Antwerp may be known for its fashion, art, and architecture by day, but the city comes alive at night.
Whether you’re into cocktail bars, buzzing terraces packed with locals or live music events, there’s something here for every kind of night owl.
We list 11 fun things to do in Antwerp at night, from sunset drinks to late-night exhibitions.
11 Cool Things to Do in Antwerp at Night
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services we have used or that we believe will add value to our readers. Thank you for supporting us!1. Catch live jazz at a beloved local institution
Step into De Muze, a legendary jazz cafe that’s been buzzing since the ’60s.
With its dim lighting, bohemian charm, and live music every night, it’s the perfect place to wind down.
Grab a Belgian beer and settle in at the bar, or find a table along the mezzanine railing and soak in the scene.
Hours: Live music starts at 9 pm on Tuesday - Thursday, and at 10 pm on Friday - Saturday. They don't take reservations.
2. Walk through Grote Markt Square after dark
After dinner, take a stroll through Grote Markt, where the 16th-century guild houses, Renaissance City Hall, and the tallest Gothic cathedral in Belgium glow under golden floodlights.
With fewer crowds and a romantic atmosphere, it’s a magical way to experience the heart of historic Antwerp.
3. Sip sunset drinks by the water at Paniek Bar
Paniek Bar
Head up to the old docks in north Antwerp for a relaxed drink at Paniek Bar, set inside a former shipyard warehouse.
We love this raw, industrial corner of the city. It's got a great creative energy and feels very different from the centre. Grab a table outside and watch the sunset over the water.
Hours: Open daily until 11 pm.
4. Dine on a buzzing terrace and people-watch
On a warm day, grabbing dinner on one of Antwerp’s lively terraces is a must.
Bourla is perfect for Belgian classics in a romantic, old-European setting, while Cobra offers a more design-forward scene with playful small plates and a stylish crowd.
They are popular spots, so reservations are recommended.
5. Visit the KMSKA on a thursday night
On Thursdays, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) stays open late until 10 pm.
Wander through seven centuries of art, and catch special late night events like concerts, talks, and temporary exhibitions - all inside one of the most architecturally striking museums in Europe.
6. Treat yourself to a night of creative Michelin-starred dining
Creative fine dining at Misera in Antwerp
If you’re looking to go all out, Antwerp has 15 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.
We went to Misera and absolutely loved it. It’s tucked away in the city’s contemporary art district, Nieuw Zuid, with a minimalist space, open kitchen, and creative French-inspired dishes.
Although it’s fine dining, it has a relaxed feel and an à la carte menu - something you don’t often see at a Michelin-starred spot.
Request a seat at the wraparound kitchen table for the full experience.
7. Grab a drink with locals on Marnixplaats
Marnixplaats comes alive at night - this circular plaza in Het Zuid is lined with buzzing bars and packed terraces.
Grab a table, order a drink, and enjoy the lively, local energy that fills the square. Every time we walked past it, it was packed with people.
8. Discover Antwerp’s cocktail scene
Belroy's Bijou | Dogma Cocktails
For well-crafted, creative cocktails and an international scene, check out Belroy's Bijou and Dogma, both recognized by the World's 50 Best team.
At Belroy's, you can buy a cigar and smoke and drink it in their cigar room.
Another spot we came across that became a favourite was Jones & Co. It felt like we were crashing at our cool Aunt's funky retro living room.
9. Drink wine at hip, low-key neighbourhood spots
Some of Antwerp's best hangouts are low-key spots in more local neighbourhoods.
Osaka and Le John both have outdoor tables perfect for sipping and chatting on warm nights, with a stylish crowd to match.
Order a glass of natural wine and settle in for a relaxed evening outdoors.
We loved the outsider house music that played at Osaka, and its cool Brutalist interior. If you’re not in the mood for wine, they also have a selection of sake.
10. Discover Antwerp's electronic music scene
Although Antwerp is a small city, it regularly has electronic music events. Resident Advisor is a great resource for seeing who's playing.
We recommend listening to a few of the DJs on SoundCloud to get a feel for their sound and see what resonates with you. It’s one of the best ways to tap into Antwerp’s underground music scene.
11. Satisfy your comfort food cravings
Craving comfort food?
🍔 Grab a smash burger at Plump (open till 9:30 pm).
🍕 Order affordable, tasty pizza from Pizza Fast (open till 11 pm).
🍟 Head to Frites Atelier for gourmet fries (but go early, it closes at 8 pm).
We hope you enjoyed these fun things to do in Antwerp at night!
Bonus: Our Top Hotel Picks in Antwerp
From chic apartments to luxe boutique hotels, here are our four top picks that blend great design with a prime location:
Musa Antwerp ($) - Stylish apartment stay in a hip, local neighbourhood. The Greenhouse ($$) - Spacious rooms in a 16th-century building with character. Flora ($$$) - Designer interiors in 15th-century townhouses. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp ($$$$) - A five-star escape inside the city’s botanical gardens.Don't miss our other Antwerp guides:
Get started on booking your trip to Antwerp
- 🛏️ Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🤠 Browse local tours: through GetYourGuide.
- 🚆 Book your train: compare rates with Trainline.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin these things to do in Antwerp at night for later:
