Antwerp Bike Tours Specials: Bikes & Boat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Antwerp and want to get a feel for this vibrant Belgian city without just ticking off landmarks from a bus window, the Bikes & Boat Tour offered by Antwerp Bike Tours deserves a serious look. It combines two very different but equally rewarding perspectives: cycling through the city’s lively streets and cruising along the bustling Scheldt River, offering a balanced taste of Antwerp’s urban charm and maritime grandeur.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the combination of land and water means you get to see Antwerp from multiple angles, making it more engaging and memorable. Second, the sustainable and relaxed approach fits well with travelers who want to explore at a comfortable pace without the noise and pollution of motorized tours. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for those who are uncomfortable on a bike or expecting a more passive experience.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see the city’s top sights without rushing, or for those who appreciate a mix of physical activity and scenic relaxation. If you’re after an authentic, eco-friendly way to enjoy Antwerp’s highlights, this tour offers a smart, fun option that balances education, exercise, and scenery.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: Combines a guided bike tour of Antwerp with a scenic boat cruise.
• Duration and timing: Lasts 3.5 hours, with flexible starting times—check availability.
• Inclusive features: Bikes, helmets, water, and rain ponchos are included, making the experience convenient.
• Eco-conscious: The tour emphasizes sustainability, including planting trees for every booking.
• Authentic local insights: Guides share stories about Antwerp’s history and culture.
• Suitable for most travelers: Not for those who can’t ride a bike, but great for active explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Antwerp Bikes & Boat Tour

The Bike Portion: Exploring Antwerp on Two Wheels

We loved the way the bike tour introduces you to Antwerp’s cityscape. Starting from Paradijsstraat, the guide leads you through charming streets, historic landmarks, and green spaces. The bikes are comfortable, and the route is designed to be manageable for most riders—though you’ll want to be comfortable on a bike, as the tour isn’t suitable for those who can’t ride.

The two-hour cycle offers a blend of sights: from bustling squares to quieter backstreets that reveal the city’s authentic character. The guide’s stories deepen your understanding of Antwerp’s history, culture, and hidden gems, making the ride more than just a sightseeing route. One reviewer captured this well, saying, “Had a super fun bike tour with an enthusiastic guide! Seen a lot of the city. Highly recommended to start the day in Antwerp.”

Antwerp’s compact size makes cycling a perfect way to cover ground efficiently while still feeling relaxed. The inclusion of a basket for your belongings, and optional helmets and child seats, adds to the convenience. Plus, since the tour emphasizes sustainability, it’s a good choice for eco-conscious travelers.

The Boat Cruise: A Scenic View from the Scheldt River

After the cycling, the tour continues with a 1.5-hour boat cruise along the Scheldt River. The meeting point at the dock is easy to find—look for the white garage door and green flags. Once aboard, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Antwerp’s skyline, the busy port, and iconic landmarks from a vantage point that’s hard to beat.

The boat ride provides a tranquil counterpoint to the energetic bike ride. As we sailed along, we appreciated the chance to see the city’s port activity and skyline up close. The water experience is relaxing, allowing you to digest the sights and stories shared by the onboard guide. The views of the port and cityscape are especially striking, making it clear why Antwerp’s port is so vital to commerce and shipping.

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

The seamless transition from land to water makes this tour stand out. It’s a thoughtfully designed experience that balances active exploration with relaxing scenery. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding layers of stories and insights that transform a simple city tour into a memorable adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Aspects and Value

At $74 per person, the price offers good value considering the inclusiveness—bikes, helmets, water, rain ponchos if needed, and the boat cruise. It’s comparable with other guided experiences in the city, but what makes it special is this dual perspective and eco-friendly focus. Plus, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, your booking is flexible—important for flexible travel plans.

What to Keep in Mind

Heavy rain or slippery roads might cause cancellations, so check the weather forecast ahead of time. Also, if you’re not comfortable on a bike, this tour isn’t suitable. For others, it’s an active, enjoyable way to see Antwerp without the crowds or the typical bus tour.

Authentic, Scenic, and Eco-Friendly: Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a mix of activity and leisure, appreciate scenic views from the water, and care about sustainability. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to get a broad overview of Antwerp and those looking for a more authentic experience than just walking or bus rides.

If you’re traveling with family, the availability of child seats and helmets makes it a family-friendly option—just ensure everyone is comfortable riding a bike. For solo travelers and couples wanting a gentle yet engaging introduction to the city, this tour hits the sweet spot between sightseeing, exercise, and relaxation.

For those with limited time, the 3.5-hour duration packs in a lot of highlights without feeling rushed. And if you love photo opportunities, the views from the boat are superb, especially of the port activity and Antwerp’s skyline.

Final Thoughts

The Antwerp Bike Tours’ Bikes & Boat Tour offers a well-balanced, authentic experience of one of Belgium’s most dynamic cities. It’s a fantastic way to see Antwerp’s highlights in a relaxed, eco-friendly manner, blending the best of urban cycling with scenic water views. The inclusion of guided stories, practical amenities, and a focus on sustainability makes this a compelling choice for many travelers.

While it may not be suited for those unable to bike, it’s ideal for active explorers who want to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and maritime energy without the fuss of larger tour groups or motorized transport. And, given the positive reviews praising the views and the guide’s enthusiasm, it’s clear this tour has a lot to offer.

If you’re after a memorable, engaging way to discover Antwerp’s essence—this tour might just be your perfect fit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who can’t ride a bike?
No, this tour requires participants to be comfortable riding a bike, as it involves a two-hour cycling segment.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a guided bicycle tour, bike rental, helmet (if wanted), a basket for your belongings, a bottle of water, and a 1.5-hour boat cruise. Rain ponchos are provided if needed.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience runs about 3.5 hours, with the bike portion lasting 2 hours and the boat cruise 1.5 hours.

Are there options to cancel or change the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Where do I meet the guide?
Start at Paradijsstraat, look for the white garage door and green flags with the Antwerp Bike Tours logo.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, with child seats available, it can be suitable for families, provided children are comfortable on bikes.

What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and weather conditions. The tour provides rain ponchos in case of rain.

Will I get to see Antwerp’s famous landmarks?
Yes, the guided bike tour highlights the city’s main sights and hidden gems, while the boat cruise offers views of the port and skyline.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
The guides speak English and Dutch, which should accommodate most travelers.

What is the price for this experience?
The tour costs $74 per person, offering good value considering the inclusions and unique experience.

This Bikes & Boat Tour from Antwerp Bike Tours offers a balanced, eco-friendly, and scenic way to discover the city’s highlights—ideal for active explorers who want a genuine taste of Antwerp’s energy and beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: