Antwerp Heatwave Survival Guide: 10 Activities to Beat the Heat

Published On: 24 June 2026|By |Categories: Must visit, Eat and drink, Events, Travel, Shopping|

Heatwave in Antwerp? Find out in this blog post how to keep cool and be inspired by some great tips!

Most of us love nothing more than warm weather and a bright, sunny sky. But after days of soaring temperatures, it might just be getting a little too hot. A heatwave can feel tiring, sticky, and even a bit overwhelming. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside or miss out on fun activities. With the right ideas and places to go, you can enjoy summer to the fullest while beating the heat.

Curious about our suggestions? You’ll find them below.

1. Start Your Day with an Iced Coffee

To kick off a warm day in the city with a refreshing start, Antwerp’s many coffee bars are always a safe bet. A delicious, iced coffee is the perfect pick-me-up to begin your day. And iced matcha? That’s the new hype. Besides being a cooling drink, this green beverage is packed with antioxidants that protect your body and give you a smooth, steady energy boost.

No matter where you wander in Antwerp, you’re guaranteed to stumble upon charming coffee spots. For a calm, relaxed atmosphere, we recommend Nõa in the Theater District. In the bustling Wilde Zee neighbourhood, you find Shorty Coffee; recently opened and already known for its original take-away cups. And of course, Coperus remains a beloved classic in the Antwerp coffee scene. It’s a cosy place, perfect for a refreshing break.

Bonus tip: Spending the weekend in Antwerp? Make sure to stop by Boza Café inside the Handelsbeurs.

2. Beat the Heat in Interactive Museums

In the mood to spend these hot days somewhere cool and inspiring? Antwerp has plenty of interactive museums that make for the perfect refreshing activity. At the fashion museum MoMu, you can dive deep into the history of fashion and admire unique garments.

Not really into fashion? Just a short walk from Antwerp Central station lies Chocolate Nation: an irresistible museum where you can learn how chocolate is made and taste different varieties at the same time. And art lovers? They shouldn’t miss the KMSKA. It’s an absolute must-visit, offering everything from old masters to modern works inside a beautifully renovated building.

3. Treat Yourself to a Delicious Ice Cream

While this tip may be a bit obvious, you can’t go wrong with this classic. This tip may seem obvious, but it’s a classic for a reason: it never disappoints. Antwerp’s city centre is full of fun ice cream parlours that offer a wide range of flavours. And on tropical days, a refreshing fruit sorbet can work wonders.

Our top three recommendations? Gelato Milanese, the place to go for authentic Italian gelatos. IJssloeberke’s food trucks, where you can tuck into freshly made farm-style ice cream. And for yoghurt lovers, there’s of course Moochie too – perfect for creating your own frozen yoghurt.

4. Take a Refreshing Dip at the MAS

Taking a refreshing dip at the MAS has long been one of the most popular ways for locals to escape the heat. Swimming in the Bonapartedok places you right in the centre of the district ‘t Eilandje, surrounded by lively terraces and striking architecture as you float in the water.

‘T Zwemdok is open again this summer for everyone aged 12 and up. You can swim daily from 12:00 to 17:30. Tickets are completely free; you just reserve them online in advance. Lifeguards are on duty, and clearly marked swimming zones keep everything safe and organised. It’s the perfect spot for a cool plunge during a heatwave!

Adress:
Nieuwpoortkaai
2000 Antwerp

 

5. Go Have a Picnic in the Shadows of the Parks

On hot days, a shadowy spot in the park is all you need to unwind. Luckily, Antwerp is full of green oases where you can stretch out on a picnic blanket and enjoy something tasty.

Boekenbergpark offers plenty of shade and a cool swimming area for anyone craving extra refreshment. Zuidpark, often nicknamed Antwerp’s own Central Park, is a beautiful, spacious green escape with more than enough room to relax. And of course, Stadspark remains a timeless favourite: centrally located, full of trees, and always pleasantly lively.

6. Pay a Visit to De Ruien

If the heat really becomes too much, there’s only one solution: spend your day underground. Head out with friends or family to explore the city’s old, medieval sewers and keep your head – quite literally – cool. Their guided tour through De Ruien leads you through centuries-old tunnels and waterways, revealing how water once flowed beneath Antwerp.

Adress:
Suikerrui 21
2000 Antwerp

7. Have a Go at Some Wateractivies on Linkeroever

If you’re craving a sporty activity, WakeUp Cable on Linkeroever might be exactly what you need. This summer, you can glide across the water on their cable track or go all-out in the aquapark. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants to stay active during these scorching days.

For the cable track, the price is €26 per hour, access to the aquapark costs €19.

Adress:
Katwilgweg
2050 Antwerp

8. Pop into a Cocktailbar

During a heatwave, a refreshing drink is never a bad idea. If you’re looking to relax with friends on a terrace and escape the heat, Antwerp has no shortage of atmospheric spots.

If you enjoy a stylish setting, SkyBar is the place to be. Prefer those true beach bar vibes? Gazon on t’ Eilandje instantly puts you in a summer mood. And for anyone who wants to stay in the Historic Centre, Café het Groene Hart is the perfect stop.

9. Enjoy a Nice Dinner on the Water

Our most unique recommendation is without a doubt Dok’N Dine. This concept lets you enjoy a cosy aperitif or a full barbecue on the water with a small group. The boats gently float on ‘t Eilandje, giving you stunning views of the MAS and the charming restaurants along the Scheldt. You can reserve a boat starting at €120. It’s the perfect way to surprise your partner with a truly memorable date night.

Adress:
Sint-Aldegondiskaai
2000 Antwerp

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

Een bericht gedeeld door Dok’n Dine (@dokndine)

10. End the Day with an Outdoor Movie Night

The final activity on our list is Cinema Urbana’s open-air cinema at ‘t Eilandje. From timeless classics to recent hits; they screen it all. Enjoy the cool evening air and a gentle summer breeze while watching your favourite film under the stars. Just don’t forget to reserve your free ticket in advance so you can end your hot day in a relaxed, atmospheric way.

Adress:

Kattendijkdok-Oostkaai 25
2000 Antwerp

Meest recente berichten

Eat In Antwerp