Antwerp Travel Tips for 2026
A short, practical list for a first Antwerp trip in 2026, covering the things that actually change how the visit goes.
Getting there
Antwerp has no major airport of its own. Fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) and take a direct train, roughly 25 to 40 minutes into Antwerpen-Centraal. Budget-carrier Charleroi (CRL) needs a shuttle into Brussels plus a train, closer to two hours. Arrive a few minutes early for Centraal itself, a genuine 1905 landmark.
Getting around
The historic centre is compact and walkable; Grote Markt to Centraal is about a 20-minute stroll up Meir. A single De Lijn tram or bus ticket runs about EUR 3 (verify at delijn.be), valid 60 minutes with transfers. You can tap a contactless card on board for single rides. Note that “premetro” here means an underground tram, not a metro.
The 2026 river-crossing gotcha
The premetro tunnel under the Scheldt is closed for renovation from May 2026 to roughly the end of March 2027, so no tram crosses the river for most of the year. To reach the left bank, use the free Sint-Annatunnel (pedestrian and cyclist, 1933) or the free Sint-Anna ferry, both running around the clock. Do not plan a tram route across the Scheldt.
Money and cards
Belgium uses the euro. Contactless card payment is accepted almost everywhere, more reliably than in some neighbouring countries, though a little cash is handy for market stalls. Tipping is not obligatory; round up or add 5 to 10% for good sit-down service, not US-style amounts.
Language
Antwerp is in Flanders and speaks Dutch (Flemish), not French. A “dank je” for thank you lands far better than a “merci” here. English is widely spoken in the tourist core, so you will not struggle, but do not default to French phrases as you might in Brussels.
When to visit
May to September has the best weather and the Zomer van Antwerpen program; December brings the Christmas market. The premetro closure spans nearly the whole 2026 season, so factor the free river crossings into any left-bank plans.
Staying safe
Antwerp is a safe major city, with crime lower than Brussels. Keep ordinary pickpocket caution at Centraal, De Keyserlei, and Meir; avoid the streets directly north of the station after dark in favour of lit main routes; and treat the Diamond District as the working quarter it is.
One 2026 note
The Rubenshuis is closed for renovation until around 2030; see Rubens’ altarpieces in the Cathedral of Our Lady instead.
Read more: our full Antwerp travel guide expands on all of the above.