Antwerp: Discover the hidden wonders of Belgium's fashion capital

Antwerp is a city to please everyone! Whether you're on a romantic getaway, with your family or on your own, the city will surprise and attract you in one way or another. For Belgians and visitors alike, modesty and simplicity are essential virtues for acceptance. Be aware that you are visiting a country of bon vivants. Because of its proximity to France, the flat country is easy to visit over a weekend. Brussels and Bruges are often the priority for travellers. But Belgium has much more to offer than that. The city of Antwerp, being on a human scale, can be visited over a weekend, even if one day might suffice. However, take your time to discover this pretty port city and you won't be disappointed.

Antwerp has a whole world to offer: museums, parks, beguinage, architecture - you'll make surprising discoveries around every corner. To make the most of the city, consider buying the Antwerp City Pass online, a real guide to discovering the city and making life easier! Start by choosing the duration of your pass (24, 48 or 72 hours, as you wish), and this card will serve as your ticket for the city's buses and trams operated by De Lijn. This card gives you access to an informative and practical guide to all the sites in the city, as well as a map of the city. The card also gives you access to more than 16 museums (including the FOMU, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the MAS and the Fashion Museum), 3 churches (including Notre Dame Cathedral) and 3 attractions. Prices range from €45 to €65. This system of city passes set up by the city is extremely advantageous if you're planning to visit some iconic places!

To buy your pass and find out more:

CityPass

The city is very easy to get to. From Brussels Midi station, it's a 45-minute direct journey to the magnificent Antwerp Centrale station, which can also be the starting point for your visit to the city. Antwerp also benefits from a public transport system, with buses and trams provided by De Lijn. As the city is bordered by the Scheldt river, life is organised around it. To go from one bank to the other, and from one end of the city to the other, don't hesitate to take the Waterbus. It runs from 5am to 10.30pm and there are 2 boats per hour. A practical way for the people of Antwerp to travel around their city, and a fun way for you to discover it!

For waterbus timetables

The best time to visit Belgium is spring. However, you can visit the city in any season. In winter, Antwerp is decked out in its most beautiful decorations, making a visit to the city all the more enchanting. It's also a good time to linger in the little cafés, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a hot waffle and a cup of hot chocolate. It can rain in the morning, be sunny in the afternoon, or alternate all day long. And that goes for all seasons!

In principle, there are no border controls between Belgium and France. However, since the attacks that hit the two countries in 2015 and 2016 respectively, there have been random checks. Particularly at certain airports. If you are travelling to Belgium from Nice, for example, you will have to go through a police check before you can board the plane. So make sure you have a valid identity card or passport with you.