Your holiday will kind of tend to... shine like a diamond in Antwerp. This province, the northernmost of the country, is home to the city with the same name, known as “the world's leading diamond city”. They say more than 70% of the world's diamonds are traded here. The province is the most populated one in the country and the city with the same name is known for its fashion industry among others. Let's take a “stroll” through the region of Antwerp in Belgium and its “bright” and “shiny” character:
The province hosts quite a few historical cities, such as Antwerp, Mechelen, Turnhout, Herentals and Lier. Antwerp is the second largest city in the country and the capital of the province. The port of Antwerp is the second largest one in Europe. The city has no less than 29 theaters, 35 museums and also 6 concert halls. It hosts a fantastic zoo, the third largest one on the Old Continent in terms of species. As main attractions one can check out on a holida in Antwerp we could mention the Grote Markt, with its 16th century architecture; then the Our Lady's Cathedral is also amazing, the Het Steen castle is a must see, the Museum Plantin-Moretus may be of interest to some, the famous Ruben's House, the many museums and galleries. In Lier for a chance, the Grote Markt is also a great place to start exploring the beautiful city, with the Zimmer tower here and the planetarium inside it, the Beguinage founded in the 13th century, the town hall, etc.
The cultural treasures of Antwerp are displayed in a most beautiful way throughout the entire province. From a holiday home in Antwerp you should definitely not miss the zoo in the city with the same name, the busiest shopping street here named the Meir, and of course, the world-renowned diamond quarter at the Central Train Station and the Diamond Museum. In Mechelen the Cathedral of St. Rombold is a noteworthy sight, with a bell tower of 97 meters in height. The Stadhuis is also quite amazing, and the Museum Hof van Busleyden completes the scene. Not in the last, a holiday villa in Antwerp should also send you to the Kasteel de Merode in Westerlo, a most impressive 16th century construction.
The nature of Antwerp is made of rather interesting "parts": there are several rivers, such as the Scheldt, Rupel and others, as well as heathlands and forests, such as the Kalmthoutse Heide, the moors around Turnhout, the Prinsenpark in Reite. There are some typical farms that you can see on a holiday in Antwerp, in villages throughout the province. Of course, we cannot not mention (yet again) the famous and most impressive Antwerp Zoo and the Aquatopia as well, an aquarium that is surely worth seeing. Though maybe less known for its nature, Antwerp still has a lot to offer to those looking for some "green" relaxing time as well.
A wellness and spa weekend in Antwerp... doesn't sound all that bad, does it? It gets even better once you get to places like the Hezemeer for example, in the city with the same name. Great saunas, of various kinds, hot tubs and whirlpools, relaxing areas and great food also... what more can you dream of in matters of pampering? You can also try the Fitopia in Edegem and many other centers that are ready to teach you a lesson... on how to truly relax.
In matters of activities and sports in Antwerp, we can surely say that you will not lack any of these, no matter your age. If you aim for sightseeing, there are more than enough historical sites and buildings, cultural venues and intriguing events you can enjoy. If you are traveling with kids (and not only in these cases) the Antwerp Zoo is a must. For the young and restless among you, the fashion city of Antwerp is no short of venues to keep one's spirit upbeat for days and days. A holiday apartment in Antwerp can also mean a trip among the nature of this region, such as in the Dierenpark Planckendael in Mechelen, or you can explore Antwerp by bike for a chance, as well as its surroundings as a matter of fact. Enjoy the beauty of nature by taking a hike in Kalmthoutse Heide, in any season; take the Scheldt Dyke Bicycle Trail in Bornem, a dream come true for any cyclist. Even a hot air balloon ride is possible... this is a holiday in Antwerp!
If you think of where exactly you can spend at least one of the days of a family holiday in Antwerp so you can please everyone, an amusement park is almost always a perfect answer. It keeps the kids quiet (and happy, of course) and it entertains adults alike. In this case, in the province of Antwerp, you might want to stop over at the Bobbejaanland in Lichtaart, or at the Technopolis in Mechelen, or even the Zilvermeer in Mol when it is sunny, for some water fun. The locals zoos, the sights in the great cities here of course, they all complete the scene.
The cuisine in Antwerp is quite exquisite we might say... whether it's street food or food that's a bit “silver spooned” in a restaurant, you won't be short of options that spoil your taste buds: the Boudin Blanc and Boudin Noir are blood sausages made by artisans, the Vlaamse Stovery is a beef stew cooked in beer. Then of course you have the Fries, the Waffles and the Mussels and chips, as well as the great “street pastry”, the Smoutebollen. Buckle up (if you can, after all the food) thus, and taste as many as you get to.
Thinking of spending your holiday with a pet in Antwerp? You can totally do that, and also enjoy it at its best. If you wish for walks among nature, Antwerp can offer you that, if you wish to just stroll in the cities here, you can do that also. A pet friendly holiday home in Antwerp will of course make a great difference. You can hang out and barbecue in the evening, relax on a terrace, just feel complete with Fido by your side.
Points of interest, a “must see” list in AntwerpSpending a holiday in Antwerp will definitely have your heart shine like a diamond, this northernmost province of Belgium is one that is just full of great surprises with every step of the way. Enjoy the specific beauty of Belgium in a different way with every day spent here.
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