Is Antwerp affordable?
In comparison to Amsterdam where I live at the moment, Antwerp is a very affordable city to explore. Although it is a very touristy spot, the prices are not that high, especially when it comes to food and accommodation. Moreover, Antwerp is packed with free or discounted sightseeing spots, so do not forget your student card if you have one! For example, all museums and churches were free of charge on 31st December, so I was lucky enough to see most of the city for free.
If you want to see the best of Antwerp on the budget, the first place you should head to is the Central Station. Here you can visit the Tourist Information Center, get a free map of the city, ask any questions you want and get a great sightseeing tips.
If you feel like cycling, there are plenty of bikes around the station. It costs approximately 13 euros a day per person.
Accommodation: VRBO
If you are not a big fan of Couchsurfing, try VRBO instead. Me and my partner booked a lovely apartment with Be-Housing and paid around 120 euros for 2 nights for 2. There were also cheaper places to stay starting from 15 euros a night. Note: I personally had a very disappointing experience with Be-Housing, so make sure to double check the company/person you are renting a place from.
Getting to Antwerp
The cheapest way for me to get from Amsterdam to Antwerp was booking an Eurolines bus. It costed only 20 euros both ways per person and after 4 hours I was there! You can also try BlaBla car or hitchhiking.
Food
As we have our own apartment for a couple of days, we went shopping to Lidl where we spent around 30 euros for our breakfasts, snacks and dinners. Me and my partner love cooking so it was a real pleasure and fun for both of us to prepare our own meals. One night we made some burgers with salad, the other day we cooked some chicken with veggies and pasta.
When we got hungry exploring the city, we headed to the foodmarket – a very healthy and affordable lunch bar. They serve pastas, various delicious salads, cakes and pastries, baguettes, soups and coffee.
A nice meal of your choice should not cost you more than 10 euros.
Transport
Forget the trams and buses, Antwerp is just too adorable not to be explored on foot. It is also very small so you will not have a problem getting anywhere you want in just 10 minutes.
Sightseeing in Antwerp
Most of the sightseeing spots are free or cost between 4 and 8 euros.
The Rubens House
It costs 8 euros. The Rubenshuis is the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. The museum is worth spending some time here.
Central Station
The Antwerp Central Station is one of the world’s most impressive railway stations. Dubbed the “Railway Cathedral”, it is one of the main landmarks in Antwerp.
Grote Markt
The Grote Markt of Antwerp is situated in the heart of the old city quarter. At walking distance, the Scheldt river flows alongside the city. It is a town square with many guildhalls.
Cathedral of Our Lady
It is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. Today’s see of the Diocese of Antwerp was started in 1352 and, although the first stage of construction was ended in 1521. Free of charge and wonderful to explore.
Christmas Market
The Christmas Markets in Belgium are very popular and offer all kinds of Christmas goodies and the festive season will again be celebrated with colorful Christmas trees.
Town Hall (Stadhuis)
The City Hall of Antwerp, Belgium, stands on the western side of Antwerp’s Grote Markt. It is filled with cozy restaurants and cafeterias.
Antwerp’s Port
It is the economic heart of Flanders and Belgium. Merely industry you say? Nope, the port is also an ideal setting for cycling, discovering cultural and walking.
St. Anna Tunnel
It is one of the most easily overlooked attractions in Antwerp. St. Anna Tunnel is probably the oldest tunnel of this kind in the world. Apparently before the WWII the progress of the digging of the tunnel were followed everywhere in the world!
Extra tips
If you need to leave your stuff somewhere safe, use the lockers for 3-4 euro at the Train Station.
How do you like this way of exploring Antwerp on the cheap?
