Europe's second-largest port city greets cruise passengers steps from a medieval fortress and a skyline of Gothic spires. Art, chocolate, diamonds, and some of the world's best beer — all within walking distance of the ship.
The Antwerp Cruise Terminal at Steenplein sits alongside the River Scheldt immediately next to Het Steen fortress — the city center is a short, flat stroll along the riverside promenade.
💡 Pro move: Very large ships (over ~265 m) occasionally dock at Cobelfret terminal north of the city; in that case a shuttle or taxi (~15 min) is needed to reach the center.
Most cruise ships berth at the central Steenplein terminal, placing passengers within easy walking distance of every key sight.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Antwerp Cruise Terminal, Steenplein — beside Het Steen📍 | Docked |
| Some larger vessels | Cobelfret Terminal (north of city)📍 | Docked |
Antwerp rewards walkers, but day trips to Bruges or Ghent by train are among the best in Northern Europe cruise itineraries.
Antwerp's medieval heart — the Renaissance guild houses of Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain, and the soaring Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady housing two Rubens altarpieces. All walkable from the ship.
Find Antwerp city walking tours →The meticulously restored home and studio of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, filled with his paintings and period furnishings. A 20-minute walk or short tram ride from the pier.
Find Rubens House guided tours →Museum aan de Stroom tells Antwerp's story as a global trading city. The free rooftop offers the best panoramic view in town — harbor, Scheldt, and spires in every direction.
Find MAS museum tours →Chocolate Nation, the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum, walks you through production history and ends with tastings. Pair with a stop at a local café for waffles and Trappist beer.
Find Antwerp food & chocolate tours →Antwerp's Central Station is a 15-minute walk from the pier. Trains to Bruges run frequently (±1 hr). Bruges' canal-laced medieval center is one of the best-preserved in Europe.
Find Bruges day-trip tours from Antwerp →Housed in the original departure halls, this moving museum tells the stories of millions of European emigrants who sailed from Antwerp to America between 1873 and 1934.
Find Red Star Line Museum tours →Antwerp's flat riverside promenade and cobbled medieval lanes make it one of the most walkable cruise ports in Northern Europe.
Leave the terminal, pass Het Steen fortress, continue along the Scheldt promenade to Steenplein, then cut inland through Suikerrui street to Grote Markt. Stops at the Brabo Fountain and City Hall before finishing at the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Walk east from the old town along Meir shopping street, continue to the Diamond District around Hoveniersstraat, and end at the spectacular Antwerpen-Centraal station — one of the grandest train stations in Europe. Return by tram.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 14 | 8:40 AM | 5:03 PM |
| Feb | 47°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C | 12 | 7:55 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Mar | 52°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 13 | 6:56 AM | 6:47 PM |
| Apr | 58°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C | 10 | 6:47 AM | 8:38 PM |
| May | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 12 | 5:51 AM | 9:26 PM |
| Jun | 72°F / 22°C | 56°F / 13°C | 11 | 5:26 AM | 9:59 PM |
| Jul | 74°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 12 | 5:44 AM | 9:51 PM |
| Aug | 73°F / 23°C | 59°F / 15°C | 12 | 6:29 AM | 9:03 PM |
| Sep | 68°F / 20°C | 54°F / 12°C | 11 | 7:18 AM | 7:56 PM |
| Oct | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 13 | 8:06 AM | 6:48 PM |
| Nov | 51°F / 11°C | 42°F / 6°C | 14 | 7:59 AM | 4:53 PM |
| Dec | 46°F / 8°C | 38°F / 3°C | 14 | 8:40 AM | 4:34 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
hopNstop hop-on hop-off bus tours available; day pass ~€21. Also included free with the Antwerp City Card.
The main cruise terminal is steps from the historic city center. The Grote Markt is just a 5–10 minute walk from the pier.
Taxis wait at the pier. Short city-center trips run €5–€8; a trip to Antwerp Central Station is roughly €35–€45.
Uber and Bolt are both active in Antwerp. Request from the app at the port — often cheaper than metered taxis.
Bolt e-scooters are available citywide. Antwerp is flat and very bike-friendly with dedicated lanes throughout the center.
Upcoming cruises that call at Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.