Antwerp Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Trip Planning
Q: How many days should I spend in Antwerp?
A: Many travelers suggest 2-3 days for Antwerp itself, allowing for a good exploration of the city. Some recommend 1.5 days if you’re efficient or plan day trips.
Q: Is Antwerp worth visiting compared to Bruges or Ghent?
A: Yes, definitely! While Bruges is often described as very touristy and an “open-air museum,” Antwerp offers a more “living city” vibe with a strong focus on fashion, art, and multiculturalism. Ghent is also highly recommended and often favored over Brussels. Many suggest prioritizing Ghent and Antwerp over Brussels.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Antwerp?
A: The city center is very walkable. Public bikes are also a good option. For longer distances, trams and buses (De Lijn) are efficient. You can buy tickets via the De Lijn app.
Q: Is Antwerp safe for tourists?
A: Generally, yes, Antwerp is considered very safe, especially in tourist areas during the day. As with any major city, exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid venturing into less-known neighborhoods alone at night. The area around Central Station used to have more homeless people but has reportedly improved.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Antwerp?
A: While not explicitly stated for all times of year, comments suggest it’s enjoyable in different seasons. Winter can be cozy with Christmas markets. Good weather is ideal for parks and outdoor activities.
Must-See Sights & Activities
Q: What are the absolute must-see attractions in Antwerp?
A:
Antwerp Central Station: Often described as a “masterpiece” and better than the Cathedral by some.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal): Worth a visit, but can be busy.
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): Great museum with a free rooftop offering a fantastic 360° view of the city and harbor.
Groenplaats: A central square.
Vlaeykensgang: A historic alleyway.
Het Steen: A medieval fortress.
KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp): A world-class museum, highly recommended.
Plantin-Moretus Museum: A printing and publishing museum.
Q: Are there any free museums or attractions in Antwerp?
A: The first floor and rooftop of the MAS museum are free to access. Many churches also have great artwork and are free or very cheap to enter (e.g., Sint Paulus Church with Rubens, Jordaens, Van Dyck).
Q: What are some hidden gems or non-touristy things to do?
A:
Middelheim Museum and Nachtegalenpark: Open-air sculpture park.
Tram-museum in Berchem.
Brown bars (traditional Belgian pubs): Look for ones not on the main tourist streets.
Cogels-Osylei (Zurenborg neighborhood): Beautiful Art Nouveau houses, with nice cafes and bars around Dageraadplaats.
Pedestrian tunnel to Linkeroever (Left Bank): Offers views of the city skyline.
Sint-Anna forest (on the Left Bank): Can be reached by bike after crossing the tunnel.
Café Beveren: Known for its original mechatronic Decap organ.
Luddite Books and Wine: A unique bookstore where the owner matches books with wine.
Q: What about shopping in Antwerp?
A: Antwerp is known for fashion. Travelers mention visiting Ann and Dries stores, Garden Shop, and vintage stores like Labels. The area around KMSKA also has fancy shops.
Q: Are there any specific walks or routes recommended?
A: A nice walk from the train station to the Schelde (river) will take you past many sights like Stadsfeestzaal, St Jacobs Church, Groenplaats, Cathedral, Vlaaikesgang, and Het Steen.
Food & Drink
Q: What traditional Belgian food should I try in Antwerp?
A:
Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew)
Moules-frites (mussels and fries)
Fries with mayonnaise
Belgian waffles
Belgian chocolate
Belgian beer (e.g., De Koninck)
Q: Can you recommend some good restaurants in Antwerp?
A:
Affordable/Traditional:
Reddende Engel (French style, ~€35 menu)
Dansing Chocolat (try their stoofvlees)
De Arme Duivel (cozy, authentic, city center)
Elfde Gebod (quirky)
De Bomma (cozy and authentic Belgian food)
De Zuilen (hidden gem, old-school Flemish)
Den Artiest
HOBS (brasserie near Groenplaats, good for breakfast/lunch)
Other/Specific Cuisines:
Standard (pizza)
Orso (pizza)
Camionette (vegan)
Plump (burgers)
Camino (Asian)
Pici (pasta)
Walvis (all-day food)
Cobra (sharing)
Bar Raket (sharing)
Las Mañas (Spanish, good meat, live music)
Ni Shifu (authentic Chinese, not Westernized)
Tawan Tai
Aahaar
Calamares
Mistral (Belgian cooking, French kitchen)
Da Giovani
Bitterpeeën (a bit outside the center but recommended)
De Pottenkijker (mixed grill)
Takumi (ramen)
Q: Where can I find good cafes in Antwerp?
A:
Den Baron (center)
Heilig Huisken (next to Dansing Chocolat)
Tram 3
Witzli Poetzli
Cabron (last 3 are close to each other in the center)
The Yellow Window (Vlasmarkt)
Q: Any recommendations for bars and nightlife?
A:
General/Cocktail Bars: Ernst, Kiebooms, Paloma, Dr. Beer, Baron, Vitrin, Special Belge Tap room, Dogma (exquisite cocktails), Paeters Vaetje (traditional Belgian pub).
Jazz: De Muze
Cheapest Bar (non-profit): Den Hopsack
Classic Bar: De Vismijn (rumored best beer on tap)
Dancing: Cafe Cabron (diverse, non-touristy, dance floor)
Hip Hop/R&B: La Gare 27
Clubs (Techno/Alternative): Club Vaag (best for techno), Ampere, Het Bos (cheap, alternative parties), Faces.
Pub Crawl Areas: Grote Markt (chill bars, smaller dancings), Ossenmarkt and Stadswaag (student neighborhoods, especially weekdays), Mechelseplein, Dageraadplaats, Rijnkaai/Scheldebocht/Noordkasteel (summer pop-up bars).
Q: Where can I find good Belgian beer?
A: Billies Bier Kafetaria (craft beer in a historic building). Also, many of the recommended bars will have a good selection of Belgian beers.
Day Trips from Antwerp
Q: What are good day trip options from Antwerp by train?
A:
Ghent: Highly recommended, often preferred over Bruges for a less touristy experience. About an hour by train.
Bruges: Very popular but can be extremely crowded. Many advise visiting early or staying overnight to experience it after day-trippers leave. About 1.5 hours by train.
Brussels: Easily accessible by train (25-40 minutes). While some travelers dislike Brussels compared to Ghent/Antwerp, sights like the Grand Place and Horta Museum are worth seeing.
Leuven: A “drop-dead gorgeous university town,” about 40-45 minutes by train.
Breda (Netherlands): A “cute small city” about an hour by train.
Rotterdam (Netherlands): About 45 minutes by train.
Maastricht (Netherlands): A lovely university city with a different vibe, including caves, about 1.5 hours by train.
Dordrecht (Netherlands): Quaint.
The Hague (Netherlands): Within 1.5 hours.
Liège: About 30 minutes by train, with Spa (the original spa town) another 30 minutes from Liège.
Dinant: Beautiful, but might require a car.
Ostend (Belgian coast): Can ride the world’s longest tram line there.
Baarle-Nassau/-Hertog: Known for its messy borders between Belgium and Netherlands.
Namur: Beautiful, small city, full of history, quiet in summer.
Bouillon: Even smaller and more medieval, with a citadel and stunning forests (likely requires a car).
Ypres (Flanders Fields): For WWI history.
Q: Is it easy to do day trips by train in Belgium?
A: Yes, trains are generally easy and affordable in Belgium, making day trips very convenient. You don’t usually need to plan them far in advance.
Accommodation
Q: Where is a good area to stay in Antwerp?
A: Staying near the Central Station is convenient for arrival/departure and day trips. The area around Grote Markt is also popular for its central location and atmosphere. Some recommend The Old Town Lodge near Grote Markt for spacious lodging.
Q: Are apartments cheap in Antwerp?
A: Some travelers have noted that apartments in Antwerp can be relatively cheap, though this is subjective and depends on market conditions.
Other Tips & Considerations
Q: Should I learn some Dutch before visiting Antwerp?
A: While many locals will speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing some Dutch can enhance your experience and social interactions, as some travelers mention locals prefer to converse in Dutch within their social circles.
Q: What about public transport payments?
A: You can buy tickets from machines or via the De Lijn app. A single ticket is valid for 60 minutes for unlimited hops on/off buses or trams. Some travelers joke about paying on public transport due to infrequent checks, but it’s generally advised to pay to avoid fines. SMS tickets are also an option.
Q: Is Antwerp generally considered a wealthy or livable city?
A: Many travelers express surprise at how nice, wealthy, and livable Antwerp appears, especially in contrast to some negative stereotypes about Belgium.