Top 5 Antwerp Day Trips: Explore Belgium’s Gems

So, you find yourself in Antwerp, that cool Belgian spot with a vibe that’s hard to put into words, very, yet what’s next? The thing is, Antwerp is not just a pretty face. It’s almost the hub that unlocks some awesome day-trip potential. That means, grabbing your bag for sights far beyond Antwerp is very easy. Seriously, whether you’re into chilling by canals, staring at old buildings, or eating all the chocolates, there’s something close by. The awesome thing is, these trips can add totally cool chapters to your Belgian adventure. Plan your day and add something extra to your visit.

1. Ghent: A Medieval Masterpiece

Okay, Ghent is genuinely the first place on the list. Very, so get this: think medieval, yet picture it as super charming and without that “touristy” vibe you sometimes run into. Almost like, walking onto a movie set – but people actually live there. First off, that Gravensteen castle. Seriously, walk through the old stone, peek over those walls, and let your imagination totally run wild. That Saint Bavo Cathedral has a painting called the Ghent Altarpiece, that is, well, just trust you when I say you’ll stare for, like, a very long time. Too, find some time to take one of the boat tours because, is that seeing Ghent from the water gives a different perspective that’s almost too cool for words. Then that Graslei and Korenlei, those are, like, the postcard-perfect streets hugging the canal. The only thing left is to sit down, order a Belgian beer and just soak in the setting.

2. Bruges: The Venice of the North

Bruges is basically that classic Belgian scene you see on postcards and think, “Does that place actually exist?” And, surprise, it does! Might be, the moment you roll into town, there’s almost the definite feeling like you’ve been transported to another spot. Now, those canals, too it’s like, yes, everyone calls it “Venice of the North”, but Bruges really does have its own super distinctive vibe. Just a little, so if you’re able to get a boat tour, that should happen. First of all, the Markt, is almost that main square, that is like a serious feast for the eyes. Those old buildings are just so over-the-top with cool architectural details. A little bit, find the Belfry tower and then just prepare to climb a bunch of steps, yet seriously, the view will make you grin. Could be, pop into one of the many chocolate shops, is that they’re stuffed with goodies. By the way, try the local beers as they are worth trying. Enjoy Belgium delicacies.

3. Brussels: The Capital Experience

Okay, Brussels is like, that spot you simply need to tick off your list when you are in Belgium. It is that, think of it: part serious, part quirky, a little that is pretty great. Too, start with that Grand-Place, or Grote Markt if you wanna sound all cool and local. You will, really, never see a square that blinged out. Anyway, seriously, it’s something that will hit you immediately. Next, find that Manneken Pis statue as that small peeing dude, who happens to be the mascot of the city, and it is fun to snap a picture, anyway. The thing to think of, too, is snacks as Belgian fries are seriously good. Brussels happens to be where the EU Parliament hangs out, so might be take a walk to get a vibe on what’s happening on the governmental side. Belgium city life is awesome, but Brussels will truly give a new feeling on the city’s purpose.

4. Mechelen: A Hidden Gem

Now, Mechelen is that really, seriously cool place that lots of peeps miss out on. Almost that it is, just between Brussels and Antwerp, a fact. Though the thing that makes this cool is, the lack of the crowd lets a person wander, check things out, and generally soak in the atmosphere. Then, very likely climb up Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral tower. A bit, trust you, views over Mechelen are unreal and makes your memories very long. A thing, that Great Beguinage. To the people not too informed, back in old days, that place housed religious women and also has really neat architecture, and is a zone where you can simply walk. Then again, The Kazerne Dossin happens to be like a place for memorials and to see displays and to reflect on very tough history and see more modern Belgium. Reflect on tough history and try out modern Belgium to know the city better.

5. Lier: Quaint and Charming

Yep, Lier is that other fantastic little spot not super far from Antwerp. Pretty much, what makes Lier nice could be because it feels more close and that is simply cool and makes the stay relaxing. Usually, make the spot on for the Zimmer Tower in the list since that thing looks like something straight from a fun fantasy. Next to it is Lier’s Beguinage. Very likely, same as Mechelen, it’s calm and great spot. Often, you can walk on those old street that shows those small little homes and gives a taste that shows a different style of Belgium life. Seriously, go there and have the local sweets and visit shops, help and have the best taste by local spots and shops. Also you can make boat trip as they simply sail down in the water to give fresh perspectives of this old world spot.