The neighbourhoods of Antwerp

The compact medieval centre between the Scheldt and the cathedral, built around the Grote Markt with its guildhalls and town hall. It is easy on foot, with narrow lanes, fashion boutiques and cosy bars. Evenings are lively around the squares, and the cathedral spire is the landmark to navigate by.

Sights: Grote Markt & City Hall, Het Steen, Cathedral of Our Lady, Vlaeykensgang, DIVA Diamond Museum, MoMu Fashion Museum, Kloosterstraat, Fashion district & Het Modepaleis, Frituur No 1, Désirée de Lille, Sint-Anna pedestrian tunnel, St Paul's Church

🍽️ Restaurants: 18 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 12

Antwerp's main shopping street, the Meir, runs through this area, lined with grand facades and the baroque Saint Charles Borromeo church close by. The Rubens House, the painter's former home and studio, is the cultural highlight. It is a few minutes' walk from the Grote Markt and busiest on Saturdays.

Sights: St Charles Borromeo Church, St James' Church, Rubens House, Snijders&Rockoxhuis, Meir shopping street, Stadsfeestzaal, The Chocolate Line (Paleis op de Meir), Stadspark

🍽️ Restaurants: 13 · ☕ Breakfast: 3 · 🌙 Evening out: 3

Antwerpen-Centraal is one of Europe's most striking railway stations, and the zoo sits right beside it. The surrounding streets are the diamond district, with jewellers and traders, and the Jewish quarter. It is a good place to arrive and a short tram or walk from the old town, though the area itself is more practical than pretty.

Sights: Diamond quarter, Antwerpen-Centraal station, ZOO Antwerpen, Chocolate Nation, Cogels-Osylei (Zurenborg)

🍽️ Restaurants: 13 · ☕ Breakfast: 4 · 🌙 Evening out: 5

The old harbour district, now converted into a modern waterfront with museums, new architecture and restaurants in former warehouses. The MAS tower and its free rooftop give a wide view of the city and the port. It is about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride north of the old town, and pleasant for a stroll along the docks.

Sights: Port House, Red Star Line Museum, MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)

🍽️ Restaurants: 12 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 2

A residential and cultural district south of the centre, known as Het Zuid. It has the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the photo museum, plus a lively cafe and restaurant scene. It is a pleasant walk or short tram ride from the old town, and the Zuidpark is a good place to rest.

Sights: KMSKA Royal Museum of Fine Arts, FOMU Photo Museum, De Koninck – Antwerp City Brewery, Zuidpark

🍽️ Restaurants: 17 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 6