Antwerp Solo Guide: Essential Info (2025)

Heading to Antwerp? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

TL;DR

• Perfect for: 2–3 days
• Best for: Art lovers, history fans, fashionistas, wandering flâneurs
• Why visit: Artistic energy, stunning architecture, cozy old town, totally solo-friendly

ANTWERP AT A GLANCE

• Population & Size: ~530,000; Belgium’s largest city
• Historic Note: Once Europe’s diamond capital & Flemish art powerhouse
• Famous for: Rubens, diamonds, avant-garde fashion, baroque squares, waffles
• Nicknames: Sinjoren; locals love their “Antwaarpse Handjes”
• Solo Vibe: Super safe downtown, laid-back locals, easy to explore alone

ESSENTIAL INFO

• 💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)
• 🗣 Language: Flemish/Dutch (almost everyone speaks English!)
• 🌦 Best time to visit: May–September for sunny patios & festivals
• ✈️ From airport:
  • Cheapest: Bus 14 to Central Station (€3) – 15–20 mins
  • Other: Taxi €25–€30 (fast, reliable)
• 🧳 Safety: Very safe for solos; watch for pickpockets in stations/tourist crowds at night
• 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Go in August for Bollekesfeest (beer, food, music bash)
• 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Girl with a Pearl Earring” for that Dutch golden-age energy

WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)

• 🛏️ Best hostel: Yust Hostel. Modern, spotless, cozy—not a party spot but perfect to recharge; free tea/coffee. Pricey but worth it – book ahead (popular spot)!
• 💸 Budget hostel pick: Viktoria Hostel. 
• 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: Old Town/Grote Markt – all the medieval charm, nightlife & sights at your feet
• 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Zuid – artsy, cool galleries/cafes, less touristy, more local
• Tip: Book hostels/rooms close to tram or train lines for late-night arrivals

TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION

• 🚶‍♂️ Walkability: Center is super walkable; explore by foot!
• 🚌 Bus/tram: De Lijn runs reliable network; single ride €3, day pass €8, 3-day €18
• 🚋 Tram/metro: Integrated with bus; trams fastest across city center & Zuid
• 🚖 Taxi: Use local apps or phone numbers; look for official red sign. Rarely needed!
• 🚲 Bike rental: Antwerpen Fietsen (city bikes), great lanes; bike along the Scheldt for views

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE

• 🏛️ Cathedral of Our Lady: Gaze at Rubens masterpieces & gothic architecture, linger in the quiet nave
• 🌿 Cogels-Osylei stroll: Baroque mansions, no crowds—architecture buffs will love solo wandering
• 🧠 MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): Quirky exhibits, epic rooftop views, and a quick lift for solo thinkers
• 🧭 Kloosterstraat & Meir walk: Window-shop boutiques in centuries-old buildings, stop at chocolate shops
• 🎨 Red Star Line Museum: Touching migrant tales—reflective, fascinating, solo-friendly
• 🔀 Wildcard: Bar Paniek – hip waterside terrace, locals, art & music pop-ups; stay for golden hour

WHAT TO SKIP

• ❌ Diamond Museum: Small, underwhelming—just window-shop in the Diamond District instead
• ❌ Antwerp Zoo: Beautiful but pricey, better for families than solo adults
• ❌ De Keyserlei (main shopping drag): Chain stores galore; you’ll find better fashions in Zuid or Meir

EATING & DRINKING

• 🧍‍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Rush Rush Coffee – sociable corners & top espresso, linger with a book
• 🥃 Quiet bar: De Muze – jazz, candlelight, drafts; local classic
• 🍽️ Try: Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) or waterzooi at Den Druiventros or Overzicht
• 💸 Best cheap eats: Fritkoten (fry stands) for Belgian fries; €3–5, grab-and-go
• 🥦 Veg/vegan: Essen – creative veggie plates, hip vibe
• 🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: Witzli-Poetzli – funky, art-filled, cozy solo barstools

BEST OF ANTWERP IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY

• Sunrise: Coffee & canal-side stroll in Zuid, quiet city awakenings
• Morning: Tour Cathedral of Our Lady, linger in the Old Town square
• Lunch: Classic Belgian fries at a fritkot + people-watch on Grote Markt terrace
• Afternoon: Explore MAS Museum; rooftop city panorama; chocolate stop at Meir
• Evening: Art gallery browsing in Zuid; sunset drinks at Bar Paniek
• Dinner: Stoofvlees and a Belgian ale at Den Druiventros
• Night: Jazz at De Muze or relaxed cocktails at Witzli-Poetzli

LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM

• 🎉 Festival tip: “Bollekesfeest” in August – city-wide street party, best beer, all welcome
• 📍 Hidden gem: Maurice Verbaet Center – trippy postwar Belgian art, usually quiet, stunning architecture
• 📷 Photo spot: MAS rooftop (unbeatable 360°), or Het Steen at sunset
• 🧠 Etiquette tip: Say “goeiedag” to shop staff, and don’t be shy—locals are warm!
• 🚩 Safety reminder: Avoid Coninckplein after dark & watch for pickpockets near stations
• 👀 One last thing: Sample a chocolate “Antwaarpse Handje” before you go—tastes like Antwerp itself!

Explore More Solo Guides

• Brussels Solo Travel Guide
• Bruges Solo Travel Guide
• Amsterdam Solo Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Solo Travel Guide