Antwerp Travel Forum

Aside from Brussels, I would like to visit Brugge, Antwerpen, Ghent. How much time do I need for each one? I can skip the art museums because I have limited time, but do want to see the architecture and take the river cruises in Brugge and Ghent to get the feel of the places. Judging by the maps, the historic center in Antwerpen is the smallest of the three, and that of Brugge is the biggest.

I plan to spend one half day in Ghent (about 1:30 to sunset), one full day in Brugge and about four hours in Antwerpen (and two more in Mechelen on my way there). Is this a good plan and enough time for those places, or should I for example spend more time in Antwerpen and less in Ghent?

Thank you in advance to everybody.

Hi! Just want to share my experience. I spent a "hectic" tour in belgium 2006. I wanted to see all of the cities that you mentioned and I did in 4 days 3 nights. I joined a day GUIDED tour that organized in brussles. It was good.About 50-60 euro. I spent like 10 hours between GHENT AND BRUGES. tHEN I SPENT day at ANTWERP.I like brudges the most.brussels in a walkable city. the grand place is amazing. try the chocolates...yummy! have fun

Well, you time is limited indeed, but if you have no other options..

Brugge is very interesting, the "Venice" of Belgium... Cosy place, lovely architecture... As I'm living in Antwerp, i would recommend you to stay there longer than 4 hours, because there are so many things to see... Centre of the world for the diamond, beautiful railway station (has just been renovated), great architecture, lovely atmosphere, China Town, Museum of Arts, etc...

Ghent is also worthly seeing it... Brussels, what can I say about that: capital of the EU, but not the most interesting city for me. Anyway, you will know what to do in this short time! :)

Have fun!
(try some of the hundred different kind of beers, the chocolates, and the fries!)

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Actually I decided to rent a car, and this way we can spend about 7-8 hours in Antwerp, including a dinner, which should be enough to get acquainted. I looked at the info, and it does appear that it warrants a longer visit than I originally planned. Inasmuch as I would hate to be in Belgium and not see Antwerp, I would hate as much not having a chance to get to know it either.

So basically my plan is 3 days in Brussels, 1 day in Brugge, about 2 hrs in Mechelen, 5-6 hrs in Ghent and 7-8 hrs in Antwerp. I will just rent a car, it will give me a lot more time on my last day since I can store the suitcase in the trunk and will not have to return to the hotel, and I will see a couple of castles this way, too. Probably not enough time to explore the rooms, but enough to see the ramparts and the setting, which is the main thing IMO.

I particularly want to see Beersel and Gaasbeek near Brussels and Borrekes near Antwerp. And the "Steens" in Ghent and Antwerp as well of course.