Take It All In

Take It All In

1 Day: Wander the narrow streets of the Oude Stad, window-shopping and perhaps sampling some local beer along with a lunch of the ubiquitous mussels and french fries. Then head to Rubenshuis to see a faithful and rich re-creation of the famous painter's own house and studio. Afterwards, make a trip to see the Bruegels at the Museum Mayer Van den Bergh. Next stop is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the home and printing plant of a publishing dynasty that spanned three centuries. The museum overlooks a tranquil square, just the place for a restful café visit at day's end.

3 Days: Follow the suggestions above for Day 1. On Day 2, start with a walk along the river Scheldt to appreciate Antwerp's centuries-long tradition as a major European port. If you've made an early start, you could take a boat tour to see the modern, working harbor. Absorb a sense of the city's religious history by visiting some of its churches, including Sint-Pauluskerk and Sint-Jacobskerk, where Rubens is buried. Take a break from history with a trip to the Zoo Antwerpen or visit Aquatopia. Indulge your covetous streak with a trip to the Diamantwijk and the Provinciaal Diamantmuseum. If it's peace and quiet you're after, head to the Begijnhof, an almost hidden 13th-century convent. On your last day, use the morning to take advantage of Antwerp's ranking as a key European fashion center. First hit the Mode Museum, then window-shop along the smaller streets radiating off the Meir. After that, head south to greener areas and stop at the Openluchtmuseum Middelheim for a welcome break to enjoy the sculptures in this open-air museum. Finish with dinner and a nightcap in the chic Het Zuid neighborhood.