Things To Do
in Edegem

Edegem is a quiet, leafy municipality just south of the city of Antwerp in the Flanders region of Belgium. It combines a residential village atmosphere with easy access to Antwerp’s museums, shops and transport links. The town is surrounded by parks and cycling routes, making it popular with families and commuters who value green space.

Expect a modest local center with cafés and weekly markets, while nightlife and major cultural attractions are a short tram or train ride away in Antwerp.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through Edegem's historic center, taking in the charming architecture and quaint streets. Visit the St. Martin's Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and marvel at its intricate details. Grab a coffee at a local café while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the town square.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, explore the nearby Edegem Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax by the pond. Take a moment to appreciate the lush greenery and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Afterward, visit the local museum to learn more about the rich history and culture of Edegem.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head to a traditional Belgian restaurant for dinner, where you can savor local specialties like stoofvlees or moules-frites. Enjoy the cozy ambiance as you indulge in a selection of Belgian beers. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking up the tranquil night atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Delights at Local Markets
morning
:

Start your day at the Edegem market, where local vendors showcase fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals and sample some delicious treats, like freshly baked bread or artisanal cheeses. The vibrant atmosphere sets the tone for a day devoted to exploration and interaction.

afternoon
:

After the market, visit the nearby neighborhood of Mortsel to explore its unique shops and boutiques, offering everything from vintage finds to contemporary fashion. Stop for lunch at a bistro, sampling the local cuisine while enjoying the bustling atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the local breweries, learning about the brewing process and tasting some exceptional Belgian beers.

evening
:

Spend your evening at a cozy pub in Mortsel, where you can engage with locals over a game of darts or pool. Enjoy live music if available, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcases local talent. As the night winds down, take a relaxing walk back to Edegem, reflecting on the day's cultural experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (café)$3-4
🚇Public transport single ticket (regional)$2.5-4
🍺Beer in bar (local)$4-6
🚕Taxi start / short trip$5-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Antwerp with excellent access to city attractions
  • Green, family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
  • Good cycling infrastructure and outdoor recreation options
  • Limited dining and nightlife options within the town itself
  • Weather can be rainy and damp at times
  • Fewer tourist-focused services compared with larger nearby cities
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel / Bedankt" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
  • "Pardon / Sorry" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Hoeveel kost het?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Proost!" - Cheers!

Places to Visit in Edegem

Visit one of these nice places.

Rivierenhof Provincial Domain

Expansive parkland with lakes, woodlands and open meadows — great for landscape, nature and seasonal photography (spring blossoms, autumn colors).

Edegem town center and parish church

Charming small-town streets, local architecture and the church provide intimate urban scenes and candid street photography opportunities.

Cycling routes and green corridors

Tree-lined cycle paths linking Edegem to neighboring towns offer dynamic shots of cyclists, countryside and long leading lines.

Antwerp skyline (short trip)

A short trip into Antwerp rewards photographers with historic architecture, the cathedral spire and riverside shots — excellent for cityscapes at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Edegem

Edegem shares the culinary traditions of Flanders and Antwerp: rich, hearty dishes, world-class beers and a café culture. While the town itself has modest dining options, its close proximity to Antwerp opens up a broad range of restaurants, markets and specialty food shops.

Edegem Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moules-frites

Steamed mussels served with fries — a Belgian classic found in bistros across Edegem and Antwerp, best in season at harbor-side restaurants and local brasseries.

Must-Try!

Stoofvlees / Carbonade Flamande

Slow-braised beef in a beer-based sauce, often served with fries or mashed potatoes; a hearty Flemish favorite on many local menus.

Belgian Waffles and Frites

Street-stand or market waffles for dessert and crispy double-fried Belgian fries served with sauces — easy to find at markets or nearby city food stalls.

Local beers

A wide range from light pilsners to strong Trappist or abbey-style ales; try regional and national labels at bars and specialist shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Edegem weekly/local market

Small town market where you can buy fresh bread, cheeses, seasonal produce and local specialties; perfect for an informal breakfast or picnic supplies.

Antwerp markets (nearby)

In Antwerp you’ll find larger markets and street-food options — try the Saturday markets and specialty food stalls in the historic center for everything from seafood to international bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Edegem has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and moderately warm summers. Rain is fairly evenly distributed through the year, with more unsettled weather in autumn and spring. Summers are comfortable for outdoor activities, while winters are chilly and damp rather than extremely cold. Overall, layers and a waterproof jacket are practical year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite handshake and eye contact are common for first-time introductions; among friends and family, three light kisses on the cheek are sometimes used in Belgium, but this varies by region and age.

Punctuality

Punctuality is appreciated for appointments and social gatherings; if running late, a quick message is polite.

Language and respect

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; English is widely understood in shops and tourist settings, but using a few Dutch phrases is appreciated. Respect recycling and quiet hours in residential neighborhoods.

Cycling rules

Be aware of bike lanes and traffic: cyclists have priority in many places. Look both ways and signal when turning; never walk in dedicated bike lanes.

Safety Guide

Safety

Edegem is generally safe with low violent crime rates; normal precautions against petty theft apply. Watch for bicycle theft and always lock bikes. When traveling to central Antwerp, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. In bad weather, paths and cycle lanes can be slippery — wear suitable footwear and use lights after dark.

Tipping in Edegem

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is often included in the bill in Belgian restaurants, but it’s customary to round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service. Bartenders and café staff don’t expect large tips; a few euros or rounding up is fine.

Payment Methods

Cards (debit and credit) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile pay are common. Keep some cash for small shops, markets or very small cafés that may be card-less.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and lively parks make it a pleasant time for walks and cycling; expect occasional rain so pack a light waterproof layer.

Summer

Warm (but rarely extremely hot) weather with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor dining, park picnics and cycling. Some short thunderstorms are possible.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in parks; early sunsets and more frequent rain — great for atmospheric photography and cozy cafés.

Winter

Mild to cold with damp conditions; snow is possible but not guaranteed. Bring warm layers and rain protection; indoor cultural activities and museums are a good choice.

Nightlife Guide

Edegem at Night

Edegem itself has a low-key nightlife of neighborhood cafés and small bars, making it more of a relaxed place to enjoy an evening drink. For livelier nightlife — cocktail bars, clubs, live music venues and late-night restaurants — Antwerp is a short trip away and offers a diverse, energetic scene that suits many tastes.

Hiking in Edegem

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rivierenhof walking loops

Networks of easy, well-marked trails through woods, around ponds and across meadows — suitable for casual hikes and nature walks close to Edegem.

Greenbelt and canal paths

Longer walking and cycling routes that connect parks and green corridors between suburban towns, offering peaceful stretches away from traffic.

Antwerp city riverbank walks

A short trip to Antwerp opens riverside promenades along the Scheldt for scenic urban hikes and views of historic quays and modern developments.

Airports

How to reach Edegem by plane.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

The nearest airport, small and convenient for regional flights and some European connections; from the airport you can reach Edegem by taxi or local transport in under 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Belgium’s main international airport about 40–50 km from Edegem with frequent train connections to Antwerp; a common entry point for intercontinental and many European flights.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Budget-carrier airport south of Brussels, further away but served by many low-cost airlines; accessible by shuttle and public transport with a longer transfer time.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

In the southern Netherlands, often used as an alternative by budget carriers; roughly an hour to 90 minutes by road depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Edegem is compact and walkable for daily errands and leisure strolls; the center is small so most amenities are within easy walking distance. The area is also very bike-friendly, and cycling is often the fastest, most convenient way to reach nearby parks or neighboring towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Flemish families

Edegem is home to many long-term Flemish families attracted by good schools, green spaces and commuter access to Antwerp.

Commuters

Many residents work in Antwerp or surrounding industrial and business areas and commute daily by car, train or bike.

International residents

A smaller but growing number of internationals live in the area due to proximity to Antwerp’s international businesses and universities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Cycling is extremely popular both for commuting and leisure, with extensive bike lanes and clubs in the region.

Football (Soccer)

Local amateur clubs are active and football is widely played and followed across age groups.

Field Hockey

Field hockey has a strong local presence in Flanders, with clubs in the Antwerp area and youth programs.

Transportation

Traffic

Rush-hour traffic into and out of Antwerp can be heavy, especially on roads connecting southern suburbs. Public transport options — De Lijn buses and nearby train services — are a practical alternative. Cycling often avoids traffic congestion and is a convenient daily option. Parking in central Antwerp can be limited and paid; within Edegem parking is generally easier but check local signs.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Edegem.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and restaurants in Edegem and plentiful in Antwerp. Look for salads, seasonal vegetable dishes and vegetarian versions of Belgian classics; always ask staff — many places will adapt dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasingly available in larger nearby towns; smaller cafés may have fewer options, so check menus in advance or head to Antwerp for a wider selection.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing. Many restaurants can accommodate requests, but cross-contamination is possible. For packaged items, check labels or ask at markets.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care is provided by local general practitioners and pharmacies in town. For hospital care and specialist services, the major hospitals in Antwerp (such as the University Hospital Antwerp - UZA and ZNA hospitals) are the nearest full-service facilities and reachable by public transport or a short car journey. Emergency services are reliable; carry your EHIC/GHIC if applicable and travel insurance for visitors from outside the EU.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide