Antwerp vs Brussels from the Netherlands: A fun and helpful guide to choose the best city to visit for a daytrip.
About Antwerp and Brussels in the Netherlands
Many people in the Netherlands enjoy taking daytrips to Belgium. It is easy, fun, and there is always something new to discover. Two popular cities close to the Dutch border are Antwerp and Brussels. Both cities are in Belgium, not the Netherlands, but they are easy to reach from most Dutch cities.
In this blogpost, we will explore Antwerp vs Brussels for a perfect daytrip from the Netherlands. You will learn what makes each city special, how to get there, and what to do once you arrive. We will also share some useful tips to help you enjoy your day.
Let’s get started and find out which city is the best for your next daytrip.
Why should you visit these cities
Both Antwerp and Brussels offer a lot to see and do. They are different, but both are interesting in their own way. Antwerp is known for its fashion, art, and diamonds. It has a cool and modern vibe with a lot of young people and trendy shops.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the home of the European Union. It has beautiful buildings, museums, and a mix of many different cultures.
If you love food, shopping, and sightseeing, you will enjoy visiting both cities. They are both rich in culture and full of energy. However, depending on your interests, one city might be a better fit for you than the other.
The popularity of Antwerp and Brussels for visitors
Antwerp and Brussels are very popular for visitors from the Netherlands. Many Dutch people go there for a day or a weekend. One reason is that they are both close to the border. Also, train connections are fast and easy.
Antwerp is especially popular among people from Breda, Roosendaal, and Rotterdam. Brussels, being a bit further, attracts visitors from Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague who want to enjoy the big city feeling.
Even though both cities are visited often, they offer a different experience. That’s why many people like to compare them before deciding which one to visit. This guide is here to help you make that decision.
Trip comparison: Antwerp vs Brussels from the Netherlands
When planning a daytrip, it’s important to know how the two cities compare. Let’s look at some of the key differences between Antwerp and Brussels.
Transportation and infrastructure
Brussels is a larger city and has more traffic. Its roads can be busy, especially during rush hour. Antwerp is smaller and easier to navigate by car, though it can also be crowded during busy times.
In Brussels, the public transportation system is more developed. You have metros, trams, and buses. Antwerp also has a good tram and bus system, but it is less complex.
If you want to move quickly and comfortably, both cities offer good transportation, but Brussels has more options.
Availability of public transportation
Public transportation in both cities is efficient, but Brussels has more connections. In Brussels, you can easily switch between metro, bus, and tram. Everything is well connected.
In Antwerp, you mostly use the tram and bus. It’s simpler, but for a one-day visit, this might actually be an advantage, because you don’t need to learn a big system.
In both cities, you can buy day passes or use contactless cards to travel easily. So public transportation should not be a problem in either city.
Walkability and bike-friendliness
Antwerp is a very walkable city. Many of the main attractions are close to each other. You can walk from the central station to the cathedral, the shopping streets, and the harbor area.
Brussels is less walkable because the city is larger and the hills make walking a bit more difficult. Still, many parts of Brussels are nice for a city walk.
If you love biking, Antwerp is a better choice. It has bike lanes and bike sharing systems. Brussels is working on improving this, but it is not yet as bike-friendly as Antwerp.
How to visit Antwerp or Brussels from the Netherlands
You have many choices when going to Antwerp or Brussels from the Netherlands. It depends on where you live, and how you want to travel.
Reaching the cities by car
Traveling by car is easy, especially if you live in the southern part of the Netherlands. From Breda, you can reach Antwerp in about 45 minutes. Brussels takes about 1.5 hours by car.
If you are coming from Amsterdam or Utrecht, the trip to Brussels is around 2 hours. Antwerp is a bit closer, about 1.5 hours.
Parking in Antwerp is usually easier and cheaper than in Brussels. Brussels has many paid parking zones, and finding a spot can take time.
Reaching the cities by public transportation
The train is a very good way to travel. Both cities are connected by international trains. You can take an Intercity (IC) train or a Thalys or Eurostar.
From Amsterdam to Brussels, the fast train takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. To Antwerp, it takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From Rotterdam or The Hague, the travel time is even shorter. Trains run often, so you don’t need to worry about timing too much.
If you prefer to save money, the slower Intercity train is a good choice. If you want to arrive fast and in comfort, go for the high-speed train.
How to get around in both cities
In both cities, it’s smart to start at the central station. From there, you can take a tram, bus, or walk to the city center.
In Brussels, consider getting a day pass to move around faster. In Antwerp, you might not need it, because walking is very easy.
There are also tourist buses that let you hop on and off at famous spots. This is great if you want to see a lot in a short time.
What to do: Antwerp vs Brussels in Belgium
Now let’s talk about the fun part: what to see and do during your daytrip.
Famous places to visit
In Antwerp, some must-see places are:
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- Grote Markt (Main Square)
- Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
- Meir Shopping Street
- Antwerp Zoo
In Brussels, don’t miss:
- Grand Place
- Atomium
- Royal Palace
- Manneken Pis
- Mont des Arts
Both cities have beautiful buildings, nice cafes, and interesting museums. But Brussels has more monuments and government buildings, while Antwerp has a more creative feel.
Activities to do
In Antwerp, you can:
- Visit fashion boutiques
- Explore the harbor area
- Go to a local brewery
- Walk along the Scheldt River
In Brussels, you can:
- Eat Belgian waffles
- Try famous chocolates
- Visit European Parliament
- Enjoy a walk in Parc de Bruxelles
Whether you like culture, food, or shopping, both cities have something to offer. But if you only have one day, think about what you really want to see.
Seasonal activities
In spring, Antwerp has nice flower markets and outdoor cafes. In summer, both cities host many festivals.
During autumn, Brussels looks beautiful with fall colors in its many parks. And in winter, both cities have Christmas markets, but Brussels has the larger one.
So if you’re planning a trip in a specific season, this might help you decide.
Tips for making the most of your trip
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip:
- Leave early in the morning to have more time
- Buy tickets online to save time and money
- Use a map app to find your way
- Try local food, even if it’s just for one meal
- Bring a power bank for your phone
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Check the weather forecast
These tips will help make your day smooth and fun.
The accessibility to visit Antwerp or Brussels
If you are traveling with kids, elderly family members, or someone who uses a wheelchair, it’s good to know what to expect.
Are the cities family friendly
Yes, both cities are very family friendly. In Antwerp, the zoo is great for kids, and there are many open spaces. In Brussels, the Atomium and Mini-Europe are fun for children.
Restaurants in both cities usually have children’s menus, and there are parks where kids can play and relax.
Are the cities wheelchair friendly
Both cities are working hard to be more accessible. Many museums, public buildings, and restaurants have ramps and elevators.
However, keep in mind that older streets with cobblestones might be a bit difficult to move on. Still, most main areas are well adapted for wheelchairs.
Final thoughts: Antwerp vs Brussels from the Netherlands for a daytrip?
So, which city should you choose for your daytrip? That depends on what you like. If you prefer a smaller, walkable city with a creative feel, choose Antwerp. If you want to see grand buildings, try famous food, and feel the capital energy, go for Brussels.
Both cities are great for a quick getaway from the Netherlands. They are easy to reach and full of things to see and do. No matter which one you pick, you will have a great time.
Want to learn more about other places to visit in the Netherlands and nearby countries? Check out more articles on our website and find your next perfect daytrip.
