Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Antwerp

Antwerp rewards anyone willing to get off the tram tracks and onto two wheels. Picture yourself weaving past the guild houses on the Grote Markt, then following the Scheldt up toward the Eilandje, where old dock warehouses now sit next to glass towers and rooftop bars. A motorcycle lets you cover that ground in minutes rather than hours, with the freedom to stop wherever the light looks good — at Het Steen for a photo of the fortress against the water, or on the Left Bank after riding through the Sint-Annatunnel, looking back at the skyline from the park at Sint-Anneke.

The historic center was built for horses and pedestrians, not cars, so its streets are narrow, one-way, and often cobbled, and parking a car near the Grote Markt can eat up half your afternoon and most of your budget. A scooter slips through that maze and tucks into a parking spot for free. It also opens up day trips that public transport makes awkward — the coast, Bruges, or the quiet villages of the Flemish countryside are all within reach when you're not tied to a train timetable.

Top 10 things to see in Antwerp by motorcycle

1. Grote Markt & Antwerp City Hall — the historic central square with its guild houses and the Brabo fountain, and the natural starting point for any ride through the old town.
2. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) — Belgium's tallest cathedral and a showcase for Rubens, just steps from the Grote Markt.
3. MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) — a landmark riverside building with a free rooftop panorama over the Scheldt and the port.
4. Antwerpen-Centraal railway station — one of the most photographed train stations in the world and well worth the short detour.
5. Zoo Antwerpen area / Antwerp-Centraal district — pair the station's architecture with a stop at the adjacent zoo entrance.
6. Het Steen — a medieval fortress on the Scheldt waterfront, ideal for a photo stop with the river behind you.
7. Scheldt riverside promenade — a flat waterside route linking the historic center to the harbor district, easy riding with river views the whole way.
8. Eilandje district — the redeveloped old dock area, now full of modern architecture and cafes around the MAS museum.
9. Left Bank via Sint-Annatunnel — take the pedestrian and cyclist tunnel under the Scheldt to the park at Sint-Anneke for a classic skyline view back over the river.
10. Fort 8 / Antwerp Ring green corridor — the former fortress belt, now a green loop around the city, good for a longer scenic ride.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Antwerp?

Belgium follows the EU staged licence system for motorcycles: A1 for light bikes, A2 for mid-power machines, and A for anything unrestricted, with the class depending on the engine size and power of the bike you choose — check with your rental agent which one fits. Minimum age starts at 18 for the lowest class, rising for more powerful bikes, though many rental companies set their own higher minimum, often 21 and up, and may ask that you've held your licence for a minimum period. EU/EEA licences are accepted directly; if you're travelling from outside the EU, it's worth carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence just in case. A deposit is standard practice, usually held as a card pre-authorisation, and you'll need your passport or ID on hand as well.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Antwerp?

Expect to pay around 25-35 EUR per day in low season, rising to 40-60 EUR per day at the height of summer, with larger or premium motorcycles running 60-90 EUR per day.

• June through August is the priciest stretch, when demand peaks with the summer tourist season.
• November through February is the cheapest window, with rates dropping toward the low end.
• Shoulder months in between sit somewhere in the middle, and booking a little ahead helps you lock in the better rate.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Antwerp?

High season runs June to August, with a smaller bump around Easter and the May holidays, when both prices and demand climb. Low season stretches from November through March, when rates ease off and some seasonal operators scale back their hours. If you want the best mix of good weather and manageable prices, May, June and September tend to offer mild temperatures and long daylight without the full midsummer crowds — just pack something waterproof, since rain can turn up in Belgium any month of the year.

Local traffic rules in Antwerp

Belgium drives on the right, and helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger on any scooter or motorcycle. Motorcycles must keep their headlights on at all times, day or night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 120 km/h on motorways, with a stricter 70 km/h outside towns in Flanders. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, and roadside breath testing is routine, so it's not worth the risk. One local quirk to watch for: at unmarked junctions, traffic coming from your right has priority — it catches out more visiting riders than almost anything else, so keep an eye on side streets as you ride through town.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!