Grote Markt
Start among ornate guild houses, the town hall and Brabo Fountain in the heart of historic Antwerp.
Flanders · Belgium
Antwerp Ferry &
Antwerp Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Antwerp’s historic squares, art, fashion and Scheldt waterfront, with practical ferry gateways for reaching Belgium from Britain.
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Discover Antwerp
Flemish architecture, art, fashion and a river city shaped by one of Europe’s great ports
Antwerp sits on the River Scheldt and combines a monumental historic centre with one of Europe’s largest working ports. Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady and guild houses create a classic Flemish core, while contemporary museums and fashion give the city a very different second identity.
The riverfront has changed substantially in recent years, but the Scheldt remains central to Antwerp’s character. Het Steen, the riverside promenades and the MAS museum help explain the connection between the city, trade and the wider port.
For ferry travellers, Antwerp should be treated as an inland destination rather than a conventional long-distance passenger-ferry terminal. Travellers from Britain can use the Harwich–Hook of Holland route and continue south by road or rail, or use Channel ferries to Calais or Dunkirk and drive into Belgium.
Antwerpen-Centraal is one of Europe’s most impressive railway stations and gives the city excellent domestic and international connections. Once you arrive, trams and walking cover most visitor areas efficiently.
Antwerp also fits naturally into a wider Belgian itinerary. Brussels, Ghent and Bruges are straightforward by train, while motorists arriving by ferry can combine the city with the Dutch coast, Zeeland or northern France.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Antwerp
The historic centre, museum district and Scheldt waterfront are close enough to combine easily over a short city break.
Cathedral of Our Lady
Visit the Gothic cathedral and its major works of art, including paintings associated with Rubens.
MAS
Explore Antwerp’s maritime and urban history in the striking Museum aan de Stroom beside the old docks.
Het Steen & riverfront
Walk the Scheldt promenade around Antwerp’s medieval riverside landmark and renewed waterfront spaces.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Discover the historic printing house and UNESCO-listed museum in the old city.
Antwerpen-Centraal
Take time to see the monumental railway station itself before using it for easy trips elsewhere in Belgium.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Antwerp
Browse city tours, food experiences, museum activities and day trips available in Antwerp and Flanders.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Passenger-ferry gateways for Antwerp
Antwerp’s huge port handles extensive commercial and cruise traffic, but it is not currently a conventional long-distance passenger-car ferry terminal for travellers arriving from Britain. FerryEU therefore treats Antwerp as an onward destination from established passenger gateways.
The Harwich–Hook of Holland route is a practical option for travellers approaching Belgium from eastern England. From Hook of Holland, continue by road or rail through the Netherlands towards Antwerp. Channel ferries through Calais or Dunkirk are another useful option for motorists.
Which gateway is best depends on where your journey starts, whether you are travelling with a vehicle and whether you prefer an overnight North Sea crossing or a shorter Channel ferry followed by more driving.
North Sea gatewayStena Line terminal, Stationsweg 10, 3151 HS Hook of Holland
Directions to Hook of HollandOpen Hook of Holland Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
UK passenger routeHarwich–Hook of Holland carries foot passengers and vehicles
Channel alternativeCalais and Dunkirk are practical ferry gateways for motorists continuing into Belgium
Driving onwardMotorway connections make Antwerp straightforward from Dutch and French ferry ports
No city ferry terminalDo not plan on a conventional UK passenger-car ferry arriving directly in Antwerp
Plan your stay
Getting around Antwerp
Antwerp is highly walkable around the centre and has excellent tram and rail links for wider travel.
Walk the historic centre
Grote Markt, the cathedral, riverfront and main shopping streets fit naturally into a compact walking route.
Use Antwerpen-Centraal
Frequent trains connect Antwerp with Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Rotterdam and other major destinations.
Find Antwerp rail tickets here...Drive from your ferry gateway
A car is useful when combining Antwerp with a North Sea or Channel ferry and continuing through Belgium or the Netherlands.
Stay in Antwerp
Find Antwerp Accommodation
Stay in the historic centre, Zuid or around Central Station
The old city is best for first-time sightseeing, while Zuid suits museums and restaurants and the Central Station area is convenient for rail-based itineraries.
Common planning questions
Antwerp ferry & destination FAQs
Is there a passenger ferry directly to Antwerp from the UK?
There is currently no conventional long-distance passenger-car ferry from Britain arriving directly in Antwerp city. Use a nearby established ferry gateway and continue by road or rail.
Which ferry gateway is best for Antwerp?
Hook of Holland is useful from Harwich, while Calais and Dunkirk are practical Channel gateways for motorists. The best option depends on your UK starting point and onward travel plans.
How do I travel from Hook of Holland to Antwerp?
Continue south through the Netherlands by road or public transport, connecting into the Dutch and Belgian rail networks as appropriate.
What are the best things to do in Antwerp?
Popular highlights include Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, MAS, Het Steen, Plantin-Moretus Museum and the historic shopping streets.
Is Antwerp easy without a car?
Yes. The centre is walkable and the city has a strong tram network plus excellent rail connections from Antwerpen-Centraal.
Can I take a car on the Harwich–Hook of Holland ferry?
Yes. The route carries cars and other correctly booked vehicles, making it a practical way to continue to Antwerp by road.
Is Antwerp well connected to other Belgian cities?
Yes. Frequent trains make Brussels, Ghent and Bruges straightforward additions to an Antwerp trip.
How long should I spend in Antwerp?
Two days covers the main historic and museum highlights, while three or more days allows slower neighbourhood exploration and day trips.
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