Antwerp - Prepare

Pack sparingly - you'll need the extra space to carry home your Belgian designer wear, chocolates and beer. A healthy appetite is essential.

Take to the ice on the seasonal Grote Markt Ice Skating Rink in December and January, imbibe huge quantities of Belgian beer at the Beer Passion Weekend in June and enjoy outdoor theatre and music throughout July and August in the Summer of Antwerp. Visit in September to see Laundry Day, a free festival showcasing the latest musical and fashion talent. Head off to a pop, rock or classical concert at the Night of the Proms from late October to late November.

New Year's Day (Jan), Local Holiday (2 Jan), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May), Whit Monday (May/Jun), Festival of the Flemish Community (11 Jul), National Holiday (21 Jul), Assumption Day (15 Aug), All Saints Day (1 Nov), Armistice Day (11 Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec).

Antwerp enjoys a temperate climate. November to March are the coldest months, but even then daytime temperatures rarely dip below 6°C. Days are warm from May to October, with the mercury climbing towards the mid 20s in July and August. There is a chance of rain at any time of year, but this just makes the city's cosy cafés even more appealing.

220V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+32 (national), (0) 3 + seven-figure number (Antwerp).

Euro (€) is the currency.

GMT +1 (GMT +2 from end of March to end of October).

Tourism Antwerp website

Individual, eccentric style is valued in fashion-conscious Antwerp, where you can get away with wearing just about anything anywhere.