Short breaks to Antwerp
Antwerp is located in North-Eastern Belgium and is most certainly the cultural heart of the country.
Offering some breathtaking architecture and an excellent array of museums, city breaks in Antwerp offer a more edifying retreat than the more run-of-the-mill holiday destination.
Shopping in the diamond capital of the World
Antwerp has been seen as a fashion innovator since the 1980’s when six young fashion students put the city on the map in the fashion world. Designers flock to Antwerp in droves to scout for local talent and also see what new designs will soon be on the market. With this in mind a short break to Antwerp is essential for the discerning shopper and fashion guru alike.
There are eight different shopping districts within Antwerp offering everything from high-end clothing to shoes and antiques. The city has been synonymous with shopping for a long time and due to its pedestrianised streets, historic buildings and bustling shopping centres, shopping breaks in Antwerp are both enjoyable and culturally enriching.
Antwerp is often seen as the diamond capital of the world and it is easy to see why. With 80% of the world rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds passing through Antwerp since the mid 1400’s its is plain to see why Antwerp has a bustling Diamond district. The city plays host to over 1,800 diamond dealers and they can all be found within 1km of Antwerp’s Central Station.
This vibrant diamond community has allowed several museums to spring up in the city, offering a very insightful view of the diamond industry. Diamondland is one such museum, offering tours six days a week in nine different languages, this museum will not fail to impress you and you even have the opportunity to take home some souvenirs of your own.
Antwerp - holiday gateway to Belgium
Many have pondered as to why the architecture of Antwerp had become so well mixed over the years, the answer to that question is Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens was a 16th century genius who rubbed shoulders with Europe’s rich and powerful who enabled him to use Antwerp as his artistic playground. This led to some phenomenal architecture in the city which draws in architects and renaissance lovers to have city breaks in Antwerp every year.
Antwerp is indeed a very rich mixture of culture, heritage but also very modern buildings and fashion and can be used as the perfect gateway to explore Belgium. Just a short distance from Antwerp is Brussels, the home of European Parliament and it is obvious that Belgium will be shaping Europe’s future today as it did many centuries ago.
Whether shopping for essential fashion accessories, investing in gems or taking in the grand architecture, enjoy your next city break to Antwerp with lowcostholidays.com.
Other recommended destinations:
Looking for ideas on other great fashion shopping destinations? Try Madrid, New York, Paris or Milan.