Grote Markt5.2
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Grote Markt is located in the center of the old town, is the heart of Antwerp's old town, and is also a representative landmark of the city…
2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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Antwerp Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
Antwerp
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Must-visit attractions in Antwerp
Looking for things to do in Antwerp? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Recommended stays in Antwerp
Discover the most popular places to stay in Antwerp, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Dameizier: This hotel is actually the closest to the train station, besides Hampton Inn, but Trip.com listed it as 460 meters away! In reality, it's very close and more convenient for dining and shopping than hotels like NH Collection or A Stay, which claim to be 260 meters away. During Tomorrowland, hotels can skyrocket to over 3000 a night, but this one is still considered expensive even in the off-season, which suggests decent quality… Another plus for this hotel is that the rooms are relatively larger. However, despite being renovated, the overall feel is still a bit dated.
De Keyserlei 28/30
From BRL 620
Ilkin Jamalli: Besides the first impression was not so well due to the odd sewage kind of smell we felt the reception this WAS the BEST of all 3 star Hotel I have ever stayed! Clean, and sparkles! The 3 star hotel to have interactive keyless entrance, lift, door, opener impressed me A LOT! Sofisticación of this level I haven't seen from 5 star hotels too! Amazing!
Nationalestraat 40
From BRL 282
Adancing: Hilton felt like a really good 4 star hotel, the staff is really nice and welcoming, they are also very helpful and respectful. Rooms are dated and tired but still up to standard with all the needed amenities. We were upgraded to an executive room on the top floor and it was a great experience with the rooftop lounge views and services exclusive to the executive rooms. Breakfast was awesome with good salty choices and okay savory choice, but everything was of good quality. Overall a great experience in the dead heart of Antwerp old city.
Groenplaats 32
From BRL 775
Duanxiaotao: When we booked the hotel, we were told only bunk beds were available, but upon check-in, we were assigned a room with a double bed. Many thanks to the hotel staff for taking care of us and giving us a spacious room. There's free drinking water on the first floor, and you can borrow a hairdryer from the front desk, to be returned within an hour. Please note that towels, toothbrushes, slippers, and mouthwash cups are not provided. The toilet and shower room are separate and both quite small. A particular discomfort was the weak water pressure in the shower, which also required pressing a button for each burst of water – I hope the hotel can improve this. Additionally, the sleeping environment was a bit noisy.
Pelikaanstraat 20
From BRL 77
maaktog: The service was very clean and friendly, the location very good, and the area quiet. Be careful about parking your car, as it is not free at the hotel. You have to find free overnight parking on the street.
Léon Stynenstraat 80
From BRL 323
Anonymous User: I guess Ibis hotels always feel a bit like a student dorm... even the breakfast with the bread and yogurt wasn't really something I'd buy to eat at home. Still, everyone was incredibly friendly. We had a good stay, aside from the room smelling strongly of body odor.
Lange Kievitstraat 145
From BRL 285
Guest User: We stayed at Leonardo Plaza Antwerp on 23 April 2026 and booked a room for three people, with our daughter sleeping on the sofa bed. At check-in around 4 PM, reception already mentioned the sofa bed might not be prepared and asked us to let them know if bedding was missing so they could arrange it. When we arrived in room 72, there was indeed no bedding or towels for a third person. We reported this at reception around 5 PM and were assured it would be taken care of. After attending a concert, we returned to the hotel at 11:45 PM, only to find nothing had been arranged. Bedding still had to be brought to the room, which took another 30 minutes. Because our daughter was exhausted, she had already fallen asleep in the double bed, so one of the adults ended up sleeping on the sofa bed once it was made up. Unfortunately, the sofa bed was extremely hard and uncomfortable. It felt like it needed a mattress topper. That was disappointing, especially since the issue was known and reported well in advance. That said, the room itself was otherwise very good and comfortable, and the breakfast was excellent. Unfortunately, the missing bedding and uncomfortable sofa bed were a real letdown and affected our overall experience.
Charlottalei 49
From BRL 424
Must-try food in Antwerp
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Antwerp dishes and foodie spots.
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Moment of good weather
Summer is not yet in Antwerp, but a brief of sunshine makes the day bright. Antwerp's city hall is a must visit in the old town. #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo
Bruges | This route covers all the must-see spots
Before coming to Belgium, I did some research, and one of the cities I saw most often was Bruges. The canals, stone bridges, red-brick houses, and the medieval old town are all very well preserved, so I made sure to set aside time for it this trip. 🚆 How to get to Bruges Most people will likely stay in Brussels or Antwerp. It's very convenient to get to Bruges from either city; just take the Belgian national railway, SNCB. It takes about 1 hour from Brussels. It takes about 1.5 hours from Antwerp. ❗️ Download the SNCB app in advance to check schedules, platforms, and buy tickets. If you're also planning to visit cities like Ghent, you can buy a Train+ pass. It costs €6 per month for adults, and you can get about a 40% discount on regular fares during off-peak hours on weekdays. It's a great deal. 🚶 How to explore Bruges My advice is: don't head straight to the main square as soon as you get off the train! Go to Minnewater (Lake of Love) first. ❤️ Bruges Station → Minnewater (Lake of Love) Walk from the station toward Minnewater. The lakeside has swans, small bridges, and red-brick houses, and Minnewaterpark is right next to it. This stretch is very quiet and is arguably the most pleasant way to enter Bruges. 🌿 Heading north → Begijnhof (Beguinage) Continue north through the park to reach the Begijnhof. It's a quiet courtyard surrounded by a circle of small white houses, and you can enter for free. ⛪ Church of Our Lady → St. Salvator's Cathedral Continue north to the heart of Bruges' old town. The Church of Our Lady is most famous for Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child." Further ahead, you'll see one of the most important churches in Bruges—St. Salvator's Cathedral. 🔔 Markt (Main Square) + Belfry Keep walking to reach Bruges' most iconic main square. Besides the Belfry, don't miss the Provinciaal Hof (Provincial Court) opposite it. It's a light-colored Neo-Gothic building that you can visit for free, and it also features exhibits on the history of West Flanders. 🏛️ Burg Square Next to the main square are the City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The exterior of the Basilica of the Holy Blood looks very understated, but the interior is a huge contrast. The lower level, the Chapel of St. Basil, is a rare and well-preserved Romanesque space with stone vaults and thick stone pillars—it's very solemn. I didn't go to the upper level since it requires a fee 😂 🌹 Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) + Boat Tour Finally, walk toward the canal to Rozenhoedkaai. This is the most classic postcard spot in Bruges. If you have enough time, I highly recommend taking a canal boat tour 🚤. It costs €15/person and lasts about 30 minutes. The scenery is great. ✨ For your Bruges itinerary, following the route in image 2 is highly recommended. You can basically walk and sightsee, heading north from Minnewater and slowly entering the old town. The whole route is walkable, so you don't need to take any transport. If you come here, you should definitely give it a try.
The Ultra-Quick Ghent Checklist 🇧🇪👉
Ghent blends medieval fairy-tale charm with a vibrant, modern university energy. Skip the planning with this quick guide! · 🏰 The Icons: The moated Gravensteen Castle, the towering Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral (home to the famed Ghent Altarpiece). · 🚇 Getting Around: A beautifully pedestrianized, highly walkable center with a fast and efficient tram network. · 🏨 Best Stays: Korenmarkt / Graslei for historic postcard views, or Patershol for a quiet, bohemian vibe. · 🍲 Local Eats: Creamy Gentse Waterzooi (chicken stew), rich Flemish beef stew, and sweet Cuberdon ("Ghent nose") candies. · 📸 Photo Spots: St. Michael’s Bridge for the iconic three-tower skyline view and the medieval harbor reflections at Graslei. · 🧳 Day Trips: The famous canals of Bruges or the historic architecture of Antwerp (both a short train ride away). 📌 Save this post for your trip and tag your travel partner! ✈️
Belgium First-Timer Route Planner: Brussels + Bruges—Add Ghent or Antwerp?
First trip to Belgium? The real question isn’t how many cities you can fit. It’s which city deserves your limited usable time—and whether visiting it actually justifies another hotel. For most first-timers, protect Brussels + Bruges first. Brussels gives you the bigger-city layer: Grand-Place, architecture, museums, city energy and excellent rail connections. Bruges gives you the contrast: canals, medieval streets and one of the strongest cases for an atmospheric overnight—especially if you want to experience the city outside its main daytime rhythm. Then comes the third-city decision. With ONE clean extra full day, Ghent is the broadest default. It combines substantial medieval depth with a livelier, more lived-in city feel, and it connects easily with both Brussels and Bruges. It comfortably earns a full day—but that does not automatically mean it earns another hotel. Choose Antwerp instead when the reason you want another Belgian city is different: larger urban scale, major art and museums, fashion, design, architecture, shopping, dining or nightlife. Antwerp can also make more sense when Belgium is part of a longer northbound trip toward the Netherlands. And Leuven? It is a very easy compact add-on from Brussels and becomes more competitive when you only have a partial day. But for a full third-city experience, Ghent and Antwerp create the stronger first-trip decision. One important Belgium reality check: short train times are not the whole transfer. You still need to count the station-to-centre journey, walking, luggage, hotel access and the amount of sightseeing time you actually gain. That matters especially when deciding whether to change hotels. My planning hierarchy: Brussels + Bruges → protect the core. One extra full day → Ghent by default. Want a bigger urban / art / fashion / design layer → choose Antwerp. Only a partial day from Brussels → consider Leuven. Want one atmospheric overnight outside Brussels → test Bruges first. The key rule is simple: A city can be worth visiting. It can be worth a full day. It can even be worth an overnight. And still not be worth changing hotels for. Choose the city first. Then decide whether the night earns the hotel change. Save this before booking your Belgium hotels + trains. #Belgium #BelgiumTravel #Brussels #Bruges #Ghent #Antwerp #BelgiumItinerary #EuropeTravel #TravelPlanning #FirstTimeBelgium
Slow living is right at Julien
In the historic center of Antwerp, Belgium, there is a low-key, long-established hotel—Julien Hotel✨ It brings the warm concept of "home" to multiple cities across Europe🏰 This is not a flashy influencer hotel, no glittering exterior walls, so understated you might miss it, but once you push open that ancient door🚪, wow! Inside is another world! ⚒️ Hotel Evolution: In 2004, the first old building was renovated, adding 11 exquisite rooms. In 2018, it expanded to its current scale, adding a bar🥂, restaurant🍴, and spa area💆♀️. 🌿 Healing Experience: Two internal courtyard gardens, each room filled with natural light🌅, a traditionally renovated arched spa area, stone walls that bring a coolness❄️, hidden in the city center yet super quiet, only the sounds of birds and wind can be heard. What moves me most is: the slow pace here🧘, not just a quick check-in, but a healing feeling that makes you want to stay! 💡 Must Experience: Breakfast in the courtyard sunshine in the morning, a lazy afternoon nap in the garden, a nightcap at the vintage bar. It’s like staying at a friend’s home who really understands you, both stylish and warm. This is the charm of Julien💖
A Romantic Time-Travel Stroll Guide through De Roma Alley in Antwerp
📸✨【Time Capsule De Roma】✨📸 In the alleys of Antwerp Have a romantic date with history💞 📍 Turnhoutsebaan 286, 2140 Antwerpen (Remember to save this route!) Rainy days are the most beautiful filter in Europe🌧️ Orange-red buildings Wet cobblestone streets Every step is a mark of time⏳ 🌆 Best photo spots: ▪️ Vintage handicraft shop windows ▪️ Century-old café on the corner ▪️ Flower tile walls soaked by rain 💭 Tips: ✅ Recommended to visit between 3-5 PM ✅ Bring a transparent umbrella for atmospheric photos ✅ Wearing vintage style outfits makes for better shots
Antwerp | Belgium's Treasure City, Fashion Diamond Capital
Traveling in Belgium, discover a treasure city! 80% of the world's diamonds are traded here, and it is also the hometown of Rubens' art. On the banks of the Scheldt River, the "Diamond Capital + Cradle of Flemish Art," where Gothic architecture meets modern design, without excessive commercialization, a slow pace that is super healing 🇧🇪. Here is our 2-day travel itinerary. 🚩Day 1: Art and History Route ▫️09:30 Central Station: The "Railway Cathedral" lives up to its name, with carved domes + stained glass. Go early for stunning photos without crowds 📸 ▫️11:00 Rubens House: 17th-century master’s residence, original artworks + garden floor-to-ceiling windows, ticket 12 euros (closed Wednesdays) ▫️13:00 Lunch: Mussels with fries + De Koninck beer, about 30 euros per person to taste Flemish classics ▫️14:30 Cathedral of Our Lady: 123-meter Gothic spire, houses original Rubens paintings, the "Dragon and Loyal Dog" statue at the entrance is great for photos (ticket 12 euros) ▫️16:30 Museum aan de Stroom (MAS): Free rooftop access! 360° panoramic views of the river and old town, stunning at sunset (closed Mondays) 🚩Day 2: Fashion and Fireworks Route ▫️10:00 MoMu Fashion Museum: Essence of Belgian design, ticket 10 euros, designer shops nearby ▫️12:00 Meir Street: Shopping on the high street + freshly made waffles (5 euros each), sweet and fragrant ▫️14:00 Diamond District + Vintage Street: See bling diamond windows, bargain for vintage jewelry ▫️16:00 Steen Castle + Brabo Fountain: 13th-century red sandstone castle free to enter, the fountain tells the origin of the city’s name ▫️18:00 Chocolate Museum: DIY + tasting, the top choice for souvenirs 🍫 🍽️ Must-Try List ✅ Mussels with fries ✅ Waffles ✅ De Koninck beer ✅ Belgian dark chocolate 📌 Practical Tips ▫️Transportation: 30 minutes direct train from Brussels (9.1 euros), walk or tram in the city (single ride 3 euros) ▫️Accommodation: Choose the old town or near Central Station for convenience ▫️Avoid pitfalls: Museums close on certain days and times, check opening hours in advance; bring a folding umbrella for weather changes This slow-paced small city holds the most comfortable travel vibe in Europe, start planning now!
Antwerp｜The must try restaurant in summer
Sofie's Place ⭐️ Overall rating: 5/5 🍽 Recommendation: Thai beef salad 💁 Service: Good 💰 £40 per person 📍 Location: Graanmarkt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Sofie’s place is one of my favourite restaurants in Antwerp, and during summer time, I like sitting outside and having a drink with my friends here. The food is high quality and freshly made. From the starter, Ceasar salade with some fresh seafood tastes awesome and the Tomatensalade burrata is fresh. I ordered Thai beef salad and it tastes like Chinese food. The sweet sauce is impressive. #境外遊 #foodie #Antwerp
Zilte Antwerp: Fine Dining Above the City 🇧🇪✨
Dining at Zilte in Antwerp is an experience that combines exceptional food with one of the city’s most impressive views. Located on the top floor of the iconic MAS Museum, the restaurant offers a wonderful perspective over Antwerp’s rooftops and harbour. I loved how the setting felt elegant without being overly formal. The tasting menu was the real highlight. Each course arrived beautifully presented, with surprising combinations of flavours, seasonal ingredients, and impressive attention to detail. Nothing felt rushed, allowing me to enjoy both the food and the atmosphere. Before or after dinner, I’d recommend exploring the MAS Museum, walking along the Scheldt River, visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady, and discovering the historic Grote Markt. Antwerp Central Station is also worth seeing, while the fashion district and Het Steen Castle offer another side of the city. Is it worth the Michelin price? I’d say yes, especially for a special occasion. The food alone is impressive, but the skyline view makes the experience even more memorable. It’s definitely expensive, but Zilte delivers something beyond an ordinary dinner. #ismichelinworthit
Hof van Cleve: Belgium’s Art of Gastronomy 🇧🇪✨
Some dining experiences are memorable long after the last plate is cleared, and Hof van Cleve in Belgium is one I would put in that category. Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Kruisem, this restaurant offers a completely different atmosphere from the busy streets of Brussels. What impressed me most was the attention to detail. Every course felt carefully considered, with beautiful presentation, delicate flavours, and ingredients that were allowed to shine without unnecessary complexity. The service was polished but never made the experience feel uncomfortable. I would combine a visit with exploring Ghent’s medieval streets, the impressive Gravensteen Castle, Bruges’ romantic canals, Markt Square, and the historic Belfry of Bruges. If you have extra time, Brussels’ Grand Place and Antwerp’s beautiful old town are also worth adding. Is it worth the Michelin price? Honestly, yes, if you appreciate creative cooking and exceptional service. It’s certainly not an everyday meal, but Hof van Cleve is the kind of experience that makes a special occasion feel genuinely special. Belgium has plenty of great food, but this is dining on another level. #ismichelinworthit
What people are saying about Antwerp
Grote Markt
Antwerp's Great Market is super beautiful. This main square place is surrounded by impressive luxurious buildings. In the middle there is the famous statue located, the Brabofontein.
miss banzaiKMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
Very good experience. There weren't cashier to buy a ticket by cash in the Museum, but only by card. The ticket was sent to my email so quickly!
_TI***ubCathedral of Our Lady
Cathedral of our Lady is a beautiful Cathedral located in a cute part of Antwerp. In the evening the Cathedral of our Lady is brought out its beauty with the lights.
miss banzaiAntwerp Zoo
Antwerp Zoo is also worth visiting, with a rich variety of animals. It may not be as large as the large wildlife parks in China, but it is definitely worth a visit. The animals are relatively healthy and some are very active.
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