Hotels in Antwerp

Antwerp worth a visit

Antwerp: Diamondcentre

Antwerp is a major city near the border with Holland. It has the biggest harbour of Belgium and is an important distribution center of goods throughout  whole Europe. The city is of course even better known as the world's leading diamondcentre since hundreds of years. Antwerp became most important and grew a lot during the 16th century when the decline of Bruges due to the closing of the Zwin ( the waterway that connected Bruges to the sea ) made it impossible for ships to reach Bruges. They found an alternative route with the Schelde to Antwerp. At the end of the fifteenth century bit by bit all important trade generated in Belgium was replaced from Bruges to Antwerp and Antwerp became the leading power of the entire international economy for a short period of time. During the years 1500-1550 Antwerp became the second largest European city north of the Alpes. At the end of the sixteenth century Amsterdam and the low countries came up as new world center and Antwerp lost most of its power to the golden age of the Dutch Republic. The famous Grand Place and city hall still remind of the times were Antwerp was a very important city. This city is absolutely worth a visit as it has a rich history and today still plays a leading rol in diamond trading and as a harbour.

To visit in Antwerp

The Antwerp Zoo

The Zoo in Antwerp was build in 1843 and has more than 6000 animals and about 769 species. The Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is highly recommended because of research done in the Antwerp Zoo. The Zoo is all year open for visit

Cathedral of Our Lady

This cathedral was build during the high times of Antwerp's evolution. Building started during the 14th century and was completely finished in the year 1518. Inside the cathedral you can find different works of Rubens, one of the most prominent flemish primitives. If you are in Antwerp this is an absolute must-see during your stay in Antwerp.

The Central Trainstation

The entire Central Station is a monument on itself it has been completely restaurated during the last few years and is probably one of the finest trainstations in the world (The antwerpen zoo is right next to it so it is easy to visit both the same day) The railway station was designed by Mr. Delacenserie and is completed in the year 1905. It has a huge glass dome of about 60m and two enormous neo-baroque facades. Much of the interior is created out of Marble.

Royal museum of fine arts

As Antwerp has been a home to different flemish primitives and many important figures in the world of science. ( Rubens, Plantijn, Moretus, Mercator). Antwerp has a fine collection of Art to offer. In this museum you can find different works from Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck.

Hotels in Antwerp

Hotels in Antwerp

There are two major parts in Antwerp where the hotels of Antwerp are situated. You'll find many hotels in Antwerp close to the railwaystation and the diamond quarter, and another part of the hotels in Antwerpen is located in the  city centre. Antwerp has many different types of hotels. There are a few charming family owned and managed hotels but most hotels in Antwerp are only bed and breakfast and nothing more. There is one hotel in Antwerpen that is part of worldwide chain: the Hilton Hotel Antwerp.

Charming small hotels in Antwerp

The 4-star hotel Firean hotel in Antwerp is a family operated hotel. The Firean hotel has a well established international reputation of being one of the most charming hotels in Antwerp. This Art deco building was built in 1929 and converted into a boutique hotel in Antwerpen by the family Iserbyt in 1986. This family takes exceptional pride to offer outstanding service and quality. All the rooms and suites of the hotel Firean have been individulally designed and almost all the original features remain. A perfect 4-star hotel.

A peaceful, convivial, comfortable and friendly welcome in Antwerp, this is how the guests describe their home from home in Antwerp in Hotel Industrie. Enjoy your visit in Antwerp in an oasis of tranquillity and hospitality. Just as soon as you cross the threshold of this carefully restored, stately mansion, you become conscious of the calm surroundings. The pastel decoration, soft music, and personalized attention, all provide you with a warm welcome. The Hotel Industrie offers you a stay in Anvers full of peacefulness and comfort.

Hotels in the centre and diamond district

Hotels close to the central station and diamondquarter

The Tourist Hotel in Antwerp is a friendly budget hotel Antwerp in the heart of Antwerp. When you reserve your hotelroom at the Tourist Hotel, you may expect a simple but very comfortable room, provided with all modern appliances such as full comfort bathroom, TV and minibar. The cosy restaurant of the hotel "Curnonsky" serves aswell gastronomic as modern menus. You are always welcome to visit the lively hotel bar for a chat, a drink and a snack. The Tourist Hotel is situated in the middle of the Diamond district and is a perfect location for a good time in Antwerp

The Hyllit Hotel Antwerp is a luxurious modern hotel, situated on the most prestigious shopping avenue “De Keyserlei” in Antwerp. The Hyllit Hotel is in the financial heart of Antwerp, near the diamond area. The Central Station, the zoological garden as well as renowned museums are within a radius of 500 m.  All the rooms of the Hyllit hotel are equipped with Wireless Internet Access (WiFi).

Hotels in the city centre

If you would like trying the delights of Antwerp, then the Postiljon hotel Antwerp is the place to stay. You 'll find this pittoreque familyhotel Postiljon literally next to the cathedral. The unique location of Hotel Postiljon is ideal for exploring the heart of the old city centre with a minimum of effort. Shops, musuem, theatres and a wide choice of restaurants and pubs are within walkingdistance. Tariffs are also very reasonable even in this excellent location.

A world of welcome in Antwerp hotels in this superb elegant 4-star hotel Prinse in Antwerp, the 16th century building is in perfect harmony with its modern, comfortable interior. Eye catchers are the charming courtyard and the stunning reception by Fabiaan Van Severen. Hotel Prinse is a quiet home in Antwerp away from home to return to after your exploration of Antwerp, All important sites of Antwerp are only at walking distance of the hotel Prinse.

Visit Brussels and Ghent from Antwerp

Where to go from Antwerp ... ?

1. Brussels

Brussels is about a 40 minutes in train from Antwerp's city centre. It is certainly worth to visit Brussels while you are in Antwerp. There are numerous hotels in Brussels so it would be easy to stay a night in the European Capital but unfortunately prices tend to be a lot higher in Brussels hotels compared to Antwerp. So a hotel in Brussels might turn out to be quite expensive. Places to visit in Brussels are of course the main market square and if possible the royal palace. If you do tend to spend the night in a hotel in Brussels the hotel Husa President Park might be a perfect place or maybe even better known the Sheraton Brussels hotel close to the North railway station.

2. Ghent

Ghent is about thirty minutes from Antwerp, and easily reachable by train. Ghent is the capital of the Province of East-Flanders, it has just like Antwerp a rich history and culture and was founded during the middle ages. The historic inner city is worth a visit during your stay in Belgium. A stay in Ghent would be a nice idea if your planning on moving along to Burges the day afterwards. The hotels in Gent are almost all situated in the city centre. A few nice hotels in Gent are Hotel de Flandre, Ghent River Hotel, Hotel Gravensteen Gent close to the Castle Gravensteen or maybe the hotel Cour Saint Georges due to its central location in Ghent.

3. Leuven

Leuven is the catholic university of Belgium and is the capital of Vlaams-Brabant. It has more than 30.000 students and was founded during the middle ages. It still takes a prominent place in the European universities. The gothic Town hall is reckonned to be one of the finest of Belgium. A visit to the university if possible so it would be a nice citytrip. Staying in a hotel in Leuven can be a bit problematic as this city only has a few hotels Leuven. If you do plan to stay in Leuven look for one of these hotels in Leuven: Theater hotel, De Klimop, Hotel Industrie, Hotel Binnenhof.