I have now lived in Antwerpen for the past 2 years and in that time I have discovered basically everything there is to know about this great city! I will try and explain to you why you should include Antwerp in your tour of Belgium.
I now live in a Hall of Residence in England and I'm very nostalgic! Living here has shown me how ignorant people are of little Belgium. When I first came and everyone was asking the same questions (where do you come from? What do you study? etc.) I told them I lived in Belgium and memorably one boy asked "Is that in Ireland" (he was quite embarassed affterwards). Anyway enough little anecdotes, let me enlighten you about Belgium in general and Antwerp in particular.
Antwerp is in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, and the city is called "Antwerpen" by the locals, in the French part of Belgium it is commonly referred to as Anvers. The way Antwerpen got is name is quite an interesting story. By the side of the river Schelde (the river that Antwerp is situated on) there is a statue of a handless man and at his feet are some smaller people clinging on to his legs. Legend has it that many years ago a giant placed his hand across the Schelde thus blocking it. Ships were trapped and trade was cut off. The people of the village cute off the giants hand and threw it away and this is how Antwerpen got it's name as 'twerpen' in Dutch means to throw and the 'an' is the shortened version of the word 'hand' (it's the same in Dutch I think!). To prove this incredulous tale there is a large stone hand in the middle of the Meir (the main shopping street). So there is a bit about the history of the city!
As I mentioned previously Antwerpen is on the river Schelde this is a large and beautiful river and it means that there are also many beautiful dock areas. There are promenade paths along the river where you can take a long stroll and enjoy the view. This walk is not just beautiful because of the river but also because of the views on the other side of the footpath. The architecture in this city is amazing. Modern is perfectly integrated with the new. There is a black and white stripped house that is situated right next to a beautiful old building and you may not believe it but it looks amazing (you'll have to go see with your own eyes!). This mixture of old and new would never be permitted in England but I think if you go to Antwerp would realise how well the two combine.
The city centre is also very beautiful. In Groenplaats there is a large fountain of a man throwing a giant hand (yet another allusions to the city's name). In the summer this square is crowded with people cooling by the fountain and having a cool drink at one of the local cafes. Also in this square is the cathedral, it is a very impressive building and well worth a visit. Just around the corner is an Irish pub (The Irish Times) where you can enjoy a cool English beer and watch whatever football match may be on. If however you want a more Belgian experience there is a pub across the road that is full of religious relics it has a cosy atmosphere and of course famous Belgian beer.
Antwerp is a fashion capital, the Antwerp six are world famous they include Sophie van Noten. If you leave the Meir and go to the backstreets then you will find that they are full of top designer shops. These shops are only really good if you have a budget or if you like to do what I do... look round these shops get some inspiration and head for the Meir! The Meir is the main highstreet and has shops such as Zara, H&M, Inno (large department store), Van Daalen (shoe shop) and my favourite shop Maximo Dutti. My favourite time to shop is in the sales season. The sales in Antwerp are legendary, people come from all over Belgium and Holland to enjoy them. Belgian law prohibits shops from starting their sales early so all the shops start their sales together and it is a mad scramble to get the best bargains! It is definitely worthwhile to find out when the sales are before you go. This is also the time when the designer shops become affordable. I was able to afford a wonderful, long, black Versace dress at 90% off (the shop's name is Moggies and you really have to wait till the END of the sales to get these kind of bargains!).
After a tired days shopping and sight seeing you may want to eat in one of Antwerp's great restaurants. If you want cheap and quick food then I would recommend you had a pizza in one of the Italian restaurants down by the side of the Cathedral (Giovanni's is the best in my opinion). The waiters are true Italians and will call you in from the doorstep "bella bella!" and you will have great service guaranteed! Another of my favourite cheap meals is Tapas in one of the Spanish bars situated in the city the staff is Spanish so you get really authentic food. Moules and Frites and Groenplaats is very good but beware the helpings are HUUUUGE! My favourite 'posh' restaurant in Antwerpen is the "Pomphuis" it is a restaurant in an old pump house and the food and atmosphere is wonderful. It is on the edge of the North side of town. You would probably need a car to get there or it would be a long walk. Ask for a map at the Tourist information (situated in Groenplaats).
For children Piraten Island is a indoor play-centre that will guarantee fun! This is situated on the "Island" just across London Bridge and it is very close to the Holiday Inn hotel nd also the Docklands so if you're staying there and you have kids this could be a fun thing to do especially on a wet day.
Antwerp's other claim to fame is the diamond quarter. This si situated at the top end of town near the train station. It is every bit as big and famous as Holland's and is the original diamond centre of the world. No less than 70% of the world's diamonds pass through Antwerp. The shop windows are crammed with gold, diamonds and other jewels and are generally run by Jews, Indians or Lebanese.
Another thing I have to recommend is the Horse ride from Groenplaats. In the summer there are individual horse and carriage rides which I think are about 15 euros for a short ride but what I suggest is you take a ride on the Palm bus (an old beer barrel carrying cart which has been done up to seat about 20 people) it's only 5 euros and you get a 45 minute ride and a free postcard. I have done this ride 5 times and completely love it!
Antwerp has a great nightlife. In the Summer Hangar 26 is a club right next to the river it has great music and if you get hot then you can go out onto the balcony overlooking the river and relax. Entrance fee is 5 euros and Saturday night is the best. Another good club is Cafe d'Anvers, this is in the red light district although there is nothing 'kinky' about it. It plays the best house music in the world and also has and R&B room. This is my favourite club and you just can't miss it out on your visit! Entrance is usually free for girls variable between 2 and 5 for guys but this varies depending on the DJ etc. Also in the red light district is gay bar 'Red and Blue' I've never been in but I heard it's good!
There are also clubs in the town centre on Groenplaats there is Zenon which is really small but with free entry. Bonaparte a karioke bar where you can sing the night away (in English) and there are also various other karioke bars very close to that one. There is also of course two Irish pubs one on Groenplaat and the other on Groetmarkt. But beware nightlife does not start till late and I would not recommend leaving the bar to go to a club till 12 or 1 at the earliest. Most clubs close about 6 or 7 am so don't worry there is plenty of time to party!
A special event that takes place every summer is Navigaytion (yes i have spelt it right!). Europe's biggest gay party on water!! There is Bungee jumping, rides, very load music and I think it is generally good fun. People flock from miles around and last year I think there were over 30 000 people there. I think it is a good example of how culturally aware Antwerp is and how diverse the people are.
I hope you now realise why you have to visit Antwerp! It is so close to England that you really have no excuse not to take a weekend break there, especially now crossings from England are so cheap. Currently the cheapest crossing is with speed ferries but only if you book early. Once you are across the channel it is a mere 2 hour drive. There are so many things to do in Antwerpen that you really should not overlook it when you plan a trip to Belgium (Europe's most underrated country!).
Sorry a lot of the information I had to fill in below is irrelevant, but i had to put soemthing!
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