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Travel Destination Guide - Antwerp
Antwerp (Belgium) 
Antwerp Information
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Antwerp lies on the North Sea estuary of the River Scheldt , in the North of Belgium close to the border with the Netherlands. Antwerp is a hectic sprawl, brimming with different moods, tones and colours. This is reflected in the variety of its cuisine and the cosmopolitan nature of its inhabitants. Although it is proudly Flemish, almost everyone is equally at home speaking Dutch, French, German or English.
The modern port has now been moved north of the city, but you can still wander along the windswept wharf which dates back to the 16th century and then in a matter of minutes, find yourself sipping coffee in a cosy café in the wonderful Grote Markt, staring up at the Cathedral and wondering which of the city's wonderful restaurants you're going to visit.
By night, the city also buzzes with cool bars and lounges featuring in-house DJs and electronic clubnights. Antwerpeners have always prided themselves on being true descendants of the notoriously gluttonous Duke of Burgundy and today the city is all the more gourmet with innovative fusion cuisine taking over from the traditional moules frites.
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Antwerp makes a perfect weekend getaway: it's very easy to get to from the UK and it's such a compact little city that it doesn't take long to find your way around. Add to that the great food, excellent shopping, cosy bars, and the friendliness of the local people (most of whom speak English), and it's easy to see why Antwerp is so popular.
In recent years, Antwerp (Antwerpen in Flemish, Anvers in French) has become one of Europe's trendiest and most buzzing cities, thanks to its vibrant nightlife, world-class shopping and the excellence of its museums, shops and restaurants.
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Population: 10.364.400
Languages: Dutch (Flemish) 60%, French 40%, German less than
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Belgium - Brussels
Country Dialling Code: +32
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
 
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Nestled between France, Germany and Holland/Netherlands, Belgium is one of the smallest countries on the continent. But its size is no hindrance to its variety. From the wilds of the Ardennes to the mediaeval splendours of Bruges, from the high-octane nightlife of Antwerp to the restaurants of Brussels, there is something for everyone to savour.
It may be little, but it is lovely, and it is sad indeed that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a tour of Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually used merely as a stepping stone for crossing the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a looksee in the capital, Brussels.
Beyond that city with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and inland the wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals and waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired artists and writers with its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.
After a busy day exploring it all, spend an evening experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and sampling some of the country's 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for being extremely hospitable; welcoming travellers, no doubt because the country's location has ensured it has always been an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity. |
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Local Area Weather
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