Belgium, AntwerpJune 28, 2026, by Carlijn Veltman

Tips for fun and less touristy cycling routes around Antwerp

Belgium, Antwerp, June 28, 2026, by Carlijn Veltman

Tips for fun and less touristy cycling routes around Antwerp

Antwerp is no longer a well-kept secret, but it's a city that constantly pulls out all the stops. From creative neighborhoods, resembling a mix between Paris and Amsterdam North, to old harbor corners along the Scheldt River. These are the places in Antwerp that are slightly less touristy than the Grote Markt, but still worth a visit.

And what's the best way to explore a city? By bike, of course! Antwerp within the city walls is absolutely beautiful, but it gets interesting just outside. Less postcard vibes, more story.

Antwerp via Visit Antwerp.

Heart of Antwerp

In the heart of Antwerp lies the Grote Markt, with its town hall, guild houses, and Brabo waving his hand through the air (that enormous statue in the Grote Markt). A classic you won't miss, even if you've seen it a hundred times. From here, narrow cobblestone streets meander in every direction. It's a picture-perfect sight, very... Instagram-worthy, a little less so when you're on a bike. The buildings are incredibly impressive, sometimes a tad crooked. Amidst all that beauty are cafes, chocolatiers, restaurants, and lovely terraces.

Our favorite places in Antwerp here.The city center is busy, yes, but that's precisely what makes Antwerp so charming. You just have to be able to handle it, and if not? Luckily, there are plenty of less touristy spots to explore!

Antwerp South

Yes, we can't stop talking about Antwerp South, because what a great place this is! Zurenborg is of course a must visit, with all those beautiful mansions, Art Nouveau gems, and wide avenues. Not far away is the Groen Kwartier, a mix of designer shops, restaurants, and those TikTok-hip coffee shops. here are a few of our favorites.

What also shouldn't be missing from this list is the Middelheim Museum, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Inspired by the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands, modern sculptures are scattered throughout the greenery of beautiful parks. And café MIKA makes it complete: in the summer there are parties that sometimes go on until three in the morning.

And then our ultimate recommendation: PAKT…

PACT

PAKT truly deserves its own chapter. It's a place where you immediately sense the creative people walking around; everyone looks a bit like they've just stepped out of a photoshoot. It feels a bit like Amsterdam-Noord, but still undiscovered by mass tourism, making it extra cozy. Inside, you'll find everything: a nice gym (okay, 130 euros a month, but sometimes you just have to make some sacrifices for a good workout), a coffee shop ( Caffenation PAKT) where you can of course score a Matcha, and there are more than enough places to hang out. Or come and have dinner in the evening at the restaurant CamionetteAn added bonus: on top of the industrial buildings are enormous vegetable gardens, just for everyone in the neighborhood.

PACKS Antwerp.

Antwerp North

And then there's the north side of Antwerp, a much lesser-known area. We're mainly talking about the port area, because Het Eilandje, the MAS, and Lillo are already somewhat well-known, and for good reason. The port area itself is a place we at Barts Boekje often recommend skipping during a weekend in Antwerp (unless you're a fan of industry, in which case you should definitely go!).

If you cycle there anyway, be sure to stop at the Eilandje the Port House: an impressive building that you will not soon forget. museum MAS is also highly recommended, and free to visit: from here you can see Antwerp from all sides. After visiting the MAS museum, join us for a leisurely lunch at restaurant Roest. Or go ahead and have a drink at HELLO, where you can also eat. And for the Mega Mindy fans (or the kids (who were there) the police station from the series is located in the idyllic village of Lillo.

More nice places in Antwerp Center

Jazz Café: Baroque Antwerp
To visit: Vlaeykensgang
At Sir Anthony Van Dijck you can have lunch or dinner in a unique historical setting, right in the bustling center of Antwerp.
In a side aisle of the centuries-old Stock Exchange, in the heart of Antwerp, hidden behind massive and enormous doors, you will find – surprise –Fierce.Clever guy who doesn't fall silent for a moment the first time stepping inside.
Restaurant La Voltais the refined Italian restaurant of The House of Franq.
Verso Café is a winner. We'd gladly kick another round for the creative card.

More nice places in Antwerp South

Walking through: The Brandt expats must register with the local municipality and obtain a Coffee at Barboel's. And further:

South Café Antwerp: for all day every day.
The Artist: classic brasserie on the famous Leopold De Waelplaats in Het Zuid, Antwerp.
Foodbar Pilar: You will find Hotel a stone's throw from the cozy Marnixplaats. PillarAnd that is the only place we want to check in when in AntwerpAnd when we aren't sleeping there, you can find us in the restaurant.
Restaurant Danieli il Divino: Italian restaurant in Antwerp, in a historic coach house on the edge of Park Den Brandt

More nice places in Antwerp North

Noord is a long way for people who aren't from Antwerp, but you can get there in fifteen minutes by bike (and the Velo system in Antwerp is great, of course!). And this is where you want to cycle to:

Bistro L'îlot: A casual bistro that's seasonally spontaneous',' reads the slogan of this casual yet refined bistro.
Hiro Antwerp: Inside the small, dark restaurant, Hiro, you look out over the water and the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), but otherwise you might easily think you have arrived at a Japanese place in the New York Catskills, or a beer-cool spot in Japan – you get the point.
Café Commercial: Natural wines and slightly complicated food in an old-lady-style establishment on the outskirts of Antwerp, near Park Spoor Noord.

Tips for fun and less touristy cycling routes around Antwerp