Start your first day of an active city break in Antwerp with an exploration of the historic city center. The heart of the Old Town is the Grote Markt, where you will find one of the most important monuments - the Antwerp City Hall. This 16th century Renaissance gem impresses with its rich façade with numerous ornaments and flags representing the historic provinces of Belgium. Inside the building you can admire impressive ceremonial halls and works of art. The City Hall is not only the seat of the municipal government, but also a symbol of Antwerp's golden age, when the city was one of Europe's most important commercial centers.

In the middle of the square stands the Brabo Fountain, which tells a fascinating legend about the origin of the city's name. According to the legend, the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo defeated the cruel giant Druon Antigonus, who terrorized local sailors by cutting off their hands when they refused to pay a toll to cross the Scalda River. Brabo administered justice to the giant - he cut off his hand and threw it into the river. This is where the city's name comes from - 'hand werpen' (to throw one's hand) evolved over time into Antwerpen. The fountain, created in 1887 by sculptor Jef Lambeux, depicts the moment when Brabo is about to throw the giant's hand. It is not only a beautiful monument, but also a testament to the city's rich mythology.

Just a few steps from the Grote Markt rises the majestic St. Mary's Cathedral in Antwerp - the tallest Gothic church in the Benelux. Built over nearly 170 years (1352-1521), the cathedral impresses with its 123-meter-high tower that dominates the city skyline. The interior of the church hides real treasures - three monumental paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, including the famous 'Raising of the Cross' and 'The Deposition from the Cross'. The cathedral is not only a place of religious worship, but also a treasure trove of Flemish art. Climbing the cathedral tower is a great way to get active - 514 stairs lead to a viewing platform that offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.

After a busy day of sightseeing, head to the Anvers district, which offers plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation. This part of the city, also known as Het Zuid (South), has undergone a fascinating transformation in recent decades from a port district to a trendy artistic enclave. Strolling the streets of Anvers, one can discover quaint cafes, boutiques of local designers and contemporary art galleries. The district is bustling both day and night, attracting locals and tourists alike with its unique atmosphere. It's the perfect place to experience the modern face of Antwerp while relaxing after a busy tour of the historic center.

Also worth mentioning is the unique attraction of the Sint-Annatunnel - an underwater tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists dating back to 1933, connecting the two banks of the River Scheldt. Preserved in its original condition, the wooden escalators and art-deco tile work transport visitors back in time to the 1930s. Walking through the 572-meter tunnel is not only a practical way to get to the other side of the river, but also an unforgettable experience that allows you to see the city from a completely different perspective.

The second day of an active city break in Antwerp should start with a visit to one of the city's most modern museums - MAS - Museum aan de Stroom (Museum on the River). This impressive red sandstone and glass building, opened in 2011, resembles a stack of containers and pays homage to the city's port history. The MAS rises 60 meters high in the Eilandje district, a former part of the port that has undergone a spectacular revitalization. The museum tells the story of Antwerp, its relationship with water, the port and the world. Each floor of the building is devoted to a different theme, and the glass corridors between the exhibition halls offer ever-new perspectives on the city.

The most spectacular feature of MAS, however, is the rooftop observation deck, open to all visitors free of charge. The 360-degree panorama includes the entire city, the harbor and the Scalda River. I especially recommend a visit at sunset, when the city shimmers with a golden glow and the harbor lights begin to illuminate the horizon. Entering the museum's rooftop is not only an opportunity to take great photos, but also a chance to understand the city's spatial layout and its close relationship with the river and the port.

After a visit to the MAS, it's worth heading to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which reopened its doors in 2022 after an extensive 11-year renovation. Founded in 1810, this impressive institution is housed in a monumental Neo-Renaissance building in the Het Zuid neighborhood. The museum's collection includes works from the 15th to the 20th centuries, with a special focus on Flemish masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. The museum is famous for having the world's largest collection of works by James Ensor, an eccentric Belgian painter known for his grotesque masks and skeletons.

The museum's new arrangement combines a chronological presentation of the works with thematic galleries, allowing a better understanding of the context in which each painting was created. Particularly impressive is the room dedicated to Rubens, where one can admire the master's monumental canvases in a space designed specifically for their display. The museum also offers interactive installations and multimedia presentations that introduce painting techniques and art conservation processes.

Comparing the two museums - MAS and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts - there is an interesting contrast between the modern approach to presenting the city's history and the traditional display of artworks. MAS offers a dynamic, multimedia journey through the history of Antwerp and its relationship with the world, while the Royal Museum focuses on contemplating masterpieces of painting. The MAS attracts with its architecture and panoramic views, while the Royal Museum impresses with the richness of its collections and the elegance of its interiors. The price of tickets to both institutions is comparable and within the average price range typical of European museums of this class.

Also worth mentioning is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the oldest printing house in the world, listed by UNESCO. The museum is housed in the original 16th century Plantin-Moretus family printing house and building. There you can see the oldest printing presses in the world, an impressive library and family portraits painted by Rubens himself, who was a friend of the family. This is a fascinating place for lovers of book history and printing.

For those who prefer active sightseeing, Antwerp offers excellent bicycle infrastructure. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. I especially recommend a ride along the Scheldt waterfront, where you can enjoy both the historic and modern faces of the city. The route leading from MAS to the Havenhuis building, designed by Zaha Hadid, allows you to see how harmoniously Antwerp combines its harbor past with the visionary architecture of the future.

After two intense days of exploring the city's attractions, the third day should be spent relaxing in nature. The Provincial Domain Rivierenhof is Antwerp's largest park, offering more than 130 hectares of green space just a few kilometers from the city center. Founded in the 17th century as an aristocratic estate, this historic park today serves as the green lungs of the city and a favorite recreation spot for Antwerp residents.

The Rivierenhof impresses with a variety of landscapes - from formal French-style gardens, to romantic corners with bridges and ponds, to wild meadows and dense forests. The park is bisected by the Schijn River, creating picturesque meanders and ponds that are home to many species of water birds. For active visitors, the Rivierenhof offers miles of running and biking paths, sports fields, tennis courts and even a golf course. History buffs will appreciate the historic 17th century castle, which now houses a restaurant, and the open-air theater, where concerts and performances are held in the summer.

One of the park's biggest attractions is the rosarium, where you can admire more than 2,000 roses representing 150 different varieties. The best time to visit the rosarium is in June and July, when most of the flowers are in full bloom, creating a feast of colors and fragrances. Nearby there is also an herb garden and arboretum with a collection of rare trees and shrubs.

For families with children, the Rivierenhof offers numerous playgrounds, a mini-zoo with domestic animals that can be fed, and an educational trail about local flora and fauna. The park also has a nature center, where workshops and exhibitions on ecology and environmental protection are held. Unlike city museums, admission to the park and most of its attractions is free, making it accessible to all visitors.

When comparing the Rivierenhof with Antwerp's urban attractions, there is an interesting contrast. While the MAS and St. Mary's Cathedral offer a vertical experience of the city - climbing towers and observation decks - the park invites horizontal exploration of the vast green spaces. The city's monuments delight with architectural splendor and a wealth of history, while the Rivierenhof charms with its naturalness and tranquility. It is the perfect complement to an urban city break - an opportunity to breathe and reflect after an intense sightseeing tour.

To sum up a 48-hour active city break in Antwerp, it is worth highlighting the unique variety of experiences this Flemish city offers. From medieval monuments to world-class museums to expansive green spaces, Antwerp has something for everyone. The city perfectly combines its rich history with modern design and innovative urban planning. Thanks to its extensive bicycle infrastructure, Antwerp is an ideal destination for an active vacation, allowing you to combine sightseeing with physical activity.

Also worth mentioning are the unique aspects of the city that make it unique on the map of Europe. Antwerp is the world center of the diamond trade - about 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through this city. Fashion lovers will appreciate the fact that Antwerp is home to the famous 'Antwerp Six' - a group of avant-garde designers who revolutionized world fashion in the 1980s. The city is also famous for producing the local De Koninck beer, served in distinctive round glasses known as 'bollekes'.

Antwerp is a city that not only delights with its history and culture, but also inspires you to actively explore its secrets. Whether you explore on foot, by bicycle or using public transportation, every corner of Antwerp has a fascinating story to tell. This 48-hour city break is just a foretaste of what the city has to offer - an incentive to return and explore more deeply.