Where to Stay in Antwerp 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Antwerp is Belgium's fashion and diamond capital, a port city with world-class art (Rubens was based here), cutting-edge design, and a thriving culinary scene. Smaller and less touristy than Brussels or Bruges, Antwerp rewards visitors with authentic Flemish culture, incredible architecture, and one of Europe's most beautiful train stations.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Historisch Centrum
Walk out your door to the Cathedral, Rubens House, and charming Flemish squares. Antwerp's compact center means everything is walkable, with excellent restaurants and bars around every corner. The historic atmosphere makes for a magical stay.
Historisch Centrum
Het Eilandje
Centraal Station
Zuid
Sint-Andries
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Area north of the station can feel rougher - stick to main streets
- • Some very cheap hotels near station are in red-light areas
- • The Seefhoek area north of Eilandje is still transitioning
- • Rooms facing busy Meir shopping street can be noisy
Understanding Antwerp Geography
Antwerp's old town sits along the Scheldt River. The historic center clusters around the Grote Markt and Cathedral. The central station is east of the old town. Het Eilandje (docklands) is north. Zuid (south) is the artsy neighborhood. The fashion district (Sint-Andries) is southwest of center.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Antwerp
Historisch Centrum
Best for: Cathedral, Grote Markt, Rubens House, historic heart, shopping
"Medieval city center with Flemish Renaissance architecture and world-class art"
Pros
- Central to everything
- Best architecture
- Great shopping
Cons
- Touristy
- Expensive
- Crowded weekends
Het Eilandje / MAS Area
Best for: MAS museum, waterfront dining, modern architecture, trendy atmosphere
"Regenerated docklands with striking contemporary architecture"
Pros
- MAS museum
- Trendy restaurants
- Waterfront walks
Cons
- Still developing
- Far from old town
- Quiet evenings
Centraal Station Area
Best for: Diamond district, stunning station, practical base, transit hub
"Practical area around one of world's most beautiful train stations"
Pros
- Transport hub
- Diamond shopping
- Central location
Cons
- Less charming
- Busy traffic
- Tourist groups
Zuid (South)
Best for: KMSKA museum, trendy bars, local restaurants, gallery scene
"Artsy neighborhood with Antwerp's best nightlife and gallery scene"
Pros
- Art museum
- Best nightlife
- Local atmosphere
Cons
- Far from center
- Need transport
- Less historic
Sint-Andries / Fashion District
Best for: Fashion boutiques, MoMu museum, Belgian designers, trendy cafés
"Fashion capital neighborhood with Antwerp Six legacy"
Pros
- Fashion shopping
- Designer boutiques
- Trendy cafés
Cons
- Expensive shops
- Limited hotels
- Narrow streets
Accommodation Budget in Antwerp
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Hostel Pulcinella (Hi Flanders Antwerp)
Historisch Centrum
Modern, architect-designed hostel in the Fashion District featuring a sleek minimalist aesthetic, rooftop terrace, and central location near the Old Market Square.
Maek Hotel Antwerp Central - Handwritten Collection
City Center
Modern, clean hotel steps from Antwerp Central Station and a lovely park, with comfortable rooms, parking, and easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and major sights.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel 't Sandt
Historisch Centrum
Converted neoclassical building with rococo details and central location near the cathedral.
Hotel Pilar
Zuid (South)
Boutique hotel in the trendy Zuid neighborhood with design-forward rooms and gallery vibe.
Hotel Indigo Antwerp - City Centre
Centraal Station Area
A vibrant boutique hotel on Queen Astrid Square featuring oak-accented rooms inspired by Flemish art and the nearby Antwerp Zoo. Steps from the Central Station, it offers a stylish courtyard and a prime location for the Diamond District.
BANKS Antwerp
Historisch Centrum
Art-focused boutique hotel on the Vrijdagmarkt square featuring a private art gallery and daily complimentary aperitivo hours for guests.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Historisch Centrum
Serene ultra-luxury retreat set in a restored 15th-century monastery complex, featuring herbal gardens, an award-winning spa, multiple Michelin-starred dining options, and elegantly designed rooms blending historic architecture with modern comfort.
Sapphire House Antwerp - Autograph Collection
City Center
Elegant boutique hotel with gem-themed luxury decor, spacious rooms, plant-based dining, complimentary breakfast, and a serene patio in a prime central location.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Julien
Historisch Centrum
Design hotel in two restored 16th-century buildings with rooftop terrace and minimalist elegance.
August Antwerp
Berchem / Groen Kwartier
A sophisticated design hotel by Vincent Van Duysen in a former Augustinian convent, featuring a chapel bar, walled gardens, and a wellness center in the tranquil Green Quarter.
Smart Booking Tips for Antwerp
- 1 Antwerp has no extreme tourist seasons - pleasant year-round
- 2 Fashion weeks and diamond fairs fill business hotels
- 3 Summer weekends are popular for Belgian tourists
- 4 Christmas markets (Dec) bring additional visitors
- 5 Day-trippers from Brussels are common - city quieter evenings
- 6 Museum pass (Antwerp City Card) covers transport and attractions
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Antwerp.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Antwerp: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.