Where to Stay in Antwerp, Belgium

Our Favorite Antwerp Hotels

• 5-Star Hotel: Botanic Sanctuary
• Boutique Hotel: Hotel ‘t Sandt
• Inexpensive hotel option: Citybox
• Family accommodation: YAYS Antwerp Opera
• Best Indoor Pool: Botanic Sanctuary
• Best Area For Outdoor Recreation: Cabosse
• · Near Train Station: NH Collection Centre Antwerp

a clock that is on the side of a building

The Best Area to Stay in Antwerp

While often overlooked compared to nearby Brussels and Amsterdam, Antwerp is one of the hidden treasures of the Low Countries, an historic and lively city with a rich artistic legacy including Rubens, Snyders, Anthony van Dyck, and the Bruegels. In the 16th century Antwerp was one of the most crucial commercial centers globally, and one of the wealthiest thanks to its sea-faring merchants. Following the closure of the River Scheldt in 1648 the city fell into a lengthy decline, but nowadays it`s booming once more. The city stays an important port and remains at the heart of the world`s diamond trade; it`s also developed a little but creative fashion industry, and a lively student population keeps things buzzing at night. While the city was heavily bombed in World War II, its surviving old streets, churches and distinctive Flemish architecture (with those stepped gables) offers much of the appeal, along with a spread of contemporary buildings and excellent bars and restaurants – beer here is superb (and inexpensive), and it`s also a great place to purchase Belgian chocolate.

A large selection of lodging options is available in Antwerp, many that are reasonably priced and high in quality. Numerous contemporary budget and mid-range hotels can be found here, and plenty of B&Bs as well – just as welcoming but more affordable than their North American counterparts. Most visitors will want to stay in or near the “Historic Center” area, as this is where the majority of attractions, shops, restaurants and bars are located. The neighboring “Theater District” and “Sint-Andries” regions offer comparable experiences. Those preferring proximity to the train station will find several relatively inexpensive choices in the “Central Station District”, along with ample shopping and family-friendly activities. Hotels in the “University District” are also within walking distance of the station. For those returning to the city or opting for a more local, romantic neighborhood, trendy “Het Zuid” – home to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and some of the best dining – and “Zurenborg”, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau and turn-of-the-century architecture, should be considered. Finally, modern “Eilandje” to the north of the old city occupies the former port area, a predominantly contemporary zone of offices and apartments surrounding a series of marinas; newer hotels appealing to those wishing to stay near the water can be found here as well.

Antwerp Travel Tips

  • Antwerp has a small airport but it serves only a limited number of European destinations. Brussels Airport is significantly better connected and is truly convenient for Antwerp. You can take direct express trains from the airport terminal to Antwerp in approximately 45 minutes.
  • Much of Antwerp`s key attractions and destinations can be explored by foot; given the one-way streets (and trams), limited parking, and narrow lanes, it is best not to drive within the city center. For more lengthy trips between districts, public transportation is efficient and inexpensive – buses and trams operated by De Lijn. Single tickets cost €2.50, with day passes available for €7.50 (purchasable online or via the De Lijn app). If driving to Antwerp, park your car upon arrival and leave it. Should your hotel not offer parking (or rates are too steep), consider the free Park & Ride lots on the outskirts of town.
  • Antwerp is a rewarding place to ride bicycles. There are many bike lanes and paths, and the city is flat as a pancake. Velo is the city’s bike share program, with day passes (for continuous 30-minute bike rides) costing €5. If you want to use a bike all at once without the hassle of locating Velo docks, simply rent a bike for the day: try Antwerp by Bike,Cyclant, or take a guided tour with Antwerp Bike Tours.
  • Individuals wanting to engage in extensive sightseeing should contemplate the Antwerp City Card. You receive complimentary entry to 16 museums and various other attractions, plus complimentary travel on urban buses and trams. (Cards come in 24hr, 48hr or 72hr units.) As is always the case with these types of passes, you need to maximize the advantages to save money, so only acquire the City Card if you truly want to experience those museums.
  • Free wireless internet is offered throughout the city center; look for “Antwerp Free Wi-Fi”. Most museums also provide this service.
  • Dutch, rather than French, is the official language in Antwerp, but nearly everyone speaks some level of English – particularly in hotels and tourist attractions. In bars and restaurants, younger locals are more prone to converse in English than their elders, but getting stuck will be rare.
  • The climate in Antwerp, along with the rest of Belgium, provides relatively mild weather. Warm enough for outdoor activities in summer but cool and wet in winter, with extremes uncommon. May and June are good months as it`s warm without large summer crowds. September and October allow sightseeing too, though tourism can still be busy then.

The Best Places to Stay in Antwerp

Best Neighborhoods in Antwerp for…

  • Best Neighbourhood for First Timers/Sightseeing: Historic Center
    Staying in the Historic Center of Antwerp makes the most practical sense. You’ll be within walking distance of all the primary attractions – the Grote Markt, cathedral, Museum Plantin-Moretus, the Vleeshuis, St-Pauluskerk, the River Scheldt waterfront and Het Steen, and the pedestrian main shopping street, Meir. This is also where you’ll find Rubenshuis, home of Antwerp’s most famous resident, the painter Pieter Paul Rubens. You’ll be able to walk (or take short tram rides) to all the other neighborhoods of interest, including the Central Station (though possibly not with luggage). However, you could also consider the Sint-Andries (St Andrew’s District) or Theater District, which are reasonably close to the above attractions yet somewhat less tourist-centric neighborhoods. And if you opt to stay in the more affordable University or Central Station zones, even these involve relatively brief strolls from the old center.
  • Most charming local of Antwerp: Het Zuid or Zurenborg
    To escape the bulk of sightseers, make plans to remain at one of the romantic bed and breakfasts and boutique lodgings in fashionable Het Zuid, south of the city center. It`s a beautiful neighborhood of leafy boulevards and 19th century mansions, as well as some of the finest eateries in the city. It`s also somewhat of an artistic hub, with multiple galleries and top art museums like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, FOMU–Fotomuseum, and Museum of Contemporary Art. Sentimental places to stay involve Boutique Hotel Maison Emile,Hotel Lit d’Art, and Mañana Mañana. Regarding eateries, Kommilfoo is a sensible choice for an indulgence, as is the intimate Restaurant Signatuur. Appreciate the dusk from the landscaped esplanade along the River Scheldt).Zurenborg is another hip neighborhood that feels more like a village, with gorgeous architecture and a vibrant café life. Some places we appreciate here embrace the Dôme restaurant, Salt & Mint for breakfast or lunch, and LGBT-friendly Den Draak for coffee or drinks.
  • Best neighborhood for nightlife: Eilandje
    Antwerp presents numerous chances to spend time outside in the evenings. Spread all over the city, individuals will locate bars varying from age-old taverns to modern and trendy places. The local beer is De Koninck, a light ale drunk from a bolleke (a small, stemmed glass) – most residents simply order a “bolleke”, which has come to refer to the beer itself as much as the container (you’ll see it written that way on menus). Though you’ll enjoy wherever you go out, Eilandje is likely the best area of Antwerp overall for nightlife activities. Beer fans should start out at the independent Seef brewery, aka Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie, which has its personal taproom, or one of the area’s summer terrace bars, where there’s live music and usually waterfront views; Bocadero and SOMMAR are fun examples. Bar Paniek is an additional popular spot to view sunset with a few drinks. Clubs come and go, but you’ll find the finest of them in Eilandje: the likes of IKON,The Villa,Club Vaag,Club Lima, and many more).There’s also plenty of nightlife in the University district, Het Zuid, and in the Historic Center itself, though in the latter you’ll be mixing with patrons as much as locals. We enjoy the beverages and relaxed atmosphere at Koerwoud, the historic pubs at Paters Vaetje, De Duifkens in the Graanmarkt, Elfde Gebod, cocktails at Dogma, and relaxed Den Engel.

    • In addition to locally brewed beer, Antwerp produces a digestive liqueur dubbed the “ Elixir d’Anvers.” It’s an acquired taste, somewhat akin to gin, created from 32 plants since 1863 by the De Beukelaer distillery.

  • Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Historic Center and Theater District
    Many great dining options can be found all over Antwerp, which has become renowned as a foodie destination. With 11 Michelin-starred restaurants spread throughout the city, neighborhoods like Het Zuid and Eilandje offer some of the best up-and-coming eateries. However, first-time visitors will discover plenty of dining choices in the Historic Center and adjacent Theater District too. For a splurge, you can sample traditional Belgian cuisine from chef Johan Segers at ‘t Fornuis, French-Belgian dishes from Tim Meuleneire at FRANQ, and Asian-inspired fare at Restaurant Nathan and Dim Dining. The Botanic Sanctuary hotel offers exquisite restaurants as well, particularly Hertog Jan and Fine FleurIt’s not just posh restaurants, though. Belgium’s world famous fried potatoes (covered with sauces) can be sampled at the venerable Fritkot Max behind the cathedral, which even has a potato “museum”, or at no-frills Frituur n°1 off Grote Markt (Hoogstraat 1), known for its stew meat gravy. For a bit more class head to Frites Atelier at Korte Gasthuisstraat 32. For a sweet treat, go for dessert at Het Gebaar in a cute “gingerbread house” near the Plantentuin Botanical Garden. For Italian cuisine, try Le Pristine.

    Central Antwerp has numerous high-quality chocolate retailers. Some of the finest options comprise DelRey,Günther Watté’,Chocolaterie Sweertvaegher, and the magnificent Chocolate Line found within the lavish Paleis op de Meir.

    • Another local sweet treat to try is Antwerpse Handjes, confections or cookies, sometimes with a marzipan filling, and dipped in Elixir d’Anvers, created here since 1934 (traditionally in the shape of a hand).

    • Also look out for packages of “Caramella Mokatine”, a coffee-flavored candy made by A Historic Local Confectioner, founded in 1925.

  • Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Meir (Historic Center); Sint-Andries; Theater District; Central Station District
    The good news is that all the best shopping opportunities are conveniently located in central Antwerp – there`s no need to visit outlying suburbs or commercial centers on the urban fringe. The core destinations are distributed between four neighboring regions; the Historic Center (mainly along Meir, the principal shopping avenue), Theater District, Sint-Andries (St Andrew`s Neighborhood) and the Central Station District. Highlights include the Grand Bazar Shopping Complex in Groenplaats, which houses around 50 stores, the antique and vintage shops on Kloosterstraat and Lange Koepoortstraat, and the extensive selection of chain and boutique retailers found all along the Meir corridor, where you can check out the exclusive Shopping Stadsfeestzaal shopping center. Further south, Schuttershofstraat and Lange Gasthuisstraat are lined with upscale boutiques, the latter home to cult ladies` fashion favorite Princess. The Wilde Zee district at the western end of Meir is another fun area to shop, with five lively pedestrian shopping streets radiating from a central plaza. Committed shoppers should also explore the antique market near the cathedral on Lijnwaadmarkt (every Sat, in summer only), and the Saturday food market and Sunday Vogelenmarkt (more akin to a flea market) on TheaterpleinSint-Andries encompasses the city’s fashion district, with most of Belgium`s top designers (like Dries van Noten, Christian Wijnants, and Stephan Schneider) running boutiques on Nationalestraat, Kammenstraatand, surrounding roads. Finally, anyone interested in buying diamonds has come to the appropriate place – the diamond district near Central Station can effectively be considered the world’s largest diamond market (the “Antwerp’s Most Brilliant” label guarantees reliability and excellence).
  • Best Neighborhood for Local Atmosphere: Zurenborg
    One of Antwerp’s most attractive neighborhoods despite being outside the city center and attracting few tourists is Zurenborg, with a friendly village-like atmosphere and many beautiful mansions in the belle époque and art nouveau architectural styles – the best examples can be seen along Cogels-Osylei. You should also visit Waterloostraat, where at the intersection with Generaal van Merlenstraat there are four outstanding corner houses called “Autumn,” “Winter,” “Summer,” and “Spring.” The neighborhood is focused on Dageraadplaats, the central square, lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. (The network of fairy lights suspended above the plaza at night adds to the romantic feel.) Zeezicht and historic Café Moeskop are nice places to hang out and drink coffee, while Dôme is the spot for spoiling oneself. On the main square, our preferred place to eat is HUMM, a Middle Eastern restaurant. It’s also not far to De Koninck, where tours can be taken of the city’s iconic brewery. Our top accommodation options here are the Garden of Eden,Rock Lobster City Lodge, and the Scent Residence. The best chain option is the nearby Park Inn Berchem.
  • Safety in Antwerp
    Generally, Antwerp is quite safe with crime rates much lower than Brussels. Though some drug dealing, petty theft like pickpocketing and bag snatching and car theft does occur, usual precautions in Schipperskwartier especially at night should keep one fine. While more subdued now, Schipperskwartier, the red light district, can still feel edgy after dark.

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Antwerp for Tourists

a large building with a clock on the front of it

1. Historic Center

Visitors to Antwerp typically invest most of their time in the Historic Center, and with good reason. Much of the charming medieval core survives intact (some buildings and churches were rebuilt after World War II), and there are numerous peaceful, cobbled streets lined with Flemish-style constructions, old pubs and eateries, as well as some of the city’s major museums and points of interest. The Center also encompasses the main shopping avenue, Meir, and the Scheldt riverfront, which is pleasant (if somewhat underwhelming, considering its history).

The historic center of the city is the Grote Markt, a pleasant square anchored by the 1887 Brabo Fountain and surrounded by striking 16th-century guildhouses as well as the elegant Stadhuis (city hall), completed in 1566. Nearby is the DIVA diamond museum and the entrance to De Ruien, the old underground sewers (now thankfully clean) that you can explore on popular guided tours. The Handschoenmarkt (the former Glove Market), another pretty small square, is a good spot for coffee or a meal, located next to the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp, one of the most spectacular religious structures in Belgium. Highlights inside include four early paintings by Rubens. The other main sights in the old center comprise the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the old mansion of the printer Christopher Plantin containing exhibits associated with 16th-century printing. In the narrow side streets north of the GroteMarkt there`s also the stripy red and white Vleeshuis (Meat Hall), once home to the Guild of Butchers and now a fascinating museum on the history of music and dance in the city. To the north, St-Pauluskerk is one of the city’s most beautiful churches, and it`s a short stroll to the Scheldt waterfront, essentially a wide promenade looking out across the river and towards the port activity further north. The main sight here is Het Steen, part of a medieval fortress now home to the main tourist office and “The Antwerp Story”, an exhibit introducing the city`s past and present.

Inside the church of St-Carolus Borromeus in Hendrik Conscienceplein, one of the most picturesque squares in the city located east from the Grote Markt, is the ornate Mariakapel (Chapel of Maria), while the Hendrik Conscience Heritage library contains an exceptional collection of Dutch and Flemish literature This cheery collection consists of over 1,200 Greek folk musical instruments dating from the 18th century up to modern times, housed within a 19th-century mansion near the Roman Agora. The instruments are arranged by type across 3 floors; headphones and videos allow visitors to hear them in use. There is a wonderful little museum shop on site and musical performances are often held in the garden courtyard during summer months. Open Wednesday to Sunday 8:30am to 3:30pm, last entrance at 3:10pm. Closed Tuesdays. – Full Review

• North of the old town lies Schipperskwartier, a small area of three narrow pedestrian streets (Verversrui, Vingerlingstraat, and Schippersstraat) that serve as Antwerp’s heavily regulated (and permitted, prostitution is legal in Belgium) red light district. If you’ve visited Amsterdam you’ll be familiar with the “window prostitution” on display here, and most families will want to avoid it if walking up to Eilandje.

In the city of Antwerp, one of the best areas to go on boat tours along the river Scheldt is Eilandje. However, pedestrians can also walk or bike through the underground Sint-Anna Tunnel under the river between the old town and Linkeroever on the western bank. While there is not much to see on that side, the view of the city from there is stunning. Additionally, there are some quality bars located on the riverfront. Riders can always use the complimentary ferry that runs every half hour to return to the main part of the city.

• Another more affordable alternative to boat excursions departing from Eilandje is taking the water bus, a commuter ferry serving multiple stops along the Scheldt (including Steenplein in the Historic Center).

2. Theaterbuurt (Theater District)

The area known as the Theater District, also called the Quartier Latin, extends southeast from the old town core. It owes its name to the numerous theaters located here, notably the modern Stadsschouwburg and the elegant Bourla Theatre. This region is also renowned for its high-end boutiques situated along Leopoldstraat and Schuttershofstraat. It houses two fascinating museums. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is a must-see for art aficionados, featuring a thoughtfully assembled collection mainly comprising Netherlandish paintings. Works by Pieter Bruegel are especially well-represented, including his renowned painting “Mad Meg.” Nearby, the Maagdenhuis (“Maidens’ House”), a 16th century orphanage, now serves as a small museum dedicated to its original purpose (like the original majolica porridge bowls and van Dyck’s painting of St Jerome). More or less behind the museum (at Leopoldstraat 24), the Plantentuin offers a tranquil escape from the city as a hidden botanical garden.

This neighborhood is most practical for visitors wishing to spend a few nights at the theaters, though it is not far to walk from most areas of the Historic Center. Lodging options are more limited, but some of the finest and most luxurious hotels in Antwerp can be found here (the ibis provides a convenient budget alternative).

  • The Best Hotels in the Theater District
    The next link navigates to the Botanic Sanctuary hotel page on booking.com: Botanic Sanctuaryp. Hotel contact number: +32 3269 0000
    Cabosse Hotel contact number: +32 3689 5212
    Hotel Les Nuits – The contact number for this hotel is +32 3225 0204
    The Theater Hotel is located near Union Square. Their phone number is +32 3203 5410
  • Best B&B
    ADA – Hotel contact number: +32 465 070 211
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    ibis Antwerpen Centrum – Hotel phone: +32 3231 8830

3. Sint-Andries (St Andrew’s District)

The Sint-Andries (St Andrew`s District), located southwest of the Historic Center, is commonly recognized as Antwerp`s Fashion District today. It houses top Belgian designers` boutiques and trendy vintage stores, especially on Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat. More about Belgian fashion and Antwerp`s role in it can be learned at the Mode Museum (MoMu). Beginning with the influential “Antwerp Six” designers in the 1980s (Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee), Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts has consistently developed award-winning fashion designers. Kloosterstraat is renowned for its antique establishments.

• There isn’t a lot of hotel accommodation here (it’s mostly rental homes), but Antwerp Central Youth Hostel (Pulcinella) is Antwerp’s best hostel.

4. Central Station District

a bus driving down a street next to tall buildings

The Central Station District surrounds Antwerp’s main railway terminal (Station Antwerpen-Centraal), a brief stroll east from the Historic Center. The primary attraction remaining here, noticeably, is having convenient access to Belgium’s competent train network. Though it’s still within an easy walk of the old center, it can be an ordeal with heavy or numerous bags – if you don’t want the bother or cost of acquiring a tram or taxi, opting somewhere to remain close to the station might be the way to proceed (it’s also practical for day-trips out of the city or to Brussels).

There are also a handful of attractions worth exploring in this neighborhood, notably the late 19th-century station itself, which is truly extraordinary and considered one of Europe’s great civic structures (it is featured memorably in W. G. Sebald’s novel Austerlitz). From the station, De Keyserlei runs west and transitions into Meir, the city’s primary shopping street, while the roads headed southwest (Lange Kievitstraat and pedestrianized Schupstraat/Hoveniersstraat) are home to the Diamond District, still the largest diamond market globally. Families might want to check out ZOO Antwerpen, habitat to approximately 7,000 animals like penguins, monkeys, elephants, koalas, lions, and hippos. Kids also love Chocolate Nation, a sleek chocolate museum offering a high-tech introduction to Belgian chocolate (with tastings of up to 10 different varieties). The ornate Chinese entrance (“Pagodepoort”) close to the choc museum is the entrance to Antwerp’s Chinatown, basically just one long block along Van Wesenbekestraat, but a good place to find inexpensive Asian cuisine and souvenirs – Fong Mei is a solid choice here for Cantonese food.

With minimal stairs and a compact town center, Tinos Town/Chora is easily navigated on foot. Bus service to major beaches and many villages is available and frequent, with extra routes during summer months.

The ibis Koenigsplatz contact information provides the telephone number +49 821 50310.

5. Universiteitsbuurt (University District)

Belgium`s student population – over 40,000 – plays a big part in making Antwerp so fun at night (beer and wine can actually be drunk at age 16 there). The Universiteitsbuurt (University District) surrounds the historic campus of the University of Antwerp, where there are plenty of inexpensive, atmospheric bars and cafes, and far fewer tourists (Ossenmarkt is the main hub of university life). A main sight is the Snijders&Rockoxhuis, a museum that incorporates the former homes of Nicolaas Rockox, friend and patron of Rubens, and painter Frans Snijders; restored period rooms, original artworks, and information about the two characters are displayed inside. Nearby is the Letterenhuis, dedicated to Flemish literature, with a library and exhibitions.

6. Het Zuid

The South is a fashionable neighborhood located south of Sint-Andries; an area of wide tree-lined boulevards, excellent bars and restaurants, and stately mansions. It`s deserving of a visit whether you opt to reside there or not, though guests seeking to avoid more standard tourist hotspots in the old city center, or who want a more peaceful, romantic stay, should consider the trendy lodgings here. The primary attractions will principally appeal to art lovers, such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, recently reopened in September 2022 after a massive overhaul. It contains an extensive collection of Belgian art from the 14th century onwards. There`s also the Museum of Contemporary Art, the warehouse-like FOMU (the Photo Museum), and several innovative art galleries. The Lambermontmartre outdoor art market is a great spot to browse local arts and crafts on Sundays (every last Sun of the month).

The complex offers all the amenities of a standard hotel, with restaurants, fitness center, and spacious rooms.

    • The Best Hotels in Het Zuid
      Citybox • Hotel contact number: +32 3633 3273

Maison Emile • Hotel contact number: +32 3238 6600
Museum Lodging • Hotel phone: +32 3502 3496

Marnix • Hotel contact number: +32 3238 7991
The hotel Musa can be reached at telephone number +32 4946 13262

  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Beaux ARTS • Hotel phone: +32 3238 2418
    The Dolphin Cove contact number is +1 242 602 3346

7. Eilandje

Het Eilandje – “The Little Island” – refers to the old dock region north of the Historic Center. With the old docks transforming into marinas and the wharves demolished to create space for modern condominiums and office buildings, it`s an area (still very much under development) that splits perspectives; it’s not the charming, historic Antwerp that many visitors have come to see, but some of the contemporary architectural styles on display are impressive, and there are a couple sights worth checking out. One of the most striking is the Museum aan de Stroom, a sandstone tower rising above the waters of Willemdok in cuboid form. The family-friendly exhibits within shed light on Antwerp’s seafaring history, but the views from the 10th floor observation deck nearly outshine the collection. Further north, the Red Star Line Museum details the story of the transatlantic shipping service which transported millions of emigrants (mostly from Central and Eastern Europe, including Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin), from Antwerp to the US between 1873 and 1934. At the far northern end of the district, Zaha Hadid’s gasp-inducing glazed 2016 extension to the Port House appears to float over the water like a giant alien vessel (you can get near but you can`t go inside).

• If you’ve visited Antwerp before, staying here could appeal, as it makes quite a contrast from the rest of city – all contemporary blocks and lots of water. Though the area lacks historic charm, the waterside cafes and bars are a real bonus, and Eilandje boasts some of the best nightlife in the city.

– If one wishes to observe the Scheldt River more closely, or simply wants to admire the city skyline from the water, boat tours are available with Jan Plezier or Flandria. Both depart near Londenbrugin Eilandje.

• For an extraordinary treat, book a table at Zilte on the 9th floor of the Museum aan de Stroom. Chef Viki Geunes leads the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Antwerp, and the views are superb.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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