Antwerp Travel Guide: Things to Do, Eat & Drink

Antwerp is one of those Belgian cities that always has something going on. It’s known for fashion, art, architecture, shopping and nightlife, but there is also a more local side to discover through its cafés, bars, neighbourhoods and waterfront.

As a Belgian, I’ve visited Antwerp many times, and this Antwerp travel guide combines my own experiences with recommendations from friends who actually live in the city.

Whether you’re visiting Antwerp for a day, a weekend or a longer city trip, this guide covers the best things to do in Antwerp, where to eat and drink, the best neighbourhoods to explore and my local tips.

Planning a Belgium trip? I also compare Antwerp with other Belgian cities in my Belgium Cities Compared guide if you’re not sure which city is right for you.

Quick Guide to Antwerp

Best for: shopping, museums, food, nightlife, fashion & city trips
My favourite areas: Zuid, Eilandje & the historic centre
How long: 1–2 days
Getting around: walking, tram, bus or bike
Best vibe: urban, creative, busy & fashionable

How to Get to Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the easiest Belgian cities to reach, especially by train.

By train: Antwerp Central Station has direct connections with Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and many other Belgian cities. The station itself is also worth seeing, it’s one of the city’s architectural highlights.

From Brussels Airport: You can take a direct train to Antwerp Central, which is usually the easiest option.

From Brussels South Charleroi Airport: If you’re flying with a budget airline, you can take a direct Flibco bus to Antwerp. The journey takes around 1 hour 50 minutes and the bus arrives at Franklin Rooseveltplaats.

→ Check the Charleroi Airport ↔ Antwerp bus transfer on GetYourGuide

My tip: If you’re already travelling around Belgium, the train is by far the easiest way to get to Antwerp. You can arrive directly in the city centre without having to worry about parking.

If you’re planning to travel between several Belgian cities, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains the easiest ways to get around the country.

Where to Stay in Antwerp

Antwerp has everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels and stylish apartments.

For a first visit, I’d stay close to the historic centre so you can walk to most of the major sights.

Best areas to stay

Historic Centre – best for first-time visitors and sightseeing
Zuid – artsy, trendy and full of museums, cafés and restaurants
Eilandje – modern waterfront area with the MAS, bars and beautiful harbour views
Near Antwerp Central Station – convenient if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips

If you’re on a budget, staying slightly outside the historic centre can be cheaper while still keeping you close to everything by tram or bike.

If you’re not sure which area is right for you, I’ve put together a more detailed guide covering the best areas to stay in Antwerp, what each neighbourhood is like and my recommended hotels.

→ Read my full guide: Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Areas & Hotels

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Antwerp:

Historic Centre: Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt
Zuid: Hotel Pilar
Eilandje: U Eat & Sleep Antwerp

How to Get Around Antwerp

One of the best things about Antwerp is that you don’t really need a car.

Walking

The historic centre is very walkable, and many of the main attractions, restaurants and bars are close together.

Tram & Bus

The city’s De Lijn network makes it easy to reach neighbourhoods further away from the centre.

Bike

Antwerp is also a very bike-friendly city. You can rent a bike or use the city’s shared bikes to get around like a local.

Local tip: If you’re only visiting for a day or two, I’d mostly walk and use public transport when needed.

Planning your Antwerp trip?

I created an Antwerp Google Map with my favourite places and local recommendations, including things to do, coffee & brunch spots, restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping and more.
OR
Want to explore more of Belgium?
Get the Complete Belgium Google Map with 540+ saved places across the country.

Antwerp Google Map: €2

Complete Belgium Google Map: €5

Best Things to Do in Antwerp

There is a lot to see in Antwerp, from world-class museums to historic squares, shopping streets and modern waterfront areas.

If you want an even more detailed list of sights and activities, check out my guide to the 40+ Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium.

Museums

Antwerp is famous for its art and fashion scene.

KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts – one of Belgium’s most impressive art museums, combining Flemish masters with modern art in a beautiful building.
FOMU – Photography Museum – a great choice if you’re into photography and contemporary exhibitions.
Rubenshuis – discover the former home and studio of Antwerp’s famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.
MoMu – Fashion Museum – perfect if you want to explore Antwerp’s strong connection to fashion and design.
MAS – Museum aan de Stroom – learn more about Antwerp’s history, culture and connection to the world. Even if you don’t visit the exhibitions, go up to the rooftop for one of the best views over the city and harbour.

Architecture & Landmarks

Antwerp Central Station – honestly, don’t just use it as your arrival point. The building itself is one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe.
Grote Markt – Antwerp’s historic main square, surrounded by beautiful guild houses and the City Hall.
Cathedral of Our Lady – one of Antwerp’s most recognisable landmarks, right in the heart of the historic centre.
Boerentoren – one of Antwerp’s most iconic towers and an important part of the city’s skyline.
Het Steen – a medieval fortress right on the Scheldt, perfect for a quick stop while exploring the waterfront.

Explore Antwerp’s Neighbourhoods

Don’t spend your entire visit around the Grote Markt. Some of my favourite parts of Antwerp are actually outside the most touristy centre.

Eilandje – modern harbour district with the MAS, waterfront bars, restaurants and great sunset spots.
Zuid – artsy area packed with museums, cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
Mechelseplein – one of my favourite squares for grabbing a drink and sitting on a terrace.
Marnixplaats – another lively square with plenty of bars and terraces.
Groenplaats – right in the centre and great for people-watching.
Kattendijkdok – head towards the water for a more relaxed harbour atmosphere.
Botanical Garden (Den Botaniek) – a small but beautiful green escape in the middle of the city.

Shopping

Antwerp is one of Belgium’s best cities for shopping and fashion.

Meir – the main shopping street with international brands.
Stadsfeestzaal – a beautiful historic shopping gallery.
Kammenstraat – more alternative and youth-oriented shops.
Nationalestraat – especially interesting if you’re into fashion and Antwerp designers.
The Fashion District – explore the area around Nationalestraat and the fashion museums for a more creative side of the city.

Markets

If you’re visiting on the right day, check out one of Antwerp’s markets.

Vogeltjesmarkt – Sunday market with food, vintage finds, antiques and random little treasures.
Vrijdagmarkt – a historic square where you can browse second-hand and antique finds.
Exotic Market – a great place to discover food and ingredients from different cultures.

Waterfront & Outdoor Spots

Antwerp is built around the Scheldt, so don’t forget to actually spend some time by the water.

Ponton at Kattendijkdok – great for a picnic, drinks or simply sitting by the water.
Eilandje – especially nice around sunset.
Scheldt quays – walk along the river and enjoy the skyline.
Batavier – relaxed waterfront hangout near the MAS, especially nice in summer.

Tours & Experiences in Antwerp

Want to explore Antwerp with a little more context? Here are some popular guided experiences and activities on GetYourGuide:

Unique Things to Do

Want something a little different from museums and sightseeing?

Beats of Golf – indoor golf simulator and a fun activity with friends.
Luddites Books & Wine – browse books while having a glass of wine.
Titanic Expo – occasional exhibitions focused on the Titanic and maritime history.
Vogeltjesmarkt – especially fun if you like markets, vintage finds and people-watching.

My Tip

If it’s your first time in Antwerp, I’d focus on Central Station → Meir → historic centre → Grote Markt → Scheldt → Eilandje. Then, if you have more time, add Zuid, the museums or some of the smaller neighbourhoods.

That gives you a really good first impression of the city without trying to see absolutely everything in one day.

Where to Eat in Antwerp

Antwerp has an amazing food scene, from cheap student cafés to trendy restaurants and international food.

Coffee & Brunch

If you’re looking for good coffee or brunch, check out:

Vandoag Is’t – cosy and affordable
Tartoer – colourful brunch
Caffenation City – specialty coffee
Normo – minimalist coffee spot
Andy Coffee Roasters – local coffee roaster
Cuperus – cosy coffee
Koffie Dealers – relaxed and friendly
Eat Dust Coffee & Clothing – coffee + fashion
Charlie’s – popular brunch
Oaas – creative fusion dishes

For more detailed recommendations, check out my guide to the Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Antwerp: 10 Local Favourites.

Lunch Spots

For an easy lunch, I’d look at:

Goodie Foodie – healthy bowls
Barnini – Italian focaccia and sandwiches
Kloonies – casual sandwiches
Mirlo’s – brunch and light lunch

Best Restaurants in Antwerp

If you’re specifically looking for places to eat, I’ve also put together a dedicated guide to the Best Restaurants in Antwerp: 15 Places to Eat.

Belgian Food

Den Artist – traditional Belgian brasserie
Walrus – cosy Belgian comfort food

International Restaurants

Mixed

Baret Bar & Food – sharing dishes
Cantine – seasonal European food
Madonna – modern Belgian/French
Circus – creative international cuisine
Camino – sharing plates
Wolf Food Market – lots of cuisines in one place

Italian

Verona – cosy Italian
Gio Pizza Bar – pizza
Non Solote – classic Italian

Asian

Takumi – ramen
Banana Leaf – Sri Lankan food

Spanish

Las Mañas – tapas

Best Bars in Antwerp

Antwerp has a huge bar scene, and honestly, you could spend an entire weekend just trying different places.

If you’re mainly visiting Antwerp for drinks and going out, check out my Best Bars & Nightlife in Antwerp: Where to Go Out for more of my favourite spots.

Cozy & Local Cafés

Heilig Huisken – Brown, cozy café in ’t Zuid with an alternative local vibe.
’t Waagstuk – Classic Flemish café at Stadswaag with a large beer selection.
Boer van Tienen – Relaxed local café at Mechelseplein with terrace seating.
Café Keulen – Small, charming café near Stadswaag; perfect for a casual drink.
Café Cousteau – Warm pub with good beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
Café Het Groene Hart – Lively terrace café at Groenplaats.
De Muze – Legendary jazz café with live music and cozy vibes.
Cordobar – Casual bar with a social, slightly alternative vibe.
Café Kiebooms – Cozy live music bar with a classic pub feel.

Wine, Apero & Cocktails

Patine Wine Bar – Stylish wine bar perfect for apero moments.
Ta-nnin – Chic wine bar with a refined selection.
Vitrin – Trendy bar at Marnixplaats with a cozy terrace vibe.
Baron – Lively apero spot at Marnixplaats with a vibrant crowd.
Giraffe – Trendy cocktail & wine bar, ideal for evening drinks.
Bar Basil – Cozy cocktail bar near Groenplaats, great for after-work drinks.
Bar 11 – Relaxed bar with cocktails and easygoing vibe.
Revista – Laid-back cocktail and wine bar.
Dogma – Highly rated cocktail bar with creative, high-end drinks.
Bar Burbure – Elegant cocktail and wine bar with refined atmosphere.
Rich Monkey Bar – Popular cocktail bar with vibrant nightlife energy.
Barok Antwerp – Stylish cocktail bar in a lively square.
BelRoy’s at Nine – Creative cocktail bar near Groenplaats.
Belmondo – Social party bar with strong nightlife vibe.
Bar Patron – Busy bar at Grote Markt with a fun, tourist-friendly atmosphere.
Tram 3 – Lounge-style cocktail bar with terrace at Oude Koornmarkt.
Vertigo – Modern cocktail bar for late-night drinks.

Summer Bars

Bar Paniek – Iconic summer bar at Kattendijkdok/Eilandje with creative vibes, water-side terraces, and sea view; perfect for an apero in summer.
Sommar – Popular summer bar on the Rhine quay with big terrace, cocktails and river views (seasonal hotspot at Rijnkaai, great for warm evenings and waterfront drinks)

Antwerp Nightlife

If you’re looking for Antwerp nightlife, you definitely won’t be bored.

You can start with drinks around Mechelseplein or Marnixplaats and then move towards one of the city’s clubs or dance bars.

Start the night

Caffè Barbossa – Stylish yet relaxed bar near Mechelseplein; cocktails, wines, and spirits in an easygoing atmosphere, perfect to start the night.

Fidèle – Restaurant-by-night that transforms into a lively hotspot; on Fridays and Saturdays DJs bring upbeat music and a packed dance floor.

Dancing & busy nightlife

Dancing Chocola – Iconic bar/club on Kloosterstraat; energetic music, a lively crowd, and dancing into the early hours.

Plein Publiek – Multifunctional venue in a greenhouse-style space; events, DJs, and dancing in a distinctive industrial atmosphere.

Club Capital – Club set in a former church; unique setting hosting diverse parties and DJ nights.

Electronic & underground

Ampere – Industrial-style club beneath the city; strong electronic music lineup with international DJs.

Club Vaag – Underground club on ’t Eilandje; known for techno and house with proper late-night sets.

Traum – Intimate club with an alternative edge; house, techno, and a slightly rawer vibe.

Alternative & cultural

Kavka – Event venue for concerts, DJ nights and alternative club events. Not a regular club, but one of the best spots in Antwerp for alternative nights out when events are on.

Studio – Cultural space with exhibitions, theatre and occasional nightlife events. What’s happening depends on the program, so it’s more artistic and spontaneous than standard nightlife.

Pekfabriek – Alternative venue with concerts, DJ sets, and creative events; raw, underground, and less mainstream.

Important: Antwerp nightlife changes constantly, so check what’s actually happening on the night you’re visiting rather than relying only on a fixed list of clubs.

Personally, I’d avoid: Villa Antwerp, Lima Antwerp and Red & Blue.

Is Antwerp Social?

Absolutely.

Antwerp has a very social café and bar culture, especially around:

Mechelseplein
Marnixplaats
Zuid
Student neighbourhoods
Eilandje

In summer, terraces become packed and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon simply moving from one café to another.

Daytrips from Antwerp

Antwerp is not just a city, it’s also a perfect base to explore other Belgian gems for a day.

Brussels – About 45 minutes by train. The capital with grand squares, museums, shopping streets, and endless food spots. Perfect mix of culture and city vibes.
Leuven – Just 45 minutes by train. Lively student city with beautiful architecture, cozy bars, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a casual day trip with good food and drinks.
Ghent – About 1 hour by train. Canals, medieval streets, cozy cafés, and student energy. Perfect for strolling, brunching, and soaking in the city vibes.
Bruges – Around 1h30 by train. Cobblestone streets, chocolate shops, canals, and fairytale charm. A must-see classic.
Ostend – Around 1h45 by train. The Belgian coast with fresh sea air, sandy beaches, and seafood by the pier. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or sunset walk.

If you’re planning a longer trip around the country, my Perfect Belgium Itinerary: 5 Days in Belgium shows how you could combine several Belgian cities in one trip.

Antwerp Travel Tips

You don’t need a car

For a city trip, walking and public transport are more than enough.

Don’t only visit the historic centre

The historic centre is beautiful, but Zuid and Eilandje show you a much more modern side of Antwerp.

Get a drink by the water

Especially in summer, Eilandje and the Scheldt are perfect for an apero.

Visit at least one museum

Antwerp’s art and fashion scene is a huge part of what makes the city different from other Belgian destinations.

Give yourself time to wander

Some of Antwerp’s nicest discoveries are cafés, shops and streets you find completely by accident.

My Honest Take on Antwerp

I’ll be honest: Antwerp isn’t my favourite Belgian city.

I prefer Ghent, and I’d probably choose Bruges for a more magical weekend.

But that doesn’t mean Antwerp isn’t worth visiting.

It’s actually one of the Belgian cities with the most variety. You can shop, visit world-class museums, drink coffee, eat basically any cuisine you can think of, sit by the water and go out at night, all within one city.

If you’re into fashion, food, nightlife, shopping and a proper urban atmosphere, Antwerp is probably one of the best Belgian cities for you.

Personally, though, I wouldn’t spend much more than 1–2 days here. That’s enough time to see the highlights and get a feel for the city before moving on to another Belgian destination.

Still wondering whether Antwerp is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? Read my Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Biggest City for my full take.

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

Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Biggest City
Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Areas & Hotels
Things to do: 40+ Best Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium
Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Antwerp: 10 Local Favourites
Best Restaurants in Antwerp: 15 Places to Eat
Best Bars & Nightlife in Antwerp: Where to Go Out
Brussels vs Antwerp: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion

FAQ

How many days do you need in Antwerp?

1–2 days is enough for most first-time visitors. This gives you time to see the historic centre, visit a museum, explore Eilandje or Zuid, and enjoy some of Antwerp’s cafés, restaurants and nightlife.

Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Yes! Antwerp is especially worth visiting if you’re interested in fashion, shopping, museums, food, nightlife and urban city vibes. It has a very different atmosphere from cities like Bruges and Ghent.

What are the best things to do in Antwerp?

Some of the best things to do in Antwerp include visiting Antwerp Central Station, the Grote Markt, Cathedral of Our Lady, MAS, KMSKA and Het Steen, exploring Eilandje and Zuid, shopping on Meir and enjoying the city’s cafés, bars and restaurants.

What is Antwerp best known for?

Antwerp is best known for its fashion, diamonds, art, architecture, port and nightlife. The city also has strong connections to artists such as Peter Paul Rubens.

Is Antwerp walkable?

Yes. Antwerp is very walkable, especially around the historic centre. Most major sights are relatively close together, while trams, buses and bikes make it easy to reach neighbourhoods further away.

What is the best area to stay in Antwerp?

For a first visit, the Historic Centre is the most convenient area. Zuid is a great choice for cafés, restaurants and museums, while Eilandje is ideal if you prefer a modern waterfront atmosphere. Staying near Antwerp Central Station is particularly convenient for day trips.

Is Antwerp good for nightlife?

Absolutely. Antwerp has a large nightlife scene ranging from cozy Belgian cafés and cocktail bars to techno clubs and alternative venues. Mechelseplein, Marnixplaats, Zuid and Eilandje are good areas to start your night.

Can you visit Antwerp as a day trip?

Yes. Antwerp works very well as a day trip from Brussels, Ghent, Leuven or other Belgian cities. You can see the main highlights in a day, although staying overnight gives you more time to experience the food and nightlife scene.

What are the best day trips from Antwerp?

Popular day trips from Antwerp include Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, Bruges and Ostend. Belgium’s compact railway network makes it easy to combine Antwerp with another Belgian city.

Is Antwerp better than Bruges or Ghent?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Antwerp is best for shopping, fashion, nightlife and a modern urban atmosphere, while Bruges is more romantic and historic and Ghent combines medieval architecture with a lively student atmosphere.

Do you need a car in Antwerp?

No. You don’t need a car to visit Antwerp. The city centre is easy to explore on foot, and trams, buses and bikes are convenient for getting around further afield.