A city of stunning medieval architecture, Antwerp has also been known as one of the world’s foremost artistic centres since the 17th century. Its Royal Academy of Fine Arts has played an important role in developing the craft of countless masters of painting and fashion over the years, from van Gogh to van Dyck. An Antwerp river cruise will allow you to see for yourself how examples of the city’s artistic background can still be found throughout its streets - keep an eye out for the Marian statues which are dotted around various street corners.
It will not surprise you to learn that, as a city that has educated so many geniuses, Antwerp is full of opportunities for tourists to further their own education. The city is home to not just one but several of the world’s most fascinating museums, including the Plantin-Moretus printing museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005), the Rubenshuis, which was the former home and studio of Rubens himself and the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), which teaches visitors all about the history of this unique municipality.
Of course, a cruise to Antwerp should not just be about broadening your knowledge - there is too much else to see for you to spend all your time in museums. Something Antwerp is also known for is its delicious and highly original food and drink. The city’s annual Bollekesfeest offers a great chance for you to sample some of it for yourself, showcasing local produce such as the De Konnick Brewer’s amber beer, Antwerp Hands biscuits, coffee, herring and even horse meat. There truly is something to satisfy every taste on a cruise to Antwerp.
Which cruise lines sail to Antwerp?
