Antwerp, Belgium

Photo Friday: Antwerp, Belgium

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”20872686″]

Belgium was the first stop on the second segment of our trip—the voyage was broken up into three segments of passengers, ranging from 15 to 23 days—and one of the places I was most excited to revisit.

Antwerp, BelgiumThe great thing about Antwerp as a port is that the ship literally docks in the city center.

Antwerp, BelgiumYou mosey down the gangway and—BAM—you’re right in the middle of the charming Belgian town, surrounded by just-clipped Seussian trees.

Antwerp, BelgiumUnfortunately, this was right smack in the middle of my death-bed period, and the first half of the first day was spent in my bed.

Antwerp, BelgiumEventually, though, I made it out for a wander.

Antwerp, BelgiumAntwerp, BelgiumIt was a dreary, gray-and-brown afternoon, so if ever I had to miss part of a day in port, this was the day to do it.

Antwerp, BelgiumAntwerp, BelgiumStill, sun or no sun, Antwerp is a stunner.

Antwerp, BelgiumAntwerp, BelgiumI met Layne and one of our lecturers Bob in the town center for lunch, and then we spent the next few hours borrowing Internet from the cutest cafe I’ve ever seen, The Chocolate Box.

Antwerp, BelgiumBut I didn’t last long that night before my state-of-being forced me back to my cabin. The next day, however, the sun was out and I was feeling marginally better.

Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp, BelgiumEnough so, at least, to meet Layne and go on the hunt for chocolate and beer to take back to fiance and my family.

Antwerp, BelgiumBoth items of which are extremely hard to find in Belgium.

Antwerp, BelgiumAs are waffles. And even though I’d officially been on the BRAT diet for four days then, I thought it a good idea to break that and have a Nutella waffle.

Antwerp, BelgiumI mean, when in Belgium.

Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp, BelgiumNext year’s itinerary was recently announced: Two two-week segments in Europe, through Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland and the British Isles. If you’re interested in going, leave a comment or drop me a line as I’ll be offering a discounted group rate once more.

COMMENTS
  • June 22, 2013
    Lily

    Antwerp looks so amazing. Definitely looking forward to visit after seeing these pictures. I am also definitely considering the Enrichment Voyage next year. I went on the Summer 2012 voyage for Semester at Sea and am just itching to get back on the ship. Though I don’t know if I will have enough vacation time by then. I know this is longshot but do you know if it is possible to go for a partial voyage of the two week segments.

    • June 25, 2013

      I hope you’ll join us! It’s not going to Antwerp, but it’s going to some amazing European ports nonetheless.

  • June 22, 2013

    Beer, waffles and chocolate – I don’t need any more convincing to go!

    • June 25, 2013

      You’ve summed up three of my favorite things in life…well, substitute bourbon for beer and we’re completely there 😉

  • June 23, 2013

    Even though it was overcast it made for some nice pictures. I love that soft light that cloudy days give. Very cool =)

    • June 25, 2013

      Thanks, Gabe! I would prefer a bit more of blue skies with some cloud coverage, but you can’t always get what you want, ha =)

  • June 24, 2013

    Are there any people in Antwerp? It looks awfully quiet there!

    • June 25, 2013

      I thought the SAME thing. Would have never guessed it houses more than half a million people–I thought it was closer to 30,000! Not sure where they were all hiding…

  • June 24, 2013

    ahhh that dog is so cute!…beautiful pics!

    • June 25, 2013

      The funny thing is I followed that dog for quite a few blocks trying to get up the nerve to ask the owners if I could pet it, and then he stopped to sniff and do the once-over on a statue cow. I tried to get a pic of him making nice with the cow but I had my wide angle on so no dice. But at least I finally got to meet the furry guy =)

  • June 24, 2013

    Those beer bottles are so beautiful. Oh, and I guess the city is too (but I really like the look of all that beer)!

    • June 25, 2013

      You and me both! And the chocolate. Mmmm, the chocolate.

  • June 25, 2013

    Thanks for sharing these photographs, Antwerp is really beautiful.

  • June 26, 2013
    Liesbeth

    It’s weird to see you in my hometown 🙂

  • June 26, 2013

    What a really majestic sights! Thanks for sharing your photos in Antwerp! I just have to get uk new vans and I will also go in Belgium with my family.

  • June 27, 2013

    Good job Kristine.Nice collection of photos.You ultimate vision about Antwerp.This city have much to give for visitors.Even i have some photos related to Antwerp in my presentation posted.Can you please tell me some tips for improving my skill in photography?

  • June 27, 2013

    Beautiful pictures. What kind of trees were those? They are magnificent; never seen anything like it!

  • June 28, 2013

    Love the architecture shots.

  • June 30, 2013
    Jeanie

    Beautiful pictures, as usual!

  • June 30, 2013

    Built upon the atrocities of the worst case of European colonialism in history! The Belgian Congo!

  • July 5, 2013

    My father was born and raised in Antwerp and I have family still there. I’ve visited countless times in my life and still love the charm of this little city. You mentioned the chocolate, the beer, and the waffles, but there’s one more thing … the pomme frites. Best ever. (Just don’t call them “French fries” in Antwerp or Flanders, because they resent the fact the French are credited with inventing French fries, when actually it was the Flemish. My uncle wrote a book about that, titled, “Flemish Fries,” by Mark Leysen.) Great pics and post!

  • July 6, 2013

    Everyone says Bruges or Brussels has the best chocolate in Belgium but I think Antwerp is deserving of this crown. The chocolate I ate there was better than anything I have ever tasted!

  • July 15, 2013

    Great photos. We are in Amsterdam in a few weeks and are thinking about jumping over and seeing Belgium. Definitely more likely now!

  • July 15, 2013

    Ummm that chocolate looks divine!!! Love that shot of the graffitied wall!

  • July 23, 2013

    Your picture looks no nice that It makes me wanna go to Belgium right now. I find that dog so cute.

  • October 2, 2013

    Gorgeous photos and a very lovely photo essay! My grandparents live in Brussels so when ever I visit I also go there but I need to be visiting Antwerp more now I think!

    Can I recommend trying a Kriek beer for your next visit? Its a really gorgeous cherry flavored beer which I basically grew up on and is definitely a must!

  • April 12, 2014

    I have not been to Antwerp, only Brussels. I like what I see in the photos; the architecture and the art. Lovely.

  • April 23, 2014

    There’s certainly a great deal to find out about this subject.

    I love all of the points you’ve made.

  • July 31, 2015

    Great photos of Antwerp. I have visited multiple times and I always manage to find something new to do in this wonderful city.

  • February 3, 2016

    That would be a crazy experience

  • April 27, 2017

    Thanks for sharing a great travel experience in Belgium

  • October 12, 2020

    Forget the chocolate, there are plenty of beers in Belgium to fill your days and belly 🙂

  • November 3, 2022
    Cristian Mk

    Lovely article, thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve just purchased a new van and planning to make a tour of all of western Europe with my wife. Belgium is a good choice!

Leave a Comment