Antwerp Guide
Stylish and confident, the appeal of Belgium's second city extends far beyond its gritty dockland heritage. Modern Antwerp combines the glittery appeal of diamonds and high fashion with a medieval Old Town and a vibrant nightlife scene, proving that it is anything but boring.
Uncover the different faces of Antwerp from the renaissance architecture of the Grote Markt, the pulsing heart of Antwerp's Old Town, to the cutting-edge designs displayed at the MoMu Fashion Museum. Admire the city's economic prowess as you cruise around Antwerp Port - which is being regenerated as a nightlife hub - or watch a girl's best friends being cut and polished at Diamondland.
The Antwerp Six fashion designers, including Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten, put the city firmly on the international style map in the 1980s. Their legacy lives on in the streets huddled around Nationalestraat and Huidevetterstraat. A rather more affordable alternative is to bag brand labels at bargain prices in the second-hand shop Pardaf. Pick up sparkly souvenirs in the Diamond District and antiques on Mechelsesteenweg. For high-street shopping visit Meir and the Grand Bazar Shopping Centre on Groenplaats.
Relax on the banks of the River Scheldt, appreciate the plants at the Botanical Gardens or revel in the green oasis that Antwerp Zoo provides in the city. Stroll around the pond in the Stadspark or find spiritual solitude at the 16th-century Beguinage. Seek sanctuary at the ornate sculpture gardens in Nachtegalen Park and Middelheim Park on the outskirts of the city.
Antwerp's cultural scene centres around the de Singel arts venue, which houses an eclectic mix of dance, theatre, music and art exhibitions. Watch ballet at the intimate Royal Ballet of Flanders, and hear Flemish opera in the Stadsschowburg. Look out for performances by the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, who regularly play around town, or listen to classical and modern music at the Augustinus Music Centre (AMUZ).
Enjoy a relaxing drink in the bar at the old Dam Station. The Old Town's cobbled streets overflow with brasseries and bistros serving French cuisine with Flemish flare. Moules frites (mussels and chips) are the staple on Suikerrui, while a mix of Belgian, Italian and fish restaurants line the streets nearby. For Chinese, Thai or Kosher meals go to the area around Central Station. Alternatively, join local fashionistas in the Zuid district, where cafés serve everything from vegetarian to traditional French-Belgian dishes.
Dine by candlelight and take in an unforgettable view of Antwerp's skyline aboard a Flandria cruise along the River Scheldt.
