Things To Do
in Deurne
Deurne is a residential district on the eastern edge of Antwerp known for its large green spaces and quiet, village-like atmosphere while being minutes from the bustle of central Antwerp. The Rivierenhof park is the neighborhood’s centerpiece, offering wide lawns, ponds and tree-lined paths popular with families, joggers and cyclists. Deurne mixes post-war suburbs, small commercial streets and pockets of older architecture, creating an accessible base for exploring the wider Antwerp region.
Local life is typically Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and relaxed, with good tram and bus links to Antwerp city centre and the nearby Antwerp International Airport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady, where you can marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture and impressive art collections. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere filled with cafes and local shops. Don’t forget to grab a traditional Belgian waffle from a nearby vendor to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history of Antwerp by visiting the Museum aan de Stroom, which offers fascinating exhibitions on the city's past and present. After exploring the museum, enjoy lunch at a local bistro, savoring Belgian specialties such as mussels and fries. Conclude your afternoon with a walk along the river Scheldt, taking in the views of the port and the impressive skyline.
As evening approaches, head to one of the vibrant squares, such as Groenplaats, where you can find a range of restaurants offering delicious local cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely dinner under the twinkling lights, sampling some of Belgium's renowned beers. After dinner, consider catching a live performance at the nearby Opera House for a taste of the local arts scene.
Begin your day with a visit to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where you can explore an impressive collection of Flemish art. Spend time admiring works by Old Masters like Rubens and Van Dyck before walking through the surrounding park to refresh your spirit. Grab a coffee at a local café to discuss your favorite pieces and soak in the artistic vibe of the city.
After lunch, make your way to the Middelheim Park, an outdoor sculpture museum that showcases contemporary art in a beautiful natural setting. Spend the afternoon wandering through the park, enjoying the combination of nature and art, which offers a unique experience. You can also relax on a bench, taking in the serene atmosphere while sketching or journaling.
As the sun sets, head to the trendy neighborhood of Zurenborg, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. Choose from a variety of restaurants that serve everything from gourmet burgers to traditional Belgian dishes. After dinner, explore the local bars and pubs where you can enjoy live music or simply relax with a local brew.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕️Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚇Public transport single ticket (Antwerp area) | $2.50-3.50 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride ~5 km) | $12-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Large, attractive green spaces (Rivierenhof) within the district
- Close proximity and excellent transport links to Antwerp city centre and airport
- Relaxed, residential vibe with local markets and cafés
- Quieter nightlife compared with central Antwerp
- Some suburban areas can feel less lively in the evenings
- Occasional traffic and limited parking near popular park weekends
- "Hallo / Goede dag" - Hello / Good day
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
Places to Visit in Deurne
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive parkland with ponds, walking paths, mature trees and seasonal flower displays; sunrise and autumn foliage are especially photogenic.
A grand, ornate railway station with dramatic architecture — ideal for architectural and travel photography.
River views, shipping activity and the city skyline offer strong golden-hour compositions; accessible via a short tram or bike ride.
Everyday scenes of market stalls, brown cafés and neighbourhood life provide authentic street photography opportunities.
Food in Deurne
Deurne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed mussels served with Belgian fries; seasonal at many brasseries and seafood restaurants in Antwerp and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef in a beer-based gravy, served with fries or mashed potatoes — a Flemish comfort classic widely available in local bistros.
Street-food staples — try a cart or local chip shop for fresh frites with a variety of sauces, and waffles from a dedicated shop for a sweet treat.
High-quality chocolate and praline shops are easy to find in Antwerp; perfect to pick up as a souvenir or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small neighbourhood market selling fresh produce, cheeses, breads and ready-to-eat snacks; good for sampling local flavours and seasonal specialties.
Scattered through Deurne and nearby Antwerp — ideal for quick, inexpensive and authentic Belgian street food like fries with mayo and Liege waffles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language. A simple “Hallo” or “Goede dag” is polite; many people also speak good English. Use basic greetings and thank-yous to show respect.
Belgians generally value punctuality for appointments and social plans; arriving a few minutes late to informal gatherings is usually acceptable, but be on time for tours or reservations.
Residential areas observe quieter evenings; avoid loud noise late at night and be considerate in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Deurne
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in the bill in Belgium, but leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for good service in restaurants is appreciated. For taxi drivers and hairdressers, rounding up or adding a few euros is common.
Cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash (€) for small cafés, markets or older establishments that may be cash-preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees in Rivierenhof make spring a lovely time for walks and cycling; occasional rain is likely, so bring a light waterproof layer.
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours; parks and outdoor cafés are lively. Expect some busy weekends, and bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.
Cooler weather and colorful foliage in the parks create beautiful photo opportunities; pack layers and a windproof jacket for brisk days.
Cold and damp with short daylight hours; snow is possible but not guaranteed. Many restaurants and cafés are cosy, but be prepared for rain and chilly winds.
Deurne at Night
Hiking in Deurne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, well-marked paths through parkland suitable for all ages, with ponds, wooded sections and open lawns.
A significant heathland reserve north of Antwerp offering longer trails, varied landscapes and seasonal guided hikes — ideal for a day trip.
Linear trails along the Scheldt river with scenic views of the water, shipping and the Antwerp skyline; good for walking and cycling.
Airports
How to reach Deurne by plane.
Located on the edge of Deurne, this small airport offers regional and some seasonal flights; quick transfer by taxi or local road to the district.
Belgium’s largest international airport, about 40–60 minutes by car or train depending on connections; frequent train and bus links to Antwerp.
Budget-carrier airport farther south of Brussels; accessible by coach or combination of train and bus with longer transfer times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term Dutch-speaking residents form the majority; local culture and services reflect Flemish traditions.
Deurne is popular with families and people who commute into Antwerp for work — many neighbourhoods are residential with schools and family amenities.
Like much of Antwerp, Deurne has diverse communities including people of Moroccan, Turkish and Eastern European origin, contributing to a varied cultural and culinary scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Belgium is passionate about football; many locals support regional clubs and follow national competitions. Antwerp’s clubs are major local draws for fans.
Cycling is both a popular sport and common everyday transport; many locals cycle for commuting and leisure on dedicated lanes.
Amateur clubs for field hockey and tennis are common and well-attended in suburban neighbourhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Deurne.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants in Deurne and Antwerp; many menus include salads, cheese-based dishes, vegetable stews and dedicated vegetarian mains. Inform staff about preferences to adapt dishes; markets also have vegetables, cheeses and prepared vegetarian snacks.
Vegan choices are increasing but may be limited in traditional bistros; look for vegan cafés in Antwerp city or ask restaurants if they can modify dishes. Supermarkets carry plant-based alternatives.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is common; bakeries and restaurants can usually advise. For strict celiac needs, check labels at stores and communicate clearly in Dutch/English.