Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world, is the second-largest and most populated city in Belgium. Come and discover its many medieval treasures and admire its architecture.
The city is located in the north of Belgium, on the border with the Netherlands and is only 2 hours away by train from Paris. Antwerp has several dozen different nationalities within the city itself. In addition to its many nationalities, it should be noted that it has the 5th largest port in the world and the second one in Europe after Rotterdam. Known for its work with diamonds, Antwerp is full of treasures from another era. The city offers to its visitors but also to its residents many things to visit. Between its medieval and Renaissance style monuments, there is always something for all tastes and all ages. In addition, as it is a very populated city, it is full of places to go out with family or friends. For more information on the city, go to their official website by clicking here
Visit the city center of Antwerp
Visit the historical monuments
Antwerp is full of little treasures and places to visit. The city, having a historical side, gives way to many churches and cathedrals in the city such as the [St. Jacob's Church] or the Gothic Cathedral of Antwerp.
Visit Antwerp's museum
On a cultural and recreational level, Antwerp is full of many museums where you can go alone, with family or with friends such as the [Chocolate Nation], the Museum of Fine Arts or the [Katoen Natie Art Centre]. If you want to have fun, and your children (or even you) are a fan of thrills, the [Parc d’Attraction Polposa] will welcome you with open arms. Also, if you are with the family, a good option would be to go to the Antwerp [Zoo] and visit its aquarium at the same time. It is the ideal place to be in contact with animals and admire them.
Shopping
If you are more of a shopping addict, the [City Center] of Antwerp will offer you a wide choice of shops where you will necessarily succeed in finding something you like.
Go to Antwerp's parks and garden
Antwerp is filled with little corners of greenery, if you want to breathe the good air of plants, the city has several large parks such as [Kiel Park]. Finally, for sports fans and more particularly football fans, you will have to go to the [Beerschot Stadium] located to the south of the city.
How to go to Antwerp ?
Getting to Antwerp is quite simple, in fact, the city is served by many highways and you can therefore get there by car, bus, train or even by boat. By car, the city is very easily accessible, however, getting around the city by car may not be very easy. Parkimeter allows you to reserve a parking space for your car so that you can fully enjoy your trip without worrying about your car. If you decide to come by train, you have to know that the city is very easily accessible. Indeed, from Paris, it's only 2 hours by direct train that awaits you and about 1h20 from Lille.
Public transports of the city
Antwerp has an extensive public transport network present throughout the city and its surroundings. It is mainly made up of Bus, Tram and Train. Also note that the intercity trains will allow you to move around the city and its surroundings for a price of €2.90 per trip. Getting around in Antwerp is therefore quite simple thanks to its transport network. If you are visiting the city for a few days, ask about the Antwerp city card. Indeed, this card will allow you to take transport without paying for each trip and will allow you to enter certain tourist sites for free or for almost nothing. Cycling can also be a good option if the weather permits. The city has self-service bike stations, you just need to bring a day pass. The last option for getting around Antwerp is to take taxis. This is a simple and practical option but can sometimes be expensive.
Park in a Public Parking near the city center
Antwerp has many public car parks, covered or not, and with prices that differ according to their geographical or other things. However, it can be difficult to find a car park near the [Zoo], the [Chocolate Museum], the [Saint Jacob Church] or even near the [Town Center] since these are very busy touristic sites and it may happen that when you want to park in a parking lot, it shows full. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, the Parkimeter platform allows you to compare and book from home the car park that best suits you for your trip. So make your reservation in advance to have your parking spot reserved in advance.
Driving by car in the Low Emission Area of Antwerp
The city of Antwerp has established a restricted traffic zone to reduce pollution caused by cars. Only low-emission cars are allowed there free of charge. The area extends over the entire city center of Antwerp and also on the Left Bank. To access it, you must therefore find out about the classification of your vehicle and the requirements of the city. Here is some information you may find useful : Category 6 and 5 diesel vehicles as well as category 6,5,4,3 (with or without particulate filter) and 2 petrol, natural gas or LPG vehicles may have free access to this area. For diesel vehicles of categories 3 (with or without particulate filter), 2, 1 and older than European standards as well as petrol, natural gas and LPG vehicles of standard 1 or older than NE, you will need to bring a LEZ pass which costs 35€. With this pass you will be able to access the low emission zone but only 8 times a year. Also keep in mind that standard 4 vehicles with diesel will have to make a request beforehand to enter the zone according to the time they want and pay a maximum of 1 day after entering it.