Antwerp Holidays

Antwerp is where diamond-lined wealth meets riverside cool, a city of fashion, gothic squares, port warehouses turned cocktail bars and one of Europe’s most impressive train stations.

Antwerp Holiday Highlights

• A stylish blend of medieval architecture and cutting-edge fashion culture

• One of Europe’s top shopping cities, from designer labels to indie boutiques

• A world-class food scene with Belgian classics and modern dining

• A riverside city with a major port history and creative warehouse districts

💡 Good to Know

☀️ Weather: Best from May to September with highs of 20 to 25°C. Warm summers are ideal for riverside terraces, while spring and autumn are perfect for walking the city without crowds. Winters are cold at 2 to 7°C but great for museums and cosy cafés.

💶 Money: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Expect €5 to €7 for a beer, €3 to €5 for fries, and €20 to €40 for a restaurant meal depending on how fancy you go. Antwerp is slightly pricier than Ghent but cheaper than many Western European capitals.

🎉 Fun fact: Antwerp handles over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds, and the Diamond District sits right next to the main railway station, meaning billions of euros of trade pass through a single city block every day.

Best things to do in Antwerp

Antwerp mixes grand historic landmarks with modern cultural spaces and riverside energy, all within easy walking distance.

• Cathedral of Our Lady – towering Gothic cathedral with Rubens masterpieces inside and skyline views from the square

• Grote Markt – ornate guild houses and the historic city hall in one of Belgium’s most impressive central squares

• Antwerp Central Station – often called one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, a mix of marble, iron and glass

• Rubens House – former home of the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, now a museum of his life and work

• Eilandje district – former docklands turned modern waterfront with bars, museums and sunset views over the Scheldt

Where to stay on your Antwerp holidays 2026 / 2027

Antwerp is compact, but each district offers a different experience depending on the type of trip you want.

Historic Centre - Best for first-time visitors. Walk straight into cathedral squares, cobbled streets and main attractions

Central Station / Diamond District - Best for convenience and transport links, especially for train travel across Belgium

Zuid District - Trendy area filled with galleries, modern restaurants and nightlife spots

Eilandje Waterfront - Old docklands turned stylish riverside zone with museums, bars and sunset views

What are the top hotels for your holidays to Antwerp?

Antwerp has a strong mix of modern design hotels, classic city stays and business-friendly options, most within easy reach of the centre.

Luxury / city style stays

NH Collection Antwerp Centre – modern design hotel next to the station with a calm courtyard, stylish interiors and Spanish tapas-style dining

Premium city stays

Crowne Plaza Antwerp – comfortable high-rise hotel with city views, leisure facilities and easy tram access into the old town
Van Der Valk Hotel Antwerpen – spacious modern hotel with restaurant, good transport links and a relaxed, all-round feel

Modern lifestyle stays

Lindner Hotel Antwerp – contemporary hotel with bicycle hire, sauna and gym with skyline views over the city
Hotel Jamingo – boutique-style stay with a laid-back feel close to shopping streets and nightlife areas

Local Lingo

Antwerp is in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium (Flanders), but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops.

• Hallo – Hello

• Dank u – Thank you

• Alstublieft – Please / You’re welcome

• Waar is…? – Where is…?

• Hoeveel kost het? – How much does it cost?

• Een biertje, alstublieft – A beer, please

Most locals switch easily to English, especially in tourist areas and the city centre.

Antwerp holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

Things to do for families

Antwerp is surprisingly family-friendly thanks to its compact size, interactive museums and easy walking routes.

• Antwerp Zoo – one of the oldest zoos in the world, located right next to Central Station

• Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) – modern museum with rooftop views over the city and port

• Riverside walks at Eilandje – open spaces, boats and cafés along the Scheldt

• Chocolate workshops – hands-on experiences that are a hit with kids and adults

Things to do for couples

Antwerp works brilliantly for couples looking for a stylish but relaxed city break.

• Sunset drinks along the Scheldt – riverside bars with skyline views

• Cathedral square evenings – illuminated Gothic architecture and quiet restaurants

• Diamond District strolls – unique glimpse into the global diamond trade

• Boutique shopping in Zuid – independent designers and stylish cafés

Things to do for groups

Antwerp has a strong nightlife and beer culture, but it’s more stylish than chaotic.

• De Koninck Brewery – famous Antwerp brewery with tours and tastings

• Kulminator – legendary beer bar with rare Belgian brews

• Zuid nightlife district – cocktail bars, DJs and late-night venues

• Rooftop bars – city views with craft beers and cocktails

More places to visit from Antwerp

Brussels – 40 minutes, capital city museums and architecture
Ghent – around 1 hour, canals, castles and student energy
Bruges – around 1 hour, medieval canals and fairytale streets