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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 $54 per night

This weekend

From $187 per night

Next weekend

From $218 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.07
Language French
Average weekend price $133 per night
Average weekday price $128 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Antwerp

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Antwerp reviews

What other travelers say about Antwerp

10

Antwerp is best for art, Baroque and middle age Flemish...

May 30, 2023

Antwerp is best for art, Baroque and middle age Flemish heritage. The city is a mix of Modern and old times. Even the train is not upgraded to high speed neither modern, it is fairly easy to go around in the city as well as travel to airport in Brussel.

Xian
Xian Sweden
10

This was my eighth trip to Antwerp, which should say it all.

May 24, 2023

This was my eighth trip to Antwerp, which should say it all. It's a great walk-anywhere city with incredible places to eat and drink, some of the world's best shopping, wonderful art and green spaces. Great vibe thanks to a youthful population and relaxed attitudes. Cafe society in full flow with endless places to enjoy. Try Barchel for scrummy brunches. I went to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerpen on this trip and it didn't disappoint. If you fancy binging on delicious fish dishes try Visbistro Mojo. CRU Groenplaats is a good supermarket.

Leytonstoner
Leytonstoner United Kingdom
10

The accommodation was right in the centre of the old,...

May 15, 2023

The accommodation was right in the centre of the old, historical quarter which is worth exploring. All museums and sights are a walking distance away, perfect for a short break. Loads of choice for eating, everyone friendly. Loved the cathedral, the Museum Plantin Moretus , the Museum De Reede and the Museum aan de Stroom.

Sandra
Sandra United Kingdom
8.0

Antwerp has some amazing history.

May 9, 2023

Antwerp has some amazing history. Planning to return as there is much more to see. The centre is good, but as you move out it is a bit more unloved, same as most big cities now, but still very interesting. Lots to explore. You'll need a few days there if you want to see outside of the main cathedral centre.

Gary
Gary United Kingdom
10

+ Great place for foodies.

May 1, 2023

+ Great place for foodies. A lot op variety of different world kitchens + Great place to shop. High and Low class stores available + People in Antwerp speak multiple languages such as: Dutch - English and French.

Diego.
Diego.
10

One of the best cities in Europe.

April 23, 2023

One of the best cities in Europe. The astonishing buildings, the newer cutting-edge buildings, the museums, the stylish cafes and boutiques and the buzzing crowd all over the city makes Antwerp one of the best destination to visit. The only drawback is that it is a very expensive city.

Despoin
Despoin Greece

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