De Ruien Antwerp
Explore Antwerp's hidden underground canals and sewers on a unique guided tour, complete with wellies and an interactive tablet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
De Ruien Antwerp
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Antwerp's hidden underground canals and sewers on a unique guided tour, complete with wellies and an interactive tablet.
"A unique journey beneath Antwerp, but room for improvement."
🧦 Bring Extra Socks
Your feet might get damp, so an extra pair of socks is a lifesaver!
🎒 Pack a Bag for Shoes
To keep your clothes clean, bring a plastic bag for your street shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Underground Canals
Beneath Antwerp
Explore ancient canals and sewers, a hidden world revealing Antwerp's past. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell!
Interactive iPad Guide
Throughout the tour
Navigate the tunnels with your own tablet, unlocking historical facts and stories at each point.
Subterranean Wildlife Spotting
In the tunnels
Keep an eye out for spiders and maybe even a rat or two! A unique encounter with the city's hidden inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Damp & Dark
Book Ahead for Underground Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧦 Bring Extra Socks
Your feet might get damp, so an extra pair of socks is a lifesaver!
🎒 Pack a Bag for Shoes
To keep your clothes clean, bring a plastic bag for your street shoes.
📸 Capture the Dark Beauty
It's a unique photo opportunity, but be prepared for low light conditions.
⏳ Don't Rush the Tour
Some visitors felt rushed; try to absorb the history at your own pace.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧦 Bring Extra Socks
Your feet might get damp, so an extra pair of socks is a lifesaver!
🎒 Pack a Bag for Shoes
To keep your clothes clean, bring a plastic bag for your street shoes.
📸 Capture the Dark Beauty
It's a unique photo opportunity, but be prepared for low light conditions.
⏳ Don't Rush the Tour
Some visitors felt rushed; try to absorb the history at your own pace.
❓ Ask Your Guide
While guides are there for safety, don't hesitate to ask questions for deeper insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
De Ruien offers a truly unique and fascinating glimpse into Antwerp's hidden underground history, with many visitors praising the novelty and historical insights. However, some guests have noted that the tour experience could be enhanced with more interactive guiding and better pacing. Despite minor criticisms, it's widely considered a memorable and worthwhile adventure.
"Yup!... I actually took a tour of Antwerps sewer system. But don't be put off you are kitted out with wellingtons and a disposable trousers.... And each person have their own tablet showing exactly where you are underneath the streets of Antwerp... This was once an open sewer, but Napolean decided to have it covered..... Surprisingly it doesn't smell...."
Elfed Owen
"Omg! Loved going into the underground tunnels. Be ready for wearing a suit that covers all your clothes, and rubber boots It’s extremely dark, damp and some muddy puddles. If you are lucky you will see rats! (I saw 5). The tour consists of an iPad that you activate at different points along the 1.5 km walk. The guide is really only there to keep you safe and from not getting lost in the tunnels. I enjoyed it."
Wanita Mitchell
"A Unique Journey Beneath Antwerp, But Room for Improvement
Visiting the Ruien in Antwerp offers a truly unique and memorable experience, and one we thoroughly enjoyed for its distinctiveness. Exploring the historical underground canals of the city is fascinating, providing a glimpse into a hidden side of Antwerp's past.
However, the mode of visit felt a bit unusual. We found ourselves following a guide while wearing tablets around our necks, which served as screens to play pre-recorded videos at each point of interest. While the videos were informative and well-produced, our guide unfortunately didn't seem to add much beyond what was already presented. We were keen to ask follow-up questions or gain further insights, but found that she rarely had the answers, even for details covered within the videos themselves.
Despite this, we would still recommend the Ruien experience for its sheer uniqueness and the captivating history it unveils. That being said, we strongly believe that both the guiding approach and the mode of visit could be significantly improved and revised. A more interactive and knowledgeable guide, perhaps with less reliance on pre-recorded content, would elevate this already intriguing attraction to an even higher level."
Andy B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Ruien is located in the heart of Antwerp. You can easily reach it by public transport or on foot if you're staying in the city center. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from major attractions like the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Yes, Antwerp has an excellent public transport system. Several tram and bus lines stop near the city center, making it easy to reach De Ruien. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
Walking from Antwerp Central Station to De Ruien takes approximately 20-30 minutes. It's a pleasant walk through the city center, allowing you to see some of Antwerp's architecture along the way.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for public parking garages in the vicinity.
For first-time visitors, arriving by public transport and walking to the entrance is often the most straightforward approach. This allows you to soak in the city atmosphere before descending underground.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official De Ruien website for the most up-to-date pricing. Booking in advance is often recommended as tours can sell out.
Yes, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended. Tours are popular and can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to consult the official De Ruien website for the most accurate and current opening times.
While specific age restrictions are not always stated, the tour involves walking in dark, damp, and potentially muddy conditions. It's generally suitable for most ages, but consider if younger children might be apprehensive.
Your ticket typically includes the guided tour, the use of wellington boots, a disposable suit, and a hard hat. You'll also be provided with a tablet for the interactive guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be provided with wellington boots and a disposable suit. However, it's wise to wear comfortable clothing underneath and bring an extra pair of socks and a plastic bag for your shoes.
While it is an old sewer system, many visitors report that the smell is surprisingly minimal or manageable. The historical context often overshadows any lingering odors.
The tour is dark and can be a bit eerie, with potential sightings of spiders and rats. However, it's generally not considered scary, more of an adventurous and historical exploration.
The guided tour typically lasts around 1.5 kilometers, with the entire experience taking about an hour to an hour and a half, including gearing up and the walk.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the unique atmosphere. Be mindful of the low light conditions and the fact that you'll be wearing protective gear.
📸 📸 Photography
Bring a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode. Use the tablet's light if needed, and be patient to capture the unique textures and atmosphere of the underground.
It can be challenging due to low light. Consider using a tripod if possible, or increasing your ISO and using a wider aperture on your camera.
Focus on the textures of the old brickwork, the reflections in the water, and the overall moody atmosphere. Shots of the provided gear can also be interesting.
While not essential, a small portable light could help illuminate specific details, but be mindful not to disrupt the experience for others.
Generally, standard cameras and smartphones are fine. Large professional setups might be cumbersome in the narrow tunnels. Always be respectful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should consider their child's temperament. The dark, damp environment and the potential for encountering creatures might be unsettling for very young or timid children. It's also a walking tour, so ensure your child is comfortable with that duration.
🎒 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during off-peak hours when tours might be less crowded, allowing for a more personal experience. Combine your visit with other free activities in Antwerp, like exploring the city's architecture or parks, to create a well-rounded, affordable itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for low-light conditions and bring equipment that can handle them. The provided gear and the historical elements of the tunnels offer plenty of subjects. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the environment while you capture the hidden beauty of Antwerp.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath Antwerp
Napoleon Bonaparte played a significant role in the development of these underground systems. He ordered many of the open canals to be covered to improve public health and urban planning. This historical context adds a layer of intrigue to the tour, as you walk through passages that have witnessed centuries of Antwerp's evolution. The tour uses an interactive tablet to bring these historical narratives to life, detailing the purpose and transformation of each section.
Exploring De Ruien provides a unique perspective on how cities develop and adapt. It's a tangible connection to Antwerp's past, revealing a hidden layer of history that is often overlooked. The experience is a stark contrast to the bustling city above, offering a quiet, albeit damp, immersion into a forgotten world.
+1The De Ruien Tour Experience
As you venture deeper, the environment becomes darker and more humid. The tour is designed to be an adventure, and some visitors have reported seeing spiders and even the occasional rat, adding to the 'wild' experience. The guide's primary role is to ensure the safety of the group and prevent anyone from getting lost, rather than providing extensive live commentary.
While the unique nature of the tour is widely appreciated, some reviews suggest that the pacing can feel rushed, and the reliance on pre-recorded tablet content might limit deeper interaction with the guide. Despite these points, the overall consensus is that De Ruien offers a memorable and distinctive way to discover a hidden facet of Antwerp.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit