Belgium’s second city, Antwerp is a big ol’ port and an enclave of cool. Brimming with historic townhouses, quirky cafes and a medieval centre, this is a great place to wander about and discover on your own two feet.
But with all that history is there anywhere left for a humble hostel? Being a big city, there might only be hotels here, right? And they must be out of a backpacker’s budget…?
Nope! Thankfully there are hostels here! And I’ve sifted through the best hostels in Antwerp so you can easily find the hostel that’s right for you. I’ve done the hard work for you so all you have to do now is peep my handy list below!
Whether you’re here for a hot weekend with your lover or a solo mission to get amongst the culture – I’ve got accommodation options for you! I’ve got my top five favourite hostels and sweet insider tips for things to do in each area. THEN, I’ve got a bunch more budget-friendly stays too in case you don’t want to hostel or they’re all booked out.
So get your walking shoes on and strap into my guide to the best hostels in Antwerp!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Antwerp
- Best Overall Hostel in Antwerp – Yust Antwerp
- Best Hostel in Antwerp for Solo Travelers – Antwerp Central Youth Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Antwerp – A&O Antwerp Central
- Best Party Hostel in Antwerp – Antwerp City Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Antwerp – The Ash Antwerp
The 5 Best Hostels in Antwerp
Before you book your hostel, you need to figure out where you want to stay in Antwerp. Many different neighbourhoods in this sprawling city offer a veritable smorgasbord of things to see and do. What you want to do can decide where you want to be so I’ve listed my top hostel for different vibes to give you an idea.
1. Yust Antwerp – Best Overall Hostel in Antwerp
- Dorm (mixed): From $33/night
- Private Room: From $90/night
- Address: Coveliersstraat 6, Berchem, 2018 Antwerp
The overall best hostel in Antwerp, Yust is a firm fan favourite for people backpacking in Belgium. I’ve picked this as the number one best Antwerp hostels as it has everything you want ready and waiting for you. A great common area – yep. Onsite restaurant – yep. Earplugs – yep.
The beds are super private, the bathrooms are lovely facilities to use, the cleanliness is on point and there are massive lockers. The kitchen is well equipped with all the amenities you could need and the staff are wonderful too. Then there’s the lounge – this is unreal, I’ve never seen anything like it in a hostel, it puts Antwerp hotels to shame!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outside the City Centre
- Walking Distance to the Train Station
- Budget-Friendly Average Price
Feel classy in this stunning building and forget your broke ass for a moment in the sunken lounge, sipping something from the on-site bar. Chill out here and mix and mingle with fellow travellers if you’re feeling social, otherwise slip into one of the many nooks. Do keep in mind that you’ll be approx 30 mins from the hubbub of the city centre but I love travelling off the beaten path.
You’re eight minutes away from Berchem Station and 20 minutes away from Antwerp Central Station. So you can easily get around and into the city centre. There’s the option of female-only dorms, mixed dorms or private rooms so you can stay how you like in the comfortable beds.
2. Antwerp Central Youth Hostel – Best Hostel in Antwerp for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $42/night
- Private Room: From $95/night
- Address: Bogaardeplein 1, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp
Known to locals as Pulcinella, this youth hostel in Antwerp is actually part of the Flemish branch of the YHA. This means you’re gonna get a level of high standard here. Yep, in this purpose-built hostel, you’ll get modern rooms, large windows, plenty of spaces to hang out together and top-notch facilities.
There’s also a cafe here, which is always handy, and the location is pretty central too. This is one of the best hostels in Antwerp because it’s clean, professionally run and well-maintained. This means you don’t have to worry about all the typical hostel stuff, it almost feels like a budget hotel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Free Buffet Breakfast
- 24 Hour Reception
In the heart of the city centre, you’ll be surrounded by the plethora of wonderful museums and cultural delights of Antwerp. There are epic pubs around too when you need sustenance! The common area and the breakfast room at Antwerp Central Youth Hostel are both great places to meet travel buddies.
There’s the epic on-site bar to keep you hydrated and a foosball table, pool table and board games. I love me some semi-organised fun to lubricate the social situation and you’ll be close to the harbour which is bustling with activity. Plus, the trendy neighbourhoods like het Zuid en het Eilandje have great nightlife.
3. A&O Antwerp Central – Best Cheap Hostel in Antwerp
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $66/night
- Address: Pelikaanstraat 20, Antwerp District, 2018 Antwerp
This budget hotel in Antwerp has a pretty handy location if you need to catch a train: it’s right opposite Antwerp Central Railway Station. And, well, do you like shopping? Good, ’cause this place is right near some great shopping plus plenty of restaurants and bars. Not necessarily great for sticking to the budget, but fun nonetheless.
This hotel also has its own restaurant and bar, if you feel too wrecked to head outside after a long journey. The rooms themselves at Century Hotel Antwerp are simple but modern, and clean and come with en-suite bathrooms. You can book a bed in a dorm room or they have low-cost private rooms too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Walking Distance to Antwerp Central Station
- Cheap Accommodation in the City Centre
- Private or Dorm Rooms at Below Average Prices
The big attraction is the Antwerp Central Station which is literally across the road so you won’t have to faff or fork out for Taxi’s. That, plus 24-hour reception staff who are always happy to lend a hand and give you tips on where to go and how to get there. There’s also a complete lack of curfew which is wonderful if you’re here to drink beer and not care – Antwerp is your oyster!
There’s a buffet breakfast which is extensive but not included unless you book the Bed & Breakfast rates or ask when you arrive. This hostel is also child-friendly which is good to note – especially if you’re travelling with the family. This is the perfect, easiest place to stay but keep in mind it’s pretty basic, there isn’t any fancy decor but it’s clean and comfortable.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Antwerp City Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Antwerp
- Dorm (mixed): From $26/night
- Address: Grote Markt 40, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp
In the main square in Antwerp, the location of this place makes it the best of the Antwerp hostels if you want to party. It really is a killer location: you won’t find somewhere better than this for getting to all the good stuff Antwerp has to offer. No sirree.
There are different types of rooms to suit your budget at Antwerp City Hostel. Plus there’s a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, which is great for saving beer money! If you’re not about that self-catering life, there’s an affordable restaurant downstairs, and breakfast is even included in the cheap room rates.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Epic City Centre Location
- 105 Comfortable Beds
- Free Wifi
There’s a club downstairs so for you party people, you don’t even have to leave the building to get started. Being centrally located in the Grand Place though, you of course have lots of options for hitting the town. There are generally plenty of friendly people around to explore Antwerp with too which is wonderful whether you’re here solo or with a crew.
And when you’re feeling fragile in the morning all you have to do is crawl from your bed to the free buffet breakfast. There’s good wifi and a co-working space in the lounge if you’re here mixing business and pleasure on your Antwerp adventure. Antwerp City Hostel serves a fabulous purpose for budget backpackers who want to have a good time in this Belgium city.
5. The Ash Antwerp – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Antwerp
- Dorm (mixed): From $33/night
- Private Room: From $84/night
- Address: Italiëlei 237 -239, Antwerp District, 2000 Antwerp
The Ash Antwerp calls itself a ‘concept hostel’ and its set in the middle of the city. They’ve got en-suite bathrooms, high-speed internet throughout the building, plus a shiny new kitchen. This backpacker’s hostel is a great place to stay in Antwerp.
Thanks to the desks in the private rooms, the communal area with lots of table space and big windows that look out onto the city. As well as this, its location is close to the central train station – I think it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Antwerp. It’s a bit pricey, but if you’re earning cash you can spend cash, right?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Near Antwerp Central Station
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the Building
- Good for Business Trips
When you’re ready to unwind there’s plenty of entertainment options to unwind with – a pool table, foosball… There’s even a book exchange if you just want some quiet time. This Antwerp hostel is in an epic location for getting out and about after work too.
Digital nomads will appreciate the cleanliness and order of this hostel – from the massive kitchen if you’re into self-catering to the dorms. There’s also a bike rental and free bike parking which I highly recommend taking advantage of. Antwerp is such a pedestrian-friendly city – it’s the best way to get around the city centre in my opinion.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Great Budget Stays in Antwerp
But maybe you don’t wanna stay in a dorm. Maybe you’re travelling as a couple and you want some privacy. Or maybe you don’t like the whole, y’know, Antwerp hostel thing… or hostel thing in general… which is fine!
I’ve found a few of the best budget stays in Antwerp so you can find a place just for you.
Studio Anvers
- Private Room: From $104/night
- Address: Van Leriusstraat 6, Antwerp District, 2018 Antwerp
Studio Anvers is a sweet apartment type set up with comfortable beds and air conditioning – something a lot of Antwerp hostels lack. The central location of those studio is convenient for accessing Antwerp Central Station with the pay off being that it can be a bit noisy. There is no breakfast buffet at this boutique accommodation but the hosts are stella and will provide something tasty to break your fast.
There are also basic toiletries provided and a lovely, clean, private bathroom – you don’t get that in your average hostel! The hosts are lovely and will help you with things like public transport and other bits during your stay which is invaluable. Obviously this comes at a cost buuuuut them’s the breaks.
South Antwerp Apartment
- Private Room: From $97/night
- Address: Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium
Stay in Tineke’s cozy apartment with her two gorgeous cats (cat haters and allergen prone people beware!) in the Zuid district. This southern corner of the city is bumping and has plenty of restaurants cafes and museums within walking distance. This apartment sleeps two people which is perfect if you’re travelling with a lover or a homie and brings down the cost per person.
This Antwerp Apartment has wonderful accessibility to public transport which you’ll use if you’re here over the weekend as lots of local places are closed. I think this gives a lovely local village feel to this corner of the city which is a side you may not see if you’re hostelling.
Cosy Sunny City Retreat With Balcony
- Private Room: From $103/night
- Address: Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium
Saskia’s studio is the perfect place to stay in Antwerp if you’re spending a weekend or any time really! This eclectic, bright apartment is a genuine treasure with snacks on offer and personal tips for restaurants and places to see. You can enjoy walking around the city or make the most of the epic central location and proximity to public transport.
There’s a supermarket nearby as well as a well stocked kitchen so you can cook up some comfort food if you feel like a night in. With great communication from Saskia, the host and all the niceties that make you feel like home this is a sweet alternative to Antwerp hostels. There are epic bars nearby and plenty of velo (bike) stations as an alternative to walking or catching public transport.
Charming Antwerp Apartment
- Private Room: From $96/night
- Address: Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium
This charming apartment is in a great location in the heart of the hip neighbourhoods of Oud-Berchem and Zurenborg are a 5-minute walk away. There are unique bars and restaurants to buzz about and imbue the culture of the PAKT site. This is the sustainable heart of Antwerp’s Green Quarter made from historic warehouses transformed into a vibrant hub of green spaces and restaurants.
This is a residential flat which means that the host lives here usually, the upshot of this is that the kitchen is fully stocked… And you’re welcome to help yourself to it! There’s also a private balcony which is a lovely place to eat your home-cooked meal.
Fabulous Central Station Studio
- Private Room: From $89/night
- Address: Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, Belgium
This wonderful studio 100m from Central Station has wonderful air conditioning making it a luxuriously comfortable apartment for a pretty fair price. You’re right in the heart of the old city centre in this newly renovated apartment. This studio has a huge comfortable bed that you’ll be hard-pressed to leave to explore all the delights Antwerp has to offer.
Yep, even a backpacker needs rest sometimes, although being in bed doesn’t necessarily mean you’re resting, does it? Renting an apartment is a perfectly respectable way to enjoy love and sex on the road and take a break from the many wonderful Antwerp hostels. Enjoy the luxury of space and staff safe out there amigos!
Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen
- Private Room: From $83/night
- Address: De Keyserlei 59, Antwerp District, 2018 Antwerp
This fun and brightly coloured slightly boutique hotel is housed inside a historic building and offers GREAT value for money. This is something backpackers can totally get behind, right?
It’s everything you’d expect from a budget hotel in Antwerp tbh – from the minibar and daily maid service… To the 24-hour front desk and (not free) buffet breakfast, it’s pretty standard but it’s nice, clean and modern, too. A functional/functioning hotel.
Boomerang Hostel Antwerp
The best hostel for solo travellers oozing with a fun atmosphere and comes complete with friendly, welcoming staff. This place serves up the ideal mix of a calm atmosphere in the day – and then fun events when the evening arrives.
It’s easy to get chatting with other guests over a Belgian beer (or two) in the living room… Then you can head out to the city together; the centre’s just 10 mins away. This top hostel in Antwerp is also located in a grand old building with high ceilings, which I think is always pretty cool.
Kabas Hostel
If you’re looking for the best overall hostel in Antwerp, well, here it is. It’s homely, it’s got a bunch of helpful staff working there. These guys work relentlessly to keep it super clean btw and they’ve got a huge kitchen – no queues when everyone’s hungry for dinner.
There’s also a garden at this Antwerp backpackers hostel, where you can kick back with a book from the book exchange or just chill TF out. Free breakfast comes courtesy of the eggs that the hostel keeps running around the garden. How cute is that? It’s in a quiet neighbourhood (close to nice parks and stuff) but still within walking distance of the city centre.
Antwerp Backpackers Hostel
This social comes packed with things to do and I reckon it’s the best party hostel in Antwerp. Here you can meet with other travellers with a few beers around the bonfire – or the BBQ in summer.
They definitely like to have fun here – think happy hours, craft beer and being smack bang in the middle of a party neighbourhood. It definitely helps this youth hostel in Antwerp earn its credentials for good times. Then cure that hangover with a hearty, free breakfast.
Alias Youth Hostel
The en-suite bedrooms here let loads of light in and have balconies that look onto the historic buildings of the city… Yep, this is one of the coolest hostels in Antwerp. Oh, and it’s also set inside a heritage building, too. Try find Nello and Patrasche while you’re here!
Crisp white linen and simple decor really make this the best hostel with a private room in Antwerp. Downstairs there’s a big common room space that’s ace for watching a film or just hanging out, y’know, whatever takes your fancy. Free breakfast is always, always a bonus.
Treehouse
You might think that this place is called Treehouse because it’s a treehouse… and really, I wish it was one. But it isn’t. This confusingly named budget hotel in Antwerp is located inside a classically Antwerp townhouse… with a tree (more like a shrub) growing on the outside.
The rooms themselves look a lot like student accommodation, but they’re secure and quiet and the hotel itself is pretty close to the city centre. The owner is helpful and makes sure you know everything there is to know about the location, then they leave you to your own devices. Good if you’re an independent sorta person.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Antwerp
Too many Belgian beers aren’t good for anyone – most people are fine but what if you’re not?! You’ll be thankful for good hostel travel insurance!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Antwerp
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Antwerp.
What to Pack for your Antwerp Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for my top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Antwerp?
The average price of hostels in Antwerp starts from $28 – $37+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Antwerp for couples?
Antwerp Central Youth Hostel is the best hostel for couples in Antwerp. It’s clean, professionally run, and well-maintained.
What are the best hostels in Antwerp near the airport?
Yust Antwerp is an 11-minute drive from Antwerp International Airport. It’s top-rated and is close to public transportation. Check-in with your hostel for airport transfers and advice.
Final Thoughts on Antwerp’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Antwerp has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Antwerp is freeeekin cool – with a big sustainability movement and renaissance monuments which you can’t help but admire. Then there are obviously abundant opportunities for shopping if that tickles your fancy – or you can immerse yourself in the art nouveau culture.
Being a Flemish province, there’s no shortage of rich heritage, art and history to explore. For this reason, I recommend one of the studio apartments which is counter-intuitive to the best hostel post, I do apologise. My fave is Charming Antwerp Apartment – I love the PAKT area!
If you’re strictly here for hostels, Yust Antwerp is my overall best Antwerp hostel for good reason. The people here are rad, the vibe is immaculate and the area is top-notch. Make sure you indulge in the waffles – you’re still in Belgium after all!
Wherever you stay in Antwerp, I’m sure you’ll have a ball – there’s such an incredible unique culture here that I could be here forever.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Belgium for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Antwerp before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
