Things To Do
in Schoten
Schoten is a green, residential municipality just north of the city of Antwerp in the Flemish region of Belgium. It combines leafy parks, quiet residential neighborhoods and a compact town center with local shops and cafes. The town is popular with families and commuters who enjoy easy access to Antwerp while living in a quieter suburban setting.
Outdoor recreation, cycling routes and the large Rivierenhof park are among its main attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Schoten, where you can admire the charming architecture of the historic buildings. Stop by the local bakery for a fresh croissant and a cup of coffee, immersing yourself in the local culture. Don't forget to visit the iconic St. Joseph's Church, a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.
After lunch at a quaint bistro, head to the nearby Schoten Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk among the trees and perhaps a picnic by the pond. Engage with locals playing chess or enjoying outdoor activities, which gives you a taste of everyday life in this serene town. As the afternoon sun sets, visit the local market to explore artisan crafts and fresh produce.
As evening approaches, dine at a traditional Belgian restaurant, savoring local specialties such as moules-frites or carbonnade flamande. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you might catch a live music performance or a local festival. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a cozy pub, where you can try some Belgian beers.
Start your day at the Kunsthuis Schoten, an art gallery that showcases local artists and their works, allowing you to appreciate the vibrant art scene in the area. Engage with the exhibits and perhaps even participate in a morning workshop if available. Afterward, take a moment to relax at a nearby café with a piece of decadent Belgian chocolate.
Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp, just a short tram ride away. Explore the diverse collections that highlight both Belgian and international contemporary artists, making sure to take your time to absorb the innovative displays. Grab lunch at a trendy restaurant in Antwerp, enjoying regional dishes prepared with a modern twist.
Return to Schoten for an evening of cultural entertainment at a local theater, where you can catch a play or a musical performance. After the show, enjoy a light dinner at a nearby eatery, discussing the performance and soaking in the artistic atmosphere. End your night with a stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Schoten, reflecting on your day of creativity.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $3.5-5 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (~5 km) | $12-20 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / B&B (per night) | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Antwerp while offering peaceful, green residential areas
- Excellent parks and outdoor spaces such as Rivierenhof
- Good cycling infrastructure and easy day-trip access to nature reserves
- Friendly local cafes and a relaxed small-town atmosphere
- Limited late-night entertainment within Schoten itself
- Weather can be damp and overcast much of the year
- Fewer tourist attractions within Schoten compared with nearby Antwerp
- Somewhat dependent on Antwerp for major cultural and transport hubs
- "Goedendag / Hallo" - Good day / Hello
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de bushalte?" - Where is the bus stop?
Places to Visit in Schoten
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive lawns, ponds, tree-lined paths and seasonal flower displays make Rivierenhof a top spot for landscape and portrait photography.
Charming streets, market stalls and historic façades provide classic small-town European scenes, especially lively during market days.
Quiet residential lanes, classical Flemish architecture and nearby waterways offer intimate, everyday-life photo opportunities.
Vast heathlands, sand drifts and moor scenery provide dramatic natural landscapes, particularly striking at sunrise or in late summer bloom.
Food in Schoten
Schoten Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
While more typically Belgian than uniquely Schoten, moules-frites (mussels with fries) and Antwerp-style beef stew (stoofvlees) are common on menus at local brasseries — try a cozy neighborhood restaurant for an authentic version.
Must-Try!
Crispy fries from a friterie and local baked goods such as speculoos cookies are widely available — perfect snacks while exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market days (check the municipality calendar) feature fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads and prepared foods; great for picking up picnic supplies and tasting regional specialties.
Small friteries (fries stands) and bakeries scattered around Schoten serve quick, inexpensive street-food options like fries, sandwiches and sweet pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter — a simple 'Goedendag' or 'Hallo' is appropriate. Shake hands in formal settings; close friends may kiss twice on the cheek in informal contexts.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language. Many people speak English, but attempting a few words of Dutch is appreciated.
Be punctual for appointments and observe orderly queuing in shops and stations.
Respect recycling rules and separate waste; public cleanliness is valued.
Safety
Tipping in Schoten
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common. Service is usually included in bills (service compris), but small tips for exceptional service are welcome.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Parks and gardens come alive with blossoms; temperatures are mild but can be changeable — bring layers and expect occasional rain.
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities; parks and terraces are busy, and festivals in Antwerp may draw crowds.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in green spaces like Rivierenhof and nearby heathlands; great for hiking and photography, but rain increases as the season progresses.
Cold and damp with short days; snow is possible but not guaranteed. Cozy cafés and hearty Belgian cuisine are especially appealing in colder months.
Schoten at Night
Hiking in Schoten
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy loops through parkland, ideal for short hikes, nature walks and family outings.
Large heath reserve north of Schoten with varied trails across sand drifts, heath and pine woods — excellent for full-day hikes and nature watching.
Trails along the Scheldt and its banks near Antwerp provide riverside walks with cityscape and industrial-port views.
Airports
How to reach Schoten by plane.
Small regional airport close to Schoten offering limited European flights; quick taxi or tram + bus connections to Schoten.
Major international hub about 35–45 km away; reachable by train from Antwerp followed by a short bus or tram/taxi to Schoten.
Another regional airport across the border in the Netherlands (useful for budget carriers) — reachable by train and bus connections via Antwerp or Eindhoven.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority Dutch-speaking Flemish residents, including families and long-term locals with strong community ties.
Many residents commute to Antwerp for work, contributing to a suburban, family-oriented population.
A smaller but present group of expatriates and EU nationals attracted by proximity to Antwerp and a quieter living environment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is widely practiced for both commuting and recreation; Schoten connects to many regional cycle routes.
Local amateur football clubs are popular and well-attended on weekends.
Club sports such as field hockey and tennis have active local communities and facilities in and around Schoten.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schoten.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are becoming more common — many restaurants offer a vegetarian main or are willing to adapt dishes. Look for places that advertise plant-based options or ask staff for recommendations.
Specialty vegan and gluten-free options are available in some cafes and supermarkets; always mention dietary needs when ordering. Larger nearby Antwerp restaurants will have more variety.