Antwerp, the city of stunning architecture, the diamond industry, craft beer, and chocolate. From my hometown, this beautiful city is only a 45-minute to an hour drive away. This makes it the ideal place for a cozy evening out or, of course, a longer stay. Antwerp has become so appealing to me that I’ve even spent several weekends there. Are you curious about what Antwerp has to offer you? Then you’ve come to the right place because in this blog, you’ll find a complete travel guide to Antwerp.

Antwerp’s Rich Past

Antwerp is a city located in Belgium, specifically in the province of Flanders. The city boasts a rich history. With a large population of 500,000 people, it’s a city you can’t ignore. In addition to its large population, the city is also home to the country’s main port, where more than 150 million worth of products and foodstuffs are transported annually. The city has a long history dating back to Roman times. In the 15th century, the city grew into a hub of trade, and Antwerp truly flourished in the golden age. It wasn’t until 1914, during the First World War, that the city was officially taken over by Belgium. In recent years, efforts have been made to renovate the beautiful city like they are currently doing with the cathedral. So it’s no wonder that Antwerp grew and remains popular among visitors.

Fun Facts of Antwerp

• Diamond City: Antwerp is globally renowned as the “diamond city” and plays a significant role in the diamond trade and has many diamond dealers. Approximately 84% of the world’s rough diamonds are traded through Antwerp. Antwerp’s history in the diamond trade dates back to as early as the sixteenth century.
• Rubenshuis: The Rubens house is the former home and studio of the renowned Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. It’s now a museum celebrating his life and work, and it’s one of Antwerp’s top attractions.
• Fashion Capital: Antwerp boasts a thriving fashion scene and is recognized as one of Europe’s premier fashion capitals. The Antwerp Fashion Academy has gained international acclaim for its influential alumni.
• Antwerp Hands: The “Antwerp hand” is a well-known Belgian chocolate treat shaped like a hand with a little ball on top. It’s considered a symbol of the city and a popular souvenir for visitors.
• Central Station: Antwerp’s Central Station, also known as “the Railway Cathedral,” is regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, or even the world due to its stunning architecture and impressive dome.

Antwerp’s Diverse Districts

Antwerp has quite a few different neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe. But which neighborhood should you visit for what? Let me take you through the various areas of the city.

• Historic Center: This is the heart of Antwerp and where you’ll find many of the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt. It’s great for sightseeing and exploring charming streets. Perfect for when you love walking. 
• Zurenborg: Known for its stunning Belle Époque architecture, Zurenborg is a picturesque neighborhood with beautiful townhouses and vibrant squares. It’s great for nice walks and admiring the architecture.
• Het Zuid: This trendy neighborhood is home to chic boutiques, art galleries, and trendy bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to experience Antwerp’s contemporary art and museum scene.
• Eilandje: Translating to “little island,” this waterfront district has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. It’s now a modern area with sleek architecture, trendy cafes, and the impressive MAS museum with its vast collection.
• Borgerhout: A diverse and multicultural neighborhood, Borgerhout is known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic mix of cultures. It’s a great place to experience Antwerp’s multiculturalism and enjoy diverse cuisine.

Accommodation Options in Antwerp

When I choose an accommodation in Antwerp, I prefer to stay in the historic center or the diamond district. Especially the former offers more than enough hotels and something for everyone. Additionally, there’s something for every budget as well. So here are my tips for when you’re looking for a pleasant stay.

• Hotel De Witte Lelie: This beautiful boutique hotel is housed in three 17th-century buildings and offers luxurious rooms and suites with an elegant interior. The hotel is situated in a quiet location, yet close to Antwerp’s main attractions and restaurants.
• Hotel Julien: A stylish and modern hotel located in the heart of Antwerp, just steps away from the Grand Place and the cathedral. The hotel offers contemporary rooms with luxurious amenities, as well as a relaxing spa and a trendy rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Julien is also perfect when you are staying in the city centre during the December month. 
• Banks Hotel: This charming boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated mansion and offers comfortable and stylish rooms with a contemporary design. The hotel is ideally located within walking distance of Antwerp’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Dining in Antwerp

The food in Antwerp is delicious, offering something for everyone in practically every cuisine. Whether you opt for typical Belgian fries or dishes from the French kitchen, there’s plenty to choose from. After spending many hours in Antwerp, we have certainly discovered some favorites. So here are our tips:

• Morso Antwerp: This restaurant is amazing. Located in the city center near the river, you’ll find Restaurant Morso. Besides the delicious food, there’s another element that makes the restaurant even more enjoyable: the basement! When you go down the stairs, you’ll feel like you’re in a speakeasy where you can enjoy a nice dinner and eat. Morso is perfect for a long evening of dining. Want to be sure of a spot? Then I would definitely recommend making a reservation, as it often gets very busy. 
• Da Giovanni: Craving delicious pasta or fresh pizza? Then head over to Da Giovanni. Once again, a restaurant located right in the city center, immersing you completely in Italian vibes. The food is tasty, traditional, fast, and affordable. It’s no wonder Da Giovanni is always bustling with people. You can find the restaurant near the cathedral and the ‘Grove Markt’. Fortunately, reservations are not needed!
• Esaki Sushi: For our final restaurant, let’s take a trip to the Japanese kitchen. Enjoy fresh sushi at Esaki in the heart of Antwerp. We’ve been to this restaurant several times to celebrate birthdays, and I can tell you, the sushi boat always goes down well!

Antwerp Adventures

In such a large and popular city like Antwerp, what is there actually to do? Well, I can tell you, more than enough! Antwerp has a huge shopping district, making it the perfect destination. Antwerp is also perfect for a day trip. In December the city changes to a winter wonderland with its own Christmas market. But what about those popular attractions that are so much fun?

• Architecture: As mentioned earlier, Antwerp boasts beautiful buildings and architecture, largely due to the city’s rich history. A fun activity is simply taking a walk around the streets of Antwerp. Let yourself be discovered, admire the magnificent buildings, and learn about the history. You can also visit the cathedral or explore old pedestrian tunnels with antique escalators that Connect the left bank of the scheldt river. When you visit Antwerp you might also want to consider to indulge in the vibrant nightlife of the city centre.
• Zoo Antwerp: This is no ordinary zoo. Zoo Antwerp is located right in the city center, right next to the enchanting train station. What’s ideal is that you can also visit the station, as it’s one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Antwerp Zoo is great to visit for a few hours during your day trip to the city. It’s enjoyable for any group to take a visit to this beautiful park.
• Chocolate Museum: The Belgian city boasts a real chocolate museum. Take the tour where step by step, they explain and demonstrate how the delicious Belgian chocolate is made. After the museum, you can continue on to a beautiful room with all sorts of chocolate mills. As a visitor, you get a spoon and can taste all kinds of liquid chocolate. It’s a real treat!
• FC Antwerp: A true football fan? Consider buying tickets for the popular football club FC Antwerp. With its large stadium and unique atmosphere, this will definitely be a match you won’t forget. Combine the match with visiting a museum in the city centre of Antwerp and you have the perfect day trip. 
• Beer Tasting: What’s synonymous with Belgium? Beer! In Antwerp, you have several opportunities to do a beer tasting. It’s even more enjoyable if you’re with a group who all love beer, making for a great evening ahead. Don’t forget to order some snacks and eat dishes like shrimp croquettes.

My Antwerp Experience

Antwerp is amazing! I never get bored during my visits to this beautiful city. It helps that it’s also within driving distance from my hometown, so I’m regularly able to visit the city. In my opinion, Antwerp is perfect for any occasion. A weekend getaway with your loved one? Check! Birthday trip with your mom? Check! A day of shopping with friends? Also check! Additionally, the city itself is just stunning. It boasts such beautiful buildings. Seriously, Antwerp has it all.