Antwerp

Cheap Car Parking Antwerp? Free Advice!

car parking antwerp city centre
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Car Parking in Antwerp

Finding a good place to park in Antwerp can be tricky, especially around the lively historic centre and the busy shopping streets. Choosing the right parking spot saves time and makes your visit far more relaxed. The city offers a mix of modern underground garages, convenient Park and Ride locations and central parking options that help you explore Antwerp with ease.

Street parking rates in Antwerp

street parking Antwerp

In Antwerp, visitors cannot normally park on the street in the historic centre. Around that area, different tariff zones apply. The red zone is the most central paid option, while the light-green and dark-green zones are more suitable if you do not need to park right in the middle.

In the red zone, paid parking applies from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 22:00, with a maximum stay of 3 hours. The light-green zone also has a 3-hour limit, while the dark-green zone allows longer parking.

Parking area Rate What to expect
Historic centre No visitor street parking Use a public car park instead
Red zone €2.60 first hour, €3.80 second, €6.40 third Most central paid street parking, max. 3 hours
Light-green zone €1.40 first hour, then €1.80 per hour Cheaper than red zone, max. 3 hours
Dark-green zone €1.40 first hour, then €1.80 per following hour Longer-stay paid parking outside the core

Street parking in Antwerp is mainly useful outside the historic centre

If you are visiting the old centre, a public car park or Park and Ride is usually the simpler option. Street parking is more useful in the outer paid zones.



Cheap car parking in Antwerp: how to do it

cheap parking Antwerp

Antwerp itself advises visitors and commuters to use public car parks or Park and Rides. That makes more sense than trying to park close to the centre on the street.

If you still want on-street parking, the darker green zones are usually more practical than the central red zone.

Street parking Antwerp

Paid by zone Historic centre is not for normal visitor street parking

Lower-cost option

Park and Ride Usually the easiest choice for a day in the city

Practical central option

Public car park Best if you want to stay close to the centre

Our advice for car parking in Antwerp

Parking in Antwerp is manageable once you know that the historic centre is not meant for normal visitor street parking. For most day visitors, Park and Ride or a public car park is the best fit.

Based on official City of Antwerp information about parking zones, visitor parking and Park and Ride advice.

Events in Antwerp

Some of the biggest events in Antwerp include:

  1. Antwerp Art Weekend: This annual event features exhibitions, performances, and other art-related activities throughout the city. It takes place in May.

  2. Antwerp Pride: This LGBTQ+ event takes place in August, and includes a parade, parties, and cultural events throughout the city.

  3. Antwerpse Havendagen (Antwerp Port Days): This biennial event celebrates the city's port with ship tours, exhibitions, and other activities. It takes place in September

  4. Jazz Middelheim: This jazz festival takes place in the beautiful Park Den Brandt in Antwerp and features performances by national and international artists. It takes place in August 1

  5. Bollekesfeest: This annual festival celebrates Antwerp's famous beer, De Koninck. It includes tastings, music, and other festivities, and takes place in August.

Popular tourist Attractions in Antwerp

  1. Antwerp Central Station: This stunning railway station is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with a grandiose interior that features high ceilings, ornate details, and a large dome.

  2. Grote Markt: This lively square in the heart of Antwerp is surrounded by impressive medieval buildings and features a beautiful fountain in the center. It's a great place to relax and people-watch.

  3. Cathedral of Our Lady: This impressive Gothic cathedral dates back to the 14th century and houses many works of art, including paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.

  4. Antwerp Zoo: This 19th-century zoo is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, with over 7,000 animals from around 950 species.

  5. Rubenshuis: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, who lived in Antwerp during the 16th century. It features many of his works and personal belongings.

  6. MAS Museum aan de Stroom: This impressive museum tells the story of Antwerp and its relationship with the world, with exhibitions that cover topics such as trade, migration, and culture. It also offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace.

  7. Plantin-Moretus Museum: This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to the history of printing, and houses a collection of printing presses, books, and manuscripts from the 16th and 17th centuries.