Antwerp city guide: fantastic culture, art, beer and diamonds!
Thinking about a trip to Antwerp and want to know more about it? You’re in the right place!
We loved Antwerp – it’s a brilliant mix of medieval history and busy modern city.
So, to find out more, read on for our Antwerp city guide!
Why Antwerp should be your next trip
Antwerp has a beautiful old-town filled with narrow medieval streets, but its also a mid-sized city with a lot going on.
It’s packed full of culture, with 23 different museums and art galleries. It’s home to many historical culture figures such as Rubens, and this history of innovation continues in Antwerp’s industries today (for example, it’s a major fashion hub).
It’s also got some pretty nice pubs and bars, with some amazing beers, as well as some great food.
Plus, it’s easy to get to from the UK and other European cities.
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. Expect 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. Accommodation here tends to be pricier. It can get quite crowded.
Het Zuid (South)
This trendy area is known for its art galleries, museums (like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp), and stylish restaurants. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more hip and artistic vibe. Het Zuid is a bit further from the city centre.
Eilandje (Island)
The former docklands area has been transformed into 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. From Deurne, 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. It 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
Walking is a great way to discover Antwerp’s hidden gems. 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. It offers unlimited travel within the city.
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 you may want to visit when there isn’t an event on to avoid high hotel prices).
What should I do in Antwerp?
Antwerp has so much to offer! Here are a few must-see attractions:
- The Cathedral of Our Lady: A stunning Gothic cathedral. It houses impressive 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 Diamond District: Explore the world’s leading diamond trading centre.
- 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 a full list.
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.
- 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.
Conclusion
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 offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in art, fashion, food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a beautiful European city, we’re sure you’ll enjoy Antwerp.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Antwerp today!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you been to Antwerp? What were your favourite things to see and do? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments below!
