Antwerp Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Antwerp Market Square which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
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

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 Diamondland while you're exploring the area.

Jewish Quarter
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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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South Antwerp

You'll enjoy the bars and museums in South Antwerp. You might want to make time for a stop at Royal Museum of Fine Arts or Photo Museum of Antwerp.

South Antwerp
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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
Citybox Antwerp
Citybox Antwerp
3 out of 5
2 Molenbergstraat, Antwerp, Vlaanderen
The price is NZ$108 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$108
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (295 reviews)
"An easy walk from Central Station. Nice cafe off the lobby. Laundry facilities at reasonable price. Lots of restaurants and grocery stores in the area. A fridge would be nice, also, more hooks or racks in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Citybox Antwerp
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp
4 out of 5
Appelmansstraat 31, Antwerp, Antwerp
The price is NZ$179 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$179
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
Excellent hotel with a kitchen and living quarter
"My son and I really enjoyed living in this hotel. The room was very spacious, with a full kitchen and all the cookware you would need. There is a separate living quarter with a couch. The bathroom is huge. They also provide a shared laundry room to wash your clothes. The only con I can think of is ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024

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 NZ$226 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
NZ$226
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location, clean and spacious rooms, good parking underneath the hotel, helpful staff, excellent breakfast in a room overlooking the glorious Antwerp Central Station."

Reviewed on 25 Feb. 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre
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.
Condo Gardens Antwerpen
Condo Gardens Antwerpen
3 out of 5
De Pretstraat 11, Antwerp
Stay at this 3-star condo in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Port of Antwerp and Antwerp Beguinage are ...
6/10 (173 reviews)
"Cheap accomodation for a reason."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2023

Condo Gardens Antwerpen
YAYS Antwerp Opera
YAYS Antwerp Opera
3.5 out of 5
31 Frankrijklei, Antwerp, Vlaanderen
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Antwerp. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Very friendly welcome. The most comfortable bed & a great shower. Everything was spotless & it made for a relaxing stay"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

YAYS Antwerp Opera
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, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Keizerstraat and Mechelen City Theater are located ...
6.8/10 (112 reviews)
"Lovely as always"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2023

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

Activities

Reviews of Antwerp

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 41.666666666666664%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
16 Aug 2019

There are many areas of the city under repair and buildings being renovated. As well as this, the city itself is not very clean. Local council needs to employ cleaners/sweepers to maintain footpaths in general.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Jul 2019

Peaceful and quiet place, safe to walk around. Locals like to drink beer even during the early afternoon.

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