Travel on the Rhine with A-ROSA River Cruises
Explore Belgium’s beautiful port, directly at the mouth of the North Sea. Baroque buildings, vast parks and fascinating museums make Antwerp the perfect destination for everyone.
Be swept away by the unusual architecture of the Museum aan de Stroom, discover the Antwerp Zoo with the whole family and enjoy art and culture in the prestigious Rubenshuis. A particular highlight: Savour Belgium’s famous cuisine and eat Belgian waffles and chocolate in one of the quaint cafés or French fries in one of the many restaurants as a pick-me-up in-between meals or after an eventful day.
Travelling by ship to the port of Antwerp
Step on board the A-ROSA cruise ships and discover the city of Antwerp from the river.
You will dock directly in the centre of Antwerp with the A-ROSA AQUA, the A-ROSA VIVA, the A-ROSA BRAVA, the A-ROSA SILVA, the A-ROSA FLORA and the A-ROSA SENA during your city trip. You can reach the centre of the city – which is considered the largest diamond trading centre in the world – by foot. Find out more about the journey of the gem – from the search for it to its refinement – in the Diamond Museum. If you fancy taking a stroll, head to the old harbour, which has now been turned into a trendy district. The old warehouses have been transformed into shops, lofts and theatres, and welcome visitors to take a break and relax.
A-ROSA River Cruises to Antwerp
The most beautiful Sights and Destinations in Antwerp
Museum aan de Strom
The MAS, or Museum aan de Stroom, is one of the landmarks of Antwerp. The warehouse is situated between the Old Town and the second-largest harbour in Europe in the stylish district of Het Eilandje. Every floor offers unique discoveries about Antwerp’s history and its connections to the world at large. A spectacular view over the entire city awaits you on the panorama roof. The cosy Museum Café or the Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor will make sure you don’t go hungry.
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY
It is considered one of the most magnificent buildings in Belgium and is one of the most frequently visited sights in the city. After 169 years of construction, the Cathedral of Our Lady was completed in the 16th century and was considered the largest Gothic building in what was then the Netherlands. Famous painter Peter Paul Rubens decorated the cathedral in the style of the Romantic period with many works of art inside the church. The building’s tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Vlaeykensgang
Back to the 16th century: The hidden Vlaeykensgang from 1591 connects the Hoogstraat, the Oude Koornmarkt and the Pelgrimstraat, and takes its visitors on a journey into the past. Today, antique shops, art galleries and the exclusive restaurant of Sir Anthony Van Dyck can be found in the historical buildings. However, shoemakers and the poorest people in the city used to live here. Pay a visit to the cobbled alleyway and soak up the medieval atmosphere.
ANTWERPEN-CENTRAAL RAILWAY STATION
Arriving by train is an especially worthwhile experience for all visitors to the largest city in Belgium: The cathedral-like station Antwerpen-Centraal was built in 1905 and is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Its Baroque architecture and ornate furnishing is fascinating. In the immediate vicinity, you will find the Diamond Square Mile, Antwerp’s world-famous diamond quarter.
Burg het steen
Antwerp’s oldest building served as a prison until 1823, was then used for years as a residential house, sawmill and fish storage unit and was finally turned into a museum in 1862. An experience for the whole family: Have fun visiting the Burg Het Steen and explore the legendary building. Children aged 6 to 12 are particularly welcome here. Different workshops give them the chance to familiarise themselves with philosophy, science and art in a playful way.
ANTWERP ZOO
Belgium’s oldest zoo is visited by around 1.3 million delighted guests every year. Founded in 1843, the green Antwerp Zoo is situated a stone’s throw away from the railway station in the heart of the city. The wildlife enclosures, aquaria and insect houses are home to over 5,000 animals and around 950 different species. You can find out about the daily programme, including feeding times, at the ticket desk. During the winter months, the park is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. In the summer, you can enjoy your time in the zoo until 6 p.m.
Grote Markt
Several Baroque guild houses from the 16th and 17th century are spread out around the historical Grote Markt in Antwerp. You can take in the view of buildings built in the Classical style while enjoying a traditional lunch, buying souvenirs in cosy small boutiques or appreciating the atmosphere in the centre of the Belgian trading city from a café. A notable landmark is at the heart of the historical square in the front of the famous city hall: the impressive Brabo Fountain in bronze, sculpted by artist Jef Lambeaux.
RUBENSHUIS
The brilliant artist Peter Paul Rubens is one of the most famous Baroque painters of his time and has shaped the city right into the 21st century. Rubenshuis (Rubens’ House) was built in 1610 and is the former home and workshop of the Flemish diplomat; to this day, it’s a popular place for art enthusiasts from all over the world. Be amazed by the magnificent studio, the garden-like park and the elegant courtyard and archway in the museum which was built in 1946. The exhibition contains a large collection of his artworks as well as other paintings by his colleagues and contemporaries.