Belgium River Cruises

Before the Rhine ends its journey in the North Sea, it passes through much of the Netherlands and Belgium by way of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways. A river voyage in this tranquil and scenic corner of Europe offers a great way to see some of Belgium’s most popular and rewarding towns and cities. From the lively city of Antwerp with its rich diamond export heritage to Bruges, which is famous for a treasure of an altogether more edible kind, a river cruise in Belgium will give you a perfect taste of this diverse country and its rich heritage.

Belgium Ports

Antwerp

It’s possible that you’ll know Antwerp as one of the world’s busiest sea ports and indeed, it has a long history of maritime trade. However, it’s also a very popular river ...

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Bruges

One of a number of countries in Northern Europe which sometimes go by the name of the Venice of the North, Bruges certainly matches its Italian counterpart when it comes to creating a special atmosphere ...

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Ghent

As well as acting as a river cruiser’s gateway to Bruges, Ghent is the capital of East Flanders and one of Belgium’s most important and beautiful cities, offering plenty of cultural and architectural ...

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Liege

If you choose a river cruise along the Dutch and Belgian Waterways which includes an exploration of the network of canals that is known as the Flemish Waterways, it’s likely you’ll call at ...

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Ports along Belgian Watwerways

Antwerp

Located in the northwest of Belgium, Antwerp is a city of contrasts, offering a wealth of architectural wonders as well as a contemporary shopping experience. Perhaps its most celebrated structure is one that visitors by train have no choice but to see – its palatial railway station. Ordered by Leopold II as a vast baroque monument, it’s an incredible sight for visitors by land or river alike. Elsewhere in the city, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Great Market Square offer further architectural delights. Antwerp is Europe’s diamond capital and its bejewelled legacy can be enjoyed with a trip to the diamond pavilion in the MAS museum and the city’s shimmering diamond district.

Bruges

Belgium is synonymous with chocolate and its capital of chocolate is Bruges. A walk through the town’s quaint streets presents opportunities galore to sample some of the country’s most famous export and there are probably more chocolatiers per square foot here than anywhere else in Europe. Bruges is not called the Venice of the North for nothing and a canal boat ride is a great way to take in many of the sights. The most famous landmark has to be the Belfry which towers over the town and offers some spectacular views, while the Burg Square is lined by some truly splendid buildings. Aficionados of religious history shouldn’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which contains a relic said to hold a phial of Christ’s blood.

Ghent

As well as serving as a point of departure for excursions to Bruges, Ghent is a popular river cruise port in its own right, not least because much of its most beautiful architecture enjoys an especially scenic riverside location. It’s a port with a rich heritage which can be explored with a stroll through the old town Graslei and Korenlei wharf and boardwalk area. The historic and architectural theme is indeed a common feature and a stroll through the town centre is equally rewarding. St Bavo’s Cathedral is a literally unmissable gem, bearing a beautiful altar piece and some stunning architecture, while Gravensteen Castle is a medieval treasure-trove and not so big that you won’t have time to explore it.

Belgium river cruise travel tips

The currency in Belgium is the Euro
The country has both a Dutch and French heritage, so it’s possible to encounter people speaking both languages during your stay, though English is widely spoken
Owing to Belgium’s close proximity, expect temperatures similar to those in the UK