Scheldt Quays
Antwerp's revitalized riverfront, offering stunning sunset views, modern playgrounds, and a vibrant space for recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for sunset views
Scheldt Quays
Best Time
Prime time for sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Antwerp's revitalized riverfront, offering stunning sunset views, modern playgrounds, and a vibrant space for recreation.
"One of the gems of Antwerp, the perfect place for sunset hunting."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to snag the best spots for the iconic sunset views over the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic by the water. It's a free and enjoyable activity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Scheldt River. A truly magical experience.
Modern Playgrounds
State-of-the-art play areas designed for children's enjoyment and active fun.
Riverfront Promenade
A spacious and revitalized area perfect for leisurely strolls with scenic river views.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sunset Views
Family Fun & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to snag the best spots for the iconic sunset views over the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic by the water. It's a free and enjoyable activity.
Best way to see freighters in the port of Antwerp?
River water near port
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the quays, so wear comfortable shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water taps are available at the entrance, so bring a reusable bottle to refill.
Tourist question - what are unusual, but cool places in Antwerp to visit? Like hidden restaurants, forgotten but cool museums, weird shops, cool places to drink... Nothing famous like Aquatopia, ZOO etc.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to snag the best spots for the iconic sunset views over the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring your own food and drinks for a delightful picnic by the water. It's a free and enjoyable activity.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the quays, so wear comfortable shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water taps are available at the entrance, so bring a reusable bottle to refill.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
A great place to bring your dog for a walk, just remember to clean up after them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Scheldt Quays as a revitalized urban gem, particularly for its stunning sunset views and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds. It's a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, offering a welcome escape from the city bustle. Some minor concerns include a lack of shade and safety considerations near the river for certain facilities.
"Really nice place for a walk next to the river recently renovated. In continuation there is continuation site with plans to expand it to the south part of the city.
There is playground for children, skate park, basketball court, calisthenics part and many siting area. You have multiple water tap in the entrance. One of the gems of Antwerp, the perfect place for sunset hunting.
Highly recommended."
Pavel Koroš
"As a local I fully applaud the reconversion of the “Scheldekaaien” (used to be a parking) however am a bit disappointed in the lack of ambition, creativity and finishing touch.
Considering global warming it still feels a bit too exposed (not necessarily advocating more trees, though it wouldn’t hurt, but structures creating shade could also do the work). The kids playgrounds are truly marvelous but why not fenced (so the kids could run around without having to watch them all the time?). The basketball court and football field are cool but am puzzled why they need an open door directing towards the river (already seen kids running after their balls before they land in the water). Why the football court is not roofed? Why so few benches at the new playground at Sint-Michielskaai?"
Ivan Godecharle
"Lovely place to sit hv a picnic bring ur dog hv a gathering but make sure to clean up the mess .. its free"
Carrie Bradshaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scheldt Quays are easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, and 15 stop nearby. You can also reach them by bus or by a pleasant walk from the city center. Cycling is also a popular option, with bike racks available.
While the quays were formerly a parking area, dedicated parking is now limited. It's recommended to use public transport or cycle. If driving, look for parking garages in the city center and walk or take public transport to the quays.
Boat tours, such as those offered by Flandria, depart from near the Scheldt Quays and explore the port of Antwerp. Reviews for these tours can be mixed, so it's worth checking recent feedback.
Yes, the renovated Scheldt Quays are generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with wide, paved pathways.
Walking or cycling are the best ways to experience the Scheldt Quays. This allows you to fully appreciate the open spaces, playgrounds, and river views at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Scheldt Quays is completely free. It's a public space designed for everyone to enjoy.
The Scheldt Quays are open 24/7, as it's an outdoor public area. However, the best experience is during daylight hours, especially for sunset.
You're welcome to bring picnics and enjoy the space. However, visitors are reminded to clean up after themselves to keep the area tidy.
All facilities, including the playgrounds, skate park, and basketball court, are free to use.
The Scheldt Quays are a public space, and while gatherings are common, there aren't specific booking facilities for private events. It's best to check with local authorities for any regulations regarding larger organized events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, and watching the sunset. There are also excellent playgrounds for children, a skate park, and a basketball court.
Absolutely! The quays feature marvelous children's playgrounds. However, some Redditors note that areas like the basketball court open directly to the river, so supervision is key.
The entire promenade offers great views, but the areas facing west are ideal for capturing the sunset. The modern architecture and river traffic also provide interesting photographic subjects.
Currently, there are no permanent bars or restaurants directly on the quays, though some visitors wish for them. It's best to bring your own refreshments or dine in the nearby city center.
On warm days and during sunset, the quays can become very crowded with thousands of people. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Walkers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Revitalization of the Scheldt Quays
Key features of the renovated quays include dedicated areas for children's play, a skate park, and a basketball court. The design emphasizes open space and river views, making it ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the outdoors. Despite the improvements, some locals have expressed a desire for more shade structures and better safety considerations, particularly regarding the proximity of sports areas to the river.
Despite minor critiques, the Scheldt Quays are widely praised as a gem of Antwerp. They offer a unique urban oasis where people gather to socialize, picnic, and, most notably, witness the spectacular sunsets over the Scheldt. The ongoing development plans suggest further expansion to the south, promising even more to explore in the future.
Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography at the Scheldt Quays
Beyond the sunset, the modern architecture of the quays themselves provides interesting lines and textures. Consider framing shots that include the river traffic – the large freighters are a signature element of Antwerp's port and add a dynamic contrast to the serene waterfront. The playgrounds and sports facilities also offer opportunities for capturing candid moments of activity and joy.
For the best results, experiment with different vantage points. While the main promenade is excellent, exploring slightly elevated areas or looking for reflections in the water can add depth to your images. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive river views and a telephoto lens if you want to focus on the details of the ships.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit