It's Always an Adventure in Antwerp!

Welcome to Antwerp, Belgium! Antwerp is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and is in the Flanders region. It is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. 

This vibrant city is located on the banks of the Scheldt River and is home to some of the most incredible sights in all of Europe.

I (Natalie) visited in the Fall of 2021 with my family. I have a great uncle who lives there, and my parents, my sister, my niece, and I visited him and this beautiful city. We started the day by taking the train from Brussels to Antwerp to meet my great-uncle at a cafe for some delicious coffee and treats. The station in Antwerp is one of the most unique and beautiful in the country! My great-uncle took us all around! 

We walked around the main square, but we stayed pretty much in the same area, aside from when we went to walk along the river for a little bit. The weather was frigid that day! We stayed for a short time, but it was fun to see such a historic city, meet my great-uncle, and spend time with him. It was fun to see how similar he was to my grandma, and he and my dad enjoyed speaking in Dutch with each other, although his English is excellent! That's the case for most of the Dutch and Flemish people. 

Antwerp is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine! Lots of good Flemish dishes to be had. Including Flemish stew! We ate lunch at a restaurant near the Cathedral of Our Lady, which we spent a while touring. The cathedral was built in 1352! 

The cultural scene in Antwerp is vibrant and alive. The city is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the art and culture of the city. Visitors can explore the city's many art galleries, music venues, and theaters. Antwerp is also home to some of the best restaurants in Belgium. Whether you're looking for traditional Belgian dishes or something more exotic, Antwerp has something for everyone.

Antwerp is also a great place to shop. The city is home to numerous high-end boutiques, designer stores, and unique shops. Shopping in Antwerp is a great way to get a feel for the city and experience the local culture.

Fun WW2 fact: Antwerp is a deep-water inland port close to Germany. It is connected to the North Sea via the river Scheldt, allowing ocean-going ships to be passed. Following the destruction of Rotterdam in 1940, Antwerp was the largest surviving port in Western Europe and the obvious choice to support an invasion of Germany - helping the Allied powers win the war! 

Whether you're looking to explore the city's history and culture, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or shop till you drop, Antwerp is the perfect destination. So don't miss out on the chance to visit this amazing city!