Whenever I visit a new city, I usually spend days researching where to stay, what to see, and where to eat. But with Antwerp, most of that time went into scouting out jewelers.
Antwerp is a major diamond hub, and since it’s only a two-hour drive from Amsterdam, my fiancé and I decided it was the perfect place to look for our wedding bands. As we drove past the sprawling port and historic buildings, I already had a feeling I’d love this city.
And I wasn’t wrong.
Antwerp surprised me in the best way— not just with the sparkle of the Diamond District, but also with its medieval Old Town, incredible food, and stylish shopping streets.
That said, figuring out where to stay in Antwerp can feel overwhelming. Even though the city isn’t huge, there are tons of hotels spread across different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and character.
In this guide, I’m focusing on two of the best areas to stay in Antwerp for first-time visitors: the Historic Center and the Central Station area. You could stay elsewhere, of course, but these two make the most sense— they’re central, convenient, and close to the main sights.
So, with that in mind, here are my top hotel picks in Antwerp—starting with a few tips to know before booking, a review of where we stayed, and some other great places worth considering.
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Quick Hotel Picks
If you’re just after a quick recommendation without reading the full guide, my top pick is A-STAY (where I stayed). It’s affordable, well-located, and just steps from Antwerp Central Station.
Alternatively, here are a few other top-rated hotels in Antwerp worth considering:
- Hotel Julien: Stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and spa, near the Cathedral.
- Citybox Antwerp: Budget-friendly stay close to Meir shopping street.
- YAYS Antwerp Opera: Serviced apartments with kitchens, great for longer stays near the Opera House and Central Station.
- Stay connected: I recommend setting up an eSIM for Europe before you land. It works in Belgium and most of Europe, so you don’t have to switch SIMs if you’re visiting more than one country.
- Travel insurance: Don’t skip it. I use SafetyWing for simple, affordable coverage.
- Tours worth booking: If you’re short on time, join a walking tour of the Old Town or hop on a guided bike tour to cover more ground. Foodies shouldn’t miss the chocolate, beer, and waffle tasting tour, and for something relaxing, the private boat cruise on the Scheldt includes drinks and snacks.
Why Stay in Antwerp?
I expected Antwerp to be beautiful, but I didn’t realize just how much I’d enjoy the city.
Even though it’s Belgium’s second-largest city, the world’s diamond capital, and home to one of Europe’s busiest ports, it feels surprisingly more relaxed than Bruges and Brussels.
While Antwerp might not get as much hype as those cities, it’s easily one of Belgium’s most fascinating, which is exactly why it deserves more than just a quick day trip.
In the Old Town, you’ll find a Gothic cathedral, medieval guild houses, and cobbled squares where people sip Tripel d’Anvers — the city’s very own beer.
A few minutes’ walk takes you to designer shops, jewelry stores, and Central Station, which, in my opinion, is easily one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe.
Head the other way toward the Scheldt River, and you’ll spot Het Steen, a medieval fortress and the city’s oldest landmark. Nearby, you’ll also find one of the world’s last remaining wooden escalators — surprisingly still in use today.
Keep following the river, and you’ll reach the MAS museum and the striking Port Authority building, two excellent examples of the city’s modern side.
But what I love most about Antwerp is how much the city packs into a small area.
You can visit historic sights in the morning, shop along the Meir in the afternoon, and finish the day with Belgian fries and Flemish stew (highly recommend, by the way) at a cozy pub — all on foot and without the heavy tourist crowds you’ll find in other major European cities.
What to Know Before Booking Your Stay in Antwerp
If it’s your first time in Antwerp, here are a few key things to know before booking your hotel room.
Accommodation Prices
Antwerp has a much broader range of accommodations than many smaller Belgian cities. We found it more affordable than Dinant, and with far more variety than what you’ll find when looking for places to stay in Namur. It’s also not nearly as pricey as Bruges, where hotel rates can be especially steep.
Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect per night:
- Budget hotels and hostels: €50–100
- Mid-range and boutique hotels: €110–160 (sometimes higher in peak season)
- Luxury hotels: €180+ (with top stays easily exceeding €220)
Since Antwerp is a popular weekend city-break destination, prices often climb on Fridays and Saturdays, and especially during festivals or fashion events. Booking ahead is a good idea if you plan to visit in spring or summer.
Staying in the Historic Center vs. Central Station Area
The Historic Center puts you right in the middle of the action, with the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt, and the city’s main museums on your doorstep.
It’s the most atmospheric part of the city, but many hotels here are in historic buildings, which can mean stairs instead of lifts, smaller bathrooms, and a bit more street noise.
The Central Station area is a good pick if you want a practical base. Hotels here are usually bigger and more accessible, and it’s the obvious choice if you’re planning day trips by train.
You’ll also be close to the Zoo, Chocolate Nation, Chinatown, and the Diamond District. Most hotels are clustered around Astrid Square and along Pelikaanstraat. De Keyserlei also has a few, along with a lively strip of bars and restaurants (definitely check out Bier Central).
This area is not as charming as the Old Town, but it is within walking distance to the historic center, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Parking in the City Center is Expensive
If you’re road-tripping through Belgium or renting a car, you should know that many hotels in Antwerp’s city center don’t have on-site parking. And when they do, it usually comes with a hefty day rate.
Our hotel only had limited spaces and charged about €31 per day, which is considerably more than what we’ve paid in places like Amsterdam and Rouen.
While parking in Antwerp is certainly not cheap, there are a few parking garages where you can find slightly better rates. Expect to pay around €20–30 per day. This is where we ended up parking, and I’d recommend reserving a spot in advance so you know you’ll have one.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind a bit of extra effort, you can save a good chunk of money by parking at a Park & Ride lot outside Antwerp’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ). From there, just hop on a tram into the city—it’s quick, easy, and much more affordable. You can check schedules or plan your route here.
Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Another thing to know if you’re driving into Antwerp’s city center is that the whole area falls inside a Low Emission Zone. Our hotel didn’t mention it when we booked, and it didn’t come up in the travel blogs I read either — so definitely make sure you’re aware before driving in.
Cameras automatically scan license plates, and fines are issued if your car doesn’t meet the standards. If your vehicle doesn’t comply, you can buy a day pass for €35. But note that entering without registering or purchasing a pass will get you fined. Fines start at €150.
If you’re driving your own car from another European country, you’ll usually need to register it online before entering (Dutch plates are the exception). For rental cars, most modern petrol and diesel vehicles already meet the standards, but it’s still worth asking the rental company to confirm the vehicle is registered.
You can check or register your car here on the official Antwerp LEZ site.
My A-STAY Hotel Review
We stayed at A-STAY Hotel for five nights, and it turned out to be a perfect base. The hotel is modern and well-designed, just a few minutes’ walk from Central Station and about 20 minutes on foot from the Old Town and Meir shopping street.
What I Loved
We booked a Superior Double room, which had plenty of space for two people. As a bonus, we were given a room on the top (12th) floor, so we ended up with a lovely view over the city. The bed was super comfy, the shower had great water pressure, and I loved the little window seats where we could sip coffee while the sun came up.
Another small but important detail for me was being able to switch the AC off completely — I get cold easily, so that was a big win. The Wi-Fi was strong too, which is always a plus if you need to work remotely.
What I liked most about A-STAY Antwerp, though, was its modern, unpretentious vibe and all the thoughtful extras you don’t usually get at a 3-star.
Downstairs, there’s a self-service area with beer on tap, snacks, ice cream, and even pizzas you can cook in a pizza oven. There’s also a microwave with plates and cutlery, in case you’d rather grab something from the Albert Heijn around the corner. This was a nice perk for us on nights we didn’t feel like eating out, and it’s definitely a handy feature if you want to save a bit on restaurant bills.
Even though we didn’t book a room with breakfast, we tried it one morning, and it was honestly much better than breakfasts I’ve had at other hotels in Belgium. It costs €19.50 per person and includes a generous spread of bacon, eggs, cheeses, cold meats, pastries, cereals, fruit, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Another thing we also really liked was the free filter coffee in the mornings (since there aren’t kettles in the rooms). It’s available every day until 10 am in the dining room, and one morning, there were even a few leftover croissants up for grabs.
Other handy features include a laundry room (€4 per wash / €2 per dry), bike rentals (€16 per person per 24 hrs), a small gym, and a lovely garden area. If you’re into Belgian beer, the hotel also has a discount code for tours at De Koninck Brewery. I really enjoyed the brewery tour at Maison Leffe in Dinant, so this was high on my list — but we just didn’t have time to fit it in.
Things to Know
If you’re driving like we were, parking at A-Stay Hotel is an option—but it’s not cheap, and spaces are limited. The hotel charges €31 per day, and you’ll definitely want to reserve a spot in advance. Definitely don’t count on getting one if you just show up.
Since we hadn’t arranged parking in advance, we asked about alternatives, and the hotel recommended the Q-Park garage just four minutes’ walk away. They sent us a discount link, and we ended up paying €18 a day instead of €25, which worked out much better — so it’s definitely worth asking about if you’re driving too.
Another thing we only learned about at check-in was the city tax, which is pretty common across Europe these days. Thankfully, Antwerp’s isn’t nearly as steep as Amsterdam’s. It’s just €2.97 per person, per night, but since it’s not included in the room rate, be ready to pay it at check-in.
If I had to nitpick, the only real drawback for me was the bathroom layout. The shower and toilet are in separate cubicles, but with frosted glass doors, so there’s not a lot of privacy. It didn’t bother us too much, but it’s something to keep in mind when booking.
The hotel also only cleans rooms every fourth day for sustainability reasons. It’s not a dealbreaker, in my opinion, but if you prefer daily service, it might feel like a downside.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at A-Stay. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the hotel had a great vibe with plenty of perks that made our stay feel even more special. I also loved that we could reach everything we wanted either on foot or with a quick ride on a Lime scooter. All in all, it was a great stay—and I wouldn’t hesitate to book this hotel again for a quick city break or weekend away.
Other Great Places to Stay in Antwerp
If A-STAY isn’t quite your vibe or you’d like some alternatives, here are a few other accommodation options worth considering.
Hotel Flora
One of the cutest places to stay in Antwerp has to be Hotel Flora. We stumbled across it on our way to the Cathedral, and its green door and bougainvillea-covered balcony immediately made me smile (and look it up).
This boutique hotel only has a handful of rooms, and its interiors mix quirky design with romance. From the photos I’ve seen, it looks incredibly Instagrammable and even reminded me a little of Hotel Éclat in Taipei.
Parts of the building date back to the Middle Ages, which gives it even more character. There’s also a tranquil courtyard garden where you can have drinks, and people rave about the warm, personal service. Since it’s such a small property, rooms book out quickly, so if you want to stay here, plan well ahead.
NH Collection Antwerp Centre
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale than A-STAY but still want to stay near Central Station, check out NH Collection. It’s right next door, so you get the same convenient location.
The rooms are modern and spacious, with AC, a mini fridge, a coffee machine, and a flatscreen TV. The hotel also has a garden, fitness center, restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk, which is handy if you’re checking in late. Every evening when we walked past, the bar was busy and looked like a really nice spot for a drink. I’ve heard the breakfast is good, too, so it might be worth adding it when you book.
Hotel Julien
If you’re looking for an upscale boutique stay in Antwerp, Hotel Julien might be right up your alley. It’s housed in two historic townhouses in the Old Town, just a few doors down from Hotel Flora. And the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt are also just a short walk away.
We walked past it on our way to check out Elfde Gebod—a church-like restaurant that’s one of the quirkiest places to eat in Antwerp —and it immediately caught my eye. Just across the street, there’s a mural by Dick Matena (part of the city’s comic wall route) if you’re into street art. And right next door, you’ll find the small Sint-Annagodshuis chapel.
Inside, the design is sleek and modern. The 21 individually styled rooms come with Carrara marble bathrooms and Aesop products — a nice bonus for the ladies. The hotel also has a spa with a hammam and sauna, plus a rooftop terrace with Cathedral views.
Just a heads up, though, Hotel Julien is on the pricey side. There’s also no elevator, and parking isn’t available on site. Still, it’s a solid choice if you want a stylish base close to some of Antwerp’s top sights.
Sapphire House
If you’re after a luxury stay in Antwerp, Sapphire House is hard to beat. It’s part of the 16th-century Handelsbeurs complex, one of the city’s most striking landmarks.
Rooms are modern and comfortable with big, comfy beds and rain showers, and breakfast is often a highlight. There’s a small gym, and if you’re driving, you could use the paid underground garage at Handelsbeurs, which connects directly to the hotel.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth dropping by to have a look at the exterior. It’s right by the Stock Exchange and could easily pair with a splurge-worthy meal at Fiera.
Citybox
If you’re on a budget but don’t want hostel vibes, Citybox Antwerp is a solid pick.
It’s clean, modern, and conveniently located near the Opera House, Meir, and Central Station. The zoo is also just a 10-minute walk away, which is great if you’re visiting Antwerp with kids.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with good Wi-Fi, and some even have balconies with city views — always a nice bonus. Other perks include a guest kitchen, self-service laundry, and a café next to the lobby that serves breakfast. There’s also a spacious garden terrace out back, which is rare in the city center.
There’s no daily housekeeping, which helps reduce waste and makes it a more affordable, eco-friendly option.
Hotel FRANQ
If I could stay at any hotel in Antwerp, my top pick would be Hotel FRANQ. We walked past it during our trip, and the exterior alone looked stunning — so it’s no surprise it’s one of the most talked-about hotels in the city.
What makes this place stand out is the mix of design and gastronomy in one spot. The rooms have a chic boutique feel, and the hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant that gets great reviews. The location is another perk since this hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from top sights like Rubens House, the Brabo Fountain, and the Stadhuis.
Just a heads-up, though: it’s one of the pricier hotels in the city, and I’d definitely suggest booking well in advance.
YAYS Antwerp Opera
We almost booked our stay at YAYS because it offers serviced apartments with their own kitchens. It’s a nice option if you’re like us and don’t always feel like eating out. Even though we liked the idea of cooking our own meals, we chose A-Stay instead because it had a gym — something YAYS doesn’t.
The apartments themselves are bright and modern, with handy extras like a dishwasher, washing machine, and even an iron. The location is great too, less than 10 minutes from Central Station and right by the Opera House and Meir shopping street. It also works well for families since they offer larger suites.
Final Thoughts
Antwerp really exceeded my expectations and gave me so much more than just the perfect wedding band. I loved everything about the city — the vibe, the history, the shopping, and of course, the beer, chocolates, and waffles.
If you’re still torn about where to stay, think about what matters most to you.
The Old Town puts you by the Cathedral and Grote Markt, right in the middle of the action, with plenty of restaurants and bars.
The Central Station area, on the other hand, is the most practical choice — especially if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips to Bruges, Brussels, Dinant, or even Amsterdam. Plus, it’s only about a 20-minute walk to the historic center and the riverfront.
Both areas work well, and since Antwerp is so compact and walkable, you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s highlights no matter where you stay.
That’s it for my top picks for where to stay in Antwerp. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect base for your trip.
Have questions or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear from you.
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Antwerp Accommodation FAQs
Yes. It takes about 15–20 minutes to get from Central Station to the Old Town, and most main sights are clustered around the Grote Markt. If you’d rather not walk, trams and shared e-scooters (like Lime) are easy alternatives.
Absolutely. We walked everywhere, even late at night, and never felt unsafe. But like in any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and stay aware late at night.
No. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot or by public transport. Parking in the center is expensive, and the Low Emission Zone makes driving less convenient. For day trips, trains from Central Station are fast and reliable.
Two days is enough to cover the main sights — the Cathedral, Grote Markt, MAS, and some time for shopping on Meir, plus an evening in the Old Town. Plan on at least three days if you want to visit more museums or take a side trip. That said, I spent five days in Antwerp and still didn’t see everything, so if you prefer slower travel, it’s easy to stretch your stay.
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