Antwerp: The City of Diamonds
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New Palace of Justice, Antwerp © Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres / Jan Crab
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Begijnhof, Antwerp © Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres
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Central Station, Antwerp ©Antwerpen Toerisme Congres
Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city
Add a riverside fortress, an impressive cathedral and further remarkable architecture to cobbled lanes and the result is somewhat astounding. This cosmopolitan city hosts fashionable shops, outstanding museums and plenty of greenery. It’s no wonder that Antwerp is becoming a popular city break destination!
Known as the City of Diamonds, this city is known for its diamond production. Visit DiamondLand to learn about valuation and the 4 Cs. Furthermore, you can also watch the diamond polishers and goldsmiths at work. From diamond dealers to fashion moguls and club queens to art lovers and, Antwerp attracts people from all walks of life. Antwerp was also home to another gem – the Flemish painter Rubens. Many sights around the city feature his works and you can also visit his home. Now a museum about the artist, it boasts a large collection and fascinating temporary exhibitions.
In addition to this wonderful attractions, a stroll around the city is remarkable in itself. The old town features charming gabled buildings and a beautiful Gothic cathedral. During the weekend, Antwerp’s famous markets take place. Be sure to stop by and browse the stalls.
This is a fascinating slice of Belgium and a highly recommended city break.
Dates
Dates throughout 2021
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Antwerp
Travel to Belgium and your hotel in Antwerp.
Day 2
Antwerp Sightseeing and Cruise
We start our discovery of the city with a guided tour that reveals the beautiful gabled buildings around the cobbled Grote Markt square. The imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, the tallest Gothic building in the Low Countries, houses many of Ruben’s paintings. The tour also includes the magnificent Central Station. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the visually arresting MAS Museum. Opened in 2011, the multiple staggered red sandstone levels celebrate the links between the city and the rest of the world. Alternatively, take a relaxing cruise on the River Scheldt. We highly recommend this laid-back approach to exploring this wonderful city.
Day 3
Antwerp Diamonds and Beer
Our second day in Antwerp gives us the opportunity to find out more about its famous diamond production. In the Diamond Quarter there are many shops selling the precious stones. We recommend a visit to DiamondLand, a free-to-enter attraction where you can watch craftsmen and craftswomen at work and see exclusive collections. In the afternoon, take the tour at the De Koninck Brewery and sample one of Belgium’s delights – beer. Those with an interest in art may prefer to visit Ruben’s house where he painted most of his masterpieces.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Antwerp and return to the UK.
Additional idea
Ghent
If time permits, why not call in to medieval Ghent, the ancient harbour city. Potter along the cobbled streets, through the beautiful medieval core of the city.
Suggested hotels:
Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City-North ***
The Holiday Inn Express Antwerp is located in the fashionable Eilandje neighborhood and is 2 km from both the Antwerp-Central train station and the Meir shopping street. The modern rooms feature flat-screens, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffeemakers. There is a lounge area, a self-service snack bar and a 24-hour bar with marina views.
Ramada Plaza Antwerp ****
The Ramada Plaza Antwerp is a modern hotel conveniently located in the heart of the business district and just a ten minutes drive (2km) from the historic city centre. The tram stops just in front of our hotel and journey time to the city centre is just 10 minutes. The hotel offers 210 en-suite bedrooms and 1000m² conference space, divided over 13 multifunctional meeting rooms for events up to 500 people. Sample international gourmet-style cuisine in Hugo’s Restaurant or snacks and great range of Belgian beers and whiskey’s in Gozo Bar. In warmer months sit out on the terrace and enjoy the view of Hertoghe Park.
Ibis Antwerpen Centrum ***
The modern Ibis Antwerpen Centrum is located 250 yards from the Meir Shopping District and about 15 minutes walk from Antwerp Central Station. The air conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and work desks. Amenities include a 24-hour bar serving snacks and drinks, lift, safe and 24-hour front desk.
Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen ***
The Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen is situated opposite the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is a 7-minute walk from the shops of the Meir and 12 minutes’ walk from ZOO Antwerp. The modern rooms contain flat-screen TVs, minifridges and desks. There is a casual bar and a lounge, lift and business centre.
Van der Valk Antwerpen ****
The Van der Valk Antwerpen is located about 10 minutes drive from Deurne Airport and Antwerp’s city centre. The air-conditioned rooms contain a desk and TV and the bathrooms include a bath or shower and free toiletries. The restaurant has a terrace and serves international and local dishes and there is a bar serving drinks. Other facilities include a gym, swimming pool and sauna.
See more of Belgium:
| 4 days by Land and Sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2021 dates | From £145.00 per person | From £79.00 per person |
Prices by air and by train are also available on request
