Antwerp

Travel Guide

Antwerp
Antwerp Market Square showing night scenes, street scenes and a city
Antwerp
Antwerp featuring street scenes, a city and cafe scenes
Middelheim Park featuring a statue or sculpture
The diamond capital of the world is both historically rich and refreshingly modern, with 16th-century architecture and a thriving avant-garde arts scene.

Antwerp is known for diamonds, avant-garde fashion and gothic architecture. The city of half a million people sits on the east bank of the River Schelde, and its compact center gives Antwerp a bustling vibe. The locals, with a reputation for being relaxed and friendly, are more than happy to switch from their native-tongue Flemish to English.

The city’s position as a key trading point saw it explode into riches during the 16th century many relics from this golden age still exist. Buildings like the City Hall in the Grote Markt and the palatial Central Station give the town an architectural beauty to rival any in Europe. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal), a huge and ornately decorated Gothic cathedral that houses artworks by Antwerpen artist Peter Paul Rubens.

Art enthusiasts can find out more about Rubens by visiting his old home and studio, the Rubenshuis. The sculpture garden at Middelheim Park south of the center is also a popular spot for art lovers, with its mix of modern and traditional pieces dotted among shrubs and winding paths. 

Antwerp is known as the diamond capital of the world. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s diamonds are traded here. Browse the sparkling displays of jewelers’ windows in the Diamond District, east of the city center.

The city’s fashion school is one of the best in Europe. Many well-known designers have made Antwerp their home. Shop for one-off designer clothes and accessories in the Kammenstraat area. 

It’s easy to get around Antwerp on foot or by bicycle. Rent a bike using the city’s public Velo system, which sees bike stations dotted around town. There’s also a good network of buses, trams and a pre-metro system (underground trams). Buy a fixed price transport card. 

The climate is maritime, with mild and often wet weather throughout the year. Winters rarely see snow, and June and July—the hottest months—are also the rainiest. The city makes the most of its climate with no shortage of cozy cafes and bars. Pull up a stool at a bar and drink Belgian beer with the locals.

Where to stay in Antwerp

Antwerp Market Square showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

Old Town

Museums, shopping, and historic sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Town. Make a stop by Meir or Green Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Old Town
Antwerp featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage elements

Historisch centrum

While visiting Historisch centrum, you might make a stop by sights like Antwerp Market Square and Cathedral of Our Lady.

Historisch centrum
Central Station in Antwerp. Unusually empty, because of last bombings in Belgium.
Guarded troops are checking the area.

Jewish Quarter

Unique features of Jewish Quarter include the shopping and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Antwerp Zoo or Hoge Raad voor Diamant while you're exploring the area.

Jewish Quarter
Aquatopia which includes interior views and marine life

Statiekwartier

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Statiekwartier include the theaters and shopping. Make a stop by Century Center or De Keyserlei while you're exploring the area.

Statiekwartier
Beautiful Art Nouveau window and balcony.

Berchem

Berchem is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ring Road and The Four Seasons.

Berchem
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University District

University District is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Antwerp Beguinage and St. James's Church.

University District
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp
4 out of 5
Appelmansstraat 31, Antwerp, Antwerp
The price is P4,175 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
P4,175
P4,796 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (629 reviews)
Great
"It’s was amazing hotel rooms were big and spacious, great location and friendly staff would recommend"

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre
4 out of 5
Koningin Astridplein 7, Antwerp
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,341 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P7,341
P8,151 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location close to the station and main shopping and entertainment districts and with tram stops right out the front. Comfortable room, quite large and good value for the price. Only real negative aspect about the stay was the shower which didn't have great water pressure and was very hard to ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre
Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen
Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen
4 out of 5
Luitenant Lippenslaan 66, Antwerp
The price is P6,129 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P6,129
P6,868 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Antwerp Zoo and Sportpaleis are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (867 reviews)
"Easy parking. Friendly receptionist checked us in and gave directions to restaurant which was open despite it being 14:00. Good food in the restaurant. However, I must comment on the breakfast which was one of the best we have experienced. The Orang juicer gave fresh juice. The hot food was freshly ..."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YAYS Antwerp Opera by Numa
YAYS Antwerp Opera by Numa
4 out of 5
31 Frankrijklei, Antwerp, Vlaanderen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (245 reviews)
"I highly recommend this place. Large suites, new. Even has a washing machine. Wonderful."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

YAYS Antwerp Opera by Numa
Adagio Antwerp City Center
Adagio Antwerp City Center
3 out of 5
101 Plantin en Moretuslei, Antwerp
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified apartment in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Antwerp Zoo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
Out of city hotel hotel
"Visiting Antwerp Christmas Market. Hotels I've stayed at previously unavailable but as I was travelling alone I was satisfied booking this hotel despite it being slightly off route to Antwerp City central. This hotel provides self catering rooms if this convenience suits you."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025

Adagio Antwerp City Center
Value Stay Residence Mechelen
Value Stay Residence Mechelen
3 out of 5
Lange Heergracht 65, Mechelen
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Mechelen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Keizerstraat and Mechelen City ...
6.6/10 (131 reviews)
"Great flat located in a nice area"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2024

Value Stay Residence Mechelen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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