Where to Stay in Antwerp: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Exterior of De Witte Lelie boutique hotel on Keizerstraat in Antwerp, Belgium, with its distinctive pink doors.

Antwerp is a fairly easy city to choose a hotel in because so much of what you’ll want to see is within walking distance of the old town. The Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt and many of the city’s restaurants are all close together, so you don’t necessarily need to stay right on the main square to have a good location. The bigger considerations are parking if you’re driving, noise on weekend nights and whether you’re traveling with a dog.

We spent a weekend in Antwerp in October 2026 with Dylan, Lisa’s nephew BJ and Rex. Lisa and BJ took the train from Eindhoven while Dylan and I drove. We rented an Airbnb right in the middle of the old town, close enough to see the cathedral from our window. The apartment was spacious and surprisingly quiet considering the location, and we could walk almost everywhere. With four of us and a dog, renting an apartment made more sense than booking hotel rooms this time.

We didn’t stay in any of the hotels recommended below, but we walked past them during our weekend and researched their locations, recent guest reviews and amenities. I’ve included options at different price points, along with the neighborhoods I’d consider staying in and a few things worth knowing before you book.

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Quick Picks: Best Hotels in Antwerp

De Witte Lelie: Best for a luxury stay in a small boutique hotel.
Hotel Julien: Best for a boutique hotel with a spa.
FRANQ: Best for a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant.
Hotel ‘t Sandt: Best if you’re driving and want on-site parking.
Hilton Antwerp Old Town: Best for traveling with a dog.
Hotel Matelote: Best for a smaller, quieter hotel near the cathedral.
HotelO Kathedral: Best for an affordable stay in the heart of the old town.
ROMY by Stay-C: Best for an apartment-style stay with more independence.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Antwerp

For a first visit to Antwerp, I’d recommend staying in or close to the old town. It’s where we stayed, and having everything within walking distance made the weekend much easier. Antwerp is a relatively compact city, but the neighborhood you choose can make a difference, especially if you’re driving or prefer somewhere quieter at night.

Old Town (Historisch Centrum)

The old town would be my first choice, particularly if you only have a couple of days in Antwerp. This is where you’ll find Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady and many of the restaurants and bars. We stayed just a short walk from the cathedral, and it was convenient to be able to walk everywhere without worrying about transportation.

The streets around Grote Markt can get busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so I’d pay attention to hotel reviews mentioning noise. Our Airbnb was surprisingly quiet despite being right in the center, but I wouldn’t assume every accommodation will be.

Best for: First-time visitors who want to explore Antwerp on foot.

Het Zand and Sint-Andries

Just southwest of Grote Markt, toward the river, you’ll find Het Zand and Sint-Andries. This area has independent shops, antique stores and quieter streets while still being within walking distance of the cathedral and the main square. We enjoyed browsing the smaller shops around Antwerp, and this is an area I’d consider staying in on another visit. It gives you easy access to the old town without necessarily being right in the middle of the busiest streets.

Best for: Travelers who prefer a quieter location near the historic center.

Meir and the Eastern Old Town

The Meir is Antwerp’s main shopping street, running between the historic center and the area around Antwerp Central Station. If you’re arriving by train, staying near Meir can be convenient because you can walk to your hotel and still reach most of the old town’s attractions on foot. There are also several boutique hotels in the surrounding streets, including converted historic buildings. It’s a practical middle ground if you want to be close to shopping and restaurants without staying directly on Grote Markt.

Best for: Travelers arriving by train who want a central location.

Het Zuid

Het Zuid sits south of the old town and has a different character from the historic center. It’s known for its wider streets, cafés and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). There are plenty of restaurants in the area, and it’s worth considering if you’re staying longer than a weekend.

We didn’t spend much time exploring Het Zuid on this trip, so I wouldn’t personally choose it over the old town for a first visit. However, it could be a good option if you’ve already seen Antwerp’s main attractions or would rather stay somewhere a little more residential.

Best for: Longer stays, museum visitors and travelers who prefer being outside the busiest tourist streets.

Best Luxury Hotels in Antwerp

If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay in Antwerp, these three hotels are all within walking distance of the old town’s main attractions. They’re smaller properties in historic buildings rather than large international hotels, and each offers something a little different.

De Witte Lelie ($$$$): De Witte Lelie is a small luxury hotel with just 11 rooms and suites spread across three 16th-century townhouses on Keizerstraat. It’s easy to recognize by its pink front door, and the interiors are anything but ordinary. Every room is individually designed, with bold patterns and unusual furnishings. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has its own restaurant, Lilium. This would be my pick for a special occasion if you want something smaller and more personal than a traditional five-star hotel.
Hotel Julien ($$$): Hotel Julien occupies two historic townhouses on Korte Nieuwstraat, a short walk from the cathedral. It was one of Antwerp’s first boutique hotels, opening in 2004, and has a more understated design than De Witte Lelie. There’s a spa offering private wellness treatments and a rooftop terrace, which makes it an appealing choice if you want somewhere to relax after spending the day exploring. Its central location is particularly convenient, although you’ll need to use one of the nearby public parking garages if you’re driving.
FRANQ ($$$): FRANQ is housed in a former bank on Kipdorp, and much of the building’s original character has been preserved. The old vaults have been converted into a wine cellar, and the hotel has 39 rooms with a more contemporary design. There’s also a restaurant that’s a big part of its appeal, so this would be a good choice if dining is an important part of your trip. It’s close to the cathedral and shopping streets, but pets aren’t permitted, which is worth knowing if you’re traveling with a dog.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Antwerp

You don’t have to book one of Antwerp’s most expensive boutique hotels to stay somewhere comfortable and centrally located. These three hotels are all in the historic center, so you can easily walk to restaurants and the main sights without relying on public transportation.

Hotel ‘t Sandt ($$$): Hotel ‘t Sandt is housed in a historic building near the Scheldt River, just a short walk from Grote Markt. The hotel has a more traditional style than some of Antwerp’s newer boutique properties, with spacious rooms and a courtyard garden. One of its biggest advantages is private parking, which isn’t always easy to find in the old town. Pets are also allowed on request, although additional charges may apply. This would be one of my first choices if I were driving to Antwerp again and wanted a hotel rather than an apartment.
Hilton Antwerp Old Town ($$): The Hilton overlooks Groenplaats, right in the historic center and only steps from the Cathedral of Our Lady. It’s a larger, more traditional hotel than the others on this list, with a restaurant, fitness center and connecting rooms for families. There’s a public parking garage with direct access to the hotel, which makes arriving by car easier. The Hilton also allows dogs weighing up to 12 kg, with a €50 nonrefundable fee. Pets aren’t permitted in the restaurant or bar, so that’s something to consider before booking. If you’re traveling with a smaller dog and prefer a larger hotel, this is a convenient option.
Hotel Matelote ($$): Hotel Matelote is a small boutique hotel on Haarstraat, only about 200 meters from the cathedral. It’s in a pedestrian area, so you can’t drive directly to the entrance, but Parking Grote Markt is nearby. The rooms combine the character of the older building with modern furnishings, and some of the larger suites have separate sitting areas. If you’re spending most of your time exploring Antwerp on foot and want a smaller hotel in the middle of the old town, Matelote is worth considering.

Best Budget and Apartment-Style Stays in Antwerp

Staying in central Antwerp doesn’t necessarily mean booking an expensive boutique hotel. There are smaller hotels and apartment-style accommodations around the old town that are worth comparing, particularly if you’re spending most of your time out exploring. I’d pay more attention to the location and room type than the hotel’s star rating, since even reasonably priced properties can become expensive on busy weekends.

HotelO Kathedral ($): HotelO Kathedral is right on Handschoenmarkt, opposite the Cathedral of Our Lady. You couldn’t ask for a more central location, especially if you’re visiting Antwerp for the first time. The hotel has several room categories, including smaller budget rooms, family rooms and rooms overlooking the cathedral. Some have particularly good views, although I’d check the room description carefully because not every room faces the square. The hotel is in a pedestrian zone, so you’ll need to park in one of the nearby public garages if you’re driving. Pets aren’t allowed, apart from recognized assistance dogs.
ROMY by Stay-C ($): ROMY by Stay-C offers an alternative to a traditional hotel, with rooms and apartment-style accommodation designed for independent stays. The Sint-Jansvliet property is close to the Scheldt River and within walking distance of Grote Markt. Rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning and coffee-making facilities, although you shouldn’t assume every room has a full kitchen. Since we rented an apartment for our weekend, I can certainly see the appeal of having a little more independence, especially if you’re staying for several nights. I’d check the exact room facilities and cancellation conditions before booking.

Booking Tips for Antwerp

There are a few things worth checking before you book a hotel in Antwerp, especially if you’re driving or bringing a dog.

Register your car for the low-emission zone. Antwerp’s city center is a low-emission zone, so check whether your car is permitted before driving in. Our Dutch-registered car didn’t need separate registration, but vehicles registered in many other countries do, even if they meet the emissions requirements. Registration is free, and you can check the requirements on the official Antwerp LEZ website.

Ask about parking before you book. Many hotels in Antwerp’s old town are on pedestrian streets or don’t have their own parking facilities. We paid around €30 a night for a garage near our Airbnb. Hotel ‘t Sandt has private parking, while FRANQ offers underground parking for an additional charge. If you’re driving, I’d check availability and parking costs before making your hotel reservation.

Check the pet policy directly with the hotel. We found Antwerp very dog-friendly when we visited with Rex, but that doesn’t mean every hotel allows dogs. Hilton Antwerp Old Town accepts dogs up to 12 kg, while Hotel ‘t Sandt allows pets on request. FRANQ and Hotel Julien don’t allow pets. Policies and fees can change, so confirm everything directly with the hotel before booking.

Ask about stairs and noise. Many of Antwerp’s smaller hotels are in older buildings, and some don’t have elevators. The old town can also get busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Our Airbnb was surprisingly quiet despite being right in the center, but I’d still read recent reviews and ask for a quieter room if you’re a light sleeper.

Book early for December and major events. Antwerp’s Christmas market brings plenty of visitors into the historic center, and busy event weekends can make finding a centrally located hotel more difficult. If you have specific dates in mind, particularly in December, I’d book as early as possible rather than counting on finding something at the last minute.

FAQ About Hotels in Antwerp

What’s the best area to stay in Antwerp for a first visit?

I’d recommend staying in or near the old town, especially around Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady. We stayed in this area and could walk almost everywhere. If you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, look at Het Zand or the streets east of the cathedral.

Is it better to stay near Antwerp Central Station?

If you’re arriving by train, staying near the station can be convenient, particularly if you have an early departure. However, the historic center is only about a 20-minute walk away, and I’d personally rather stay closer to the cathedral and Grote Markt. You’ll have more of the old town’s restaurants and attractions right outside your door.

Which Antwerp hotels allow dogs?

Of the hotels we’ve included, Hilton Antwerp Old Town allows dogs up to 12 kg, while Hotel ‘t Sandt accepts pets on request. FRANQ and Hotel Julien don’t allow pets. For the smaller hotels, I’d contact them directly before booking. Since we traveled with Rex, an apartment was a good alternative for us.

Where can I park if I’m driving to Antwerp?

Hotel ‘t Sandt offers private parking, and FRANQ has underground parking for an additional fee. Otherwise, there are public garages around the old town. We paid about €30 per night near our Airbnb. Remember to check Antwerp’s low-emission zone requirements before driving into the city.

How many nights do you need in Antwerp?

I’d recommend two nights for a first visit. That’s what we did, and it gave us enough time to explore the old town, try several restaurants and visit the De Koninck Brewery without rushing. If you want to visit more museums or explore neighborhoods outside the center, consider adding another night.

Is Antwerp expensive for hotels?

It depends on where you stay and the dates you’re visiting. Antwerp has everything from smaller budget hotels to luxury boutique properties, and staying in the old town doesn’t necessarily mean paying luxury prices. HotelO Kathedral is worth comparing if you’re watching your budget, while De Witte Lelie and Hotel Julien are more expensive options. Prices can rise on busy weekends, so I’d compare a few dates before booking.

Our Antwerp Hotel Takeaway

After spending a weekend in Antwerp, I’d definitely recommend staying in or near the old town, especially if it’s your first visit. Being able to walk everywhere made our trip so much easier, and I loved having the cathedral and Grote Markt just a few minutes from our apartment. We could head out for dinner, stop somewhere for a drink and walk home without thinking about transportation. Even with the busy streets on Saturday night, our apartment was surprisingly quiet, although I’d still check hotel reviews for noise before booking.

If I were booking a hotel for our next visit, I’d probably start with Hotel ‘t Sandt because we’ll be driving and having parking available makes things easier. For a special occasion, De Witte Lelie would be worth considering, while HotelO Kathedral is a good option if you want to stay right in the old town without spending as much. Whatever you choose, I’d prioritize location over extras you may not use. Antwerp is a city where you’ll probably spend most of your time out exploring rather than sitting in your hotel.

Listen to Our Antwerp Podcast Episode

We recorded our Antwerp episode right after returning from our weekend, with Lisa’s nephew BJ joining us to talk about his first visit to Belgium. We cover where we stayed, what we thought of the city and some of our favorite experiences from the trip.

Listen below or visit our Antwerp podcast page for the full episode.