Hotels in Antwerp

Antwerp's best bases split between Het Zuid, a former dock district of Beaux-Arts blocks near the KMSKA museum, and the Centraal Station quarter, walkable to the Diamond District and Meir shopping street. Het Eilandje, the old harbor north of the center, suits travelers who want loft-style four-star stays near MAS museum. Most visitors stay two to three nights; Brussels Airport is roughly 45 minutes by direct train.

Where to Stay

Het Zuid anchors around Leopold de Waelplaats, with cafes and the KMSKA reopened after renovation; it suits travelers prioritizing museums and quiet evenings. The Centraal Station area puts the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt, and the Diamond District within a 15-minute walk, favoring first-time visitors who want to cover the historic core on foot. Het Eilandje, redeveloped from 19th-century dock warehouses, houses the MAS museum and newer boutique properties along the Scheldt River, appealing to design-focused travelers.

Getting Around

Antwerp's tram network (lines 3, 4, 9, 15) links Centraal Station to Het Zuid and Het Eilandje in under 15 minutes. The historic center is compact enough to cross on foot in 20 minutes, and Antwerpen-Centraal itself — a domed 1905 station — is considered a destination in its own right.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Brussels Airport connects via direct train in about 45 minutes.
• Best season: May through September for outdoor cafes along the Scheldt.
• Diamond District: Concentrated around Pelikaanstraat, near Centraal Station.
• Day trips: Bruges and Ghent are both under an hour by rail.