Hotels near Antwerp International Airport - ANR, Antwerp

I could have easily stayed another day but two days were fine. I took a wonderful English guided tour at the cathedral with the Rubens’ paintings, went to Rubens’ garden and audio-visual tour-his house is closed for renovations. Went through the Planting-Moretus museum, DIVA museum. Went to the top of the MAS museum. Took a ferry across the river and walked back through St. Anna’s tunnel. I was able to walk everywhere, even from the train station.

Antwerp is very pedestrian friendly. We liked the way bikes and pedestrians mingle, and how few cars there are in the city centre. We always visit cathedrals and had hoped to hear an organ recital after mass on Sunday, mentioned in the cathedral's website. But there wasn't a recital and the cathedral staff were not helpful. The cathedral is, of course, magnificent. The Old Master paintings are well lit. We only had 2 nights and our last morning was Monday, when all the galleries and museums are closed. This was predictable but disappointing.

Antwerp is a compact city, with amazing museums and historical sights, many of which are within walking distance of the main railway station. If you don't speak Dutch, English is widely spoken, and shop assistants and waiters are friendly and approachable. Public transport is superb, for travelling a bit further out of the city. There's a vibrancy to Antwerp that feels different from Brussels (the other city that we're most familiar with in Belgium). With hindsight we would have stayed for another couple of days. We will definitely return!

A gem of a city, lots of interesting architecture and great vibes during the music festival in particular. The Market Place (during the blue window) is really quaint.... The cathedral is also very impressive !!! It's worth going there for the train station alone, probably one of THE most spectacular in Europe... Make sure you take it all in before heading out... And if you like diamonds, well, it's the diamond capital of the world, so, it's pretty dazzling as you step out and are faced with shop after shop showcasing beautiful (but mostly unaffordable) jewellery :) It's a feast for the eyes, if nothing else...

The Antwerp tourist office was superb and the staff eager to help and knowledgeable. Everything available through one website and a City Pass that was good value. Transport pass did not require tapping phone every time you use tram or bus, a great boon, saving battery use and keeping phone secure, especially useful when travelling as a tourist.

Antwerp is a beautiful city with a lot to see. Beautiful old buildings and a wonderful history. Very friendly, welcoming people who spoke fantastic English and really went out of their way ( literally) to help us find our way around.