Antwerp, Belgium
An ancient city
The ancient port city of Antwerp has been fought over for centuries, and with good reason. Today it’s a bracing and brisk place to come, with a vast North Sea port that gives the town its living, a largely rebuilt post-war cityscape, and some remarkably ornate public buildings... not to mention steak frites and moules marinieres!
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Dutch | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 hour (GMT +2 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 1 hour 40 | |
| Holiday type: | City break | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 10.3°C Rainfall: 755.3mm a year (data for Eindhoven) |
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Must see:
For old masters, particularly the locals including Rubens and Van Dyck, head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, not far from the city’s southern quays.
Must eat at:
Not a single restaurant, and more a gastronomic destination in itself, head for De Keyserlei for a whole street (and multiple sidestreets) of eclectic foodie options.
Must be there for:
If you’re bookish, you’ll love Antwerp. One of Europe’s more significant book fairs is held here at the beginning of every November.
Well-travelled tips:
· Look hard and you’ll be able to spot the location from which the 86 carat diamond was stolen in the opening scenes of Guy Ritchie’s movie, Snatch.
· You’ll have no problem getting around town – the local tram service has no fewer than 11 lines, including underground (and underwater) sections.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Belgium.
