Antwerp is a city on the Scheldt, built around one of Europe's great ports and a historic centre whose main market square, the Grote Markt, still anchors the old town. The Cathedral, the riverside, the diamond quarter and the central station each pull visitors in a different direction, so where you base yourself shapes how you spend your days.
For a visitor, the city divides fairly neatly into the historic core around the Grote Markt and Groenplaats, the area around Antwerpen Centraal station and the diamond district, the docklands and port basins to the north, and a handful of residential neighbourhoods such as Zurenborg and Borgerhout on the edges. This guide covers which of those areas to choose, and what kind of accommodation you will find in each.
Best areas to stay in Antwerp
1. The historic city centre (Grote Markt, Groenplaats and surroundings)
This is the old town, where the main square, the cathedral and the riverside sit within walking distance of each other. It suits first-time visitors who want the sights on their doorstep, and it is also where you find quiet pockets: self-contained apartments in the historic centre can be a short walk from the main square while still feeling removed from the busiest streets.
Accommodation here ranges from small apartments and B&Bs to upscale hotels, including a large hotel on the Groenplaats itself. Expect the highest prices and the most competition for rooms, but the least time spent getting to the things you came to see.
2. Around Antwerpen Centraal station and the diamond district
The station area is the city's main transport hub, with the Koningin Astridplein square directly in front of it. It suits travellers arriving by train, anyone on a short trip, and those who value easy connections over old-town atmosphere. A youth hostel sits just around the corner from the central station, and there is a cluster of modern residential buildings behind the station where budget and upscale chain hotels are located.
This area also borders the diamond district, a short walk from the city park. It is practical rather than picturesque, and some streets around the station are busy at all hours.
3. The docklands and port basins (north of the centre)
The docklands stretch north along the Scheldt, with hotels facing the port basins and views towards the Museum aan de Stroom from some rooms. It suits travellers with a car, since several properties here sit near the motorway ring and the R1, A1 and A12 junctions, and it can be cheaper than more central options.
The trade-off is location: this area is less handy for the historic centre, and one large suburban property further north makes sense mainly for those arriving by car. If you are on foot or relying on public transport, weigh the savings against the time spent getting into town.
4. Zurenborg
Zurenborg is a residential neighbourhood away from the centre, where you find guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast accommodation, including rooms for two and apartments or studios for longer stays. It suits visitors who prefer a quieter base and do not mind travelling in to the sights.
This is a local neighbourhood rather than a tourist district, so expect fewer options and a calmer stay in exchange for the commute.
5. Borgerhout and the ring road edge
Borgerhout lies just outside Antwerp's motorway ringroad, and one large chain hotel sits here. It is convenient for those arriving by car and less so for everyone else, since you are outside the centre and dependent on transport to reach the main attractions.
Choose it if you are driving in or out of the city and want straightforward road access, not if your priority is walking to the Grote Markt.
6. The southern edge (Berchem and the city park area)
The very south of the city, near the Berchem motorway junction, has high-rise and business-oriented accommodation, with a tram stop next to at least one property. Near the city park, a hotel sits within a short walk of both the diamond district and the central station.
This area suits business travellers and those who want a quieter, greener setting with tram access back into the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: budget chain hotels, small B&Bs and guesthouses, scouting hostels open to all, campsites within a short tram ride of the centre, and self-contained apartments. Shared bathrooms and simpler standards are common at this level.
- Mid-range: chain hotels in the centre, near the station and in the docklands, plus independent and boutique options such as a converted former hospital. Room rates vary with location, and out-of-centre properties are often cheaper.
- Splurge: upscale and design hotels, including a listed nineteenth-century building on the Groenplaats, large rooms by the central station, and properties overlooking the city park.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the historic city centre around the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. The main square, the cathedral and the riverside are all within walking distance, so you spend your time seeing the city rather than travelling across it. It costs more than the station area or the docklands, but on a short trip the convenience is usually worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
The area around Antwerpen Centraal station is the obvious choice. The Koningin Astridplein is directly in front of the station, and there are hotels, a hostel and budget options in the streets and modern blocks immediately behind it.
Which area is best if I am travelling by car?
Look at the docklands and the ring road edge, including Borgerhout and the southern Berchem junction. Several properties there sit close to the motorway ring and main road junctions, and some are cheaper than central hotels, though they are less convenient for the sights.
Where can I stay cheaply in Antwerp?
Budget options include budget chain hotels near the station, small B&Bs and guesthouses, hostels, campsites a short tram ride from the centre, and apartments in quieter parts of the historic centre. Shared bathrooms and simpler furnishings are typical at this level.
Is the historic centre noisy?
It can be, particularly around squares used for markets. In one central hotel, market traders on the adjoining square start setting up early, so light sleepers should ask for a room on the side away from the square.
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