Antwerp is such a cool place to go to in Belgium nevertheless it’s flying underneath the radar usually not making it to the forefront of lists that includes top European cities to discover.
Nonetheless, the town is simply the appropriate measurement for a improbable weekend journey, with a lot to see and do.
The town sits on the Dutch border, so you will hear Dutch spoken, but additionally loads of French, English, and a little bit of German. Antwerp is known for its gorgeous structure, its Zoo Antwerpen, and for being one of many world’s main diamond-cutting middle – I actually did not know that!
I’ve put collectively a information on the place to remain in Antwerp, shedding mild on my most popular neighborhoods and prime lodge selections that will help you in planning your upcoming journey.
Finest locations to remain in Antwerp
Despite the fact that Antwerp would not fairly have the scale of the capital Brussels, there are nonetheless fairly a number of areas and neighborhoods to choose from, and listed here are my favorites:
For first-timers in Antwerp, I like to recommend staying within the Antwerp Outdated City, proper within the metropolis centre. It is centrally positioned and has a number of the finest resorts and eating places.
One of the best nightlife can positively be present in Het Zuid, simply south of the Outdated City. Right here, you will discover the best bars and eating places, excellent for an evening out.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash on lodging, staying close to Antwerp Central Station will certainly allow you to avoid wasting cash.
Households, particularly these with youngsters, will love Zurenborg, which is tremendous quiet and positioned simply exterior of the Antwerp metropolis centre. The Zoo is tremendous shut too.
Lastly, I personally love the Theatre District, and I believe it is an ideal spot, particularly for {couples}, because it has some stunning and romantic resorts and flats.
1. The place to remain in Antwerp for the primary time: Antwerp Old Town
Like most European cities, the Outdated City is the place to be while you’re new to the town and prepared for some severe exploring. And it is no completely different in Antwerp!
The Outdated City is full of stunning structure, museums, eating places, markets, and actually something you may need from a small European metropolis.
On prime of that, you additionally get a number of the finest and oldest resorts within the nation, a few of which have been round for hundreds of years.
The Outdated City might be my private favourite relating to all the neighborhoods in Antwerp, and that is why I strongly suggest it to all first-timers touring to Antwerp!
Finest space for:
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First-timers
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Good, central location
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All the key sights
Issues to do in Antwerp Outdated City
With the Outdated City being the guts of the town, there are, after all, so many various issues to do.
One in every of my favorites is strolling over the Grote Markt, which is the central sq. of Antwerp. Right here you will discover the town corridor, guild homes, and different gorgeous medieval buildings that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled again in time.
When you’re into artwork, then you definitely’ll need to try the various galleries scattered all through the Outdated City.
A few of my private favorites embody Rubenshuis, the place Pieter Paul Rubens lived and labored, and Museum Mayer van den Bergh, which has a formidable assortment of previous Flemish masters.
You additionally will not need to miss the gorgeous Cathedral of Our Woman, which is among the most iconic landmarks in Antwerp. It is a gothic-style cathedral with stunning stained glass home windows and art work inside.
For a singular expertise, I extremely suggest visiting the museum Plantin-Moretus, which is the one museum on the earth that is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It showcases the historical past of printing and bookbinding and has some extremely uncommon books on show.
When you’re feeling adventurous, then I counsel exploring the underground tunnels of Antwerp at De Ruien. You will get to see a distinct aspect of the town and find out about its historical past.
Finest resorts to remain in Antwerp Outdated City
($$$) Gulde Schoen Luxury Studio-apartments
The most effective luxurious resorts within the Outdated City is the Gulde Schoen Luxurious Studio Flats. It is positioned in a Sixteenth-century constructing and has stunning fashionable rooms with all of the facilities you may want.
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($$) Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt
One other nice choice within the Outdated City is Lodge Rubens-Grote Markt. It is positioned proper on the central sq. and has cozy rooms with a view of the town. Plus, it is inside strolling distance to all main points of interest.
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($) P6 Antwerp
A bit of extra inexpensive however nonetheless within the metropolis middle, you will discover P6 Antwerp. It provides easy and cozy rooms with all the mandatory facilities for a pleasing keep.
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2. The place to remain in Antwerp for the perfect nightlife: Het Zuid
When you’re in search of some good beers and a vigorous ambiance, then Het Zuid is the place to be.
This fashionable neighborhood south of the Outdated City is thought for its bars, eating places, and golf equipment which can be at all times buzzing with folks, and I assure you will have a great time.
Het Zuid additionally has a singular mixture of architectural kinds, from grand art-nouveau mansions to fashionable buildings.
You will additionally discover some nice museums and galleries right here, together with the Museum of Fashionable Artwork and the Royal Museum of Superb Arts.
Finest space for:
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Nightlife
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Fashionable ambiance
Issues to do in Het Zuid
As I discussed earlier than, Het Zuid is a hotspot for nightlife, so you will by no means be bored at evening.
Throughout the day, you can even try some wonderful museums just like the Museum of Fashionable Artwork and the Royal Museum of Superb Arts.
When you’re a foodie, Het Zuid is the place to be with its fashionable eating places. My favorites are Butchers Espresso for breakfast – they’ve the perfect pancakes and low, and for dinner, Fiskebar serves scrumptious seafood and attractive wines.
Finest resorts to remain in Het Zuid
($$$) Hotel Pilar
Positioned in a good looking art-nouveau constructing, Lodge Pilar has trendy rooms with fashionable facilities and an onsite bar. It is also inside strolling distance to lots of the nightlife spots in Het Zuid.
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($$) Musa Antwerp
For a singular and stylish keep, try Musa Antwerp. This boutique lodge has fantastically embellished rooms with good art work in typical Northern European model.
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($) Museum Suites
An ideal apartment-style lodge, Museum Suites is positioned in a quiet avenue in Het Zuid and provides spacious rooms with a kitchenette and residing space. Plus, it is near public transportation for straightforward entry to different elements of the town.
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3. The place to remain in Antwerp for finances vacationers: Antwerp Central Station
When you’re on a finances however nonetheless need to be near all of the motion, then the Antwerp Central Station space is your finest wager.
You will discover loads of inexpensive lodging choices inside strolling distance of the central station, making it simple to discover different elements of the town.
This neighborhood additionally has some hidden gems and can also be dwelling to the gorgeous Antwerp Zoo and the attractive Stadspark, referred to as the Metropolis Park. It is one of many largest inexperienced areas within the metropolis and gives a peaceable escape from the city hustle and bustle.
And naturally, being so near the central prepare station, you’ll be able to simply catch connections to different main cities in Belgium and throughout Europe.
Finest space for:
Issues to do close to Antwerp Central Station
The spotlight of this space is undoubtedly Antwerp Central Station, referred to as one of the crucial gorgeous prepare stations globally.
Do not miss a leisurely stroll by means of Stadspark and a go to to the Antwerp Zoo, certainly one of Europe’s oldest and largest.
Searching for budget-friendly buying? Try Meir, the town’s foremost buying avenue with a wide range of well-liked shops.
For meals fanatics on a finances, I’ve obtained some superior suggestions. You will love Esco Bar, a captivating brunch spot that is rather more inexpensive than some locations within the Outdated City, serving nice coffees and attractive breakfast sandwiches.
One other gem is Ahaar Delux, a comfy Indian eatery well-liked amongst locals, providing improbable Indian delicacies with out breaking the financial institution, plus numerous vegetarian choices.
Finest resorts to remain close to Antwerp Central Station
($$$) NH Collection Antwerp Centre
Conveniently positioned proper subsequent to the central station, NH Assortment Antwerp Centre provides fashionable and cozy rooms with all the mandatory facilities for a pleasing keep. It is among the finest Antwerp resorts with a central location.
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($$) Hampton By Hilton Antwerp
One in every of my favourite mid-range choices is Hampton By Hilton Antwerp. It is positioned inside strolling distance of the central station and has fashionable rooms, with a scrumptious breakfast buffet included.
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($) Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen
For budget-friendly lodging, try Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen. It is positioned a bit farther from the central station however nonetheless inside strolling distance and provides snug rooms at an inexpensive value.
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4. The place to remain in Antwerp for households with youngsters: Zurenborg
For households touring with youngsters, I extremely suggest staying within the Zurenborg neighborhood. It has a relaxed and quiet ambiance, making it a perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the town.
The realm can also be identified for its stunning structure, together with the well-known Cogels-Osylei Avenue lined with colourful art-nouveau homes.
And in case you’re in search of some outside actions, you’ll be able to head to the close by Rivierenhof Park, which has a playground and mini-golf course.
General, the world is superior for anybody who would not like staying in the midst of all of the motion. It is a good, quiet residential space that is nonetheless not too far-off from the Outdated City.
Finest space for:
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Households with youngsters
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Stress-free ambiance
Issues to do in Zurenborg
Except for admiring the attractive structure, there are many issues households can get pleasure from in Zurenborg.
Taking the youngsters to the Antwerp Zoo is a blast! They’re going to be stoked to take a look at all of the animals, and the zoo’s obtained loads of stuff to study too. It is a enjoyable day trip that is a win for each the kiddos and the grown-ups.
For a dose of outside enjoyable, make your method to Rivierenhof Park the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a laid-back picnic or interact in a pleasant spherical of mini-golf. The park’s ambiance and leisure choices make it an ideal spot for a household day open air.
A improbable lunch spot that even the youngsters will love is Walvis! You have to attempt their pulled pork, it is completely to die for! Additionally good was the shakshuka.
Finest resorts to remain in Zurenborg
($$$) Aparthotel Adagio
For a snug and handy keep, try Aparthotel Adagio. It provides spacious apartment-style rooms excellent for households.
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($$) Garden of Eden
This charming mattress and breakfast is positioned in a good looking art-nouveau constructing, inside strolling distance of Zurenborg’s foremost points of interest. The household room has a stunning backyard view, excellent for unwinding after a busy day.
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($) Studio Dageraad
For budget-friendly lodging, try Studio Dageraad. It is a cozy studio residence with a terrace and all the mandatory facilities for a snug keep.
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For {couples} in search of a vigorous and romantic ambiance, the Theater District (also called the Latin Quarter) is the right place to remain.
The neighborhood is positioned near the town middle, and provides a mix of cultural richness and vibrant nightlife, nice for {couples} seeking to discover each the town’s foremost sights, theatrical allure and its vigorous city scene.
This space is stuffed with vitality and leisure, with theaters, cinemas, bars, and eating places all inside strolling distance.
One of many foremost points of interest on this neighborhood is the Stadsschouwburg Theater, the place you’ll be able to catch a present or efficiency.
Finest space for:
Issues to do within the Theater District
In addition to catching a present at Stadsschouwburg Theater, there are tons of different cool issues to do on this vigorous neighborhood!
You’ll be able to head over to Antwerp’s Botanical Gardens, Plantentuin, for a romantic stroll amongst varied crops and flowers.
Artwork lovers will certainly benefit from the Museum Mayer van den Bergh, which homes the spectacular artwork assortment of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh.
And also you completely cannot miss Lints Antwerpen – it is among the best patisseries within the metropolis. Their scrumptious pastries and truffles are simply excellent for a candy deal with along with your sweetheart!
Finest resorts to remain within the Theater District
($$$) Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
This luxury boutique lodge is positioned proper within the coronary heart of the Theater District, making it a perfect location for {couples}. It is among the finest boutique resorts and the fashionable rooms and prime facilities will make your keep unforgettable.
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($$) Theater Hotel
For a snug and inexpensive keep, try Theater Lodge. It is inside strolling distance of all of the leisure choices within the neighborhood and provides cozy rooms with nice facilities.
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($) The 1880 Residence
This charming boutique lodge is housed in a historic constructing and provides spacious and classy lodge rooms. The situation is ideal for exploring the Theater District and its vigorous ambiance making it among the best low-cost resorts.
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The place to Keep in Antwerp – Steadily Requested Questions
⭐ What’s there to do in Antwerp?
Regardless of being a compact metropolis, there’s a lot to do in Antwerp! You’ll be able to discover the gorgeous Cathedral of Our Woman, go animal recognizing at Antwerp Zoo, or lose your self within the artwork on the Royal Museum of Superb Arts. You positively will not need to miss a go to to the historic Diamond District too. And in case you’re a foodie, you will love sampling some conventional Belgian meals, just like the well-known Belgian waffles, topped with whipped cream, chocolate or fruit and mussels with fries, or attempting the native beers.
✅ Is Antwerp value visiting?
Completely! Antwerp has a singular mixture of old-world allure and fashionable vitality that makes it a must-visit vacation spot. I personally beloved my time and would suggest it to anybody in search of a enjoyable and cultural metropolis break.
📅 Is a weekend sufficient to see Antwerp?
When you’re restricted on time, a weekend is the right quantity to get a style of what the town has to supply. You will simply need to prioritize what you need to do and see essentially the most! I actually suppose you’ll be able to spend a complete week in Antwerp and nonetheless not see every thing.
💰 Is Antwerp costly?
Antwerp might be on the pricier aspect, particularly in well-liked vacationer areas. However there are methods to save cash, like staying exterior of the town middle and choosing budget-friendly actions and eating places. General although, I believe it is value splurging a bit for a improbable expertise on this wonderful metropolis.
The place to Keep in Antwerp – Closing Phrases
Antwerp is, in my view, the right vacation spot for somewhat metropolis break! Whether or not you are into tradition and need to see the vacationer sights, love searching by means of classic retailers, or simply need to attempt some scrumptious meals and drinks, Antwerp is a good vacation spot for all the above.
Irrespective of in case you’re touring by your self on a romantic weekend journey, or along with your complete household, Antwerp is sort of various relating to actions, so there will be one thing for any sort of traveler.
I hope this information has helped slender down your lodging choices so you’ll be able to concentrate on planning the remainder of your journey.
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