diamonds
Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, and around the central station you’ll notice a huge concentration of jewellery shops. To the southwest of the station is a district called Diamant, also known as the Diamond Square Mile.
If you fancy it, you can book yourself on a diamond and jewellery tour.
Wander around Antwerp’s Grote Markt
Although it’s not quite as visually arresting as Brussels’ market square, Antwerp’s equivalent is still impressive. When you stand in it, you can’t miss the city’s colossal cathedral soaring above the Flemish medieval guildhall buildings on one side and Antwerp’s UNESCO-listed Town Hall on another.
The icing on the cake is the Brabo Fountain in the centre.
Go into Antwerp’s incredible cathedral
Also in the heart of Antwerp, and a short walk from the Grote Markt is another attractive, although more confined, square. This is Handschoenmarkt, where you can buy souvenirs from the many tourist shops dotted around.
The main draw, however, is Antwerp’s monumental 123 metre high Cathedral of Our Lady. You can climb the tower here, but you must book a guided tour to do this.
If you do go to the Cathedral, make sure you don’t miss out on exploring its incredible interior. Although there’s an entrance fee to go in, it’s worth it: you’ll find four Rubens paintings inside.
Snap the tiny street
A two-minute walk from the cathedral is a tiny 16th century street called Vlaeykensgang. This is a lovely place that has become a popular spot for taking photos. It’s easy to miss and is best captured when it’s quiet, otherwise you’ll have crowds of tourists walking into your picture frames.
This medieval alleyway features an attractive courtyard. It’s worth walking down it if you are in the area and it looks deserted.
Visit a castle
Located right next to the Scheldt River, 13th century Het Steen Castle is home to The Antwerp Story, a tourist attraction that takes visitors on a city tour through 11 rooms.
The castle the oldest preserved building in the city. You can climb onto the roof terrace for free, and admire views of the city centre, the docks, and the river.
Explore Meir Street
If you feel in need of some retail therapy, Antwerp’s pedestrianised shopping street is the place to head to. There are quite a few attractions on or around this street, including the ubiquitous Belgian chocolate shops.
There’s also the much-photographed Giant’s Hand sculpture, the Rubens House (currently closed, but you can see the outside of the building where the famous Flemish painter worked), and the Royal Palace.
Visit Zurenborg and see the art nouveau splendour
This attractive district of Antwerp is slightly outside the centre and is best reached by taking the train to Antwerp Berchem station. From there, it is a five-minute walk to this fascinating neighbourhood that is home to a large concentration of grand art nouveau and neoclassical buildings.
I recommend visiting and walking around. You can get a tram into the centre in no time.
Visit the docks
Antwerp has a long history of international sea trade and it is still Europe’s second largest seaport. The city’s docks have been rejuvenated in recent years.
If you explore this area, you’ll also find some wonderful attractions, notably Museum aan de Stroom (aka MAS) and the Red Star Line Museum. There is more information on these below.
The above covers just some of the many highlights of both Brussels and Antwerp. Read on for a summary of how the two cities compare on a few key issues.
Brussels or Antwerp? Location
Brussels and Antwerp are only about 50 minutes apart by fast train and so you can expect roughly the same climate in each city year-round.
However, Antwerp is a port city, and its location near the English Channel means you are arguably more likely to feel the icy winds if you visit in the depths of winter.
Alternatively, in the summer months, you can enjoy Antwerp’s skyline from a boat tour in the harbour or on the River Scheldt.
There is also a thriving docks area to explore. This adds to the city’s character: you don’t get this in Brussels.
However, as the country’s capital city (and being more centrally located), Brussels arguably has better transport connections to other Belgian destinations. It is also better connected to other international destinations such as London thanks to the Eurostar service and major cities in neighbouring France and Germany.
Brussels or Antwerp? Getting there
Aside from the train connections from other European destinations like the UK, France, and Germany, Brussels is also slightly easier to reach by plane.
Although Antwerp has its own small, international airport, the fact is that Brussels is better served by international flights.
The airport is less than 15 kilometres from the capital’s centre. You can pick up regular fast trains to Brussels’ three central train stations.
Having said that, don’t let arriving at this airport put you off visiting Antwerp. Brussels’ airport is to the northeast of the capital and is conveniently located for Belgium’s second city. Fast trains to Antwerp Central Station take about 30 minutes.
Brussels or Antwerp? Getting around
Brussels has a superb public transport system, and as mentioned earlier, you could explore the city using the hop-on, hop-off bus to get around the main attractions.
The same is true about Antwerp’s public transportation, but – and this is a personal observation – the fact that it is a smaller city means you could arguably pack more in over a long weekend than is possible in Brussels.
Brussels or Antwerp? Museums
Both cities have excellent museums, many of which celebrate famous locals (often artists) and each city’s fascinating history. I’ve selected a few of the best below.
Brussels’ museums
Belgium’s capital is home to a fabulous selection of museums – see our post on Brussels for more details.
Below, are just a few of the ones you may want to consider. Many of these are included as part of the Brussels Card.
The Comics Art Museum
This museum can be reached via the hop-on, hop-off bus route. It is located in the beautiful Belgian Comic Strip Center, where you can learn more about Belgium’s rich tradition of cartoons and comic strips, with ‘Tintin’ being one of the country’s best-known exports.
The Center’s exhibition showcases a collection of original comic strip drawings, comic books, original manuscripts, and reconstructed sets.
The Magritte Museum
This museum, also on the bus route, celebrates the life of Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of his work, with hundreds of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and painted objects.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Boasting a collection of 20,000 fine artworks dating from the 15th to 21st centuries, expect to see some famous artists represented here. These include Pieter Bruegel, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Delvaux, among many others. You won’t be disappointed by the collection.
You check out other museums in Brussels here.
Antwerp’s museums
Like Brussels, Antwerp is home to a fabulous selection of museums; in fact, they make up many of the top attractions on a visit to this city.
Below are a few of the ones you may want to consider as these showcase the diversity on offer. I visited two of them on my trip and was so impressed, I intend to return.
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)
When I decided to visit this 10-storey, almost cube-like structure in the docks, I didn’t know what to expect. I was not disappointed, however, by its superb collection of artistic, cultural, and historical artefacts.
I wandered around the impressive ‘City at War’ section and took the escalators up to the roof terrace for amazing, panoramic views of Antwerp.
The Red Star Line Museum
I was equally impressed with this hugely informative museum. It’s a short walk away in the docks area.
The museum’s incredible collection is housed in the former control station for the Red Star Line’s steerage passengers. It tells the story of the two million or so emigrants who sailed from the port of Antwerp to North America between 1873 and 1934. In my opinion, this museum is a must-visit.
The Museum Plantin-Moretus
The Museum Plantin-Moretus is located in the historic centre, a short walk from the cathedral.
This unmissable museum is the original home and studio of the Plantin-Moretus publishing family. The site of the world’s oldest printing presses, it is justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Better known as KMSKA, this popular magnet for art lovers can be found in the Zuid district. This is another area of Antwerp that I recommend exploring. You can do this using buses or trams.
You can’t miss this monumental neoclassical building; it holds an impressive collection of artistic masterpieces, including works by Rubens and Rodin, among countless others.
Brussels or Antwerp? Day trips
Brussels
As the capital city of Belgium, Brussels is incredibly well connected for trains servicing the entire country. You can visit historic Flemish cities such as Ghent, Bruges, Mechelen, and Leuven easily, quickly, and cheaply.
You can also get to the Belgian coast by train in just over an hour (Ostend is another popular destination at just under an hour and a half from Brussels).
If you want to visit French-speaking Belgium cities like Liege and Namur, they are also within easy reach. You can even get the train to the French city of Lille and spend a day there.
And then, for military fans, you can also explore the Waterloo battlefield which is a short journey south from the capital.
Finally, you could even visit Antwerp for the day!
Antwerp
Because Belgium is such a small country, relatively speaking, and train travel is generally affordable and efficient, you could consider many of the same options as Brussels. However, Lille and the French-speaking cities in Belgium will take longer to get to.
On the plus side, you can potentially travel into the Netherlands more easily from Antwerp. There is also the option of visiting fascinating Flemish cities like Lier and Turnhout.
The reality, however, is that both are major cities with excellent intercity links, so you have a range of options, whichever one you choose.
Brussels or Antwerp? Which one is best?
As someone who has travelled a fair bit in Belgium, this is a difficult question to answer: both cities are great in their own way. It really depends on your personal preference and what you want to do in terms of local landmarks and any museums you specifically want to put on your itinerary.
If the main reason for going is about eating Belgian cuisine, sampling the local beers, and tasting Belgian chocolate and waffles, to be honest, there isn’t much to choose between the two.
Both are walkable cities, especially in the historic centres where most of the main attractions are located. So, it’s probably a case of prioritising the sights you most want to see, and anything else is a pleasant bonus.
As I mentioned at the start, you could feasibly do both cities over a long weekend. However, this would require careful planning, and you would only be scratching the surface by splitting your time between the two. You would also need to devote a full day to both.
Whichever city you choose, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. And maybe earmark the other one for your next visit!
Other ideas for short breaks in Europe
Brussels and Antwerp are among the best cities in Europe to visit for a short break or day trip. But I have posts on visits to a wide variety of other places in Europe on my website.
If you particularly enjoy exploring capital cities, then check out my other posts which include:
Written by Nick Warburton with Emma Marshall