Antwerp

Antwerp (known as Antwerpen in Dutch and Anvers in French) is the largest city in Flanders. It lies on the river Scheldt in the north of the country, near the border with the Netherlands. It is host to one of the two busiest sea ports in Europe (the other being just over the border in Rotterdam) as well as being famous for its diamond trade. It is a cosmopolitan city that feels busy and exciting.

Antwerp is home to De Koninck brewery. Bolleke being the spherical glass and De Koninck’s most famous beer. It is a rich amber coloured brew, it’s malty and hoppy with a slight caramel taste. De Koninck also brews Tripel d’Anvers , a strong blonde with a spicy taste and Wild Jo, a beer they describe as rock ’n’ roll in a bottle. Tour the brewery at your own pace and then taste the product exactly as the brewer intended.

Cost €16
Approx 1hr
(Open daily, except Monday)

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Catholic cathedral which is the largest gothic structure in the Low Countries, a UNESCO listed world heritage site and home to altarpieces by Rubens. Walk through the cathedral to the Old St John's Chapel and you will find De Plek (the place) a bistro where you can get something to eat and try the Cathedral beers: Kathedraal Blonde (Aurora) and Kathedraal Dark (Memento).

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The historical heart of Antwerp, the Grote Markt is the city's lively central square and a mainstay of any Flemish town. See the intricate gabled facades of the Renaissance town hall and the lavish guild houses, once the commercial centre of 15th century Europe. 'Free' walking tours of the city with knowledgeable local guides start here regularly — note the guide will expect a tip. In summer you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants with terraces. In December, the Grote Markt is home to the Christmas market and an ice rink.

Opened in 1905, Antwerp's grandiose rail station was inspired by the Pantheon of Rome and has been voted the most beautiful train station in the world by Newsweek and The Telegraph. You will likely pass through this station when you arrive in Antwerp, but make sure to visit and admire the top level. You may also notice drug sniffer dogs on the platforms.

The former Antwerp Festival Hall is a restored 19th century neoclassical building on the bustling Meir shopping street. Once devastated by fire in 2000, it has been meticulously restored to its former gilded grandeur. This unique shopping centre with its range of shops and restaurants has won numerous awards. Worth the visit for the shopping or even just to enjoy the architectural spectacle.

Recently renovated and packed to the gills with beautiful artwork by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Van Eyck. See the STUDIO RUBENS exhibition of live restoration of a Rubens painting. Also home to the world's largest James Ensor collection.

MAS focuses on the city's cultural and maritime history through its diverse collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive displays. Also has free rooftop access for a panoramic view of Antwerp's skyline.

A unique museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum explores the story of the Plantin and Moretus publishing family and is home to the world's oldest printing presses.

Antwerp has a public network of bicycles available for hire with 306 stations. There are day, week and annual passes. Unlocked using a code on the machine at every terminal. They have a small surcharge for single rides longer than 30 minutes, unlimited number of rides under 30 minutes included. velo-antwerpen.be

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There are regular trains from Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Rotterdam to Antwerp's main train station, Antwerpen Centraal.

As with many other cities in Belgium, and around the world, Antwerp has a city card that gives you free unlimited access to public transport (from De Lijn, so not trains), free or discounted access to many popular attractions, namely Antwerp City Pass. It costs:

• 24 hours: €45
• 48 hours: €55
• 72 hours: €65

It can be purchased online as a QR code or in the Visitor Centre in Het Steen castle. The card gives access to 15 Museums, including all the ones mentioned in this guide, 4 Churches and 3 other places, as well as discounts elsewhere. The card may or may not be a good thing to buy, depending on what you plan to do. The table on the right should help you ascertain if the card would be good value for money for your trip.

DrinkBelgium.com can recommend YUST Hostel in Antwerp as a well-priced, comfortable and clean place to stay. They offer shared hostel bedrooms with pod style beds that have curtains for privacy and lockers in the room. The hostel is clean and well looked after. It is located just around the corner from De Koninck brewery and near a station Velo Antwerpen in an area that feels safe.
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Situated on the Belgium-Netherlands border, this park offers a serene escape from urban bustle. This picturesque park features sandy dunes, forests, grasslands, and small lakes, perfect for leisurely exploration. Marked trails of varying lengths guide visitors through the diverse landscape. Easily accessible by half hour train from Antwerp Central . It's an ideal day trip destination for a dose of nature.

Just over the border is the second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam. Using a fast Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train you can get from Antwerp Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal in just over half an hour. Much of Rotterdam was destroyed by bombing in the Second World War and is therefore more modern than most Dutch cities. There is an array of arts and culture attractions in the city, such as: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Cube Houses, Huis Sonneveld and much more.