Best places to stay in Antwerp
Antwerp is home to historic sites, museums and the Old City, which takes you back in time the moment you step onto the cobblestone streets. As a port city nestled up to the River Scheldt, the city dates back to the Middle Ages and has diamond cutters that have been in business for more than 3 centuries. The entire city is beautiful, and just about anywhere you go in Antwerp you will find something exciting to explore. As a first-time visitor, you might be tempted to go to the usual tourist areas, but do not discount the treasures of the outskirts. The neighbourhoods of Antwerp all offer something unique. If you want to blend with the locals, familiarise yourself with the city’s distinct neighbourhoods.
The Old City
The Old City houses most of the main tourist attractions, and hotels here specifically cater to visitors. You can see the majestic 16th century architecture, including the UNESCO cathedrals. The entire area is compact, and everything squeezes up next to each other. Stay at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town to be in a centralised location.
Fashion District
Do you consider yourself a fashion connoisseur? Then the Fashion District is where you want to be. Here you see the historic Flanders Fashion Institute and the Antwerp Fashion Academy housed in the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The backstreets of this neighbourhood have local boutiques where you can find mainstream fashions. Hotels here are just as fashionable as the clothing and include the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel Antwerp and the chic Hotel Les Nuits Antwerp with its rooftop café.
Port of Antwerp
Stay on the harbour and enjoy an authentic Belgium lifestyle in the Port. Known by the locals as “the Island,” you have old warehouses converted into boutique eateries, cobblestone squares and chic nightlife. Get views of the water every morning by staying at Hotel ibis budget Antwerpen Port.
Schipperskwartier
This is the red light district of Antwerp and is walking distance to the tourist-friendly Grote Market Square. Despite the number of activities going on here, the neighbourhood is safe for tourists. Accommodations here are more modern and include the Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen.
Het Zuid
Het Zuid is on the southern side of the city and home to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Bistros line the streets and the annual amusement fair is hosted here too. Stay at the Maison de Trazegnies Antwerp, which puts you within a short walk from the river.
Central Station
Central station has storefronts illuminated with neon signs and is connected to the Chinatown of Belgium. It is also home to the secret Red Light District that only the locals know about. Hotel ibis Antwerpen Centrum puts you in the centre of the neighbourhood, and close to public transportation.
Diamond District
Just between Central Station and the green suburban areas of Stadspark, you have the Diamond District. Here you find diamond traders that live and work in the neighbourhood, and some allow you to come in and tour their facilities. Hotels here are contemporary, chic and take on the theme of the area. The Lindner Hotel & City Lounge is a modern hotel in the Diamond District, while the Leopold Hotel Antwerp is a contemporary hotel housed in a 16th century building.
Cheap hotels in Antwerp
Antwerp might be home to diamonds and traders, but that does not mean you cannot afford to stay in the city centre. There are value hotels in every district, and often in superior, safe neighbourhoods too. The Hotel O Kathedral is located next to the Cathedral of Our Lady. In city centre, you also have Century Hotel and the Hotel Postiljon, which are affordable and in close proximity to most local attractions.
