Antwerp

Travel Guide

Antwerp
Antwerp Market Square which includes a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Antwerp
Antwerp which includes café lifestyle, street scenes and a city
Middelheim Park which includes 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 featuring an administrative building, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Old Town

Museums, shopping and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Old Town. Check out Meir or Green Square while you're exploring the area.

Old Town
Antwerp which includes café scenes, street scenes and heritage elements

Historisch centrum

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Historisch centrum, Antwerp Market Square and Cathedral of Our Lady are top sights worth seeing.

Historisch centrum
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Jewish Quarter

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

Jewish Quarter
Aquatopia which includes marine life and interior views

Statiekwartier

4/5(49 area reviews)

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

Statiekwartier
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Berchem

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

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 historical 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 €86 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
€86
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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 10 Feb 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
The price is €127 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€127
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (1,005 reviews)
"XXX CXXXXXXXXXX"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 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 €110 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€110
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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 9 Mar 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! (231 reviews)
"I highly recommend this place. Large suites, new. Even has a washing machine. Wonderful."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 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 22 Jan 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 4 Sep 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Antwerp

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
55
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
51
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Peter

Antwerp is a city made up of very distinct and different areas. Most felt safe. The roads in Antwerp are undergoing major construction, and have been for several years. Traffic congestion is a major headache and slows down travel between attractions

5/5 - Excellent

HW

The city centre has a pleasing and distinctive character with narrow streets and buildings in many different styles. We recommend the Red Star Line museum of emigration to America, as well as the better-known museums.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic city! Antwerp is a hidden jewel. Great restaurants, museums and a design vibe. Can’t wait to return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited Antwerp mainly for Christmas markets and were not disappointed. Antwerp is a lovely place, the markets fantastic and the shopping was excellent too. Very atmospheric with all the Christmas lights

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I liked the city, just wish I’d stayed somewhere else.

4/5 - Good

EM

The people of Antwerp are incredibly friendly and helpful. There is a good selection of quality places to eat and to enjoy a glass of the local Antwerp beer.