🇧🇪 Antwerp Off-the-Beaten-Path 2-Day Itinerary

Ditch the tourist traps and experience the city like a local! 🗓 Day 1: Art, History & Urban Exploration 🎨 Rubenshuis (Rubens House) Step into the home of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, where his iconic works come to life. ⏰ 1 hour ⛪ Sint-Pauluskerk (St. Paul’s Church) A hidden gem packed with Rubens paintings and Flemish masterpieces. ⏰ *30-45 mins* 🌿 Begijnhof (Beguinage) Wander through medieval alleyways in this serene 16th-century courtyard. ⏰ 30 mins 🍟 Food Break: Authentic Belgian Bites Frituur n°1: Crispy fries with real Belgian mayo or samurai sauce. Désiré de Lille: Heavenly Liège waffles drizzled with Belgian chocolate. 🛍 Shopping Like a Local Kloosterstraat: Vintage vinyl, antiques, and quirky secondhand finds. Stadsfeestzaal: A gold-drenched 19th-century mall with Belgian designers. Quartier Latin: Independent boutiques for unique fashion. 🍻 Evening: Beer & Bites Kulminator: A cult-favorite beer bar with aged Trappist brews (some over 20 years old!). 🗓 Day 2: Waterfront, Nature & Local Vibes 🌊 Sint-Annastrand (St. Anna Beach) Take the DeWaterbus or bike through the St. Anna Tunnel for skyline views. 🍽 The Jane *(Michelin 2-star, book ahead!)* A former chapel turned avant-garde dining spot—worth the splurge! 🌳 Park Spoor Noord Where locals unwind: outdoor bars, skate parks, and picnic spots. 🛹 Waagnatie Skate Park Watch street performers and skaters shred against a waterfront backdrop. 🌃 Het Eilandje at Night Dine at a harbor-side terrace (try Felix Pakhuis) as ships glide by. 💡 Pro Tips 🚲 Rent a Velo bike—Antwerp is super cyclist-friendly. ⛴ Ride DeWaterbus for a unique river perspective. 🍻 Skip touristy spots—hit local markets like Vrijdagmarkt instead. ✨ Why This Itinerary? Antwerp isn’t just diamonds and museums—it’s edgy galleries, hidden courtyards, and laid-back river hangs. This guide unlocks its true soul. #BelgiumTravel #AntwerpUnfiltered #LocalSecrets #SlowTravel