Antwerp's main station, the "Railway Cathedral" has two main entrances, in the Astrid and Kievit square. The smaller station, Antwerpen-Berchem, offer connections to Brussels in under 45 minutes. To access Antwerp, Eurostar trains between Brussels run around 10 times a day then passengers can change onto domestic lines on to Antwerp.
Eurostar
travellers between Ebbsfleet International and Antwerp have average journey times of 1 hour, 41 minute; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. Highspeed rail is a popular form of transport, because domestic rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city. There is not a definite "best time" to visit Antwerp, but visitors in August will be able to see the Rubens Festival.
Cycling is a very easy and a popular way of getting around this city, which is home to the world’s largest diamond cutting industry (it accounts for around 70% of world trade and has 250 of its own cutting firms), is extremely popular with art lovers and younger crowds, but also attracts visitors from all over the world with its small designer shops- especially the ‘Antwerp 6’- six fashion designers that all graduated from The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and collaborated:
Walter Van Beirendonck
Ann Demeulemeester
Dries van Noten
Dirk Van Saene
Dirk Bikkembergs
Marina Yee
Points of Interest
Grote Markt
In the heart of the old town; visitors can see: the Brabo Fountain, Ethnographic Museum, the Folk Museum, the many Guild houses, horse-drawn carriages, Rubens Markt and Town Hall.
Butcher's Hall
The former seat of the butcher's guild on the Vleeshouwerstraat is now the Vleeshuis Museum, showing collections of archaeological and art history.
Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal
The largest Gothic church in Belgium and the Netherlands combined.
The Elisabeth Gasthuis
13th century hospital with a 16th century chapel designed by A. Quellin the Younger.
Maiden's House
The former orphanage is now a museum and archives.
Lillo
Visitors to this village, can see the Berendrechtsluis (the world's largest lock).
Koninklijke Paleis
The former royal palace was Napoleon's Antwerp residence, and now houses collections of contemporary art.
Flanders Festival
The annual event is held from September to October in some of the city's most significant venues, and hosts:
Operas
Orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts
Recitals
Dance performances
Theatrical productions
Flanders Festival
The annual event is held from September to October in some of the city's most significant venues, and hosts:
Operas
Orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts
Recitals
Dance performances
Theatrical productions
Attractions
Antwerp Markets
Dageraardplaats Art Market
The Kruidtuin botanical garden
The diamond industry in the Pelikaanstraat quarter
Flea markets: on the Oud Arsenaalplaats, Oude Vaartplaats, Blauwtorenplein and the Graanmarkt
Musee Groesbeeck-de-Croix
This house was kept well preserved from the 1700â??s, the furnishings, crockery and silverware, the place oozes with originality. The garden is also a stunning sight to see.... Namur, Belgium
Parfumerie Guy Delforge
Discover the source of the essential oils, by taking you 30ft underground and back in time to the 17th century. It is below ground to keep all the oils intact. It is a great historical trip, amazing tourist attraction.... Namur, Belgium
St Aubins Cathedral
This is a unique 18th century cathedral and is a one of a kind cathedral from all across Belgium. It has a tower dating back to the 13th century a real piece of history and a beautiful tourist attraction.... Namur, Belgium
The citadel
This is a fortified centre overlooking the town and the Meuse River; You can take in the atmosphere at your own pace by taking a walk through the paths and street leading up to the centre itself.... Namur, Belgium
