Bruges (chocolate, lace and Trappist) ★ 4.5
Bruges sits 90 minutes west of Antwerp by train. The medieval centre is a UNESCO site; chocolate shops and Trappist bars cluster around the Markt.
Ghent (waterzooi and cuberdon) is a food day trips in Antwerp.
Ghent sits 60 minutes west of Antwerp by train. The city's signature waterzooi was born in the Korenlei guild kitchens; the cuberdon sweet on Groentenmarkt.
Bruges sits 90 minutes west of Antwerp by train. The medieval centre is a UNESCO site; chocolate shops and Trappist bars cluster around the Markt.
Lier sits 15 minutes east of Antwerp by train. The town's Lierse vlaaike spice-and-honey tart is a regional speciality; beer cafes ring the Begijnhof.
Brussels sits 45 minutes south of Antwerp by InterCity. Brasserie Cantillon for lambic in Anderlecht; Maison Antoine on Place Jourdan for frites.
Hoogstraten sits 45 minutes north of Antwerp by car. The town is Belgium's strawberry capital; growers stalls run from May into October.
Mechelen sits 20 minutes south of Antwerp by train. The town is known for white asparagus in April to June and the Mechelse koekoek heritage chicken breed.