Hilton Antwerp Old Town

Hilton Antwerp Old Town has the address every first-timer wants: the Groenplaats, the tree-lined square at the foot of the Cathedral of Our Lady, with the Grote Markt a couple of minutes away. The hotel occupies a grand historic building on the square, and inside it is a polished, international full-service hotel with a fitness centre, meeting rooms and the Blend 32 Kitchen and Bar, which serves contemporary food with an outdoor terrace and has a children’s menu. Room service is available, and connecting rooms and cribs make it workable for families. The big practical advantage is parking: the hotel has secure covered parking with direct access from the public car park under the square, plus EV charging, which is rare in the old town. MoMu, the fashion museum, is a few minutes away and DIVA, the diamond museum, is about half a kilometre on foot.

Location and getting around: you are in the middle of the historic centre. The cathedral is across the square, the Grote Markt and the City Hall are two minutes away, and the Scheldt riverside and Het Steen are a short walk west. The Groenplaats premetro station is right outside, with trams to Antwerp Central and beyond, and Brussels Airport is about 45 kilometres away by road or train via the station.

The rooms: rooms are comfortable and classic, in the international Hilton style. Ask for a room facing the square for cathedral views, or a courtyard room for more quiet, as the square can be lively at night and during events.

Who it suits: first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, drivers who need reliable parking, families who need connecting rooms, and business travellers who want a known brand. Pet-friendly rooms are available.

Good to know: parking is paid per day, with no valet service, and there is no airport shuttle. Breakfast may not be included in every rate, so compare. The location means the square can be noisy during festivals and winter events.