Nightlife · Antwerp · Belgium
Antwerp nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Antwerp, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Maros M r a z ( Maros ), CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Antwerp has a lively nightlife for its size, with beer cafés around the cathedral, cocktail bars in Het Zuid and Eilandje, and a well-known club scene. The main areas are Around the cathedral, Het Zuid, Eilandje and Ossenmarkt and the student quarter.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 4
- Stay near the action
- Oude Stad
- Local drink
- De Koninck 'bolleke'
Where to go out
Around the cathedral
Historic beer cafés and pubs in the old town lanes.
Het Zuid
Wine bars, cocktail bars and late restaurants around the museum quarter.
Eilandje
Waterfront bars and clubs in former docks and warehouses.
Ossenmarkt and the student quarter
Cheaper bars near the university, popular with students.
Nightlife tips
- Bars often stay open late at weekends; clubs usually start after midnight.
- Night trams are limited, so check the last connection or use Velo bikes or taxis.
What to drink
- De Koninck 'bolleke' — Antwerp's amber ale from the De Koninck brewery, served in a round, stemmed glass called a bolleke; ordering 'een bolleke' is a local ritual.
- Elixir d'Anvers — A sweet herbal liqueur made in Antwerp since the 19th century from dozens of herbs and spices, served as a digestif.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 14°C (57°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 17:03 | 1°C (34°F) | 12 |
| April | About 20:38 | 5°C (41°F) | 9 |
| July | About 21:52 | 14°C (57°F) | 9 |
| October | About 18:50 | 8°C (46°F) | 11 |
Getting home late
- Walking — The Meir links Central Station to the old town; the Grote Markt, cathedral, Plantin-Moretus, Het Steen and the fashion district are all within 10–15 minutes of each other.
- Tram — Buy tickets in the De Lijn app, by text message or at machines before boarding; they are not sold on board.
Late-night bites
- Belgian fries — Frituur (fry shops) across the city, including around the Groenplaats and the Meir.
- Shrimp croquettes — Brasseries and cafés as a starter.
- Antwerpse handjes — Bakeries and chocolatiers around the Grote Markt and the Meir.
Staying safe at night
Antwerp is generally relaxed for visitors. Watch for pickpockets around Central Station, the Meir and the Grote Markt, and take care with trams and cyclists in shared streets.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
Where to stay for nightlife
$$$ · Best for first-timers, couples, culture and nightlife
Oude Stad
The old town fans out from the Grote Markt with its Renaissance City Hall and Brabo fountain, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Groenplaats. Narrow streets lead to the Vleeshuis, Het Steen and the Scheldt quays, and the Meir shopping street starts a few minutes east. Hotels range from boutique properties in old townhouses to chains near the Groenplaats.
- Good
- Walk to the main sights; Restaurants and bars everywhere; Premetro stop at Groenplaats
- Watch out
- Busy and touristy around the Grote Markt; Some streets are noisy at night
- Nearby
- Grote Markt, Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, Vleeshuis
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Antwerp?
Around the cathedral, Het Zuid and Eilandje. Historic beer cafés and pubs in the old town lanes.
+Which area of Antwerp is best for nightlife?
Oude Stad: Guildhouses, the cathedral and cobbled lanes around the Grote Markt.