Eurostar to Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium’s cool port city where locals and visitors can enjoy the charm of historic locations and buildings, fabulous museums plus futuristic fashion, fabulous food and some great new architecture. You can catch travel on Eurostar to Antwerp from St Pancras International Eurostar train in 3 hours, 17 minutes. There’s a lot to see and do here so be sure to book in for at least two nights.
Highlights include a visit to the trendy port district of Het Eilandje where you’ll find Zaha Hadid’s glittering MAS building, the new International Port House, and emigration-themed museum The Red Line Star. Other attractions include a tour around the cathedral-like Antwerpen-Centraal station and a visit to the stately Museum of Contemporary Art.
Eurostar to Antwerp
Travellers can catch the Eurostar train from London to Antwerp, with a journey time of 3 hours 17 minutes. Simply board a train from London Kings Cross St Pancras to Brussels Midi (purchase a ticket to Antwerp). Upon arrival in Brussels you’ll need to do a quick platform change.
When you arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid, take the stairs down to the mainstation and check the information board for the next train to Antwerp. There are roughly 74 trains a day and trains take 55 minutes. You don’t need a new booking or ticket, your Eurostar ticket covers your domestic travel to Antwerp. Those travelling in Standard Premier can sit in 1st class.
Antwerp must-see
Much-loved Belgium painter Rubens lived and worked in Antwerp and now visitors can see his personally designed house, the Rubenshuis. Inside you’ll find many of his most famous work as well as those of other Flemish masters. The house also has a great Renaissance-style garden.
Where to eat in Antwerp
Belgium is world-renowned for its superb French fries so make a beeline for Frites Atelier, a popular new restaurant where Dutch Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman and his team serve up, arguably, the best chips in the world. Toppings include beef stew cooked in brown beer with pickled mustard seeds and nutty mimolette cheese with truffle mayo. Even the five varieties of mayo are luxe. Don’t miss this carb heaven. http://www.fritesatelier.com
What to buy
Antwerp is well known for its exquisite vintage furniture and home wear. So pay a visit to the Kloosterstraat street where you’ll find many shops selling everything from designer glass lamps to embroidered chairs and tea cups.
Where to stay in Antwerp
Hotel De Witte Lelie is housed in three 17th-century gabled houses. Each of its 11 rooms is decorated individually and fashion lovers will love its cool monochrome Bronze Bar.
Hotel Matelote offers visitors to Antwerp the chance to stay in a beautifully restored 16th century building. You can choose from designer rooms or suites.
This popular hostel offers guests the chance to choose an individual room or share a dorm for very reasonable prices. The hostel is located in Berchem, next to the famous beer brewery De Koninck.