Antwerp

This province offers the lively city of Antwerp and the rural landscapes of the Kempen. It is a wonderful region of contrasts where people embrace the pleasures of life, whether in the bustling city streets or the idyllic countryside.

Antwerp has a holiday to suit every taste and budget, whether you love the bright lights of the city or the tranquillity of the forest, enjoyment is the order of the day. Why not relax on the terrace and savour a traditional Trappist beer, or treat yourself to a delicious gourmet weekend? The city of Antwerp is a fascinating mixture of the ancient and modern, famous for its welcoming atmosphere. Highlights include the 14th-century cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the Low Countries; the Central Station, said to be among the most beautiful in the world; the city zoo; and the home of Rubens, the most famous Baroque painter north of the Alps.

Venturing beyond the city, you might glimpse a deer in Kalmthout Heath – the children will love exploring the magical, fragrant pine forest. The charming cobblestone streets of Lier and Turnhout are waiting to be discovered, and Mechelen is a captivating city with an historic past. For the active holidaymaker, the Antwerp Kempen cycle network offers 2,000 kilometres of paths and roadways, and the view from St. Rumbold’s Tower is well worth the climb. No trip would be complete without a visit to the Het Anker brewery, which reopened in September 2010

Places of interest

Antwerp: A bustling city of culture and entertainment, where everyone feels at home.

Mechelen: Historical city centre with late medieval St. Rumbold’s tower.

Lier: Charming small city known for its beers.

Turnhout: Lively city near the Dutch border, within a beautiful nature reserve.

Gestel: Originally the smallest community of the province, situated on the River de Grote Nete.

Attractions

Technopolis: Mechelen’s science and technology centre with over 280 interactive exhibits.

Diamond district of Antwerp: Look out for the ‘Antwerp Cut’, synonymous with quality and brilliance.

Ruben’s House Museum: Rubens lived in this Antwerp house for most of his life. Now a museum, this is where most of his paintings (around 25,000) were created by him and his students.

Abbeys: In Malle, Mol, Oud-Turnhout and Westerlo, open to visitors and offering their own quality products.

Cuisine of the region

Antwerp, Belgium is a city with a rich and diverse culinary scene. The city's cuisine is influenced by its maritime history, its multicultural population, and its proximity to other European countries.

Some of the most popular dishes in Antwerp include:

• Frites: Belgian fries are known for being thin, crispy, and delicious. They are typically served with a variety of dipping sauces, including mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard.
• Croquettes: Croquettes are another popular Belgian snack. They are made with a variety of fillings, such as shrimp, cheese, or beef, and are then deep-fried.
• Moules frites: Moules frites, or mussels with fries, is a classic Belgian dish. The mussels are steamed in a white wine broth and then served with a side of fries.
• Fish and chips: Fish and chips is another popular dish in Antwerp. The fish is typically cod or haddock and is battered and deep-fried. It is then served with a side of chips and tartar sauce.

Here are a few tips for finding the best food in Antwerp:

• Visit the markets: Antwerp has a number of markets where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and other local delicacies. The most popular market is the Grote Markt, which is held every Saturday.
• Try a frituur: Frituurs are small restaurants that specialize in Belgian fries. They are a great place to try a variety of different dipping sauces.
• Ask a local: Antwerpians are proud of their city's cuisine, and they are always happy to recommend their favourite restaurants.