Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Antwerp
DIY Score
Easy DIY
Enjoy the old town on foot, or train it to Bruges early.
Tender or Docked?
Docked in the old town at Het Steen. You walk off beside the medieval castle and the Grote Markt is 5-10 minutes away on foot.
How to Get Into Town
The old town is a 5-10 min walk, free. For day trips, a tram or walk to Antwerpen-Centraal then fast trains to Bruges, Ghent or Brussels.
Main Attractions
The Grote Markt, Cathedral of Our Lady and riverside old town, all on foot. Trains reach Bruges, Ghent and Brussels for a bigger day.
How Much Time You Need
3-4 hours covers old-town Antwerp. A train day trip to Bruges, Ghent or Brussels needs most of a standard call.
Keep in Mind
Rubens House is mostly closed until about 2030. Only the garden and a multimedia experience are open, so do not plan your day around the famous interior.
Safety & Comfort
Safe and easy for independent visitors. English is widely spoken and the center is compact; the main caution is pickpockets near Central Station.
Tips from Cruisers
"We stepped off the ship and were in the Grote Markt in about seven minutes, no shuttle, no fuss. Did the cathedral for the Rubens…" — by Ingrid V.
We stepped off the ship and were in the Grote Markt in about seven minutes, no shuttle, no fuss. Did the cathedral for the Rubens paintings, which are stunning up close, then just wandered. One of the easiest ports we've done.
just did the old town and a couple of belgian beers by the river. didnt bother with the trains. lovely square, easy walk from the boat
Right in the middle of town which suited us, no long transfers. The cobbles are a bit much on the ankles so we took it slow. We'd planned to see the Rubens House but it's shut for years apparently, so the cathedral it was.
Kids loved the big castle right by the ship and running around the square. We kept it simple, no day trips with little ones. Flat and easy with the buggy apart from the cobbles. Waffles sealed the deal.
Booked myself on a mental dash to Brussels and spent half the day on platforms. Pretty city but I saw more train stations than sights. Next time I'd just stay in Antwerp, which was honestly the nicer part anyway.