Top Things to do When Visiting Antwerp on a Cruise

The third biggest city in Belgium, Antwerp is a popular destination for small- to medium-sized cruise ships. After winding your way along the river Scheldt, past all the heavy industry and ports, you will find yourself in the historic city of Antwerp.

The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the heart of the historic city centre. Indeed, you have to walk through the medieval Het Steen castle as you disembark the cruise ship! While some cruises may overnight in Antwerp, others may only stop for the day. Here are some of the things you can get up to in Antwerp when visiting by cruise ship.

Viewing platform at MAS

​The viewing platform at Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is completely free and gives a great vantage over the city. Just a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal, this unique building houses the museum that focuses on Antwerp and its people. However, head up the escalators around the building and you will find yourself ten storeys up and looking out over the city.
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From here, you can see the city’s iconic skyline, from the cathedral and churches, to the towers and the Antwerp port authority building. This is also a great vantage point for you to see the ship that brought you into the city!

​DIVA Diamond Museum

​Along with Chocolate and beer, Antwerp is famous for its role in the diamond trade; it is said that 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through the city every year.

​The museum shows the story of how diamonds transition from their raw state into the beautiful objects and jewellery that they become. On display are hundreds of diamonds, really showcasing the beauty and the skill of the jewellers.

Grote Markt / Christmas Markets

​The central square in Antwerp is the iconic Grote Markt, literally translates as “big market”. Surrounding the square are the historic guildhalls and Renaissance town hall buildings and it is also home to the Brabo Fountain.

For a taste of authentic Antwerp, the square is also home to many cafes and restaurants. Head out at nighttime and the square comes alive, especially at the weekend, with patrons of the nearby bars and clubs spilling out into the square giving the place a lovely atmosphere.

Of course, if you go at Christmas time, you will also find that the square is home to the Christmas market where you can pick up Belgian treats and gifts. From Belgian beers and chocolates, to handmade gifts and waffles, you will find lots to entertain you at Christmas time.
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Head a little further into the city and you will find lots of lights, Christmas trees and even ice skating. Antwerp at Christmas is spectacular.

Cathedral of Our Lady

​Dominating the city’s skyline is the Cathedral of Our Lady, standing at a whopping 123 metres tall. No other building in the city is allowed to be taller than the height of the tower of the cathedral.
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Exploring inside, you can see the Roman Catholic iconography and the impressive stained-glass windows. Compared to cathedrals in England, such as York Minster and Durham Cathedral, it feels more spacious, airy and bright. Indeed, it was raining hard and yet it still felt bright and welcoming inside.

​Antwerp Central Station

​When Antwerp builds a station, it doesn’t build a utilitarian building designed to get passengers into or out of the city. Instead, it builds a multilevel monument to rail travel. Inside, you will find impressive staircases and plaques, akin to New York’s Grand Central Terminal. In fact, Newsweek called it the fourth best station in the world.

Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre

​Meir is the main shopping street of Antwerp (even featuring British high street favourite C&A!) and is said to be the most expensive shopping street in the country. Here, you will find the impressive Stadsfeestzaal shopping centre.
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The 19th century Stadsfeestzaal, or “City Festival Hall”, is now home to many shops and restaurants, and is impressive with its gold leaf decorations. Particularly impressive given that, in 2000 a fire destroyed the old hall and it has had to be restored to the glittering beacon that it now is.

St. Anna’s Tunnel

​Finally, if you want to experience the city from afar, seeing the cruise ship from a new perspective, head under the river Scheldt via St. Anna’s Tunnel. Descend in the lift or take the two wooden escalators down and walk through the underpass.
Take in the views of the cruise ship and the city from the left bank of the city for a different perspective. Lit up at night, your cruise ship and the Antwerp skyline can make for some special photos for you to treasure.

​Antwerp is a vibrant city for shopping, food and drink and there is plenty to do in the historical city. There are plenty of other activities to do, such as the zoo and the Red Star Line museum. What have you experienced when you have cruised to Antwerp?

GUEST BLOGGER:
​NICHOLAS TAYLOR

​There is always a book in Nick's backpack. Nick Taylor is a writer and editor and a keen traveller and is being introduced to the world of cruising by his partner. 

Find out more about Nick's work by visiting his website, Facebook page or LinkedIn page. ​