Discover your perfect stay in Aartselaar.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Aartselaar
Find the perfect place to stay in Aartselaar

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Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Aartselaar
For travelers seeking convenience, Hotel Terminus in Alstertal is ideal—just a 5-minute walk from Antwerp Central Station. This modern boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk service. Its central location allows easy access to the city center via tram or train (10 minutes). Nearby, you’ll find cozy cafés and restaurants serving authentic Belgian dishes like mussels and waffles. The hotel also provides free bike rental, making it perfect for exploring the scenic canals and green spaces of Alstertal.
The Historic District of Alstertal is the prime area for walking and sightseeing. Located just steps from St. Paul’s Church and Bredstraat Square, this charming neighborhood features cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and local artisan shops. Stay at B&B De Vleugel, a family-run guesthouse with a garden terrace, offering a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy reach of major attractions. Evening strolls along the canal paths reveal beautiful reflections of historic buildings under soft street lighting—ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Yes, Le Jardin des Sens B&B stands out as a romantic choice in Alstertal. Housed in a restored 19th-century villa, each room is themed around a different flower and features a private balcony with a hot tub. The hotel offers candlelit dinners upon request, featuring locally sourced ingredients and fine Belgian wines. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the tranquil garden, and evening walks along the Markt Bridge offer breathtaking views of the river at sunset. Perfect for honeymoons or anniversary getaways, this intimate retreat blends luxury with timeless charm.
Absolutely. Several hotels in Alstertal provide bicycle rental services, especially Hotel de la Paix, which offers electric bikes for €15 per day. These rentals include free parking, repair kits, and detailed route maps highlighting scenic trails, such as the Botanical Garden and Malkoek Park. Many hotels partner with local cycling associations to ensure safe, well-maintained bikes. Whether you're exploring the city’s green spaces or riding along the Antwerp Canal, biking is a sustainable and enjoyable way to experience Alstertal’s hidden gems.
Visitors to Alstertal should not miss the monthly Antwerp Flea Market held at Bredstraat Square, where antique dealers from across Europe sell vintage furniture, rare records, and handmade crafts. Additionally, book a guided climb up the St. Paul’s Church Tower for panoramic views of the city and river. For beer lovers, join a Belgian Beer Tasting Workshop hosted by local brewers—learn about traditional fermentation methods and sample regional specialties like Kriek and Lindemans Lambic. These immersive experiences highlight Alstertal’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
Art & Soul Hotel is a standout for art enthusiasts. Housed in a former gallery, this boutique hotel displays works by contemporary Belgian artists throughout its corridors and guestrooms. Each room is inspired by a different artistic movement—from surrealism to abstract expressionism. Guests can attend exclusive exhibitions, artist talks, and even participate in painting workshops. The hotel also offers curated tours to nearby institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Antwerp Academy, making it a true destination for culture seekers.
Most hotels in Alstertal offer check-in starting at 3:00 PM, though some, like Hotel Le Coq, may accommodate early arrivals from 10:00 AM if rooms are available—subject to an additional fee. Check-out is typically at 12:00 PM, but late check-out until 2:00 PM is possible with prior request and extra charge. Many hotels provide complimentary luggage storage, so guests can explore the city without rushing back. Some chains also offer express check-in via mobile app for added convenience.
Hotel de l'Étoile and B&B De Vleugel both offer complimentary continental breakfast including fresh bread, jams, cheese, cold cuts, and freshly brewed coffee. Breakfast is served in the elegant on-site dining room, with some rooms offering private terrace seating. Art & Soul Hotel provides a personalized breakfast menu tailored to dietary preferences—such as gluten-free pastries or plant-based proteins. All these hotels are centrally located, ensuring a convenient start to your day of exploring Alstertal and Antwerp.
While Alstertal doesn’t have a bustling nightclub district, it boasts a sophisticated and relaxed nightlife. Local favorites include Café du Soleil and The Velvet Room, which specialize in craft beers and handcrafted cocktails in intimate, stylish settings. On weekends, live jazz performances attract a cultured crowd. Some hotels, like Le Jardin des Sens B&B, host private evening mixers with Belgian specialties like cherry beer and artisanal chocolate. Strolling along the illuminated canals after dark reveals a serene, poetic side of the city—perfect for quiet reflection.
Alstertal is ideal for families due to its safe, walkable streets and abundant green spaces. Stay at Hotel de l'Étoile, which offers family-friendly rooms with cribs and child-safe amenities. The hotel organizes guided family tours of the Royal Museum of Antwerp and hosts interactive storytelling sessions for children. Nearby, Malkoek Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and paddle boats. With easy access to public transit and numerous kid-approved cafes, Alstertal ensures a stress-free, enriching experience for all ages.
Alsteraar (also known as Alstelre) is a hidden gem in Belgium's Antwerp province, preserving authentic Flemish traditions. This tranquil town is renowned for its Renaissance architecture and canal networks, with the Baroque altarpiece in the Church of Our Lady Ascended considered a masterpiece of Northern European religious art. The annual Canal Light Festival in summer transforms historic docks with contemporary light installations, showcasing a unique blend of old and new.
The 16th-century Town Hall Square is the centerpiece, surrounded by guildhouses with distinctive stepped gables. While the MAS Museum is located in Antwerp proper, its Scheldt River maritime artifacts closely relate to this town. Don't miss the lace-making workshops - a UNESCO heritage craft still practiced here with century-old tools. At dusk, climb the Canal Watchtower for panoramic views of waterways and terracotta rooftops.
Must-try the local twist on Waterzooi, a Flemish fish stew simmered with regional beer. Speculoos spiced biscuits originated in nearby villages, with bakeries here using original 19th-century recipes. Saturday markets feature oyster stalls with daily deliveries from Zealand. Pair cherry beer (Kriek) with crispy cheese croquettes at cafes - the sweet-savory combo is divine.
Take De Lijn bus 52 from Antwerp Central Station (35min ride, every 20-30min). The compact town center is walkable, but pedal boats offer charming canal exploration. Note Sunday services are limited - book local taxis (**+32-3-238****, 1hr advance call recommended). Drivers can use P+R parking (€4/day) with free shuttles to the old town.
May-September is ideal for canal-side cafes and Wednesday jazz nights. Avoid late July due to Ghent Festival causing accommodation spikes. While autumn mists create magical canal views, water activities pause from November.
Language: Dutch predominates, with English widely understood in tourist areas (less French than Antwerp). Internet: Free WiFi hotspots (network VisitAlsteraar) cover the center but signals weaken near churches. Payment: ID required for purchases over €50; VISA/Mastercard acceptance exceeds UnionPay. Emergency: Nearest hospital is in Lier (20km away), with only one part-time clinic in town (dial 112). Adapters: Belgium uses 230V Type E plugs - some heritage accommodations still have round-pin sockets.