ANTWERP, BELGIUM

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, located in the centre of Europe. Antwerp is the real urban deal, a down-to-earth yet vivacious cosmopolitan habitat blessed with magnificent architecture, fashionable shop fronts, beer-washed pubs, dazzling monuments, jazzed-up clubs, inspired artworks and restaurant tables piled with plates of superb Belgian and multicultural food. Antwerp, home of the Flemish Baroque master Rubens, not only has a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, but is also laced with refreshing greenery and urban haunts. Antwerp, a pocketsize metropolis, within easy reach, thanks to excellent access by air, train, motorway and even water...

The history of the city of Antwerp is one of economic and cultural success over many centuries. The time of its greatest glory was the 16th century. Many remnants from those days can still be found in the historic city centre. The City Campus of the University of Antwerp is situated in the historical city centre and its central 16th century building "Hof van Liere", is part of the cultural-historical patrimony of Antwerp. The Museum Plantin Moretus, an unique 16th century print shop and library, is a particularly wonderful and fascinating example. This Golden Age also boasts some of Antwerp's best-know painters: Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens and Teniers, whose works can be found in Antwerp's museums and the city's five monumental historic churches. The magnificent gothic Our Lady's Cathedral is a category all of its own.

Diamond capital of the world

Antwerp owes its very existence and prosperity to the River Scheldt. The port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe, and in the top ten worldwide. The diamond trade is another major economic factor: within one square kilometer, near the Central Station, 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of the world's polished diamonds are traded. In recent decades, Antwerp has become a leading European trendsetter in the world of fashion. In the 1980s the so-called Antwerp Six took London and Paris by storm after graduating from the famous fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The movement they started is still going strong today, as one can easily tell from the many unique designers shops.

Enjoy good food

The people of Antwerp have always had a reputation for being gourmets. Because of its unique location, in the 16th century - the "Golden Age" - Antwerp was a port where all types of foodstuffs, drinks, herbs and spices from distant lands arrived. Even today a wide range of exotic foods is still on sale in Antwerp. The majority of Antwerp restaurants tend to go in the direction of the French cuisine, with the addition of a few fine Belgian touches or the use of typical Belgian ingredients. However, in this cosmopolitan city you'll find a whole range of European, ethnic and biological cuisine as well as restaurant experimenting with the latest food fads. The greatest concentration of places to eat is in the areas around the historic city centre, the central station and the South quarter of Antwerp.

Weather

Belgium has a moderate maritime climate. The average temperature for April is between 5 and 13 °C. (35 - 55 °F). April is one of the driest months (72 mm of rain/ 2.83 inches). During this month you can feel that Spring has started and you can enjoy the fist sunny and warm days.

Money

The standard unit of currency in Belgium is the Euro. There are cash machines throughout the city centre. Major credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants, taxis and car parks.

Language

Belgium has 10.6 million inhabitants and three official languages: Duth, French and German. Dutch is spoken in Flanders where 58% of the population lives and that lies in the northen part of Belgium. 32% of the Belgian people live in Wallonie (in the south) where the official language is French. The remaining 10% lives in Brussels, capital of Belgium and Europe. Brussels is officially bilingual Dutch/French, but mostly French-speaking. The 70,000 inhabitants of the East Cantons (East Belgium) speak German.

Antwerp lies in Flanders and although Dutch is most common mother tongue, English, French and German are also widely spoken.

Distance of the venue from nearest international airport

Belgium is located in the heart of Europe, with Brussels as the capital of Europe. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the nearest international airport to Antwerp. Direct flights from all over the world fly into Brussels. The airport is only 45km (28 miles) away from Antwerp and can easily be reached in 50 minutes by train, bus, or taxi. In 2012, the new high-speed rail will be finished and the connection Brussels-Antwerp will only take 15 minutes.

Because Belgium is the centre of Europe other international airports, like Amsterdam (The Netherlands), London (UK), and Paris (France), are not far away.

Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) (166km, 106 miles): Frequent trains run directly from Schiphol Airport to Antwerp Central station (travel time about 1h30).

Heathrow (London) (370 km, 230 miles): The Eurostar train connects London Waterloo Station to Brussels South station (Bruxelles Midi / Brussel Zuid). From Brussels South station, you can take a regular train directly to Antwerp Central station (travel time about 3h).

Charles De Gaulle (Paris) (350 km, 217 miles): The high speed train TGV brings you to Brussels South station (Bruxelles Midi / Brussel Zuid). From Brussels South station, you can take a regular train directly to Antwerp Central station (travel time about 3h).