Ekeren Travel Guide

City City in Flanders, Belgium

A leafy Antwerp suburb, Ekeren draws people for old churches, local cafés, and cycling routes through polder landscapes; weekend markets and small breweries make it an easy detour from the city’s museums and port bustle.

Costs

Midrange: $80-140 per day

Typical Belgian suburban prices for food, transport and midrange hotels.

Safety

Very safe and family-friendly

Very safe with low violent crime; usual urban pickpocket risks in crowds.

Best Time

May to September

Warm, pleasant weather and outdoor events from late spring to early autumn.

In This Guide

Why Visit Ekeren?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

23,300

Infrastructure & Convenience

Excellent public transport to Antwerp, bike-friendly streets and good signage.

Popularity

Popular with Antwerp residents for day trips and cycling; not a major international draw.

Known For

historic village centre, parks and green spaces, cycling routes, proximity to Antwerp, local festivals, Flemish architecture, suburban nature, community breweries

Ekeren was the site of the 1703 Battle of Ekeren during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Why Visit Ekeren? #

This leafy Antwerp district is appealing for people who want calm village charm close to city life: a pleasant village square and canalside paths give way to quick train rides into Antwerp. Nature lovers can access the nearby Kalmthoutse Heide for heathland walks, while food-focused visitors enjoy cozy cafés serving Belgian waffles, fries and craft beers. Ekeren combines small‑town rhythms with easy access to metropolitan art, shopping and historic neighborhoods.

Top Things to Do in Ekeren

All Attractions ›

Grand-Place

Ornate historic square surrounded by guildhalls

Park

Atomium

Futuristic steel-and-aluminum structure representing iron crystal magnified

Church

Manneken Pis

Small bronze fountain statue of a urinating boy

Monument

Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp)

Gothic cathedral housing major artworks including Rubens paintings

Church

Cinquantenaire

Public park in Brussels dominated by triumphal arch

Park

Royal Palace of Brussels

Official royal residence used for state functions

Palace

Mini-Europe

Miniature park with scale models of European landmarks

Park

Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Large art museum with Flemish and European collections

Museum

Don't Miss

Ekeren town centre - Compact centre with cafés, weekly market and typical Flemish streets to explore.
De Vriesstraat churches - Local churches displaying regional architecture and community events throughout the year.
Laar Park walks - Green parkland offering easy walks, playgrounds and quiet benches for outdoor relaxation.

Hidden Gems

Local craft breweries - Small neighbourhood breweries offering tasting sessions and locally brewed Belgian ales.
Saturday farmers' stalls - Weekend stalls selling seasonal vegetables, cheeses and freshly baked breads from nearby farms.
Cycling routes to Antwerp - Cycle-friendly lanes linking Ekeren to Antwerp through scenic suburban and riverside landscapes.

Day Trips

Antwerp city centre - Historic city centre with cathedrals, museums and shopping reachable by short train ride.
Kalmthout Arboretum - Renowned tree collection and walking paths located a short drive north of Ekeren.

Best Time to Visit Ekeren #

Ekeren (Antwerp area) is nicest late spring through early autumn for mild weather and long evenings. Winters are chilly and damp, while spring and summer offer the most pleasant outdoor conditions.

Winter

December - February · 0-7°C (32-45°F)

Grey, damp winters bring chilly winds and occasional frost; museums and cafés are cozy, but outdoor sightseeing is often damp and windy.

Spring

March - May · 5-18°C (41-64°F)

Everything turns green and festivals start; unreliable showers pop up, but pleasant days make cycling around Antwerp's suburbs a joy.

Summer

June - August · 13-24°C (55-75°F)

Warm, comfortable days and long light evenings are perfect for strolling canals and cafés; expect occasional rain and busy weekends.

Best Time to Visit Ekeren #

Climate

Ekeren's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (798 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustMay

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

38°

Warmest Month

-14°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 6°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

65 mm

Rainfall

4.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

51 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

3° – 10°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

62 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

5° – 14°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

13.7h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

9° – 19°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

60 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

15.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

12° – 21°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

76 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

16.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

14° – 23°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

73 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

15.9h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

13° – 23°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

60 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

14.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

75 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

7° – 15°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

74 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

4° – 10°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

77 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 7°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

75 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

7.7h daylight

How to Get to Ekeren

Ekeren is a suburb of Antwerp with good regional rail and bus connections. Antwerp Airport (ANR) is the nearest airfield; Brussels Airport (BRU) links well by train via Antwerpen‑Centraal.

By Air

Antwerp International Airport (ANR): The closest airport to Ekeren, about 6-10 km from central Ekeren. Taxis from ANR to Ekeren take roughly 15-25 minutes; a taxi fare is typically €20-€35. There is also a tram/bus connection into Antwerp city, from where local trains or trams reach Ekeren.

Brussels Airport (BRU): A major international hub about 40-50 km from Ekeren. From BRU you can take the airport train to Antwerpen-Centraal (around 30-45 minutes by rail) and then a local train to Ekeren (about 10-15 minutes). Total travel time door‑to‑door is roughly 1-1.5 hours; train tickets BRU→Antwerp cost around €12-€18 depending on purchase method.

By Train & Bus

Train: Ekeren has its own station, Ekeren (on the Antwerp-Roosendaal/Antwerp suburban lines). Trains from Antwerpen-Centraal to Ekeren take about 10-15 minutes; a single regional rail fare within the Antwerp region is typically a few euros (buy at machine or with the SNCB/De Lijn apps).

Bus / Tram: De Lijn buses and Antwerp trams (with transfers) serve Ekeren and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Tickets for De Lijn regional buses/trams are usually €1.70-€3.50 for single trips depending on zones; day tickets and contactless payment options are available.

How to Get Around Ekeren #

Ekeren (a suburb of Antwerp) is very walkable in its village centre and is well served by cycling routes - bringing a bike is a good idea. Ekeren railway station has regular regional trains into Antwerp and beyond, and local buses cover surrounding neighbourhoods. Taxis are available but public transport is efficient; expect regional single fares in the low euros for trains and buses.

Where to Stay in Ekeren #

Budget

Ekeren / northern Antwerp - $50-90/night

Ekeren is a quiet Antwerp suburb with some B&Bs and budget guesthouses; more choices and better value are found in central Antwerp nearby.

Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen - Chain hotel near Antwerp, good value
Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt - Simple, central Antwerp B&B-style hotel

Mid-Range

Antwerp city / Ekeren - $90-150/night

Mid-range stays are easy: Ekeren offers quiet guesthouses, while Antwerp has many comfortable boutique and chain hotels minutes away by tram or car.

Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen - Comfortable, modern chain hotel
Hotel FRANQ (Antwerp) - Stylish boutique option in Antwerp

Luxury

Antwerp centre - $180+/night

Luxury hotels are not in Ekeren itself; upscale stays are concentrated in central Antwerp, offering premium dining and boutique services.

The Hotel (Antwerp) - Design-forward luxury in city centre
Sofitel Legend (Antwerp) - High-end international luxury option

Where to Eat in Ekeren #

Belgian Brasseries & Cafés

Ekeren offers classic Belgian café culture: fries, hearty stews, regional beer and seasonal dishes in relaxed brasseries and family-run restaurants near the village center.

Bakeries & Local Specialties

Local bakeries produce fresh breads and pastries; small delis and markets sell regional cheeses and charcuterie for simple, picnic-style meals enjoyed in nearby parks.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ekeren's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Friture

Pizza

Sandwich

Italian

Kebab

Regional

Chinese

Burger

Thai

Sushi

Asian