Tourist Attractions
Brussels
Staying in Antwerp and visiting Brussels during the day is no problem at all, since the capital of Belgium can easily be reached by train. The distance Antwerp-Brussels is usually done in less than an hour. Ofcourse, some people find Brussels more appealing than Antwerp as a starting point to explore Flanders or Belgium.
In a way they're right, since Brussels has many hotels to offer that will satisfy all possible needs. Ofcourse, since Antwerp is smaller than Brussels, hotels in Antwerp will feel a little less cosmopolitan than hotels in Brussels, but they are generally also a little more expensive.
Ghent
Ghent less charming than Antwerp? Not necessarily, since the city has a lot to offer and can deliver that historical and peaceful atmosphere as well. The 2nd largest city in Flanders is absolutely recommended when staying in Antwerp.
You could of course also consider to leave Antwerp and to stay one or more nights in a hotel in Gent. By train it will take you only 30min to get there. Just like Antwerp, Ghent has a lot of beautiful historical buildings, streets, squares and alleys. The quality hotels in Gent and its vibrant atmosphere at night (mainly because of the 30.000 students) are only 2 reasons why you should definitely consider to book a hotel in Ghent.
Less tourists than Antwerp, but all the more exciting, especially during summer, when huge crowds (2 million in total) gather together for the ten day long very vibrant street festival called the "Ghent Fests" (Gentse Feesten in Dutch).
Bruges
Bruges receives more than 3 million visitors a year. Not surprisingly, the city won't seize to amaze you with its marvellous, age old, brilliantly renovated buildings and countless traffic free cobbled streets and alleys. From Antwerp, it will only take you a little over an hour to get there.
Choosing a hotel in Bruges that is located right in the historical city centre, will perhaps remind you of your stay in Antwerp. Ofcourse Bruges is, due to its small size, far less cosmopolitan or trendy than Antwerp, although you can find some remarkably modern hotels in Brugge as well. Most important advantage of hotels in Brugge, compared to hotels in Antwerpen, is that it will take you less time to enjoy all the architectural and cultural highlights Bruges has to offer.
Bear in mind that hotels in Bruges, mainly due to the city's reputation as the one and only Venice of the North, are sometimes more expensive than hotels in Antwerpen.