Antwerp

Antwerp is the capital of Antwerp province in Flanders, Belgium. With over half a million residents, it's the second largest city in Belgium and a major European port. It's the global diamond trade hub (over 70% of diamonds traded here) and a trendy city attracting artists and intellectuals, offering a mix of historical architecture and modern nightlife.

Antwerp has an oceanic climate with cool winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures average around 23°C during the day and 14°C at night, with occasional heat waves above 29°C. Daylight hours range from 05:30-22:00 in summer to 08:45-16:45 in winter. The city has year-round precipitation. Christmas markets and lights add seasonal charm.

Antwerp Airport (ANR) offers seasonal flights to Southern Europe, Morocco, and Turkey, with a regular bus to the centre (taxi about €10). Antwerp-Central station is a monumental hub with high-speed trains to the Netherlands and France; it has platforms on three levels. Secondary station Antwerp-Berchem serves nearly all trains except high-speed. Flixbus and Ecolines offer intercity bus connections. De Lijn buses connect to Brussels and other Flemish cities.

Antwerp has an extensive tram and bus network (De Lijn) and a premetro. Biking is popular; you can rent from Antwerp by Bike (tours July–September) or use the Vélo bike-sharing system. The St. Anna pedestrian tunnel (Sint-Annatunnel) connects the city centre to the Left Bank on foot or by bike. A taxi from the airport costs about €10.

Accommodation ranges from budget (under €65) to mid-range (€65-120) and splurge (over €120). Budget options include ibis budget Antwerpen Centraal Station, Hotel Rubenshof (from €52), and Camping Vogelzang. Mid-range choices include Tryp By Wyndham (from €69) and Holiday Inn Express (€97). The Hilton on Groenplaats is a splurge option.

Local specialties include Antwerpse handjes (hand-shaped biscuits or chocolates), Belgian fries from frietkoten, and 'smos' sandwiches. De Keyserlei offers diverse restaurants; Chinatown (Van Wesenbekestraat) has Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other Asian options. For drinks, try De Koninck beer ('Bolleke') and Elixir d'Anvers liqueur. Famous bars include Den Engel (Grote Markt) and De Vagant (300 kinds of jenever).

Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady (Gothic, houses Rubens paintings), the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) with free rooftop view, Rubenshuis, and the Plantin Moretus Museum (UNESCO). The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest. Take the St. Anna pedestrian tunnel to the Left Bank for city views. Boat tours of the Port of Antwerp (second largest in Europe) are available.

The main shopping street is Meir, with the restored Stadsfeestzaal mall. The Diamond District near Central Station has many jewellery shops (bargain carefully). Trendy shopping in Kammenstraat and surroundings, with fashion designers. Kloosterstraat has antique shops. Weekend markets at Theaterplein offer food, goods, and antiques.

Most parts of Antwerp are safe, but avoid De Coninckplein, Borgerhout, Seefhoek, and Schipperskwartier in the evening. These areas are lively during the day. Lock your bike securely. Emergency number: 112. For non-urgent police, call 0800/12312.

As of July 2022, Antwerp has 5G from all Belgian carriers. WiFi is widely available in public places.

Antwerp is a key railway hub on the high-speed line from the Netherlands to France, offering quick connections around Belgium and to its neighbours.

Antwerp has several colleges and a university, with over 30,000 students. The University of Antwerp offers English-taught Master programmes. It's a popular Erasmus destination. ESN Antwerp helps international students.