OK I have a confession to make. I did something that I usually don’t do when travelling.
I bought a ticket for the Antwerp sight-seeing bus. I do have a couple of good excuses though. I was in Antwerp courtesy of visit Flanders after visiting the architectural gem that is Ghent… I was limited with time.
Antwerp Heatwave
This particular weekend was especially hot due to the heat wave sweeping across Europe, it was a hard day to be trekking around a city. I also had limited time so I was convinced that actually despite my preconceptions, that today was a perfect day to ride the Antwerp tourist bus.
Riding the bus
It turned out to be an inspired decision. Relaxing on the top deck of the bus with the wind in my hair was the best place be to see the city on a sweltering hot day. I was so relaxed listening to the history of Antwerp that I actually nodded off twice, although wearing sunglasses I doubt anyone noticed. I was pretty tired from attending the Zomber bar at Nulsterrenpension the evening before.
It’s surprisingly easy to get a good understanding of a city’s layout by riding the tourist bus, I’d often dismissed them in the past. The audio commentary was also pretty helpful even if it often did seem like an advert for promoting Antwerps Jewish diamond-cutting industry.
Interesting Stop Off’s
The first stop is Central Station, perhaps one of the most spectacular train stations in Europe. The sheer size and scale of the station is hugely impressive (spanning four floors) as well as its grand staircase and beautifully decorated clocks.
Second stop on the bus is the Park (Rubenslei) where you’ll find the World War 1 Memorial and the Bird Market on a Sundays.
The 3rd and 4th stops are very much arts and museum heaven with Mayer Van Den Bergh, Bourla Theatre, Art Deco Tower, Old Chapel, Cathedral, Rubens House, Royal Museum of Fine Arts amongst the attractions.
Stop 6 is also worth as visit to wander the unusually long pedestrian tunnel under the river Scheldt, perfect on a hot day.
Overall I had a new-found appreciation for the tourist sight-seeing bus. It gave me a quick overview of the layout of Antwerp and the ability to (if I had enough time) to get around relatively easily in the hot, humid conditions. Antwerp itself is a lovely city with plenty of architectural masterpieces, culture and sights to keep even the most inquisitive traveller occupied.
I just wish I had more time to spend in the city.
