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
Glove market in front of the cathedral
Antique market at Groenplaats 21
Junk Markets on the Vrijdagmarkt
Bird Market every Sunday on the Oude Vaartplaats
Abraham Verhoeven Museum
Sightseeing tours along the river Schelde
Vlaeykensgang or "Pie Alley"
Miniatuurstad scale model of Antwerp
Puppet shows in the Poesjenellenkeller
Magic World complete with Gothic architecture.
La Rochelle Main Attractions - La Rochelle Main Attractions
Hotel De Ville
The Hotel de Ville is a 14th century gothic style must-see attraction. Within the tour you will see many Henry II staircases and the marble desk of Jean Guiton. The ancient building houses many of La Rochelle?s pieces of history.... La Rochelle, France
Musee Des Modeles Reduits
This is a one-of-a-kind museum that features 8000 square feet of exhibits that are presented in such manners as moving model trains, computer animated naval battles, and historic scenes. During a certain time of the year they allow the children to ride the train, the museum is great and has fun for all ages.... La Rochelle, France
Parc Charruyer
The Parc Charruyer is a park that was designed somewhere between 1887 and 1890. The park was built from the legacy of mademoiselle Adele Charruyer. The park encompasses a beautiful 98 acres and has a walkway that is about 2 kilometers long. Starting in 1945 they added a small animal zoo. You can take a nice stroll along the path and see rare plants, little waterways, and ducks for the children to feed.... La Rochelle, France
The Aquarium
The aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in La Rochelle. This exhibit takes visitors on a two hour long journey into the depths of the seas. They have exhibits for the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, and the tropics. The presentation is amazing, it is held in a tank of water which contains about 3 million liters. Visitors are influenced to dive into the action of about 12000 living underwater species and learn about them.... La Rochelle, France
Tour Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne and de la Chaine
These are three defensive towers within the city of La Rochelle that were used to guard the harbor. This tower is must see because it dates back to medieval times. The tower requires visitors to climb many stairs, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared.... La Rochelle, France
