Antwerp city guide: fantastic culture, art, beer and diamonds

If you’ve never been to Antwerp, it’s one of those cities that doesn’t make a big fuss about itself. Most people know it for the diamond district or Rubens, but in reality it’s just a very walkable, very liveable place that’s easy to settle into for a weekend.

For a relatively compact city, Antwerp squeezes in a lot – beautiful medieval squares, riverside walks and Art Nouveau streets, all set in a busy and modern commercial city.

You can turn up without much of a plan and still find something interesting every few minutes, but having a few tried-and-tested ideas up your sleeve makes it way easier to make the most of your time.

This Antwerp city guide pulls together the kind of practical tips and local highlights that actually help. Check out our separate guide if you want to help deciding the best places to visit – like the best areas to wander, lesser-known museums, and the little cafés and bars you’ll want to remember.

Whether you’re here for a short city break, a stop on a Belgium rail trip, or even a rainy-day detour from Brussels, it should give you enough to get your bearings without drowning in options.

Why Antwerp should be your next trip

Antwerp is one of those places that somehow flies under the radar, even though it’s ridiculously easy to get to. From London, you can be in the city centre in under four hours by train, which makes it just as doable as Paris or Amsterdam – only with far fewer people elbowing you for the same photo.

It’s got a bit of everything: medieval streets that feel like a film set, bold modern architecture, more museums and galleries than a city this size should have, and great food that doesn’t just mean Belgian waffles (although, yes, they’re here too). You can spend the morning wandering through the old town, have lunch by the Scheldt river, and be sipping a Trappist beer by the afternoon.

Because it’s so well connected, Antwerp slots easily into a bigger trip. You can pair it with Ghent, Bruges, or even hop over to the Netherlands, but it’s got enough going on to visit on it’s own as a long weekend away.

How long should you stay in Antwerp?

We recommend spending at least three days in Antwerp.

This will give you enough time to explore the main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.

A long weekend is ideal.

You can always extend your stay if you want to go to some of Antwerp’s museums or take day trips to nearby towns.

Where should you stay in Antwerp?

Antwerp offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character:

The Historic Centre (Centrum)

This is the heart of Antwerp. It’s full of medieval architecture, bustling squares, and easy access to major attractions like the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action. The downsides are that accommodation tends to be pricier, and it can be quite busy and crowded.

Het Zuid (South)

Het Zuid is just outside the old town and still an easy walk in. It’s a trendy area, with an artistic and hip vibe – renovated warehouses, trendy new build flats, and wide open parks.

It’s known for its art galleries, museums (like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp), and has some great restaurant and bar options which feel a bit more authentic than the tourist bars in the old town.

Eilandje (Island)

The former docklands area is now a modern waterfront district with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, trendy bars, and the brilliant MAS (Museum aan de Stroom).

It’s a good choice if you want somewhere a bit more contemporary and don’t mind being slightly outside the city centre. It can feel a bit sterile compared to the historic centre, but it’s a good option if you want somewhere quieter.

View and book some of the best hotels in Antwerp.

How do you get to Antwerp?

By train

Antwerp Central Station is a major railway hub. You can reach it directly from many European cities, including Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

The train station itself is a main attraction, often listed among the world’s most beautiful train stations thanks to its grand main hall.

From London, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels (3.5 hours) and then connect to Antwerp (45 minutes).

From Antwerp Central Station, it’s a short walk (about 15 minutes) to the city centre.

Alternatively, you can take tram lines 3, 5, 9 or 15. These run directly from the station to various points in the centre. Taxis are also available outside the station.

By air

Antwerp Airport (ANR) is a small airport located just outside the city. It offers flights to a limited number of destinations, mainly regional European destinations. You can take a bus or taxi to the city centre, which is just a 15-minute drive away.

A larger airport is Brussels Airport (BRU). It is about 45 km (28 miles) away and offers more international flights.

From Brussels Airport, the easiest way to reach Antwerp is by train. There’s a direct train connection from the airport to Antwerp Central Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes. You can buy paper tickets from machines in the train station using debit or credit card (tickets cost about €9 one-way).

By car

Antwerp is easily accessible by car via the E19 motorway from Brussels and the Netherlands.

• From the UK: You can take a ferry to Calais or Dunkirk. Drive to Antwerp from there. The drive takes around 3-4 hours.
• From Bruges: Take the E17 motorway. The journey takes about an hour.
• From Brussels: Take the A1/E19 motorway. The drive takes around 45 minutes.

Tip: Be aware that Antwerp has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). You may need to register your vehicle online before entering the city centre. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find, so consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city.

How do you get around Antwerp?

Cycling and walking

Antwerp is a small city and so we only ever walked everywhere – it’s a great way to see the city. The city centre is relatively compact and easy to navigate on foot, and we walked everywhere.

Antwerp is a very bike-friendly city with dedicated cycle paths throughout. There’s loads of places to rent a bike for the day.

Public transport

We didn’t end up using public transport once we’d arrived, as we walked everywhere.

If you do need it, Antwerp has an excellent public transport system, consisting of trams and buses.

You can purchase tickets at vending machines located at tram and bus stops. Contactless payment is available on most trams.

Consider purchasing a day pass as it offers unlimited travel within the city – but, you’ll need to work out whether you’d make any saving over ‘pay as you go’.

The De Lijn app is very useful. You can plan your journeys and buy tickets online.

Taxis and car shares

Taxis are readily available throughout Antwerp.

You can hail them on the street or find them at designated taxi stands.

Uber is also available in Antwerp, however, it may be more expensive than local taxis.

When should you go to Antwerp?

The best time to visit Antwerp is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).

The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months.

Summer (June-August) can be hot and busy. Winter (November-March) can be cold and damp. However, Antwerp’s Christmas market has rave reviews.

Antwerp hosts several events throughout the year including the Antwerp Fashion Festival and the Rubens Market. Check the city’s event calendar to see what’s on during your visit. Antwerp is small, so hotel prices go up during events – if you’re not interested in the event then you may want to visit another time.

What should I do in Antwerp?

Antwerp has so much to offer! Our favourites were:

• The Old Town: wander around and enjoy the architecture and pretty streets. Grab a beer or a coffee and watch the world go by.
• The Cathedral of Our Lady: A stunning Gothic cathedral housing artworks by Rubens.
• The Grote Markt: The city’s main square, surrounded by beautiful guildhalls and with the Brabo Fountain in the middle.
• The Rubenshuis: The former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.
• The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): A modern museum with panoramic views of the city.

Check out our guide to our favourite places to go in Antwerp for our top recommendations.

What should I pack to visit Antwerp?

Pack comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.

Layers are always a good idea, as the weather in Belgium can be unpredictable.

A waterproof jacket or umbrella is essential, especially if you’re visiting during the spring or autumn.

How can I be more sustainable when I visit Antwerp?

Antwerp is making efforts to become a more sustainable city. Here are a few ways you can travel more responsibly:

• Walk or use public transport/bike: Antwerp has an excellent public transport system and plenty of bike lanes.
• Support local businesses: Eat at local restaurants and shop at independent stores.
• Bring a reusable water bottle: Refill it at water fountains throughout the city (you can drink the tap water).
• Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels or guesthouses with sustainability certifications.
• Respect the environment: Avoid littering and dispose of waste properly.

Find out more ideas to travel sustainably.

What else should I know about Antwerp?

Anvers is the French name for Antwerp – had we known this then getting the train would have been a lot easier (‘we want to go to Antwerp, not Anvers…’).

Antwerp offers a city card which gives free entry to 16 attractions, discounts to others, and free public transport. Like all city cards, you’ll need to work out whether you’ll use it enough to make it worth it.

A lot of museums and other attractions close on Mondays, so bear that in mind when planning your visit.

So when are you visiting?

Antwerp is a city that you’ll love, with its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.

It’s easily accessible, easy to get around, and has a fun nightlife. It’s also easy to get to, so perfect for a long weekend away or as part of a tour of Belgium.

Why not check out:

➡️ Our guide to the best things to do in Antwerp
➡️ All our Belgian content
➡️ Our content on sustainable travel