Antwerp City Breaks 2012

Antwerp Cathedral

Diamond Capital

Renowned as Europe's `diamond capital', Antwerp has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, transforming it into one of the most trendy and fashionable of Europe's cities.

Founded on the eastern bank of the river Scheldt, it has one of Europe's largest seaports and has become a bustling cultural and industrial centre. Antwerp is steeped in history reaching back to Roman times, but its `golden' age was in the 16th century, when it was home to many wealthy citizens, and many of the beautiful buildings survive from that period. As you explore, you will see a range of architecture, from art-nouveau medieval structures to the contemporary style of the Courthouse.

Getting There

Getting there is easy, thanks to direct flights into Antwerp airport and frequent direct bus services from Brussels and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. For travel around Belgium and within Antwerp itself, trains are the best option, offering cheap tickets and fast connections.

Cultural Centre

Antwerp is a renowned cultural centre, and with the range of attractions on offer, it isn't difficult to see why. Children will love Antwerp Zoo, one of the world's oldest zoos and home to over six thousand animals. For grown-up tastes, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts houses paintings by Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck, and a short distance away is Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Rubens, now a museum.

Eating and Drinking

Local cuisine has much to offer visitors, particularly traditional Flemish food: try stoemp (mashed potato with vegetables) and stoofvlees (beef and beer stew). For more international flavours, try Antwerp's fantastic variety of Mediterranean, Turkish, Malaysian, Indian and Thai restaurants. Antwerp is also a city of fashion, now home to renowned fashion designers such as Antwerp Six. A must-see is the Antwerp Museum of Fashion, MoMu; or visit one of its thousands of designer boutiques, diamond merchants and gift shops.

Lively Nightlife

The city's lively nightlife also makes it worth the visit. Young people flock to Antwerp for its street-side bars and pubs in the crowded avenues. Try CafE d'Anvers in Antwerp's red-light district, famous for its theme nights and international DJ's. Alternatively, a favourite for creative artists is Den Hopsack, where you can sample some jazz and fine Belgian beer. Antwerp's club-culture is also well known, with summer extravaganzas and a regular scene in the northern docklands.

A buzzing centre of culture, shopping and cuisine, Antwerp's timeless quality contrasts with its cosmopolitan feel, ensuring that it has something to offer every visitor.