Antwerp

The best season for a holiday is April-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.

In summer, the air warms up to an average of +38.0°C, during the day — up to +23.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.

In winter, the air temperature stays around +1.7°C, during the day — up to +6.5°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.

The rainy season falls on July-August and December. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.

A holiday for one person will cost around $197.00 (≈ 17 730 ₽ · ≈ 181 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.

Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $35.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $120.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $160.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $110.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.

Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $20.00, dinner at a restaurant — $50.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.

a taxi from the airport — $45.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $15.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.

Among the main attractions are: Grote Markt — Main square with a 16th-century town hall and guild houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Cathedral of Our Lady — Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral featuring Rubens' works, including the Descent from the Cross triptych; MAS Museum — Museum on the waterfront dedicated to Antwerp's history as a port city, with a panoramic rooftop viewpoint; Central Station — One of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, combining Neo-Gothic and modern architecture; Rubenshuis — Home museum of the great painter Peter Paul Rubens with his studio and garden. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.

Be sure to try the local cuisine: Moules-Frites — Classic Belgian dish: mussels cooked in wine or cream sauce, served with crispy French fries; Carbonnade Flamande — Hearty beef stew braised in dark beer with onions and spices, served with potatoes; Waterzooi — Traditional Flemish soup with chicken or fish in a creamy base with vegetables; Belgian Waffles — Crispy waffles of two types: Brussels (light and airy) and Liège (dense and sweet); Chocolate — Handmade Belgian chocolate, pralines and truffles — the country's hallmark. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.

For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic Centre — Best for first-time visitors: close to Grote Markt, the cathedral and main attractions; Het Zuid — Trendy area with art galleries, boutique hotels and restaurants, popular with the creative crowd; Het Eilandje — Modern port area with the MAS museum, trendy bars and river views, ideal for lovers of contemporary architecture; Zurenborg — Quiet residential area with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and a local life atmosphere. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.

Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.

The nearest airport — Антверпен Международный Аэропорт (code ANR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $45.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.

Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $197.00 (≈ 17 730 ₽ · ≈ 181 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.

Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.

Nearby you can visit: Brussels — Belgian capital with Grand-Place, Atomium and many museums, 45 minutes by train; Ghent — City with rich medieval history, canals and Gravensteen castle, an hour by train; Bruges — Picturesque medieval city with canals and lace, 30 minutes by train; Mechelen — Small cosy city with St. Rumbold's Cathedral and old breweries, 20 minutes by train. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.