Antwerp’s top neighborhoods revealed

Do you think you know Antwerp just because you’ve strolled down the Meir? Think again! There’s more to Antwerp than its main shopping street, with vibrant neighborhoods full of architectural gems, trendy eateries, student bars, and exclusive boutiques, each with its own personality. We’re taking you through the top neighborhoods so you can pick the best spot to stay in Antwerp.

Zurenborg: art nouveau, local vibe, and cozy squares

Imagine an open-air art nouveau museum without the tourist crowds of Brussels. Welcome to Zurenborg! The Cogels-Osylei is the crown jewel here, with opulent city palaces and fairytale-like facades.

After admiring the architecture, head to Dageraadplaats, a lively square where locals, not tourists, gather. Settle in at Café Zeezicht for a cold beer or sample international and local dishes at one of the many restaurants around the square. As night falls, Dageraadplaats buzzes with locals enjoying drinks under the stars.

Some hotels in Zurenborg:

– Adagio Antwerp City Center: Apartment-style accommodations with hotel amenities, close to Dageraadplaats.
– Rock Lobster City Lodge: Budget-friendly lodge with simple, clean rooms and a relaxed vibe.
– August: Stunning boutique hotel in Antwerp’s Green Quarter, just a short walk from Zurenborg.

Het Zuid: art, culture, dining, and trendy shops

The South of Antwerp, or Het Zuid, combines art, culture, and food. The recently renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is a must-see, with seven centuries of art. Also, check out the Photography Museum (FOMU) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) for bold, thematic exhibitions.

Het Zuid is also a culinary hotspot, with cozy brunch spots, stylish wine bars, and Michelin-recommended restaurants. You’ll find exclusive boutiques on Volkstraat and Vlaamse Kaai, and the vintage paradise Kloosterstraat for design and antique lovers.

For green spaces, head to the new Zuidpark or the revitalized Scheldt Quays, offering a scenic mix of green paths, playgrounds, sports areas, and skateparks.

Some hotels in the South:

– Moxy: A fresh lifestyle hotel with contemporary design and well-thought-out compact rooms.
– Museum Suites: Charming boutique hotel in a historic building with beautifully furnished rooms.
– Pilar: Design hotel with spacious rooms and open bathrooms with rainfall showers, perfect for a stylish stay.

Nieuw Zuid: sustainable, architectural, and up-and-coming

Nieuw Zuid is Antwerp’s modern riverside neighborhood combining sleek design and green spaces. Still under development, this residential area borders lively Het Zuid. It features stunning buildings by renowned architects like Vincent Van Duysen and Shigeru Ban, giving the area a refined, contemporary feel.

Though still growing, Nieuw Zuid is already welcoming new shops, galleries, and restaurants, attracting residents and visitors who enjoy its unique vibe.

As of October 2024, there’s only one hotel in this neighborhood: B&B Hotel, a stylish three-star hotel offering a warm welcome and modern rooms.

Het Eilandje: maritime charm, museums, and cozy dining spots

Once Antwerp’s old harbor district, Het Eilandje still exudes that maritime character. Take a stroll through the inner street of the Felix Warehouse, and you’ll feel it right away.

The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) is the neighborhood’s main landmark. This museum, dedicated to Antwerp’s history, boasts a unique architecture inspired by the 19th-century warehouses typical of the area. Each floor of the museum is rotated a quarter turn, creating an impressive spiral tower. Escalators take you to the rooftop for the best free view over the city. (Check our blog for more must-see viewpoints in Antwerp.)

Another highlight is the Red Star Line Museum, where you’ll discover the stories of millions of emigrants who crossed to America. Across from the museum, on Rijnkaai, is Waagnatie, originally a goods-weighing station, now a popular venue for events. At the end of Het Eilandje, you’ll find the futuristic Port House, a striking structure marking the intersection of city and port.

Surrounding the MAS, you’ll find a variety of great restaurants and cozy bars—perfect for a relaxed evening out. Het Eilandje is also a fantastic starting point for exploring the city, as it’s an easy walk to the historic center.

Some hotels in Het Eilandje:

– U Eat & Sleep: A well-kept 4-star hotel with charming rooms overlooking the docks.
– Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City North: A budget-friendly hotel by the IHG group, offering simple, clean rooms at affordable rates. Paid parking is available below the building.
– Docklands: A straightforward hotel with various room sizes, from compact to spacious, and a tram stop just 200 meters away.
– Prizeotel by Radisson:  A modern hotel with a stylish design, offering neat, comfortable rooms at a good value.

Historic Center of Antwerp

In the heart of Antwerp, you’ll find the city’s most famous landmarks, from the iconic Steen castle to the towering Cathedral and the beautiful Town Hall on the Grote Markt.

A walk through the historic center feels like a journey back in time. The Grote Markt is lined with grand guild houses and dominated by the stunning 16th-century Cityhall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in Italian Renaissance style. From here, you can admire the spire of the Cathedral of Our Lady up close, the largest Gothic structure in the Low Countries.

Just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, tucked behind a gate on the Oude Koornmarkt, lies the enchanting Vlaeykensgang—a romantic alley with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy restaurants. The picturesque Hendrik Conscienceplein is also worth a visit, featuring the stately Carolus Borromeus Church, often called the ‘Rubens Church.’

The Steen, the oldest building in the city, is also a must-see. It houses “The Antwerp Story,” an interactive experience full of tips for your visit to Antwerp. Head up to the rooftop terrace for a 360-degree view over the city.

For shoppers, the Meir is a popular spot, with major stores and the beautiful Stadsfeestzaal, known for its unique ballroom architecture.

Some hotels in the Center of Antwerp:

– Hilton Antwerp Old Town: Luxury hotel with modern rooms and great amenities like a restaurant and spa.
– Julien: A stylish boutique hotel with an exclusive atmosphere.
– Antwerp City Hostel: Affordable accommodation on the Grote Markt, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
– Rubens Grote Markt: Located on the Grote Markt with views of historic buildings, offering a charming, classic setting.
– Riga Hotel: A chic hotel with modern rooms, situated above a lovely Italian restaurant.
– Hotel ’t Sandt: A charming boutique hotel with spacious, homely, and luxurious rooms.

The Theater District: theaters, markets, and vibrant nightlife

The Theater District gets its name from its many theaters, including the Stadsschouwburg, Arenberg Theatre, and the distinctive round Bourla Theatre. This area is especially known for its lively weekend markets.

The Exotic Market, held every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm on Theaterplein, offers a wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, Turkish and Moroccan specialties, as well as local products like sausages and cheeses. With many food stalls and cozy seating areas, it’s a popular spot for locals to gather on sunny days. The historic Vogelenmarkt on Sunday—originally a poultry market—has evolved into a tourist attraction with a diverse mix of goods, clothing, treats, and antiques.

The district borders Stadspark, a 7-hectare green space in English landscape style, and features the historic Botanical Garden (“Den Botaniek”) right in the heart of the neighborhood. Originally created in 1825 as a medicinal herb garden for the Sint-Elisabeth Hospital, it’s now home to around 2,000 plant species.

The Theater District also connects to the Meir and offers luxury shopping on Schuttershofstraat, with top brands like Chanel and Hermès.

For nightlife, the Mechelseplein is the place to be, with popular bars and clubs like De Pallieter, Kapitein Zeppos, and Korsakov.

Some hotels in Theaterbuurt:

– Botanic Sanctuary: Antwerp’s most luxurious hotel, complete with Michelin-starred restaurants on site.
– Ibis Antwerpen-Centrum: Budget-friendly hotel right on the Theaterplein.

University District of Antwerp: student vibe, lively atmosphere, and hidden gems

With around 40,000 students, Antwerp is a true student city. Yet as a visitor, you might not always notice, as most students are concentrated in the University District. This compact, charming neighborhood, nestled between the historic center and Het Eilandje, has a lively, student-friendly atmosphere. The University of Antwerp’s Stadscampus, housed in the iconic 16th-century Hof van Liere, is a standout location.

But exploring the University District reveals hidden gems beyond study spots.

What makes the University District special?

– Historical treasures like the Begijnhof, St. James’ Church, and the Snijders&Rockox House
– Fun murals of beloved characters like Jommeke and Cordelia
– Student cafés and a cozy vibe: Ossenmarkt is the meeting spot for students, and Stadswaag is ideal for drinks

Some hotels in Antwerp’s University District:

– Franq: A stylish boutique hotel with tastefully designed rooms offering a personalized, exclusive experience
– Sapphire House: Luxury hotel with 139 rooms and suites, some featuring 18th-century fireplaces, high ceilings, and original wooden floors
– Citybox: Budget hotel with simple but comfortable rooms

Antwerp Station District: lively, culturally diverse, and centrally located

Arriving in Antwerp by train? The Station District is a perfect area to stay. Home to the iconic Antwerp Central Station—one of the most beautiful train stations in the world—it’s an ideal starting point for exploring the city. The area around the station is full of hotels, offices, shops, and dining options, and the excellent public transport makes it easy to reach every corner of Antwerp.

What sets this neighborhood apart is its vibrant mix of cultures. In the Station District, you’ll find the Diamond District, the Jewish Quarter, and Chinatown all side by side. This diversity means you can sample flavors from around the world, though checking a few reviews in advance is recommended.

Must-sees in the Station District:

– Antwerp Zoo: One of the world’s oldest and most beautiful zoos, dating back to the 19th century and home to over 5,000 animals.
– Chocolate Nation: More than a museum, this chocolate experience lets you taste ten different types of Belgian chocolate.
– Koningin Elisabeth Hall: A stunning concert and event hall with a capacity of 2,000, and home to the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.

Some hotels in Antwerp’s Station District:

– Radisson Blu: A modern luxury hotel with stylish rooms and a wide range of services for both business and leisure travelers.
– Indigo: A boutique hotel with unique, tasteful decor and personal service.
– Leonardo: A comfortable hotel offering modern rooms and basic amenities.
– Hampton by Hilton: A popular budget hotel with sleek, contemporary design and affordable, no-frills accommodations.
– A-STAY: A trendy, affordable hotel near the station with compact, basic rooms.
– NH Collection Antwerp Centre: A beautiful 4-star hotel with a luxurious feel and a cozy, high-quality bar.
– Lindner: A large hotel focused on sustainability, with eco-friendly features, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

Antwerp North

Antwerp North is the city’s most diverse and rapidly evolving neighborhood. It’s a cultural crossroads where you can get a true taste of the world in every sense!

In the Stuivenberg district, you’ll find charming old workers’ houses, valuable industrial heritage, and stories of iconic artists. Make sure to stop by Willy Vandersteenplein, dedicated to the legendary comic book artist, or Vincent Van Gogh Square, where the painter briefly lived. Local favorite Panamarenko, Antwerp’s beloved artist, grew up here as well, celebrated with his sculpture “The Aviator” in Sint-Jansplein.

The neighborhood’s creative energy and lively atmosphere are drawing in more and more artists and young families.

With highlights like De Winkelhaak, the Buddhist temple, and the indoor market De Criée, there’s always something interesting happening.

For meat lovers, the Damwijk area near the old slaughterhouse site is a must-visit, with one butcher after another offering delicious, quality cuts in a traditional setting.

As for accommodation, Antwerp North has just one hotel: Antwerp Harbour Hotel. This budget-friendly spot provides comfortable rooms at a great rate. While the neighborhood itself is a bit rough around the edges, the hotel offers free parking and has a tram stop nearby, making it a convenient option for visitors.

Explore the real Antwerp with a local guide

Every neighborhood has its own story and charm. Want to truly get to know these areas? Head out with one of our seasoned guides. On our walks, we’ll show you the top spots and share the stories and legends you won’t find in any guidebook.

Tours focused on specific neighborhoods:

Ready to discover the real Antwerp? Book your tour now and let yourself be guided through the city’s most unique neighborhoods. Because the best stories? You’ll hear them from a local.