The city of Antwerp might be known as a commercial hub, but its aesthetic ambience provides a serene environment for holidays.
Separated by River Scheldt, the city’s versatility is best seen when someone decides to take a walk: magnificent architecture, robust commercial centres and friendly residents.
The city can be accessed by sea, road and rail. Spring is the best time to visit when there is the sun all day long. It gives time to explore the artistic culture shops, fashion centres and the busty diamond market.
There are also museums, good discounts on Belgium products and special Antwerp City Card that allow free or subsidised rates on selected goods and services.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district to buy diamonds, or where to stay on a budget or shopping?
Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Antwerp Belgium.
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What is the Best Area to Stay in Antwerp? (First Time)
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Old Historical Centre (Grote Markt, Groenplaats)
The Great Market (Grote Markt) is the Centre of Antwerp City and easily passes for a shopping arcade. It is best enjoyed on foot as the historic Brabo Statue stares. There are numerous eateries which gives the best chance to taste all continental cuisines.
The Green Place boasts of the Rubens Statue, the Cathedral and the Hilton Hotel in its radius. There are also nice relaxing spots to experience Antwerp’s hospitality.
1. City Centre (Sint-Andries District, Theatre District)
The old town has a variety of accommodation to choose; serviced apartments, bed and breakfast, hotel rooms and holiday homes. They offer short or long stay with flexible and affordable payment schemes. One can do a reservation from anywhere in the world. Popular accommodation facilities in the district include Kaai11 Cityflats, The Greenplace Hotels and Lodge, Manana Manana, Huize Amoras, Hotel Colvenier and the Meir Lodge.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): HotelO Kathedral • Theater Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Rubenshof • Antwerp Inn Hotel
2. Het Eilandje (MAS Museum and Red Star Line Museum, Old Docks)
The Little Island has the serenity of a beach. The morning breeze makes the atmosphere homely, away from the bustle of Antwerp city centre.
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is historic while the Red Star Line Museum shows the journey of the port. Other notable features include the exotic Broer Bretel coffee spots, restaurants, museum docks and numerous art ateliers.
- Best Hotel: U Eat & Sleep Antwerp
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Best Western Hotel Docklands • Holiday Inn Express Antwerpen City North
3. Central Station, Diamond District
The central station fits in well with budget spending, exposure to a variety of goods and services from Belgium and affordable accommodation. Here you will meet people from all walks of life doing business or on transit.
Diamond is the main product on sale. The high population ensures sufficient housing arrangements to make trading easier. Other districts within Antwerp can be easily accessible from the central station, which makes it strategic.
- Best Hotels: Hotel Indigo Antwerp City Centre • Radisson BLU Astrid Hotel, Antwerp
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hampton By Hilton Antwerp Central Station • Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen
4. Het Zuid (Southern District)
The location is ample for lavish living, with well-kept mansions, gardens and driveways. There are also cafés, restaurants and bars that roar life at night.
The district has a cinema complex and the Contemporary Art Museum. Locals easily integrate with visitors, offering first-hand cultural shocks and assimilations. The main reason for anyone coming to stay is serenity and first-hand experience to Belgium culture.
- Best Hotel: Boutique hotel Maison Emile
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: B&B Hotel Antwerpen Zuid • Hotel Pilar
5. Deurne (Outside of City Centre)
Deurne neighbourhood offers a relaxed place to stay outside the Antwerp metropolis. The atmosphere is cool with minimal disturbance.
There are affordable accommodation and a good environment for activities like cycling and cultural activities. Hotels within Deurne include the TRYP by Wyndham Antwerp, BnB Intermezzo, Antwerp’s Calling and Bed and Breakfast Exterlaer. Other accommodation facilities include serviced apartments, lodges and holiday homes.
- Best Hotel: Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen (Borgerhout)
- Best Great Value / Affordable Hotels: Bed & Breakfast Exterlaer • Tulip Inn Antwerpen (Berchem)
