Things To Do
in Berchem
Berchem is a residential district in southern Antwerp that blends leafy streets with a lively local scene. It offers a relaxed, village-like atmosphere amid urban Belgian life, with small shops, cafés, and historic touches tucked along quiet avenues. The area is well connected to Antwerp's center by tram and bus, making it easy to explore the city while staying in a calmer neighborhood.
Visitors can enjoy markets, seasonal events, and approachable dining that reveal everyday Antwerp life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh pastries and Belgian waffles. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Berchem, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit the stunning Church of St. Mary, where you can admire its intricate stained glass windows.
Spend your afternoon at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can immerse yourself in thought-provoking exhibitions from both local and international artists. After the museum, enjoy lunch at a traditional Belgian brasserie, savoring classic dishes like carbonnade flamande. A walk through the nearby parks will provide a refreshing break as you enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, sampling Belgian specialties like moules-frites. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the city center, enjoying the illuminated buildings and lively atmosphere. End your evening at a cozy bar, sipping on a local beer and chatting with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a visit to the Berchem market, where you can explore a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly vendors, asking about their products and sampling local delicacies. Take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the sounds of vendors and the delightful aromas of fresh food.
After the market, enjoy lunch at one of the nearby eateries, perhaps trying a delicious sandwich made with local ingredients. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Royal Museum of Fine Arts, home to an impressive collection of Flemish masterpieces. Be sure to take your time with each piece, appreciating the rich history encapsulated in the artwork.
For dinner, find a quaint bistro that offers traditional Belgian cuisine, where you can indulge in a hearty stew or a plate of frites. Afterward, consider attending a local theater performance or concert, experiencing the vibrant cultural scene of Berchem. Cap off your evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar, enjoying the local ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry at a café | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course mid-range dinner for two | $40-70 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $7-12 |
| 🏨Night at a mid-range hotel | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Central location in the Antwerp area
- Good public transport connections
- Walkable neighborhoods with charm
- Delicious Belgian cuisine and café culture
- Relatively affordable compared to major Western European cities
- Nightlife can be quieter than central Antwerp
- Some areas may feel residential and quiet after hours
- Parking can be challenging in dense zones
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Berchem
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic brick-and-iron architecture with bustling platforms; great for travel photography, especially during morning light.
Cobblestone lanes and wrought-iron balconies framed by early 20th-century brickwork; ideal for atmospheric street photography.
A mix of shops, cafes, and colorful storefronts offering vibrant urban textures and daily life scenes.
Green spaces with soft light and water reflections; perfect for candid outdoor portraits and landscape shots.
Food in Berchem
Berchem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels served with a generous portion of crispy fries, often enjoyed with a Belgian saison or pale ale at seafood brasseries.
Must-Try!
Beef slow-cooked in Belgian beer with onions, typically served with potatoes or bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Creamy, comforting stew (chicken or fish) with vegetables; a classic Belgian dish found in many family-run restaurants.
Light, crisp waffles served with toppings like fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate; commonly enjoyed as a dessert or snack from cafés and street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, ready-to-eat snacks, and local specialties along central streets.
Seasonal clusters of street food carts offering fries, waffles, croquettes, and quick bites near busy pedestrian zones.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Use polite forms of address until invited to use first names.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; many people also speak French and English. A few basic phrases in Dutch go a long way when engaging with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Berchem
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in larger restaurants, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in casual spots and bars. In Belgium, tipping is discretionary and appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash and card payments (debit/credit) are widely accepted, with contactless and mobile payments (including Bancontact) common in stores and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, warm days with long daylight hours; occasional showers. Outdoor dining and street festivals are common; carry a light layer for cooler evenings.
Mild to cool with colorful foliage; pleasant for walks and photography in softer light. Markets and cafes stay lively as temperatures drop.
Cool to cold with possible rain or light snow. Christmas markets in Antwerp center bring festive vibes; warm beverages and hearty stews are popular.
Moderate temperatures and blooming trees; great for outdoor activities and photography. Rain is possible, so a compact umbrella is handy.
Berchem at Night
Hiking in Berchem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large heath and forest reserve north of Antwerp with miles of well-marked trails, ideal for longer hikes and nature photography.
Riverside paths along the Rupel region offering scenic day hikes and easy walking routes with water views.
Airports
How to reach Berchem by plane.
A small regional airport close to Antwerp, convenient for short-haul travel and domestic flights; reachable by taxi or local transit.
A major international hub about 40-60 minutes from Antwerp by train; frequent direct connections to many destinations and easy onward travel to Berchem via rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and professionals; a multilingual and increasingly international community with a strong local identity.
A steady presence of students and young professionals due to proximity to universities and training centers in Antwerp.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Belgians are passionate about football; local clubs and community leagues are common in and around Antwerp.
A strong cycling culture with routes through city parks and countryside nearby; bike-friendly infrastructure is common.
Public courts and local clubs provide accessible options for locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Berchem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Belgian cuisine often centers on meat, but vegetarian options are widely available. Look for vegetable starters, pasta or cheese dishes, and egg-based plates; most meat dishes can be adapted upon request, and many restaurants offer vegetarian specials.