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Antwerp: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Antwerp

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Brussels may be Belgium's capital, but Antwerp offers just as much in the way of Belgian heritage and culture. Its centuries-old history as a European port continues to this day, where life centres around the Scheldt River and the diamond trade is still strong.

Antwerp first reached its heyday during the 16th century, when the Renaissance ushered in a new wave of creativity and art. You'll find masterpieces by baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, one of the city's most famous residents, hanging inside the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Our Lady as well as at Rubenshuis – the artist's former home and workshop. Grote Markt, Antwerp's main square in its medieval centre, offers an atmospheric glimpse of the city's architectural heritage with its Renaissance-style City Hall, Guild Halls and Brabo Fountain.

Modern Antwerp is now a hub for high fashion and nightly entertainment. Fanning out from Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, the streets of Meir and De Keyserlei are famously lined with boutiques selling cutting-edge designs. Meanwhile, the nearby diamond district has been the place to find rough and polished stones since the 15th century.

Sitting down at a local bistro for Flemish food and Belgian beer is a classic Antwerp experience, but there's more to city life than its cuisine. After a lesson in printing presses at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, catch a sports match at Lotto Arena, witness a concert at Sportpaleis Antwerpen or visit the animals in the Antwerp Zoo – one of the oldest in the world.

Tonight

From $186 per night

Next weekend

From $167 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.10
Language French
Average weekend price $131 per night
Average weekday price $125 per night
Average stay 1 night

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Antwerp reviews

What other travelers say about Antwerp

10

Antwerp is a beautiful multicultural city which also has...

August 10, 2023

Antwerp is a beautiful multicultural city which also has traditional neighbourhoods. I really enjoyed walking around the old town and discovering the streets. There were plenty of restaurants to choose from. The port area is also an interesting area. I loved the MAAS Museum. The Jewish neighbourhood is also an interesting place to walk around. The main cathedral is stunning but I find it awful that they charge 12 euro to enter, so I admired it from the outside. There are plenty of free churches and I wouldn't mind paying 4 or 5 euro but 12 was just too much.

Charlene
Charlene Ireland
10

I was impressed with Antwerp.

August 1, 2023

I was impressed with Antwerp. I had not realized it was such an attractive city. The cathedral was splendid. Unfortunately I only had one day to do sightseeing. I will return in the future to visit more places.

Anonymous United Kingdom
10

Antwerp is a fantastic city for those who like a cultural...

August 1, 2023

Antwerp is a fantastic city for those who like a cultural experience with all its museums and magnificent Cathedral and City Hall but also for those who like to shop (options for all pockets) or for those who enjoy excellent food and much more ! And do not forget visiting the zoo is a great experience, they have the big five and many more beautiful animals !

Marc
Marc Angola
8.0

all the views and sitings of the city amaze me every time...

July 27, 2023

all the views and sitings of the city amaze me every time y"ll come over there i've been there several times before and i wil go back again...its an old city,can see it on all the buildings but thats the beauty of it.....i recommendid to all people to visite some time....here by i let it explore yourself

Frank
Frank Netherlands
10

Great variety of things to do.

July 20, 2023

Great variety of things to do. Museums are interactive and well done (KMSKA, Portopolis, Rockox huis). Lively and some really picturesque areas (e.g. City centre, MAS area, Golden Art Nouveau triangle). It'll be good to see the waterfront improved in years to come - not much greenery around, and no great features other than the Steen and the tunnel under the Schelde. If you are into culture, it's a great destination. City Antwerp pass well worth it if visiting a few museums and other attractions.

odette
odette Ireland
6.0

It was the idiosyncrasy of the place and the element of...

July 13, 2023

It was the idiosyncrasy of the place and the element of surprise it is very much a sub divided city but it's a major Belgian Urban centre so that goes with the territory I have written poem about it already

Michael
Michael United Kingdom

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