Antwerp Sightseeing Tour From Brussels

Exploring the historic city of Antwerp from Brussels is an enticing prospect for many travelers. This comprehensive sightseeing tour offers an efficient way to experience the city’s renowned landmarks, from the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Our Lady to the striking Antwerp Central Railway Station. With ample opportunities for free exploration in charming streets and lively squares, the tour promises a well-rounded experience. Knowledgeable guides and bilingual commentary enhance the journey, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of Antwerp’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seeking to rediscover the city, this tour provides an excellent starting point to…

Key Points

• The Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels is a 5.5-hour excursion that takes visitors to the city’s top attractions, including the Market Square, Cathedral of Our Lady, and Antwerp Central Railway Station.

• The tour offers a mix of guided experiences, such as visiting the Diamond Pavilion, and free time for independent exploration of the historical heart, charming streets, and popular shopping areas.

• The tour is rated 3.4 out of 5 based on 222 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to view Rubens’ masterpieces, but some concerns about the multilingual commentary.

• The tour accommodates up to 200 travelers and includes round-trip transportation and a professional guide, with exclusions for food, drinks, and entry fees.

• The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to significant walking on cobblestone streets and extended periods of standing, which may pose challenges for travelers with limited mobility.

Tour Overview

The Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels is a 5.5-hour excursion that takes travelers from the Belgian capital to explore the historic city of Antwerp.

Rated 3.4 out of 5 based on 222 reviews, the tour is provided by Brussels City Tours – Keolis Travel. It departs at 9:30 am from Bd de Berlaimont 18 in Brussels and can accommodate up to 200 travelers.

The bilingual commentary is available in English, Spanish, and French.

Key highlights include the Market Square, the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp Central Railway Station, and the Diamond Pavilion, with free time for relaxed exploration in the historical heart of the city.

Key Attractions

A key highlight of the Antwerp Sightseeing Tour is the Market Square, known for its remarkable architecture and historic significance.

Visitors are then taken to the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to several renowned Rubens masterpieces.

Next, the tour explores the iconic Antwerp Central Railway Station, a stunning example of 19th-century neo-Renaissance design.

The Diamond Pavilion provides an insight into the city’s thriving diamond industry.

The Museum Aan de Stroom, or MAS, offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop terrace.

Plus, the tour allows for free time to explore the historical heart of Antwerp at a relaxed pace.

Free Time Exploration

During the free time allotted, travelers can explore the historical heart of Antwerp at their own leisure.

The tour provides ample opportunity to wander through the city’s charming streets and discover its hidden gems.

Some key highlights include:

1. Strolling along the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street, and browsing the high-end boutiques and local shops.

2. Visiting the Grote Markt, the city’s central square, and admiring the ornate Guild Houses and the impressive Town Hall.

3. Exploring the Groenplaats, a lively square surrounded by cafes and restaurants, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.

4. Passing by the iconic Het Steen, Antwerp’s oldest building, and the city’s diamond district to learn about the region’s rich history.

Additional Stops

Along With the key attractions, the tour also makes stops at several other notable sites throughout Antwerp.

Visitors can spend 20 minutes exploring the Meir, the city’s main shopping street. The tour then heads to the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s historic market square, for another 20-minute visit.

Travelers also get 15 minutes to wander the Groenplaats, a picturesque public square.

While passing by, the guide points out the Het Steen, a medieval castle, and the diamond district, where Antwerp’s famous diamond trade takes place.

Finally, the tour offers a glimpse of the Antwerp Port, an important commercial hub.

These additional stops provide a well-rounded introduction to the city’s architecture, commerce, and public spaces.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour’s inclusions cover round-trip travel from Brussels, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the services of a professional guide. Gratuities are also included in the tour price.

The following items aren’t included:

1. Food and drinks
2. Entry to the Cathedral of Our Lady
3. Any other personal expenses
4. Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

Transportation is provided via a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to ensure a smooth and convenient journey from Brussels to Antwerp and back.

The tour size is limited to a maximum of 200 travelers, providing a personalized experience.

Customer Feedback

Highlighted by travelers, the tour guides were widely praised for their exceptional knowledge and linguistic skills, with specific mention of Jazmine and Stephan.

Tourists described the tour as a memorable experience, particularly highlighting the opportunity to view Rubens’ masterpieces. The efficient pace and engaging commentary were also noted positively.

However, some issues were raised regarding the multilingual commentary, which at times caused delays. Requests were made for better audio equipment to ensure clearer communication.

Suggestions were put forth to provide more informative commentary during the travel portions of the tour.

Accessibility and Requirements

Regarding accessibility, the Antwerp Sightseeing Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible and located near public transportation.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as there’s a significant amount of walking involved. Participants should be prepared for the following:

1. Navigating cobblestone streets and uneven terrain.
2. Standing for extended periods during the tour.
3. Climbing stairs at some of the tour sites.
4. Managing their own luggage and personal items throughout the day.

The tour is open to travelers of all ages, but those with mobility concerns may find it challenging.

Cancellation Policy

Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, the Antwerp Sightseeing Tour provides flexibility for travelers.

This policy allows individuals to adjust their plans without incurring any penalties, should unexpected circumstances arise. It’s a considerate feature that demonstrates the tour provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Travelers can book the tour with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel if needed. The cancellation policy contributes to the overall positive experience, as it adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind for those participating in the Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book the tour. The tour has a maximum of 200 travelers, so there’s ample room for solo participants. The tour provides a convenient way to explore Antwerp’s highlights without the need for a private tour.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, travelers can’t customize it. However, there’s free time during the tour to explore Antwerp’s historical heart at one’s own pace. Guests may request additional stops, though these can’t be guaranteed.

Can I Bring Children on This Tour?

The tour is open to families, but there’s no specific child-friendly program. Strollers are allowed, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the walking involved. Parents should use their best judgment.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounts for students and seniors. Customers can inquire about these discounts when booking the tour. Specific details on the discounted rates are not provided in the tour overview.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, customers will receive a full refund. The tour provider has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Sum Up

The Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors. It offers a chance to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively squares, with knowledgeable guides and ample free time for personal discovery. Whether you’re interested in the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady or the impressive Antwerp Central Railway Station, this tour delivers a memorable and well-rounded introduction to the charming city of Antwerp.