Antwerp: The Big 5 City Highlights by Wooden Bike

Antwerp, the vibrant Belgian city, offers a unique opportunity to explore its captivating highlights through the ‘Big 5 City Highlights by Wooden Bike’ tour. Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich history and striking architecture as they navigate the streets on a wooden COCO-MAT bicycle, guided by knowledgeable experts. From the dazzling Antwerp Diamond District to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Our Lady, this tour promises an unforgettable cultural adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the insights and perspectives shared by the guides are sure to leave you fascinated and eager to discover more about this remarkable city.

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided tour takes visitors through Antwerp’s iconic landmarks, including the Antwerp Diamond District, Royal Museum of Fine Arts, and Cathedral of Our Lady.

• Travelers explore the city’s rich history, architectural marvels, and artistic heritage while riding on provided wooden bicycles for a unique experience.

• The tour showcases the bustling activity of the global diamond industry and offers a glimpse into Antwerp’s past and present in gemstone commerce.

• Highlights include visiting the medieval Grote Markt, the tranquil Beguinage, and the Rubens House, celebrating the legacy of the Flemish painter.

• The tour is designed for an adult audience and includes amenities such as helmets and rain ponchos, ensuring a comfortable and seamless exploration of Antwerp’s top attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Wooden Bike tour offers guests a comprehensive exploration of Antwerp’s iconic Big Five landmarks, encompassing a 2-hour guided journey through the city’s historic streets and renowned sites.

Priced at CZK 1,140 per person, the tour provides a budget-friendly way to discover Antwerp’s top attractions, including the Antwerp Diamond District, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, and the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady.

Participants can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, allowing them to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Plus, the tour’s convenient reserve-now-pay-later option makes it easy to secure a spot without an upfront payment.

Exploring Antwerp’s Landmarks

Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, participants embark on a journey that showcases Antwerp’s most iconic landmarks, immersing them in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

The tour takes visitors through the renowned Antwerp Diamond District, where they can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the world’s diamond capital. Riders then pedal to the magnificent Royal Museum of Fine Arts, home to a vast collection of Flemish masterpieces.

The tour continues with stops at the medieval fortress of Het Steen, the towering Cathedral of Our Lady, and the striking Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, each offering a unique glimpse into Antwerp’s architectural and religious heritage.

The tour explores the historic Grote Markt, the beating heart of the city, and the Eilandje district, a vibrant waterfront area.

Cyclists also visit the impressive Museum aan de Stroom, which showcases Antwerp’s maritime history and contemporary art.

The tour concludes with a stop at the Rubens House, celebrating the life and work of the renowned Flemish painter.

Antwerp Diamond District

Situated at the heart of Antwerp’s historic city center, the Antwerp Diamond District stands as a global hub for the cutting, polishing, and trading of the world’s most precious gemstones.

Visitors on the Big 5 bike tour will have the chance to explore this unique neighborhood, learning about its rich history and the meticulous craftsmanship of the diamond industry.

As they cycle through the winding streets, they’ll witness the bustling activity of diamond traders and get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of international gemstone commerce.

From the iconic Diamond Exchange building to the hidden workshops where master cutters ply their trade, the Antwerp Diamond District offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past and vibrant present.

Art and Architecture

Dotting the historic cityscape of Antwerp are awe-inspiring architectural marvels that captivate visitors on the Big 5 bike tour. From the soaring Gothic spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady to the refined Baroque grandeur of the Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, each stop offers a unique experience.

Along the way, cyclists will also admire:

• The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, a magnificent 19th-century building housing an exceptional collection of Flemish art.

• The museum aan de Stroom, a striking modernist structure offering panoramic views of the city and the Scheldt River.

• The iconic Het Steen, Antwerp’s oldest building, a medieval fortress that has stood guard over the city for centuries.

These architectural treasures provide a captivating backdrop to the tour, offering a glimpse into Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Medieval Beguinage

Winding through the historic heart of Antwerp, the medieval beguinage captivates riders on the Big 5 bike tour, offering a serene respite from the bustling city streets. This hidden oasis transports visitors back in time, with its quaint cobblestone lanes, charming almshouses, and tranquil gardens. As the guide shares the intriguing history of this unique community, cyclists gain a deeper appreciation for the beguines, the independent religious women who once resided here. The beguinage’s harmonious blend of architecture and nature provides a peaceful contrast to the nearby landmarks, allowing participants to enjoy Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage.

Historical Significance	Architectural Features	Community Life
Established in the 13th century	Brick buildings with stepped gables	Self-sufficient community of beguines
Home to independent religious women	Chapels and almshouses surrounding a central courtyard	Engaged in textile work, education, and charitable activities
Represents Antwerp’s medieval past	Harmonious integration of buildings and green spaces	Lived under religious vows but not in a traditional convent

History and Culture

As the bike tour winds through Antwerp’s historic center, it immerses riders in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, revealing the layers of its past that have shaped its present-day identity.

From the gothic splendor of the Cathedral of Our Lady to the medieval charm of the Grote Markt, the tour showcases Antwerp’s architectural heritage.

Riders will also discover:

• The Antwerp Diamond District, a global hub for the diamond trade with a captivating history dating back to the 16th century.

• The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, a treasure trove of Flemish masterpieces that reflect the city’s artistic legacy.

• The St. Carolus Borromeus Church, a stunning Baroque landmark that exemplifies Antwerp’s religious and cultural influences.

Included Amenities

The Wooden Bike tour provides riders with the necessary equipment and support to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience. A COCO-MAT wooden bicycle is included, along with a helmet and a rain poncho in case of inclement weather.

Plus, a knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing insights and historical context about the landmarks and sights encountered along the way.

Riders don’t have to worry about food and drinks, as those aren’t included in the tour package. The tour is also not suitable for children under the age of 16, ensuring a more focused and age-appropriate experience for adult participants.

With these amenities, the Wooden Bike tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable way to explore the highlights of Antwerp.

Customer Feedback

Travelers’ feedback on the Wooden Bike tour of Antwerp’s Big Five highlights overwhelmingly praises the experience, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

Positive comments emphasize the tour’s fun and informative nature, with guests highlighting the knowledgeable guides who brought the city’s history and culture to life.

The tour has been recommended by travelers from Germany and the Netherlands, underscoring its appeal to a diverse audience.

Key aspects that contributed to the tour’s success include:

• The opportunity to explore Antwerp’s cobbled streets and landmarks like the Gothic Cathedral by bike

• Insightful commentary from the guides about the city’s rich heritage

• The unique experience of riding wooden bicycles through the historic Old Town

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own bicycles on this tour. The tour provides COCO-MAT wooden bikes for all riders. Using the provided bikes ensures a cohesive group experience and allows the guide to better manage the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities as it requires cycling on cobblestone streets and includes several stops with stairs or uneven terrain. Accommodations may be available, so travelers with disabilities should check with the tour operator.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. The standard tour price of Kč 1,140 per person applies to all participants. However, the company may introduce discounted rates in the future.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos during the tour. The guide encourages capturing the city’s historic landmarks and charming sights. However, guests should be mindful of other participants and not disrupt the tour experience.

Do I Need to Know How to Ride a Bike?

No, you don’t need to know how to ride a bike for this tour. The tour provides wooden bikes, and the guides will assist participants who are unfamiliar with cycling. The focus is on exploring the city’s sights, not biking expertise.

Recap

The ‘Big 5 City Highlights by Wooden Bike‘ tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Antwerp’s iconic landmarks.

From the Antwerp Diamond District to the Cathedral of Our Lady, this guided journey on a unique COCO-MAT wooden bicycle provides an immersive cultural experience.

With knowledgeable guides and visits to historic sites, it’s an exceptional way to discover Antwerp’s rich art, architecture, and heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: