The Best Hostels to Stay in Antwerp – Affordable Stays & Top Areas
Antwerp is Belgium’s coolest city, and you can’t convince me otherwise. It’s got the fashion, the art, the diamonds, the chocolate, the beer – basically everything you want from Belgium without the tourist hordes of Bruges. And the best part? The hostel scene here is stylish, modern, and seriously affordable. We’re talking design-focused accommodations that wouldn’t look out of place on Instagram, but at backpacker prices.
What makes Antwerp different from Brussels and Bruges? It’s edgier, more creative, less touristy, and honestly just cooler. The hostels here reflect that – they’re boutique-y, design-conscious, and social without being full-on party hostels. Dorm beds start from €13-33 per night, with private rooms from €66-104. For a city this stylish, that’s incredible value.
Best Areas to Stay in Antwerp for Hostels
Historic Center (Old Town) – Best for First-Time Visitors
The historic center puts you right in Antwerp’s beating heart. You’re walking distance to the Cathedral of Our Lady (Rubens paintings inside!), Grote Markt (the main square), museums, chocolate shops, and endless waffles.
This area is lively during the day with tourists and locals, but settles down at night without being dead. It’s safe, walkable, and perfect if you want to maximize sightseeing efficiency. Antwerp Central Youth Hostel is located right in the fashion district in the heart of the city, just a 5-minute walk from Old Market Square.
Most hostels here are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of Central Station, making arrival and departure super convenient.
Perfect for: First-time visitors, tourists checking off the main sights, short weekend trips, travelers who want everything walkable.
Zuid (South District) – Best for Trendy & Creative Vibes
Zuid (meaning “South”) is where locals will tell you is the coolest, most laid-back area in Antwerp. This is the trendy neighborhood filled with charming cobblestone streets, picturesque townhouses, art galleries, cafés, and fashion boutiques.
The food scene here is unreal – from high-end restaurants to casual bistros, there’s something for every taste and budget. Butcher’s Coffee has the best pancakes and coffee for breakfast, while Fiskebar serves delicious seafood for dinner.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSK) reopened in 2022 and is surrounded by amazing bars and restaurants. This is where locals go, so expect cozy, packed terraces when the weekend kicks off.
The best nightlife in Antwerp is definitely found in Het Zuid. Coolest bars, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere perfect for a night out.
Accommodation: South Antwerp Apartment offers private rooms from $97/night in a cozy apartment with two cats in the Zuid district. Tons of great nightlife, restaurants, cafés, and museums within walking distance.
Perfect for: Young travelers, creatives, foodies, nightlife seekers, digital nomads, and travelers who want authentic local vibes over tourist attractions.
Eilandje – Best Modern & Waterfront Stay
Eilandje (meaning “Little Island”) is Antwerp’s hip waterfront district near the MAS Museum (Museum aan de Stroom) and the marina. This neighborhood is stylish, modern, and quieter than Old Town.
The area is surrounded by historic docks, bars, and restaurants, and is only a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city center. Accommodation here includes modern apartments with spectacular views over the river and harbor.
Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City-North is located in the Eilandje district with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included. It’s a 10-minute drive from the city center with restaurants nearby.
The vibe is trendy and established without being overly touristy. It’s ideal if you want a more relaxed city break with waterfront walks and cultural attractions.
Perfect for: Couples, travelers wanting a quieter stay, museum lovers, and anyone who appreciates modern architecture and waterfront vibes.
Around Central Station – Best for Convenience & Transport
The area around Antwerp Central Station (one of the world’s most beautiful train stations!) is loaded with budget accommodation options.
A&O Antwerp Central is located right opposite Antwerp Central Railway Station, with great shopping, restaurants, and bars nearby. Ibis budget Antwerpen Centraal Station is only 200 meters from the station, and Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen is at De Keyserlei 59, right near the station.
This is the Diamond District area, with Antwerp Zoo just 300 meters away. You’re also a 5-minute walk to the stylish Dageraadplaats Zurenborg district.
The advantage? Super easy arrival and departure, excellent transport connections to other Belgian cities and Brussels Airport, and lower prices than the Old Town. The downside? It’s more functional than charming, and can feel a bit busy/commercial.
Perfect for: Short stays, travelers arriving by train, anyone who needs easy transport access, budget minimalists who prioritize price over atmosphere.
Best Hostels in Antwerp (Top Picks)
Best Overall: Yust Antwerp
Dorms from $33/night, Private rooms from $90/night.
Located at Coveliersstraat 6, Berchem, Antwerp, 2018. This is the #1 best overall hostel in Antwerp according to The Broke Backpacker.
Yust is a firm fan favorite for backpackers in Belgium. A Reddit user loved it and “would definitely stay there again,” noting “enough privacy, but lots of other guests to meet, and there is a tram stop very close by”.
This is that sweet spot of social atmosphere without party hostel chaos, comfortable facilities, and a convenient location.
Best Cheap Hostel: A&O Antwerp Central
Dorms from $20/night, Private rooms from $66/night.
Located at Pelikaanstraat 20, right opposite Antwerp Central Railway Station. Currently, the most affordable hostel in Antwerp is at just $21 per night.
The location is incredibly handy if you need to catch a train, plus you’re near great shopping, restaurants, and bars. Not necessarily great for sticking to the budget with all that temptation nearby, but fun nonetheless.
Best for Solo Travelers: Boomerang Hostel Antwerp
Best hostel for solo travelers with a fun atmosphere and friendly, welcoming staff. This place offers the ideal mix of calm atmosphere during the day, then fun events when evening arrives.
It’s easy to get chatting with other guests over Belgian beers in the living room, then head out to explore the city together – the center’s just 10 minutes away. Located in a grand old building with high ceilings.
Best Hostel with Private Rooms: Alias Youth Hostel
En-suite bedrooms with tons of natural light and balconies overlooking historic buildings. This is one of the coolest hostels in Antwerp, set inside a heritage building.
Crisp white linen and simple décor make this the best hostel with private rooms. Downstairs, there’s a big common room for watching films or hanging out. Free breakfast included – always a bonus.
Best for Digital Nomads: The Ash Antwerp
Dorms from $33/night, Private rooms from $84/night.
Located at Italiëlei 237-239, Antwerp District. The Ash calls itself a “concept hostel” and is perfect for digital nomads who need good Wi-Fi, quiet working spaces, and a productive atmosphere.
Best for Couples: Antwerp Central Youth Hostel
The best hostel for couples in Antwerp. It’s clean, professionally run, and well-maintained.
Located in the fashion district with modern, chic accommodation. Private bathrooms with every room, a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge, and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the morning, and there’s a modern outdoor area.
Close to trendy neighborhoods like Zuid and Eilandjee,e which have tons of great nightlife.
Budget-Friendly Basics
Studio Anvers offers private rooms from $104/night with comfortable beds and air conditioning – something many Antwerp hostels lack. Central location convenient for accessing Central Station, though it can be a bit noisy. No breakfast buffet, et but hosts provide something tasty.
Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen (Private rooms from $83/night) is a fun, brightly colored boutique hotel in a historic building offering great value for money. Standard budget hotel amenities include minibar, daily maid service, 24-hour front desk, and buffet breakfast (not free).
Hostel Facilities You Can Expect
Antwerp hostels typically include:
- Free Wi-Fi – Standard across all properties
- Secure lockers – Available in dorm rooms for valuables
- Shared kitchens – Save money cooking your own meals
- Common lounges – Social spaces with comfortable seating, often with high ceilings in historic buildings
- Bike rental – Many hostels offer bikes or can arrange rentals (Antwerp is very bike-friendly)
- Luggage storage – Hold bags before check-in or after checkout
- Key card access – Modern security systems
- 24-hour reception – Many hostels offer this
- Breakfast – Some hostels include a free buffet breakfast
- Private bathrooms – Several hostels offer en-suite options even in dorms
Tips for Booking a Hostel in Antwerp
Best Time to Book
January is the cheapest month with an average 49% drop in prices. October is the most expensive, with an average 98% rise in prices.
Thursday offers the lowest rates with an average nightly price of $39. Friday is the most expensive with average rates at $114.
Weeknight average: $66
Weekend night average: $70
Book well in advance for major fashion events, festivals, and summer weekends, which fill up quickly.
Events That Increase Prices
Antwerp hosts several fashion events throughout the year that spike accommodation prices:
- Antwerp Fashion Week
- MoMu (Fashion Museum) special exhibitions
- Summer festivals (July-August)
- Christmas markets (December)
Choosing Dorm Size and Bed Type
Smaller dorms (4-6 beds): More expensive per bed, quieter, less traffic at night. Better for light sleepers.
Larger dorms (8-12 beds): Cheapest option, more social, but noisier. Good if you’re a heavy sleeper or prioritize meeting people over sleep quality.
Female-only dorms: Available for solo female travelers seeking added comfort and security.
Private rooms: €66-104 per night. Perfect for couples or travelers wanting hostel prices with privacy. Many include en-suite bathrooms.
Location vs Price
Old Town/Fashion District: Slightly higher prices (€25-35/night dorms) but maximum convenience and walkability.
Zuid: Mid-range prices with best nightlife and local atmosphere – best value overall.
Central Station area: Cheapest (€13-25/night dorms) with excellent transport but less charming.
Eilandje: Premium pricing for waterfront modern vibes, quieter atmosphere.
Safety Tips for Travelers
Is Antwerp Safe?
Yes, Antwerp is generally safe for solo travelers. Like any city, staying aware and cautious is important, but Antwerp doesn’t have major safety concerns.
Safest neighborhoods: Old Town, Zurenborg, Antwerp’s city center, and the Zuid district are all safe and recommended.
Areas to avoid at night: Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid unlit, isolated areas. While Antwerp is generally safe, darker spots can attract unwanted attention, especially for solo travelers.
Choosing Safe Accommodations
Look for hostels in low-crime-rate neighborhoods like the historical center or Zuid district. These areas are scenic and bustling with local activity, which generally means a safer environment.
Before booking, check online reviews for comments about security features like security access, on-site personnel, key-card systems, and 24-hour reception.
Consider female-only dorms if you’re a solo female traveler for extra comfort. Many Antwerp hostels offer this option.
Proximity to public transport is important – staying near train or tram stations makes navigating easier and safer, especially after dark.
Using Lockers and Valuables Storage
- Bring your own combination padlock or rent one at the hostel
- Lock up passports, electronics, and cash every time you leave the room
- Don’t leave valuables lying on beds or in open bags
- Many hostels offer additional storage at reception for larger items
Transport After Midnight
Antwerp’s public transport (trams and buses) runs until around midnight. After that, taxis and Uber are safe and reasonably priced. The city center is generally safe for walking at night if you stick to well-lit main streets.
Price Guide: Hostel Costs in Antwerp
Typical dorm bed prices: $10-28
Private room costs: $67-104
Average hostel prices in Antwerp: $28-37+ per night
Seasonal pricing:
- January (low season): 49% cheaper than average
- October (high season): 98% more expensive than average
- Summer (July-August): Higher prices due to tourist season
Day-of-week pricing:
- Thursday: Cheapest at $39/night average
- Friday: Most expensive at $114/night average
- Weeknights: $66/night average
- Weekend nights: $70/night average
Budget per day for backpackers:
- Ultra-budget: €30-40/day (cheap hostel, cook your own food, free activities)
- Mid-range backpacker: €50-70/day (decent hostel, mix of cooking/eating out, some paid attractions)
- Comfortable budget: €80-100/day (nicer hostel/private room, restaurants, museums, nightlife)
FAQ
Are hostels in Antwerp safe?
Yes, very safe. Antwerp hostels maintain high safety standards with secure lockers, key-card access, and 24-hour security. The city itself is safe for solo travelers. Choose hostels with safety ratings of 8+ and read recent reviews. Female-only dorms are available for added comfort.
What is the best area for backpackers?
Zuid offers the best combination of cool local atmosphere, nightlife, trendy cafés, and reasonable prices. For pure convenience and walkability, the Historic Center is perfect. For the absolute cheapest prices, stay near Central Station.
Is Antwerp walkable from hostels?
Absolutely. Antwerp is a compact, walkable city. Hostels in the Old Town put you within walking distance of everything. Zuid is 10-15 minutes from the center on foot. Even the Central Station area is only a 15-20 minute walk to major attractions. The city also has excellent tram and bus connections.
Do hostels in Antwerp include breakfast?
Some do. Alias Youth Hostel and Antwerp Central Youth Hostel both include free breakfast. Sleep Well in Brussels (if you’re comparison shopping) offers massive continental breakfast buffets. Always check when booking – free breakfast saves you €5-8 daily.
Choosing the Right Hostel in Antwerp
Neighborhood recap:
- Historic Center: Best location, walkable attractions, slightly pricier, safe
- Zuid: Coolest vibes, best nightlife, local atmosphere, great value
- Eilandje: Modern waterfront, quieter, stylish, premium pricing
- Central Station: Cheapest, most convenient for transport, functional over charming
Match hostel to your style:
- Best overall: Yust Antwerp
- Cheapest: A&O Antwerp Central
- Solo travelers: Boomerang Hostel Antwerp
- Couples: Antwerp Central Youth Hostel
- Digital nomads: The Ash Antwerp
- Private room luxury: Alias Youth Hostel
Final money-saving advice:
- Book 72+ days ahead for best rates
- Visit in January for 49% cheaper prices
- Stay Thursday nights ($39 vs. $114 on Friday)
- Choose hostels with free breakfast to save €5-8 daily
- Cook in shared kitchens – supermarkets are everywhere
- Rent bikes instead of using taxis (Antwerp is super bike-friendly)
- Visit museums on free days (check individual museum schedules)
Antwerp is honestly the coolest city in Belgium for budget travelers. You get cutting-edge fashion, world-class art, incredible food, and a genuinely creative vibe – but without the tourist mobs or inflated prices of Bruges. The hostels here reflect that: stylish, modern, social, and way more affordable than they should be for a city this good. Book early, pick your neighborhood vibe, and get ready to fall in love with Belgium’s hidden gem.
