Wondering where to stay in Antwerp?

Antwerp has everything from historic boutique hotels and stylish design hotels to more affordable accommodation and convenient hotels near the train station.

For most first-time visitors, I’d recommend staying in or close to Antwerp’s historic centre. This puts you within walking distance of the city’s main sights, restaurants and nightlife, and means you can experience Antwerp after many day-trippers have gone home.

But that isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.

If you’re more interested in museums and trendy cafés, Zuid could be a better fit. Want to stay beside the water? Look at Eilandje. And if you’re travelling around Belgium by train, staying near Antwerp Central Station can make your trip much easier.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Antwerp, what each neighbourhood is like, who it’s best for and which hotels I’d consider in each area.

→ If you’re planning your whole trip, check out my Antwerp Travel Guide: Things to Do & Local Tips.

Still deciding whether Antwerp is the right city for your Belgium trip? My Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Biggest City gives you my personal take on what the city is like and who I think will enjoy it most.

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Where to Stay in Antwerp at a Glance

If you don’t want to read the entire guide, here’s my quick overview:

Area	Best for	Atmosphere
Historic Centre	First-time visitors & sightseeing	Historic & lively
Zuid	Museums, cafés & restaurants	Trendy & artsy
Eilandje	Waterfront & the MAS	Modern & relaxed
Antwerp Central Station	Trains & day trips	Convenient & lively

My top picks

Best area overall: Historic Centre
Best for first-time visitors: Historic Centre
Best for museums & restaurants: Zuid
Best for a trendy atmosphere: Zuid
Best for the waterfront: Eilandje
Best for train travel: Antwerp Central Station
Best hotel overall: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt

1. Historic Centre

Best area to stay in Antwerp for first-time visitors

If you’re visiting Antwerp for the first time, this is the area I would choose.

Antwerp’s historic centre is where you’ll find the city’s most famous medieval and historic streets, beautiful architecture, lively squares and many of its main attractions.

Staying here means you can walk to:

• Grote Markt
• Antwerp Cathedral
• Het Steen
• Groenplaats
• Meir shopping street
• Vlaeykensgang
• Antwerp’s historic harbour area

The biggest advantage is simply location.

You can leave your hotel and immediately find yourself surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and some of Antwerp’s most recognisable sights.

You also won’t need to rely heavily on public transport. For a short city break, that can make a surprisingly big difference.

And I particularly like the historic centre in the evening.

Once many day-trippers have left, the streets become quieter and the illuminated historic buildings give Antwerp a completely different atmosphere.

What I like about staying here

• Everything is within walking distance
• Best location for sightseeing
• Beautiful historic architecture
• Lots of restaurants and cafés
• Great atmosphere in the evening
• Close to nightlife
• Convenient for a short city break

Downsides

The historic centre is also one of the busiest and most touristy parts of Antwerp.

Some streets can get noisy, especially around busy restaurants and bars.

Accommodation can also be more expensive here than in some of the neighbourhoods further away from the centre.

If you’re looking for a quieter or more residential atmosphere, I’d consider Zuid instead.

If nightlife is an important part of your trip, check out my Best Bars & Nightlife in Antwerp: Where to Go Out for my favourite areas and places to go out.

Hotels in Antwerp’s Historic Centre

Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt

If you want to stay right in the heart of Antwerp, Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt is one of the first hotels I would look at.

The location is hard to beat. The hotel is just a short walk from Grote Markt, Antwerp Cathedral and the historic centre, so you can reach many of the city’s main sights without needing public transport.

The hotel combines a historic setting with modern rooms and facilities. Some rooms also have views towards Antwerp’s historic surroundings.

What I particularly like about this option is that you’re getting the convenience of a central hotel without staying directly above one of the busiest nightlife spots.

It’s a great choice if you’re visiting Antwerp for the first time and want to spend most of your time exploring the city on foot.

I’d choose Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt if: you want the best combination of location, comfort and sightseeing convenience.

Book Here: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt

Hotel Julien

For something a little more stylish, take a look at Hotel Julien.

This boutique hotel is located in the historic centre and has a much more design-focused atmosphere than a standard city hotel.

The property combines historic architecture with contemporary interiors, while its rooftop terrace gives you somewhere to relax away from the busy streets.

You’re also only a few minutes from Groenplaats, Antwerp Cathedral and the main shopping streets, making it another excellent base for exploring Antwerp on foot.

I’d particularly consider Hotel Julien for a romantic weekend or if you enjoy staying in smaller, more characterful hotels.

I’d choose Hotel Julien if: you want a stylish boutique hotel in the middle of Antwerp.

Book Here: Hotel Julien

My pick: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt for the best overall location; Hotel Julien if you prefer a more boutique atmosphere.

2. Zuid

Best area to stay in Antwerp for museums, cafés and restaurants

If you want to experience a slightly more trendy and creative side of Antwerp, I’d look at Zuid.

Located south of the historic centre, Zuid is known for its museums, galleries, restaurants, cafés and stylish streets.

One of the biggest attractions here is the KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, which is one of Belgium’s most important art museums.

You’re also close to:

• KMSKA
• Photo Museum Antwerp
• Contemporary art galleries
• Trendy cafés
• Restaurants
• Boutiques
• Leopold de Waelplaats
• The Scheldt waterfront

Zuid has a different atmosphere from the historic centre.

Instead of medieval streets and tourist attractions around every corner, you’ll find wide streets, impressive townhouses, galleries, independent businesses and a younger, more creative atmosphere.

Zuid is also a great area if cafés and brunch are a big part of your trip. For more recommendations, check out my Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Antwerp: 10 Local Favourites.

It’s also close enough to the historic centre that you don’t have to choose between the two.

What I like about staying in Zuid

• Great restaurants and cafés
• Excellent museums
• Trendy atmosphere
• Less touristy than the historic centre
• Beautiful architecture
• Good nightlife
• Easy access to the city centre

Downsides

You’re further from Antwerp’s medieval heart.

You can still reach the historic centre relatively easily, but if your main goal is to wake up and immediately be beside Grote Markt and Antwerp Cathedral, I’d stay more centrally.

Hotels in Zuid

Hotel Pilar

Hotel Pilar is probably one of my favourite choices if you want to stay in Zuid.

The hotel is located directly opposite the KMSKA, making it an especially good choice if museums and art are high on your Antwerp itinerary.

The interior has a distinctive boutique feel, with individually designed rooms and plenty of character. The surrounding neighbourhood is also packed with cafés, restaurants, galleries and boutiques.

This makes the hotel feel like part of the neighbourhood rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

You can also walk towards the historic centre or follow the Scheldt for a different perspective of Antwerp.

I’d choose Hotel Pilar if: you want a stylish boutique stay surrounded by museums, cafés and restaurants.

Book Here: Hotel Pilar

Moxy Antwerp

If you prefer something more modern and social, Moxy Antwerp is a good alternative.

Moxy hotels generally have a younger, more relaxed atmosphere, and this one works particularly well if you want somewhere stylish without going for a luxury boutique hotel.

The hotel has modern communal spaces, a bar and a more social atmosphere than many traditional hotels.

It’s a particularly good option for couples, younger travellers and anyone who likes having somewhere to hang out at the hotel rather than simply using it as a place to sleep.

The location also gives you easy access to Zuid and the rest of Antwerp.

I’d choose Moxy Antwerp if: you want a modern hotel with a social atmosphere and easy access to Zuid.

Book Here: Moxy Antwerp

My pick: Hotel Pilar if you want the full Zuid experience, especially if you’re interested in art and design.

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3. Eilandje

Best area to stay in Antwerp for the waterfront

If you want something a little different from the historic centre, Eilandje is one of the most interesting areas to stay in Antwerp.

This former harbour district has been transformed into one of the city’s most modern neighbourhoods.

The area is centred around the old docks and combines historic warehouses with modern architecture, waterfront restaurants and contemporary attractions.

The biggest landmark here is the MAS – Museum aan de Stroom, one of Antwerp’s most recognisable buildings.

You’re also close to:

• MAS
• Red Star Line Museum
• Antwerp harbour
• Willemdok
• Bonapartedok
• Waterfront restaurants
• Bars and cafés

I particularly like Eilandje if you’ve already seen Antwerp’s historic centre before and want to experience a different side of the city.

The atmosphere is more modern and spacious, and walking around the docks gives you a completely different feeling from the narrow streets around Grote Markt.

What I like about staying in Eilandje

• Waterfront location
• Close to the MAS
• Modern architecture
• Great restaurants and bars
• Interesting harbour atmosphere
• Less touristy than the historic centre
• Beautiful at sunset

Downsides

Eilandje is further from the main historic attractions.

You can walk into the historic centre, but it will take longer than if you stay around Grote Markt.

If you only have one night in Antwerp and want to maximise sightseeing, I’d probably choose the historic centre instead.

Hotels in Eilandje

U Eat & Sleep Antwerp

If you want to stay directly in the Eilandje atmosphere, U Eat & Sleep Antwerp is a great option.

The hotel is close to the MAS and the old harbour docks, putting you right in one of Antwerp’s most interesting modern neighbourhoods.

It has a stylish boutique atmosphere, with a restaurant, bar and terrace, and some rooms offer views towards the surrounding waterfront.

The location makes it particularly convenient if you want to explore the MAS, Red Star Line Museum and the restaurants around the docks.

It’s also a nice choice if you enjoy being able to walk around somewhere interesting after dinner rather than immediately returning to a busy city centre.

I’d choose U Eat & Sleep Antwerp if: you want a stylish waterfront stay close to the MAS.

Book Here: U Eat & Sleep Antwerp

Hotel Docklands Antwerp

For a more practical option in Eilandje, Hotel Docklands Antwerp is worth considering.

The hotel is located around the old docks and gives you easy access to the harbour area while still being within reach of central Antwerp.

It’s a good choice if you like the idea of staying in the Eilandje area but don’t necessarily need a luxury boutique hotel.

The surrounding neighbourhood is also a nice place to explore on foot, particularly around the docks and waterfront.

I’d choose Hotel Docklands Antwerp if: you want to stay in Eilandje without paying for a high-end boutique hotel.

Book Here: Hotel Docklands Antwerp

My pick: U Eat & Sleep Antwerp if you want the best combination of location and atmosphere.

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4. Near Antwerp Central Station

Best area to stay in Antwerp for trains and day trips

If you’re arriving in Antwerp by train or planning to use the city as a base for exploring Belgium, staying near Antwerp Central Station makes a lot of sense.

Antwerp Central Station is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Belgium, and from here you have direct train connections to cities including:

• Brussels
• Ghent
• Bruges
• Leuven
• Mechelen
• Liège

You’re also close to Antwerp Zoo and the beginning of the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street.

The area around the station is busier and more urban than the historic centre, but it’s extremely convenient.

For a trip where Antwerp is just one stop on a larger Belgium itinerary, I’d seriously consider staying here.

What I like about staying near Central Station

• Excellent train connections
• Very convenient for day trips
• Easy arrival with luggage
• Close to Antwerp Zoo
• Close to Meir shopping street
• Lots of hotels and restaurants
• Easy public transport connections

Downsides

You don’t get the same historic atmosphere as staying around Grote Markt.

The station area is also busier and more urban, so if your priority is romantic historic streets and medieval architecture, I’d choose the city centre.

Hotels near Antwerp Central Station

NH Collection Antwerp Centre

NH Collection Antwerp Centre would be my first choice if you want to stay near the station.

The hotel is extremely convenient for Antwerp Central Station, while still offering a more polished and comfortable experience than a basic station hotel.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the hotel also has a fitness centre, restaurant and bar.

The location is particularly useful if you’re planning several train trips during your stay.

You can also walk from the hotel towards the Meir and historic centre, so you don’t necessarily need to take public transport every time you want to go sightseeing.

I’d choose NH Collection Antwerp Centre if: you want a comfortable, higher-end hotel close to the train station.

Book Here: NH Collection Antwerp Centre

Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station

If convenience is your main priority, Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station is another strong choice.

As the name suggests, the hotel is right beside Antwerp Central Station, making it particularly convenient if you’re arriving with luggage or catching an early train.

The hotel offers modern rooms and breakfast, and the location makes it easy to explore the rest of Antwerp from here.

It’s also a practical option if Antwerp is part of a wider Belgium trip and you’re moving between cities by train.

I’d choose Hampton by Hilton if: you want a simple, comfortable and extremely convenient base for train travel.

Book Here: Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station

My pick: NH Collection Antwerp Centre for comfort; Hampton by Hilton if train convenience is your main priority.

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Where Should You Stay in Antwerp?

Still not sure which neighbourhood is right for you?

Here’s what I’d recommend.

First time in Antwerp

Stay in the Historic Centre.

You’ll be within walking distance of Antwerp’s main sights and won’t waste time travelling between attractions.

Romantic weekend

Stay in the Historic Centre or Zuid.

The historic centre gives you beautiful architecture and atmospheric streets, while Zuid has stylish restaurants, cafés and boutique hotels.

Visiting for museums and art

Stay in Zuid.

You’ll be close to the KMSKA and surrounded by galleries, cafés and restaurants.

Want a waterfront stay

Stay in Eilandje.

You’ll be close to the MAS and Antwerp’s historic harbour docks.

Visiting Antwerp as part of a Belgium itinerary

Stay near Antwerp Central Station.

This is particularly useful if you’re planning day trips to Ghent, Bruges, Brussels or other Belgian cities.

Only staying one night

Stay in the Historic Centre.

With such a short stay, I’d prioritise location and spend as little time as possible travelling between your accommodation and the sights.

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Is It Better to Stay in Antwerp City Centre?

For most first-time visitors, yes.

Antwerp’s historic centre is compact enough that staying centrally makes sightseeing incredibly easy.

You can walk between Grote Markt, Antwerp Cathedral, Groenplaats, Het Steen and many of the city’s other highlights without constantly checking public transport.

It’s also worth staying centrally for the evening.

One of my favourite things about visiting historic Belgian cities is seeing how different they feel once the day-trippers leave.

Antwerp’s historic buildings, squares and narrow streets are particularly atmospheric after dark.

That’s one reason I would personally prioritise location over saving a little money on accommodation further away, especially if you’re only staying for one or two nights.

However, that doesn’t mean the historic centre is automatically the best area for everyone.

If you love museums, restaurants and design, Zuid might actually suit you better.

If you want a modern waterfront atmosphere, choose Eilandje.

And if you’re travelling around Belgium by train, staying near Antwerp Central Station can save you a lot of hassle.

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How Many Nights Should You Stay in Antwerp?

I recommend 2 nights in Antwerp for most first-time visitors.

This gives you enough time to explore the historic centre without rushing and also allows you to experience the city in the evening.

For example:

Day 1: Explore Grote Markt, Antwerp Cathedral, Het Steen, Groenplaats and the historic centre.

Day 2: Visit a museum such as the KMSKA, explore Zuid or Eilandje and enjoy Antwerp’s restaurants and nightlife.

If you’re using Antwerp as a base for exploring Belgium, you could easily stay 3–4 nights and take day trips to nearby cities.

→ Wondering what to do while you’re there? My Antwerp Travel Guide: Things to Do & Local Tips covers my favourite places to visit.

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My Personal Recommendation

If you’re visiting Antwerp for the first time, I’d personally choose the Historic Centre.

You’ll be close to the city’s most beautiful architecture, restaurants and major attractions, and you can experience Antwerp on foot without spending much time on public transport.

If you’ve already visited Antwerp or prefer a more creative and stylish atmosphere, I’d seriously consider Zuid.

It has some of the city’s best museums, cafés and restaurants and feels a little less touristy than the historic centre.

For something different, Eilandje is a great choice. I love the contrast between Antwerp’s historic centre and this modern harbour neighbourhood.

And if you’re travelling around Belgium by train, staying near Antwerp Central Station is probably the most practical option.

So, in short:

Historic Centre: Best overall and best for first-time visitors
Zuid: Best for museums, cafés and restaurants
Eilandje: Best for the waterfront and MAS
Central Station: Best for trains and day trips

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Tips for Booking a Hotel in Antwerp

Before booking your accommodation, there are a few things I’d check.

1. Look at the exact location

Two hotels can both advertise themselves as being “in Antwerp” while being quite far apart.

For a short city break, I’d check the hotel’s location on a map and see how far it is from the attractions you actually want to visit.

2. Check recent reviews for noise

If you’re a light sleeper, pay attention to recent reviews mentioning noise.

This can be particularly relevant around busy bars, restaurants and nightlife areas.

3. Consider train connections

If Antwerp is part of a bigger Belgium trip, staying close to Antwerp Central Station can make travelling between cities much easier.

4. Compare prices for your exact dates

Hotel prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, season, festivals, concerts and other events.

A hotel that looks expensive at one point can sometimes be much more affordable on different dates.

5. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest hotel

If you’re only staying for two nights, paying a little more for a central location can be worth it.

You’ll spend less time travelling and more time actually exploring Antwerp.

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Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Antwerp

So, where should you stay in Antwerp?

For most travellers, I’d choose the Historic Centre.

It gives you the easiest access to Antwerp’s main attractions, beautiful historic surroundings and plenty of restaurants and cafés right outside your hotel.

But each neighbourhood offers something different:

Historic Centre: Best overall and best for first-time visitors
Zuid: Best for museums, art and trendy restaurants
Eilandje: Best for the waterfront and the MAS
Central Station: Best for trains and day trips

If this is your first time in Antwerp and you’re only staying for one or two nights, I wouldn’t overthink it: stay centrally and explore the city on foot.

If you’re staying longer, however, choosing an area based on your interests can give you a completely different experience of Antwerp.

→ Ready to explore the city? Start with my Antwerp Travel Guide: Things to Do & Local Tips.

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Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ

What is the best area to stay in Antwerp?

The Historic Centre is the best area to stay in Antwerp for most first-time visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of Grote Markt, Antwerp Cathedral, Het Steen, Groenplaats and many restaurants and cafés.

Where should I stay in Antwerp for the first time?

I recommend staying in Antwerp’s Historic Centre, particularly around Grote Markt and Groenplaats. This gives you the easiest access to the city’s main attractions.

Is Antwerp city centre walkable?

Yes. Antwerp’s historic centre is very walkable, and many of the city’s main attractions are within a relatively short distance of each other.

Is it better to stay in Antwerp city centre or near Central Station?

For sightseeing, I’d choose the city centre. If you’re planning several day trips by train, staying near Antwerp Central Station can be more convenient.

Where should I stay in Antwerp for nightlife?

The Historic Centre and Zuid are both good choices for nightlife. The historic centre has plenty of bars around the main squares, while Zuid has a more trendy restaurant and bar scene.

Where should I stay in Antwerp for museums?

Zuid is the best area if museums and art are a priority. You’ll be close to the KMSKA and several other cultural attractions.

Where should I stay in Antwerp for a quiet weekend?

I’d consider Zuid or parts of Eilandje. Both offer a slightly calmer atmosphere than the busiest parts of the historic centre while still giving you easy access to central Antwerp.

How many nights should I stay in Antwerp?

For most first-time visitors, 2 nights is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the main sights while also experiencing Antwerp in the evening.

Is Antwerp expensive to stay in?

Hotel prices vary depending on the season, day of the week and events happening in the city. Staying slightly outside the historic centre can sometimes give you better value, although a central location can be worth paying a little more for on a short trip.