When you stay at PREMIER SUITES Antwerp, you’re not just booking a place to sleep. You’re choosing comfort, flexibility, and a location that lets you step off the beaten path. Our serviced apartments in Antwerp give you the freedom to explore the city like a local, and that includes its lesser-known peaceful spots and quirky haunts. If you’re after a more laid-back experience or want something different from the usual museums and markets, here are seven places that offer just that.
1. Den Botaniek (Botanical Garden)
Right in the city centre, this peaceful botanical garden is easy to miss — which is part of its charm. It’s a small but lush space filled with medicinal herbs, tropical plants, and shady benches. It’s free to enter and open every day, making it a perfect stop if you need a break from the bustle of shopping streets.
Location: Leopoldstraat 24
Distance from PREMIER SUITES Antwerp: 10-minute walk
Good for: Reading, journaling, or quiet time outdoors
2. Café Boekowski
This cosy café feels like stepping into someone’s quirky living room. With shelves of books, retro furniture, and slow music, Café Boekowski is an ideal spot to recharge with a coffee or wind down with a local beer. Locals come for the unhurried vibe and late-night conversations.
Location: Montignystraat 16
Try: Their seasonal iced teas or a house-made quiche
A short walk from your apartment hotel in Antwerp
3. St. Anna Tunnel & Left Bank Promenade
Antwerp’s underground pedestrian tunnel leads you across the Scheldt River to the city’s quiet Left Bank. The wooden escalators and tiled walls give a nostalgic feel, and when you surface, you’re rewarded with a wide riverside promenade and postcard-perfect skyline views. Few tourists make the trip, but it’s worth it for the peace and space.
Free to use
Best enjoyed at sunset
Bring a snack and stay to watch the lights come on across the river
4. Silent Room at AMUZ
AMUZ, a classical music venue set inside a restored baroque church, offers a Silent Room when events aren’t on. This tranquil space invites visitors to sit, reflect, and simply be still. It’s not heavily advertised but is known among those who crave a midday moment of calm.
Address: Kammenstraat 81
Entry: Free when the building is open
A handy stop between shops or before dinner
5. Kloosterstraat’s Vintage Corners
Kloosterstraat is technically well known, but its best finds are hidden in plain sight. Beyond the antique furniture stores are tucked-away design studios, leafy courtyards, and small galleries showcasing local artists. Wander slowly, browse without pressure, and stop for a coffee in one of the tucked-away patios.
Best day to visit: Sunday, when the shops are open but the pace is slow
Look out for: The courtyard behind number 53 and the hidden record shop two doors down
6. Boekenberg Park & Eco-Swimming Pond
In the Deurne district, about 30 minutes from the city centre by tram, Boekenberg Park offers wooded trails and open green spaces ideal for a quiet walk or picnic. It’s home to Belgium’s first natural swimming pond, which uses plants and gravel filtration instead of chlorine — a relaxing and chemical-free way to cool off in summer.
Open: June to early September
Accessible via tram 10 or 24
Free entry: just bring swimwear and a towel
7. Havenhuis Rooftop Loop (After Hours)
The Port House (Havenhuis), designed by Zaha Hadid, is striking during the day but even more impressive at dusk. After office hours, the area empties out, leaving you with uninterrupted views and quiet paths. Walk the loop around the building and along the docks, one of the best free views in the city.
Best enjoyed around twilight
Tram 24 brings you close
Bring headphones and make it your solo sightseeing spot
Why Stay with PREMIER SUITES Antwerp?
After a day discovering hidden gems, you’ll want space to stretch out and unwind. That’s where our serviced apartments in Antwerp come in. You’ll have:
A fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals
Comfortable living and working space
A central location near everything above
Unlike standard hotels, our apartment hotel in Antwerp gives you the freedom to make your trip your own.
Book Direct for the Best Rates
Your relaxed Antwerp stay starts here. Skip the tourist crowds, find your rhythm, and come back to a space that feels like your own. Browse our availability and book direct for exclusive offers and long-stay deals.
