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
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is located close to the Austrian boarder, the resort provides 50km of downhill pistes served by 5 chair lifts and 18 drag lifts. Some runs are flood-lit and all are for intermediate skiers.... Berchtesgaden, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's number one ski resort with 118km of downhill pistes, 3 chair lifts, 26 drag lifts and 43 slopes.... Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Grosser Arber
Grosser Arber is for winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy the ski slopes in the eastern German region of Beavria. At a height of 1456m the Grosser Arber is the Mount-Blanc of the Bavarian Forest.... Grosser Arber, Germany
Lenggries
Lenggries has 90 cabins, 3 chair lifts and 14 drag lifts, with pistes as long as 6km long. Skiers can enjoy 131km of prepared ski tracks.... Lenggries, Germany
Mittenwald
Mittenwald has a 7km downhill course and a total of 22km of downhill runs, 1 chair lift and 6 drag lifts.... Mittenwald, Germany
Oberstdorf
Oberstdorf is best known for its 4 hills ski jumping, it has 48km of downhill runs, 24 lifts including chair lifts and 10 drag lifts.... Oberstdorf, Germany
Reit im Winkl
Reit im Winkl has 44km of downhill pistes, the slopes are best for beginners or intermediate skiers. Reit im Winkl offers a range of winter activities such as a 4km toboggan run, 176m cross country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.... Reit im Winkl, Germany
