A 48-hour itinerary in Antwerp should take into account not only the sights but also how tired you’ll be after your journey. Instead of a long list, choose four key locations, check the route from your arrival point and save an offline map. That way, exploring the city will remain enjoyable even if the weather or your schedule changes.
Before you set off, check the exact address of your accommodation, check-in time and the route to your accommodation. In Belgium, it’s worth bearing in mind the cobbled streets, the different language names for stops and queues at smaller museums. Prices, opening hours and temporary restrictions may change, so check your final plan the day before your trip.
Before you set off: luggage, communication and transport
Download a map of the area, take a screenshot of your ticket and save the address of your accommodation in two different ways. If your room isn’t ready yet, first ask if you can leave your luggage there early; alternatively, use an official left-luggage facility with clear rates and a receipt. Do not leave documents, money or chargers in your suitcase.
Trams, the metro, buses and intercity trains are available for getting around Antwerp. Don’t automatically buy a day pass: mark your destinations on a map and compare its price with two or three single journeys. It’s often more convenient to walk around the city centre, but having enough energy after a night on the bus is more important than a small saving.
Day one: Central Station and Grote Markt
After checking in or dropping off your luggage, start at Central Station. This is a good place to get a feel for the city’s scale and gauge the actual pace of your walk. Next, head towards Grote Markt Square, choosing streets with as few unnecessary detours as possible. On the first day, limit yourself to just one longer, paid guided tour, and treat the rest of the locations as an open-ended itinerary.
If your coach arrives late, don’t try to catch up with the whole itinerary. Cut your second stop down to a quick look around, take a break for a proper meal and finish the evening near your accommodation. Before heading back, check the last public transport service and make sure you’re heading to the right stop.
Day two: Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp and the Het Eilandje district
Spend the second morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp. If you need a time slot, book one for a realistic time, rather than immediately after the early arrival of the coach. Check the rules regarding backpacks, how to show your e-ticket, and any potential closing days.
After your main tour, head to the Het Eilandje district. Allow time for a proper lunch and at least one free hour between these stops. This will give you a buffer in case of queues, rain or an interesting street that wasn’t on your list. If your next bus leaves in the evening, make sure you finish visiting your final new location no later than two hours before boarding.
How not to overpack your itinerary
A good two-day plan includes one main attraction per day, two areas for strolling and a few optional stops. Pick one spot that you can leave out without regret. That way, a delay won’t turn into a constant feeling of being behind schedule, and your trip will maintain a steady pace.
Allow more time than your sat-nav suggests for photos, a coffee and finding the right entrance. Cobblestones, hills and crowds will significantly slow you down. If you’re travelling with a child, elderly relatives or a large suitcase, shorten the walking section and add one long break indoors.
Budget for two days
Calculate accommodation, transport from the coach station, local transport, meals, one priority attraction and a contingency fund separately. Alternate between free squares, parks and historic streets with museum visits. A tourist card is only worth it if you actually make use of the included trips and attractions; the advertised number of discounts doesn’t save you anything on its own.
What to check before arrival
- the exact address of the bus stop and any announcements from the transport operator;
- the route to your accommodation, and any conditions regarding early check-in or luggage storage;
- an offline map showing Antwerp Central Station and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp;
- the charge level of your power bank, mobile data and a backup payment method;
- the time you need to be back at the platform, allowing for city traffic.
Useful links
Before your trip, also check out the offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone, public transport tickets upon arrival, and how to plan your first day after a long coach journey. You can check coach travel options on RedRay. Check events, seasonal changes and attraction rules via the official Flanders tourism portal and the official pages of specific locations. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Are two days enough for a first visit to Antwerp?
Yes, if you focus on one compact part of the city each day and choose just one attraction for a thorough tour. For a more leisurely pace, leave a few optional stops.
Where can I leave my suitcase after a coach journey?
The most convenient option is to arrange early check-in with your accommodation. If this isn’t possible, use an official left-luggage facility, checking the rates, opening hours and conditions for collecting your luggage.
Do you need a travel pass in Antwerp?
Work out the actual number of journeys you’ll make along your route. If most of your destinations are in the city centre, single tickets may be cheaper; a travel pass is more convenient if you’ll be making several journeys to outlying areas.
What must you book in advance?
First and foremost, check for tickets to the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, if time slots apply. Also, confirm your accommodation and the exact location of your next bus stop, and keep the rest of your itinerary flexible.