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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Historic clubhouse architecture, manicured greens and tree-lined lanes make for elegant estate and landscape photography—respect playing areas and private property boundaries.
Picturesque village scenes, traditional architecture and the local church provide classic small-town Flemish photo opportunities.
A nearby forest with winding paths, ponds and dappled light—excellent for nature and seasonal shots, especially in autumn.
Expansive heath, boardwalks and views across open landscapes—best at sunrise or golden hour for dramatic light.
Along the Scheldt river and adjacent towpaths you can capture boats, bridges and city silhouettes when heading toward Antwerp.
Food in Schilde
Schilde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
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.
You’ll find excellent waffles and handcrafted chocolates at local patisseries and chocolatiers in Schilde and neighboring Antwerp.
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
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.
For larger markets and street-food stalls, head to Antwerp where you can find weekend markets, food truck events and specialty food halls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; learning a few key phrases is appreciated. Many locals speak good English, especially younger people and service staff.
Keep noise to a minimum in residential neighborhoods, follow recycling rules and be respectful of private property—Belgian communities value order and consideration.
Be aware of cyclists and bike lanes; drivers and pedestrians typically respect cycling routes, and you should do the same.
Safety
Tipping in Schilde
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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).
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.
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.
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.
Schilde at Night
Hiking in Schilde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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).
A nearby woodland with short, family-friendly loops, ponds and picnic areas—good for easy walks and for children.
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.
The closest airport to Schilde (short drive). Serves regional and a few international flights—convenient for quick connections to the region.
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.
Used by many low-cost carriers; further away than Brussels Airport but sometimes cheaper for budget flights—requires a longer transfer to reach Schilde.
An alternative for some regional and European flights; accessible by car or train via a longer connection.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing, Dutch-speaking residents and family households who value the area’s residential atmosphere and green spaces.
Professionals who live in Schilde and commute to Antwerp for work, contributing to an affluent, family-oriented community.
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.
The most popular spectator and participation sport across Belgium, with many local amateur clubs and youth teams in the area.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are very popular; the region’s quiet roads and trails are ideal for cyclists.
Common club sports with active local facilities for training and weekend matches.
Several golf clubs and courses in and around Schilde make it a go-to area for golf enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schilde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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-certified options exist in the Antwerp region and some supermarkets; in Schilde you may need to travel to nearby towns for dedicated halal eateries.