Things To Do
in Schilde

Schilde is an affluent, green municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, known for its tree-lined avenues, manor houses and quiet residential character. It sits a short drive from the city of Antwerp, making it popular with commuters who want country-style living with easy urban access. The area combines small-village charm with large private estates, parks and recreational facilities such as golf courses.

Schilde is calm by night, family-oriented, and serves as a good base for exploring nearby nature reserves and the wider Antwerp region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Schilde
morning
:

Arrive in Schilde and settle into your accommodation, taking a moment to appreciate the quaint surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh pastries and the famous Belgian chocolate. Take a short stroll to get acquainted with the charming village atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Explore the vast natural beauty of the Schilde Town Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or a serene walk among the trees. Visit the nearby botanical garden to marvel at the diverse collection of plants and flowers. Capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscapes.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at a cozy restaurant, sampling local dishes like stoofvlees or mussels. After the meal, take an evening walk around the village’s illuminated streets, soaking in the enchanting ambiance. Wrap up the day at a quaint pub with a glass of Belgian beer.

day 2
Culture and History
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the historical Church of Saint Vincent, soaking in the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Attend a morning mass if you wish, or simply admire the intricate details of this beautiful building. Afterward, grab a coffee at a nearby café while enjoying the views of the church.

afternoon
:

Head to the Schilde Museum to delve deeper into the village's history, exploring fascinating exhibits and local artifacts. Join a guided tour, if available, to gain insight from knowledgeable guides. Later, stroll through the quaint streets, enjoying the charming architecture of old homes.

evening
:

Dine at a local eatery famous for its Flemish cuisine. Engage with locals over dinner, learning about their lives in this charming village. End your evening with dessert at a nearby patisserie, treating yourself to traditional Belgian waffles.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (regular cafe)$3-4
🍺Domestic beer (pint)$4-6
🚆Regional train ticket (short trip)$5-15
🚌Local bus single fare$2-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, green and upscale residential character ideal for relaxing stays.
  • Close to Antwerp—easy access to major cultural attractions, restaurants and transport links.
  • Good for outdoor activities: cycling, golfing, walking and nearby nature reserves.
  • Family-friendly with low crime and pleasant local amenities.
  • Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself—requires travel to Antwerp for more variety.
  • Fewer dining options late at night; small-town shops may close earlier than in cities.
  • Public transport within the municipality is more limited than in urban centers; a car or bike is helpful.
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Schilde

Visit one of these nice places.

Rinkven / Golf Estate

Historic clubhouse architecture, manicured greens and tree-lined lanes make for elegant estate and landscape photography—respect playing areas and private property boundaries.

Schilde village center and church

Picturesque village scenes, traditional architecture and the local church provide classic small-town Flemish photo opportunities.

Peerdsbos woodland

A nearby forest with winding paths, ponds and dappled light—excellent for nature and seasonal shots, especially in autumn.

Kalmthoutse Heide (heathland)

Expansive heath, boardwalks and views across open landscapes—best at sunrise or golden hour for dramatic light.

Riverside towpaths toward Antwerp

Along the Scheldt river and adjacent towpaths you can capture boats, bridges and city silhouettes when heading toward Antwerp.

Culinary Guide

Food in Schilde

Schilde shares the culinary traditions of Flanders: hearty, seasonal, and centered on quality local ingredients. Expect classic Belgian dishes, excellent bakeries, beer culture and ready access to Antwerp’s broad restaurant scene for more international or high-end options.

Schilde Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moules-frites

Mussels cooked in white wine, cream or garlic with a side of Belgian fries—widely available at brasseries and restaurants in the region, especially near Antwerp.

Must-Try!

Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew)

Slow-braised beef in a rich beer-based sauce, usually served with fries or mashed potatoes; a winter comfort food found on many local menus.

Belgian waffles & chocolate

You’ll find excellent waffles and handcrafted chocolates at local patisseries and chocolatiers in Schilde and neighboring Antwerp.

Belgian beer

A huge variety of local and regional beers is available in pubs and restaurants—try a Belgian ale or regional specialty with your meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Schilde village market

A small weekly market (check local municipal schedule) where local vendors sell bread, cheese, produce and seasonal specialties—great for picnic supplies and tasting local products.

Antwerp markets (nearby)

For larger markets and street-food stalls, head to Antwerp where you can find weekend markets, food truck events and specialty food halls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Schilde has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. Average summer highs are generally in the high teens to low twenties °C (mid-60s to mid-70s °F); winter temperatures commonly range from just below freezing to around 7 °C (20s–40s °F). Rain is fairly evenly distributed through the year, so carry a light rain jacket regardless of season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Politeness

A brief handshake or friendly hello is customary; use polite forms (please/thank you) and be punctual for meetings. Address people with their title and family name in formal settings until invited to use first names.

Language and Respect

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; learning a few key phrases is appreciated. Many locals speak good English, especially younger people and service staff.

Public Behavior

Keep noise to a minimum in residential neighborhoods, follow recycling rules and be respectful of private property—Belgian communities value order and consideration.

Cyclist Courtesy

Be aware of cyclists and bike lanes; drivers and pedestrians typically respect cycling routes, and you should do the same.

Safety Guide

Safety

Schilde is considered a safe municipality with low violent crime; usual precautions against petty theft apply (secure valuables, lock bicycles). Keep an eye on parked vehicles and bikes in urban areas, especially in transit hubs. Emergency services are reached via 112; keep travel insurance and, if applicable, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) or proof of coverage handy.

Tipping in Schilde

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is generally included in restaurant bills in Belgium; small additional tips (5–10% or rounding up) are appreciated for good service but not obligatory. In cafés and for taxi rides, rounding up is common.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, contactless) and local debit (Bancontact/Maestro) is common. Carry some cash for small village vendors or market stalls. Mobile contactless payments are increasingly accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Mild to warm temperatures, long daylight hours and lush green landscapes—ideal for cycling, picnics and outdoor cafes. Expect occasional rain showers; book popular activities in advance (golf, nearby events).

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage in wooded areas such as Peerdsbos make excellent walking and photography conditions; temperatures cool and daylight shortens. Layers and waterproof outerwear are useful.

Winter

Cool, damp and sometimes frosty—temperatures hover near freezing on cold days but heavy snow is uncommon. Indoor museum visits and hearty Flemish meals are enjoyable; roads can be wet, so plan travel accordingly.

Spring

Blossom and fresh growth return to parks and estates; milder temperatures make it pleasant for cycling and hikes. Showers are likely, so bring waterproof layers and comfortable walking shoes.

Nightlife Guide

Schilde at Night

Schilde itself has a quiet, family-oriented nightlife with cozy cafés, local bars and intimate restaurants. For livelier nightlife—cocktail bars, clubs, live music and a wider range of late-night dining—travel into Antwerp (20–30 minutes by car or public transport). Brasschaat and nearby towns also have evening options such as pubs and seasonal events.

Hiking in Schilde

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kalmthoutse Heide

A large and well-known heathland reserve with boardwalks, dunes and varied trails—excellent for longer hikes, photography and seasonal landscapes (heather bloom in late summer).

Peerdsbos

A nearby woodland with short, family-friendly loops, ponds and picnic areas—good for easy walks and for children.

Scheldt riverside towpaths

Riverside routes toward Antwerp offer long, flat walks with views of the river, boats and bridges—suitable for walking, running and cycling.

Airports

How to reach Schilde by plane.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

The closest airport to Schilde (short drive). Serves regional and a few international flights—convenient for quick connections to the region.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Belgium’s largest airport, around 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers extensive international connections and good rail/taxi links to Antwerp and Schilde.

Brussels South Charleroi (CRL)

Used by many low-cost carriers; further away than Brussels Airport but sometimes cheaper for budget flights—requires a longer transfer to reach Schilde.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

An alternative for some regional and European flights; accessible by car or train via a longer connection.

Getting Around

Walkability

Schilde’s village center and residential neighborhoods are very walkable with pleasant sidewalks and local shops within short distances. For longer trips or to reach nature reserves and attractions outside the village, cycling or driving is more convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Flemish families

Long-standing, Dutch-speaking residents and family households who value the area’s residential atmosphere and green spaces.

Commuters to Antwerp

Professionals who live in Schilde and commute to Antwerp for work, contributing to an affluent, family-oriented community.

Expatriates

A smaller number of international residents and expats who choose Schilde for its quality of life and proximity to international business in Antwerp.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular spectator and participation sport across Belgium, with many local amateur clubs and youth teams in the area.

Cycling

Both recreational and competitive cycling are very popular; the region’s quiet roads and trails are ideal for cyclists.

Field hockey and tennis

Common club sports with active local facilities for training and weekend matches.

Golf

Several golf clubs and courses in and around Schilde make it a go-to area for golf enthusiasts.

Transportation

Traffic

Expect commuter traffic toward Antwerp during weekday mornings and evenings; local roads can be busier at those times. Parking in Schilde is generally easier than in the city but observe local parking rules. Public transportation includes regional buses (De Lijn) and access to the Belgian rail network via nearby stations—schedules are frequent to Antwerp but less dense late at night.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Schilde.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and restaurants; many places will adapt dishes or offer salads, vegetable mains and cheese-based dishes. Large supermarkets also carry plant-based options.

Vegan and Gluten-free

In Schilde itself options are more limited but available; for a wider selection, visit Antwerp where vegan and gluten-free restaurants and bakeries are more numerous. Ask staff about ingredients—English is widely spoken.

Halal

Halal-certified options exist in the Antwerp region and some supermarkets; in Schilde you may need to travel to nearby towns for dedicated halal eateries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Belgium has a high standard of healthcare. Schilde has local GP practices and clinics; major hospitals and specialist care are available in nearby Antwerp within 20–30 minutes by car. In an emergency dial 112. EU visitors should carry an EHIC/GHIC where applicable and all visitors should have travel insurance for outpatient or repatriation coverage.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide