Antwerpen Flanders, Belgium Travel Guide
To rent a car in Belgium, drivers are typically 21 years or older (sometimes 25 for certain car classes). A valid driving license from your home country is needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is good to have or required if your license is not from an EU/EEA country. A major credit card secures the deposit.
Major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Sixt have offices at Brussels Airport (BRU) and some in Antwerp. City center driving can be challenging due to narrow, one-way streets. Parking is costly and scarce. Car rental suits day trips outside the city or exploring the wider Flanders region for rural access.
Antwerp's rules for driving and parking are consistent with Belgian standards, with specific city considerations.
Belgian driving laws include right-hand side driving. Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone. Speed limits are enforced strictly. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system is against the law.
On-street parking is mostly paid and time-limited; look for meters. Numerous underground parking garages are available, like Parking Brabo, Parking Grote Markt, and Parking Meir. These are convenient although it may be costly.
Antwerp's compact, flat design makes walking and cycling excellent for exploration, offering a cozy city experience.
The historic city center, including Grote Markt and Meir, is very pedestrian-friendly. The majority of main attractions are within walking distance.
Antwerp is very bike-friendly, with a wide network of dedicated bike lanes and low-traffic streets. Cyclists usually have priority.
Many companies offer escorted historical tours, fashion, diamond district, or culinary walking tours. Self-guided options are also available online.
Velo Antwerpen is the city's official bike-sharing system. It provides a good way to travel for short trips.
Be aware of trams, their tracks, and other traffic. Crossing tram tracks at the correct angle is a good safety practice. Helmets are not mandatory for adults but are recommended.
Antwerp provides a full spectrum of lodging, catering to all travelers.
Hostels are budget-friendly, often offering dormitory and private rooms, with communal areas for socializing. B&Bs are family-run, providing a cozier experience, often in quaint historic buildings.
Boutique lodgings are smaller, stylish places with unique design and personalized service. Apartment hotels suit longer stays, with more space and kitchen facilities.
Advance booking is good practice, especially during high season (June-August), when 3-6 well in advance is suggested. Shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct) 2-4 months ahead. Low season (Nov-March, excluding Christmas) 1-2 months ahead.
Accommodation prices are highest during summer and major events like fashion weeks. They are lowest in winter, outside of the Christmas market season.
Antwerp's neighborhoods each have an unique character, which influences your stay.
Cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, bustling but can be noisy.
Transport hub, diverse, high security presence.
Trendy, artistic, museums, quieter residential feel.
Antwerp offers quality choices for various budgets and traveler types.
Well-located near the historic center, clean, popular for social interaction.
A modern hostel with good facilities and a contemporary atmosphere.
Good value, charming, often family-run, with a local feel.
Apartment rentals offer space and kitchen facilities. Look for hotels with family or connecting rooms. Consider locations near Stadspark or Antwerp Zoo.
Hostels are good for social interaction and budget. B&Bs offer a welcoming environment. Lively, well-connected areas like the Historic Center or Het Zuid provide easy access to sights.
Serviced apartments offer apartment-style living with services at the hotel. Vacation rentals sometimes discount for longer bookings, making them economical.
