Top 5 best bicycle rentals in Antwerp

Antwerp rewards anyone willing to explore on two wheels. Ride from the Grote Markt out along the Scheldt promenade at sunset, and you will see why locals treat the bike as the default way to get around, not a novelty for tourists. Pedal past the Cathedral of Our Lady's spire, cut through the harbour district at Eilandje, or slip through the Sint-Annatunnel to the sand at Sint-Annastrand — distances that feel long on foot disappear in minutes on a bike, and you'll pass fountains, guild houses and quiet side streets that most visitors on a walking tour never reach.

Antwerp's old town is flat, compact and increasingly closed to cars, which makes a bike the fastest way through it. The city has built one of Belgium's densest networks of segregated cycle lanes, so you rarely have to share space with traffic, and a proper bike tunnel takes you under the river to the left bank without a detour. Longer rides out to Middelheim's sculpture park stay just as comfortable, all on dedicated paths.

Top 10 things to see in Antwerp by bike

1. Grote Markt & Stadhuis — the historic central square with guild houses and the Renaissance city hall, a natural starting point for any ride.
2. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal — the Gothic spire that marks the old town skyline, a quick ride from the harbour docks.
3. Het Steen — a medieval fortress on the Scheldt riverbank, a good stop for photos and river views.
4. Scheldt river promenade, Sint-Andries to Eilandje — a flat, well-paved waterfront stretch popular with cyclists for river views and sunset rides.
5. Eilandje & MAS — the redeveloped harbour district, with a rooftop viewpoint over the docks and city reached along bike-friendly quays.
6. Antwerpen-Centraal railway station — a grand belle-époque station worth riding past, close to the Diamond District and the zoo.
7. Rubenshuis — the painter's historic home and garden, a short pedal from the cathedral through the old town.
8. Stadspark — a central green park with ponds and shaded paths, an easy loop for a relaxed ride.
9. Sint-Annastrand — a sandy beach on the left bank of the Scheldt, reached via the Sint-Annatunnel bike tunnel under the river.
10. Middelheim Museum & park — an open-air sculpture park south of the centre, a favourite longer-ride destination on dedicated cycle paths.

What do you need to rent a bike in Antwerpen?

No licence is required to rent a standard bicycle, at any age. If you choose an e-bike limited to 25 km/h with pedal assist, the same rule applies — it counts as a regular bicycle. Faster speed pedelecs up to 45 km/h are a different class, requiring a moped-level licence, registration and a helmet, so check which type you're booking. Most rental partners will ask for a deposit, usually held as a card pre-authorisation, plus a passport or ID. An International Driving Permit is not needed for a standard bicycle rental.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Antwerpen?

Average rental prices run from EUR 3-8 per day during low season, rising to EUR 10-18 per day in high season. Premium models, including e-bikes and higher-end city or road bikes, run EUR 20-30 per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, the busiest and most expensive months.
• They drop through November to February, the cheapest window to book.
• Shoulder months around Easter and May often sit somewhere in between.

When to book a rental bike in Antwerpen?

High season runs June to August, with a smaller peak around Easter and the May holidays — book ahead if you're travelling then, since prices and demand both rise. Low season stretches from November through March, when prices fall and availability is easier to come by. For the best mix of mild weather, long daylight and lighter crowds, aim for May, June or September.

Local traffic rules in Antwerpen

Belgium drives on the right. Bicycle helmets aren't legally required, though speed pedelecs are the exception. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in built-up areas and 70 km/h outside them in Flanders, so you'll rarely need to move fast on a bike anyway. The trickier local rule is priority to the right at unmarked junctions — traffic joining from your right has the right of way unless signs say otherwise, which catches out plenty of visiting riders. Cyclists have strong legal protection here: drivers must give way when turning across a cycle lane. Rain is possible year-round in Belgium's maritime climate, so it's worth packing something waterproof even in summer.

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!