Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Neighborhoods + Top Hotels

Antwerp is such a cool place to visit in Belgium but it's flying under the radar often not making it to the forefront of lists featuring top European cities to explore.

However, the city is just the right size for a fantastic weekend trip, with so much to see and do.

The city sits at the Dutch border, so you'll hear Dutch spoken, but also plenty of French, English, and a bit of German. Antwerp is famous for its stunning architecture, its Zoo Antwerpen, and for being one of the world's leading diamond-cutting center – I certainly didn't know that!

I've put together a guide on where to stay in Antwerp, shedding light on my preferred neighborhoods and top hotel choices to help you in planning your upcoming trip.

Best places to stay in Antwerp

Even though Antwerp doesn't quite have the size of the capital Brussels, there are still quite a few areas and neighborhoods to pick from, and here are my favorites:

For first-timers in Antwerp, I recommend staying in the Antwerp Old Town, right in the city centre. It's centrally located and has some of the best hotels and restaurants.

The best nightlife can definitely be found in Het Zuid, just south of the Old Town. Here, you'll find the coolest bars and restaurants, perfect for a night out.

If you want to save some money on accommodation, staying near Antwerp Central Station will definitely help you save some money.

Families, especially those with kids, will love Zurenborg, which is super quiet and located just outside of the Antwerp city centre. The Zoo is super close too.

Lastly, I personally love the Theatre District, and I think it's a great spot, especially for couples, as it has some beautiful and romantic hotels and apartments.

1. Where to stay in Antwerp for the first time: Antwerp Old Town

Like most European cities, the Old Town is the place to be when you're new to the city and ready for some serious exploring. And it's no different in Antwerp!

The Old Town is packed with beautiful architecture, museums, restaurants, markets, and honestly anything you could want from a small European city. 

On top of that, you also get some of the best and oldest hotels in the country, some of which have been around for centuries.

The Old Town is probably my personal favorite when it comes to all of the neighborhoods in Antwerp, and that's why I strongly recommend it to all first-timers traveling to Antwerp!

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Good, central location

• All the major sights

Things to do in Antwerp Old Town

With the Old Town being the heart of the city, there are, of course, so many different things to do.

One of my favorites is strolling over the Grote Markt, which is the central square of Antwerp. Here you'll find the city hall, guild houses, and other stunning medieval buildings that will make you feel like you've traveled back in time. 

If you're into art, then you'll want to check out the many galleries scattered throughout the Old Town.

Some of my personal favorites include Rubenshuis, where Pieter Paul Rubens lived and worked, and Museum Mayer van den Bergh, which has an impressive collection of old Flemish masters. 

You also won't want to miss the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Antwerp. It's a gothic-style cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and artwork inside.

For a unique experience, I highly recommend visiting the museum Plantin-Moretus, which is the only museum in the world that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It showcases the history of printing and bookbinding and has some incredibly rare books on display. 

If you're feeling adventurous, then I suggest exploring the underground tunnels of Antwerp at De Ruien. You'll get to see a different side of the city and learn about its history.

Best hotels to stay in Antwerp Old Town

($$$) Gulde Schoen Luxury Studio-apartments

One of the best luxury hotels in the Old Town is the Gulde Schoen Luxury Studio Apartments. It's located in a 16th-century building and has beautiful modern rooms with all the amenities you could need.

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($$) Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt

Another great option in the Old Town is Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt. It's located right on the central square and has cozy rooms with a view of the city. Plus, it's within walking distance to all major attractions.

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($) P6 Antwerp

A little more affordable but still in the city center, you'll find P6 Antwerp. It offers simple and comfortable rooms with all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.

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2. Where to stay in Antwerp for the best nightlife: Het Zuid

If you're looking for some good beers and a lively atmosphere, then Het Zuid is the place to be.

This trendy neighborhood south of the Old Town is known for its bars, restaurants, and clubs that are always buzzing with people, and I guarantee you'll have a good time.

Het Zuid also has a unique mix of architectural styles, from grand art-nouveau mansions to modern buildings.

You'll also find some great museums and galleries here, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

Best area for:

• Nightlife

• Trendy atmosphere

Things to do in Het Zuid

As I mentioned before, Het Zuid is a hotspot for nightlife, so you'll never be bored at night.

During the day, you can also check out some amazing museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. 

If you're a foodie, Het Zuid is the place to be with its trendy restaurants. My favorites are Butchers Coffee for breakfast – they have the best pancakes and coffee, and for dinner, Fiskebar serves delicious seafood and tasty wines.

Best hotels to stay in Het Zuid

($$$) Hotel Pilar

Located in a beautiful art-nouveau building, Hotel Pilar has stylish rooms with modern amenities and an onsite bar. It's also within walking distance to many of the nightlife spots in Het Zuid.

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($$) Musa Antwerp

For a unique and trendy stay, check out Musa Antwerp. This boutique hotel has beautifully decorated rooms with nice artwork in typical Northern European style.

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($) Museum Suites

A great apartment-style hotel, Museum Suites is located in a quiet street in Het Zuid and offers spacious rooms with a kitchenette and living area. Plus, it's close to public transportation for easy access to other parts of the city.

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3. Where to stay in Antwerp for budget travelers: Antwerp Central Station

If you're on a budget but still want to be close to all the action, then the Antwerp Central Station area is your best bet.

You'll find plenty of affordable accommodation options within walking distance of the central station, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.

This neighborhood also has some hidden gems and is also home to the stunning Antwerp Zoo and the beautiful Stadspark, known as the City Park. It's one of the largest green spaces in the city and provides a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

And of course, being so close to the central train station, you can easily catch connections to other major cities in Belgium and across Europe.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• Easy transportation access

Things to do near Antwerp Central Station

The highlight of this area is undoubtedly Antwerp Central Station, known as one of the most stunning train stations globally.

Don't miss a leisurely walk through Stadspark and a visit to the Antwerp Zoo, one of Europe's oldest and largest.

Looking for budget-friendly shopping? Check out Meir, the city's main shopping street with a variety of popular stores.

For food enthusiasts on a budget, I've got some awesome recommendations. You'll love Esco Bar, a charming brunch spot that's much more affordable than some places in the Old Town, serving great coffees and tasty breakfast sandwiches.

Another gem is Ahaar Delux, a cozy Indian eatery popular among locals, offering fantastic Indian cuisine without breaking the bank, plus lots of vegetarian options.

Best hotels to stay near Antwerp Central Station

($$$) NH Collection Antwerp Centre

Conveniently located right next to the central station, NH Collection Antwerp Centre offers modern and comfortable rooms with all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay. It is one of the best Antwerp hotels with a central location.

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($$) Hampton By Hilton Antwerp

One of my favorite mid-range options is Hampton By Hilton Antwerp. It's located within walking distance of the central station and has modern rooms, with a delicious breakfast buffet included.

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($) Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen

For budget-friendly accommodation, check out Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen. It's located a bit further from the central station but still within walking distance and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

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4. Where to stay in Antwerp for families with kids: Zurenborg

For families traveling with kids, I highly recommend staying in the Zurenborg neighborhood. It has a relaxed and quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the city.

The area is also known for its beautiful architecture, including the famous Cogels-Osylei Street lined with colorful art-nouveau houses.

And if you're looking for some outdoor activities, you can head to the nearby Rivierenhof Park, which has a playground and mini-golf course.

Overall, the area is awesome for anyone who doesn't like staying in the middle of all the action. It's a nice, quiet residential area that's still not too far away from the Old Town.

Best area for:

• Families with kids

• Relaxing atmosphere

Things to do in Zurenborg

Aside from admiring the beautiful architecture, there are plenty of things families can enjoy in Zurenborg.

Taking the kids to the Antwerp Zoo is a blast! They'll be stoked to check out all the animals, and the zoo's got plenty of stuff to learn too. It's a fun day out that's a win for both the kiddos and the grown-ups.

For a dose of outdoor fun, make your way to Rivierenhof Park where you can enjoy a laid-back picnic or engage in a friendly round of mini-golf. The park's ambiance and recreational offerings make it a perfect spot for a family day outdoors.

A fantastic lunch spot that even the kids will love is Walvis! You've got to try their pulled pork, it's absolutely to die for! Also good was the shakshuka.

Best hotels to stay in Zurenborg

($$$) Aparthotel Adagio

For a comfortable and convenient stay, check out Aparthotel Adagio. It offers spacious apartment-style rooms perfect for families.

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($$) Garden of Eden

This charming bed and breakfast is located in a beautiful art-nouveau building, within walking distance of Zurenborg's main attractions. The family room has a lovely garden view, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

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($) Studio Dageraad

For budget-friendly accommodation, check out Studio Dageraad. It's a cozy studio apartment with a terrace and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

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5. Where to stay in Antwerp for couples & entertainment: Theater District (Latin Quarter)

For couples looking for a lively and romantic atmosphere, the Theater District (also known as the Latin Quarter) is the perfect place to stay.

The neighborhood is located close to the city center, and offers a blend of cultural richness and vibrant nightlife, great for couples looking to explore both the city's main sights, theatrical charm and its lively urban scene.

This area is full of energy and entertainment, with theaters, cinemas, bars, and restaurants all within walking distance.

One of the main attractions in this neighborhood is the Stadsschouwburg Theater, where you can catch a show or performance.

Best area for:

• Couples

• Entertainment

• Just a short walk from the Old Town

Things to do in the Theater District

Besides catching a show at Stadsschouwburg Theater, there are tons of other cool things to do in this lively neighborhood!

You can head over to Antwerp's Botanical Gardens, Plantentuin, for a romantic stroll among various plants and flowers.

Art lovers will definitely enjoy the Museum Mayer van den Bergh, which houses the impressive art collection of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh. 

And you absolutely can't miss Lints Antwerpen – it's one of the best patisseries in the city. Their delicious pastries and cakes are just perfect for a sweet treat with your sweetheart!

Best hotels to stay in the Theater District

($$$) Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

This luxurious boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the Theater District, making it an ideal location for couples. It is one of the best boutique hotels and the stylish rooms and top amenities will make your stay unforgettable.

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($$) Theater Hotel

For a comfortable and affordable stay, check out Theater Hotel. It's within walking distance of all the entertainment options in the neighborhood and offers cozy rooms with great amenities.

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($) The 1880 Residence

This charming boutique hotel is housed in a historic building and offers spacious and stylish hotel rooms. The location is perfect for exploring the Theater District and its lively atmosphere making it one of the best cheap hotels.

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Where to Stay in Antwerp – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ What is there to do in Antwerp?

Despite being a compact city, there's so much to do in Antwerp! You can explore the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, go animal spotting at Antwerp Zoo, or lose yourself in the art at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. You definitely won't want to miss a visit to the historic Diamond District too. And if you're a foodie, you'll love sampling some traditional Belgian foods, like the famous Belgian waffles, topped with whipped cream, chocolate or fruit and mussels with fries, or trying the local beers.

✅ Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Absolutely! Antwerp has a unique mix of old-world charm and modern energy that makes it a must-visit destination. I personally loved my time and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and cultural city break.

📅 Is a weekend enough to see Antwerp?

If you're limited on time, a weekend is the perfect amount to get a taste of what the city has to offer. You'll just have to prioritize what you want to do and see the most! I honestly think you can spend a whole week in Antwerp and still not see everything.

💰 Is Antwerp expensive?

Antwerp can be on the pricier side, especially in popular tourist areas. But there are ways to save money, like staying outside of the city center and opting for budget-friendly activities and restaurants. Overall though, I think it's worth splurging a bit for a fantastic experience in this amazing city.

Where to Stay in Antwerp – Final Words

Antwerp is, in my opinion, the perfect destination for a little city break! Whether you're into culture and want to see the tourist sights, love browsing through vintage shops, or just want to try some delicious food and drinks, Antwerp is a great destination for all of the above.

No matter if you're traveling by yourself on a romantic weekend trip, or with your whole family, Antwerp is quite diverse when it comes to activities, so there'll be something for any type of traveler.

I hope this guide has helped narrow down your accommodation options so you can focus on planning the rest of your trip.