Image by Ysabel Jongeneelen

If you are tired of the classic tourist bus, I can recommend a safari trip with tram 12. There are eleven trams in Antwerp, but this one is the most interesting.Tram 12 has its terminus at the famous Antwerp courthouse (check the Courthouse article) and when you get in there you are sure of a seat…

So you start at the trendy South, where you can see Antwerp in all its glory. Tram 12 drives you over the Leien (also called ‘den Boulevard’), the former ramparts of the city. You see the nice building of the National Bank and also by the beautiful opera building on the Amerikalei. You’ll see the impressive Central Station.

By now the tram is probably full of people with of all kinds of colours. And then you travel straight into a different world. First: the notorious De Coninckplein. On this square addicts and tramps gather. But remember: behind the glass you are safe!

Tram 12 goes on through the poor part of Antwerp where 181 different nationalities live! Eventually you’ll get to the Sportpaleis, the big arena for events (Proximus Diamond Games, concerts). On its way back tram 12 also shows you Chinatown and a piece of Africa…Tram 12 doesn’t travel through the old city centre but it shows an interesting part for the visitor that wants a deeper insight into Antwerp.

Tip: With a 10-ride card (€9) you can travel 10 times with all the trams in the city for 1 hour.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tram 12 | Art & culture, Relaxing | Ticket (in tram) € 1.60
Bolivarplaats – Schijnpoortweg | Zuid
05:40 – 00:40 daily (every 10 or 20 minutes)