Antwerp
When you think of Antwerp, you will surely think of diamond. Apart from the luxury jewelry and fashion, Antwerp, as the largest city in Flanders (northern part of Belgium), it has a lot more for you to explore.
Lots of world famous artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens and Brueghel were originated from Antwerp. After so many centuries, the city has managed to develop and keep its unique, rich and valuable cultural heritage. If you are into fine art, Mayer Van den Bergh Museum and Royal Museum of Fine Arts would be your first stop. There is an open air statuary museum in Middelheim if you love modern western scrulpture. The most amazing part is you can appreciate the sculptures in the surroundings of a peaceful park. You can probably spend a nice afternoon with your family and friends there.
Many fashion lovers come to Antwerp to search the latest fashion trend. The young Flemish fashion designers have earned their reputation since the 80s, they are now the top designers over the world. To name a few, Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, Marina Yee and Martin Margiela. Apart from the high-end fashion, you can also find many other world known brands in the Meir shopping street (the ‘Fashion area’ in Antwerp).
If you want to find some nice jewelry to match your new fashion collection, why not go to the ‘Diamond area’ around the Railway station and try your luck.
Apart from all these fashion and diamond hunting, don’t forget to try the real Belgian cuisine in one of the restaurants near the Grote Markt.
Travel to Antwerp by Eurostar
Departure: London, St Pancras
Arrival: Antwerp (Change train at Brussels Midi/ Brussels Zuid)
Travel time: 2hr30min
Fare: £69
