Antwerp doesn’t always make the top of travel lists, and honestly, that’s what makes it great. People rush to Bruges for the canals or Brussels for the museums, but Antwerp slips under the radar. It’s smaller, more creative, and easier to settle into - the kind of place where you can spend a whole afternoon at a market stall or café without feeling like you’re missing out on something “big.”

This is a city with layers. Once Europe’s busiest port, Antwerp still carries the energy of a trading hub, with grand guild houses around the Grote Markt, narrow lanes that twist through the old town, and a riverfront that has always been the city’s lifeline. It’s also one of the fashion capitals of Europe, home to designers, concept stores, and a style that’s more understated than flashy. Add in Belgium’s love of food (from coffee to chocolate to local beer) and you’ve got a city that’s quietly confident in what it offers.

Spring is when Antwerp feels its best. The winter grey lifts and the whole city stretches back into life. Café terraces get their chairs back on the pavement, locals head to the markets for bunches of tulips and fresh mint, and that golden northern light starts showing up in late afternoons. The weather is cool but pleasant. You’ll want a jacket in the mornings, but by midday, you’ll be happy to sit outside with a coffee. Best of all, the summer crowds haven’t arrived, so you’ll have streets, museums, and even popular cafés with a little more breathing room.

Getting here is simple. If you’re flying, Brussels Airport is the closest international hub, and from there it’s just a 40-minute train ride. If you’re already traveling in Europe, Antwerp connects easily to Amsterdam in just over an hour and to Paris in about two, making it one of the easiest weekend trips you can slot into a bigger itinerary. The train station itself, Antwerp Central, is worth the trip alone - often called one of the most beautiful stations in the world, it’s part cathedral, part railway, and completely unforgettable as your first stop.

The city is compact and walkable, but each neighborhood has its own feel. Zuid is all galleries, design shops, and modern cafés. Zurenborg is where you’ll find art nouveau houses that look like they came from a storybook. Sint-Andries has a mix of vintage shops and local bars, while the old town gives you the postcard-perfect facades and cobblestones.

This guide is built for slow travelers. Instead of a checklist, it gives you a rhythm for a spring weekend in Antwerp: Friday evenings with natural wine by the river, Saturday mornings at the Exotic Market, afternoons wandering through design shops and cafés, and Sunday walks in streets most visitors never reach. If you like the idea of exploring at a slower pace - stopping when something catches your eye, sitting a little longer at lunch, letting the city guide you rather than rushing it: Antwerp in spring is exactly the kind of place you’ll fall for.

Friday Evening in Antwerp: Arrival, Natural Wine, and a Riverside Walk

Most people arrive in Antwerp by train, and that’s a good thing - because Antwerp Central Station isn’t just a transport hub, it’s an introduction to the city’s grandeur. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful train stations in the world, its vast iron-and-glass roof feels more like a cathedral than a railway hall. Even if you’re dragging a suitcase, pause for a moment and look up. The details are stunning, and it sets the tone for a weekend where architecture really matters.

From the station, you’re already in the thick of the city. The old town is about a 20-minute walk, but there’s no rush. A tram can take you straight down if you’re tired, or you can start stretching your legs and feel the city unfold. On your first evening, the goal isn’t sightseeing: it’s getting to know the town and slowing down.

One of the best places to ease into Antwerp is Bar Brut, just a short walk from the station. It’s a natural wine bar with exactly the right atmosphere for a Friday night: lively but not noisy, welcoming without fuss. The staff are warm, the wines lean toward organic and small-batch, and the plates (the burrata, especially) are perfect for sharing if you’re traveling with a friend. If you’re solo, it’s equally good - a bar where sitting with a glass of wine and a notebook doesn’t feel out of place.

Afterwards, take a slow walk toward the Scheldt River. This isn’t a big, flashy riverfront promenade, but more of a lived-in locals’ spot where people walk their dogs, meet friends, or play pétanque as the sun dips. If the weather is clear, you’ll catch the soft golden light that makes Antwerp in spring so photogenic. It’s one of those walks that doesn’t need a destination. Just find a bench, breathe in the cool river air, and let yourself arrive properly.

If you’ve still got energy, wander through a few nearby streets in the old town. They’re quieter in the evening, with more locals than tourists, and you’ll catch glimpses of the guild houses and narrow lanes that make Antwerp so atmospheric. But don’t push it. There’s plenty of time to explore tomorrow. For tonight, let the wine and the river do their work.

Saturday in Antwerp: Exotic Market Mornings and a Stroll Through Zuid

Spring Saturdays in Antwerp start best at The Exotic Market in Theaterplein. It’s not just a market: it’s where the city feels most alive. By mid-morning the square is buzzing with locals loading up on flowers, spices, and produce. The air is thick with the smell of fresh mint, grilled flatbreads, and roasted nuts, and conversations spill out in a mix of Dutch, French, Arabic, and Turkish. It’s a cultural snapshot of Antwerp at its best: layered, diverse, and full of character.

Unlike smaller neighborhood markets, this one has an international edge. Moroccan stalls sell honeyed pastries and buttery msemen, Turkish vendors pile tables high with olives and cheese, and Mediterranean traders bring sun-drenched flavors straight to Belgium. If you’ve just arrived in the city, this is the place to get your bearings - to slow down, grab something warm from a stall, and watch how people here live their weekend mornings.

What to eat at the Exotic Market? Start with a pastry you can eat with your hands while wandering: a crispy börek, a baghrir (a spongy Moroccan pancake drizzled with honey), or fresh fruit that looks too good to pass up. If you’d rather sit, there are stands where you can order a plate of food and tuck in at one of the nearby benches. Coffee is easy to find, but a glass of mint tea feels more fitting here - warming, refreshing, and part of the ritual.

Best time to go? Around 10 a.m. The early crowd is mostly locals doing their weekly shopping, and by midday it’s busier with people lingering over food. Either way, the atmosphere stays lively, but mornings have a softer edge.

Wander into Zuid

When you’ve had your fill of market energy, head south into Het Zuid, Antwerp’s creative and cultural quarter. The walk takes about 15 minutes, and it’s an easy transition: from noisy stalls to wide, sunlit streets lined with art galleries, concept shops, and cafés that seem designed to make you linger. This part of town has a different pace. Think soft linen in the shop windows, clean architecture, and boutiques where the staff greet you without pressure.

Start at St. Vincents, a blend of design store, café, and gallery that captures the city’s creative side in one spot. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing here feels inspiring. A few streets over, Damoy Store keeps things minimalist with timeless fashion pieces that are more about how you feel in them than about labels. And for something more eclectic, Rosier 41 is a vintage boutique with curated racks: no chaos, just handpicked finds that make slow shopping a pleasure.

Walking through Zuid on a spring morning is a reminder of why Antwerp is different from other European cities. It’s stylish without showing off, international without losing its Belgian roots. You won’t find tour buses unloading here, just locals moving at their own pace and travelers blending in as they explore.

A Slow Lunch in Antwerp

By the time you’ve wandered through Zuid’s shops and galleries, you’ll be ready to sit down for something nourishing. One of the nicest things about Antwerp is that lunch isn’t treated as a quick pit stop. Cafés here invite you to stay as long as you like, and in spring the pace feels even slower - a mix of locals catching up with friends and solo diners with books or laptops open just for the sake of writing a line or two.

If you’re in the mood for calm, head to Tinsel, a café just outside the old town that feels like a little refuge from the city. Sunlight filters through the big front windows, plants fill the corners, and the menu leans toward colorful, wholesome plates. Their roasted vegetable tarts and seasonal salads are beautifully put together without trying too hard, and their coffee is smooth enough to make you order a second without thinking. Weekends here can be busy, but it’s the kind of busy that feels warm, not rushed.

If your vibe is more urban and energetic, Butchers Coffee might be the better fit. Set in a minimalist, industrial-style space in the south of the city, it’s one of Antwerp’s best coffee spots. The flat whites are a favorite, and the food is a surprise: hearty sandwiches stacked high, shakshuka that warms you right through, and plates that feel more like dinner than lunch. The crowd is a little younger and buzzier, but it never tips into chaos. For solo travelers, it’s an easy place to blend in: grab a counter seat with your coffee and people-watch.

Both spots capture Antwerp’s food culture at its best: simple, seasonal, and designed for lingering. Don’t rush. Order a coffee after your meal, maybe even a slice of cake if you’ve got room, and just let yourself stay put. It’s part of why spring is such a good season here - nobody’s pushing for tables, and the slower rhythm is easy to sink into.

A Slow Afternoon: Book Café or Printing Press History

After lunch, you’ll probably want to take it down a notch. Antwerp is perfect for that kind of afternoon where you don’t need to tick anything off, just drift into whatever feels right. Two places stand out: one for when you want to sit with a coffee and a book, and one for when you’re in the mood for a bit of quiet history.

If you’re craving something cozy, make your way to Café Buchbar in Zurenborg. It’s half café, half bookshop, and entirely the sort of place that feels made for introverts. The space is filled with natural light, and the shelves are lined with books you can browse before settling in. Order a coffee (their chai is also excellent) and find a spot by the window or a corner table. The vibe is slow and thoughtful. People journaling, reading, or just daydreaming. It’s the kind of place where time doesn’t really matter, and if you’re traveling solo, you won’t feel out of place at all.

If you’d rather lean into Antwerp’s history, head to the Museum Plantin-Moretus. Tucked into a quiet street not far from the city center, this former printing house dates back to the 16th century and has been perfectly preserved. Inside, you’ll find some of the world’s oldest printing presses, rooms lined with leather-bound books, and a beautiful inner courtyard that feels like a hidden garden. It’s small enough to take your time… you don’t need hours, but you’ll likely want to linger. Best of all, it rarely feels crowded, so you can actually enjoy the creaky wooden floors and centuries-old atmosphere without the rush of a big museum.

Whether you choose the comfort of Buchbar or the history of Plantin-Moretus, the point is the same: a slow afternoon where you can step out of the buzz of the city and let Antwerp show you its quieter side.

Sunday in Antwerp: Quiet Corners and Golden Light

Sundays in Antwerp have their own rhythm. Shops open later, the streets stay calm until mid-morning, and there’s a softness in the air that makes everything feel more personal. If Saturday was about energy and discovery, Sunday is about slowing down and soaking up the last of the city before you leave.

Start at Barchel, a neighborhood café on Van Breestraat that feels like it was designed for lazy mornings. The space is bright and airy, with just enough greenery to make it feel fresh without being overdone. Their coffee is consistently good, and the menu leans toward simple but satisfying with poached eggs, mushroom toast, and fresh juices that taste like spring in a glass. If you can, grab a seat by the window and let yourself sit longer than you planned. The crowd here is a mix of locals reading newspapers, couples easing into their day, and solo travelers who look like they’ve found their Sunday ritual.

Once you’re ready to move, take a walk through Zurenborg, one of Antwerp’s most beautiful (and most overlooked) neighborhoods. The highlight here is Cogels-Osylei, a street lined with art nouveau mansions that look like they were pulled from a fairytale. Each house has its own personality (some with curved balconies, others with colorful tilework or elaborate floral details) and the effect is both grand and whimsical. The best part? You’ll probably have it mostly to yourself. This isn’t a tourist-heavy area, so you can wander slowly, stop for photos if you want, or just admire the architecture without distraction.

If the weather plays along, the spring light in Zurenborg is unforgettable. By late morning, the sun hits the houses at just the right angle, and everything glows a little golden. It’s the perfect kind of walk for reflection - no crowds, just you and the city in one of its quietest corners.

If you’ve still got a few hours before heading back to the station, find a café terrace nearby and order one last coffee or a Belgian beer. Sundays aren’t about cramming in “one more thing.” They’re about leaving slowly, so that when you do step onto the train at Antwerp Central, it feels like you’ve really lived the weekend instead of rushing through it.

Where to Stay in Antwerp

Antwerp has plenty of big hotels in the city center, but if you want your spring weekend to feel a little more local, it’s worth picking a neighborhood. Zuid, Sint-Andries, and Zurenborg all make great bases. They’re close enough to walk everywhere, but each has its own personality: Zuid for design and galleries, Sint-Andries for vintage shops and cozy bars, and Zurenborg for quiet streets and art nouveau architecture.

Here are a few stays that capture the city’s slower side:

Hotel Pilar (Zuid) – A boutique stay filled with plants, soft light, and a modern art-meets-home vibe. The café downstairs is lively but never overwhelming, and the square outside is perfect for people-watching.
Maison Nationale (Sint-Andries) – More intimate, with spacious rooms and a warm, elegant feel. It’s close to the city center but tucked away enough for quiet evenings.
A private apartment in Zurenborg – If you’d rather live like a local, renting a flat here is a great option. You’ll wake up among stunning architecture, with bakeries and cafés right around the corner.

Wherever you stay, keep in mind that Antwerp is very walkable. The tram system is easy to use if you get tired, but most of the city’s best corners are discovered on foot.

Antwerp in Spring

What makes Antwerp special in spring isn’t one big thing - it’s all the small moments that stack up over a weekend. The slow start at the Exotic Market with a pastry you didn’t plan to buy. The quiet surprise of Zurenborg’s streets, where you keep stopping just to look up at a balcony. The way sunlight hits the river in the evening and everyone, locals and visitors alike, pauses for a minute to enjoy it.

It’s not a city that demands your attention. Antwerp lets you ease into its rhythm, which is why it works so well for a spring escape. The weather is mild enough for long walks but cool enough that cafés feel extra cozy. Crowds haven’t arrived yet, so you get the space to wander at your own pace. And because it’s Belgium, there’s always good coffee, good bread, and good beer around the corner.

If you’ve been craving a weekend away that feels both inspiring and grounding, Antwerp checks every box. You just need a pair of comfortable shoes, a curious mood, and maybe a notebook to catch the thoughts that float up when you finally have a little space to breathe. Also, if’s affordable and super pretty streets - makes the perfect backdrop to any cozy walk or photo.

So if you’re planning your next spring trip to Europe, keep Antwerp in mind. It may not be the first city people mention - and that’s exactly why it feels so right!

Keep Exploring Slow Spring Destinations in Europe

If Antwerp in spring speaks to you, chances are you’ll love a few of our other favorite places for slow, soulful travel this season:

🍷 Tuscany’s Secret Vineyards – Beyond the crowds of Chianti, discover small, family-run estates where wine, art, and local culture blend into one timeless experience. Read more here.
🌸 A Quiet Spring Weekend in Périgord Noir, France – Rolling hills, medieval villages, and fields in bloom. Perfect for travelers who want France without the rush. Explore the guide.
🌿 European Destinations for a Spring Reset – From coastal retreats to mountain hideaways, these six places are ideal for anyone craving rest, fresh air, and new energy. Find your spring reset.

Spring is one of the best times to explore Europe slowly: fewer crowds, softer prices, and landscapes just waking up after winter. Wherever you go next, take your time.

FAQs About Visiting Antwerp in Spring

Is Antwerp worth visiting in spring?
Absolutely. Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Antwerp. The weather is mild, the markets are lively, and the city hasn’t yet hit its busy summer stride. You’ll find cherry blossoms in parks, terraces reopening after winter, and plenty of cultural events starting to fill the calendar. It’s also easier to find boutique hotels at softer prices compared to peak months.

How many days do you need in Antwerp?
A weekend (2–3 days) is enough to get a feel for Antwerp’s rhythm: markets on Saturday, a museum or café day in between, and a quiet Sunday walk through Zurenborg. If you stay longer, you’ll have time for day trips to places like Mechelen or Ghent, but the beauty of Antwerp is that it doesn’t overwhelm. Two full days is plenty to explore at a slow pace.

What’s the weather like in Antwerp in spring?
March can still be chilly, with highs around 10°C (50°F). By April and May, daytime temperatures usually sit between 12–18°C (54–65°F). You’ll want layers - mornings and evenings can be cool, but afternoons are often sunny and pleasant. Expect occasional showers, but nothing that ruins a day; just bring a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket.

Is Antwerp walkable?
Yes. Antwerp is one of the most walkable cities in Belgium. The historic center is compact, and most neighborhoods worth visiting (Zuid, Sint-Andries, Zurenborg) are within a 20–30 minute walk of each other. If your feet need a break, the tram system is reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate with contactless payment.

What are the best things to do in Antwerp in spring?
Spring in Antwerp is about slow experiences rather than ticking off sights. Start at the Exotic Market on Saturday morning, wander through Zuid’s design shops, and linger in a café like Café Buchbar. Visit the Museum Plantin-Moretus for a quiet history fix, and spend a Sunday morning walking along Cogels-Osylei in Zurenborg to admire the art nouveau houses in soft spring light. Add in a few unplanned café stops, and you’ve got a perfect weekend.

Is Antwerp good for solo travel?
Very much so. The city is safe, compact, and has a welcoming café culture that makes solo dining or reading in public completely normal. Whether you’re at a bustling market, tucked into a quiet corner of a book café, or wandering through residential neighborhoods, Antwerp feels like an easy city to move through on your own.

How do I get to Antwerp?
Antwerp is well connected by train. From Brussels, it’s just 40 minutes, and direct trains also link Antwerp to Amsterdam (around 1h 15m) and Paris (just over 2 hours). If you’re flying, Brussels Airport is the closest international hub, with frequent train connections into the city. Once in Antwerp, you don’t need a car as everything is accessible on foot or by tram.

What food should I try in Antwerp?
Belgium is known for chocolate, waffles, and beer, but Antwerp has its own local flavors too. Try Antwerpse Handjes, a praline shaped like the city’s symbol (a hand). Spring is a great time for market eats: Moroccan pastries, Turkish flatbreads, and fresh local cheeses. And of course, Belgian fries taste even better eaten outdoors in the spring sunshine.

Best Things to Do in Antwerp in Spring: Markets, Cafés, and Golden Light