Antwerp and Brussels

[sasguru]

Don't bother with Brussels, Antwerp is far more interesting. And if you can do a day trip to Bruges. Watch out for 10% Belgian beer though

[Spacecadet]

thanks for the suggestions, especially Zurenborg, i just googled that and it does look damn cool!

Might as well steer clear of brussels then, could be a waste of time/money

[sasguru]

thanks for the suggestions, especially Zurenborg, i just googled that and it does look damn cool!

Might as well steer clear of brussels then, could be a waste of time/money

My Belgian trip which was during Euro 2000 was an alcoholic haze, but I still remember Zurenborg, so it must have been good

[Joe Black]

my Mrs thinks antwerpen has the best shopping of all the cities we have been to. There is a main shopping street called the Meir containing every shop you can think of.

off it are smaller streets with all of the gucci, boss, luis vitton, ralph lauren, channel etc shops

I think for shopping you cannot go wrong in Antwerp

the town is also beautiful and small enough to walk around

have fun,

Milan.

The Meir, every shop you can think of? Well if you mean things like C&A, Carphone Warehouse (The 'Phonehouse'), and shops similar to a typical UK high street you might be right.

The streets off it though, or one in particular (Shuttershofstraat) are probably more what your Mrs had in mind. Better than places like Ave' Louise I think.

"The Zurenborg district is well worth a visit to see how the best architects of the time allowed their talents to run wild."

Ok for a wander around, but after that a couple of streets in either direction you'll find things (like many places in Belgium) drop off very quickly. Apart from a few streets with Art Deco buildings it is a long way short of 'het Zuid'.

In any case I'd suggest Antwerp over Brussels, for a tourist at least (leaving Flemish Nationalism aside) and suggest a wander from the central station down aforementioned street to the Grote Markt and then to 't Zuid via the Pelgrimstraat (and de Pelgrim - or the Jenever Cafe next door) and the Kloosterstraat.

Probably no more than a half hour, hours walk. But along the way the shops, architecture, cafes and restaurants could keep you busy for days...

[Joe Black]

Don't speak French, especially in anywhere with lots of yellow and black flags/signs.

Now, now Rantor. No disparaging our hosts.

[AtW]

Don't they have some bridges too far in Antwerp ?

[Rantor]

Now, now Rantor. No disparaging our hosts.

Hi Joe - as if I'd disparrage the hard-working, hard-done-by, defenders of western civilisation.

Based on recent events, do you not fancy starting a riot? It seems to be all the rage for disgruntled minorities in Bxl at the moment and I'm sure I could still knock together a molotov or two. It might even get your paperwork sorted out quicker (how's that going btw?)

[Spacecadet]

The Meir, every shop you can think of? Well if you mean things like C&A, Carphone Warehouse (The 'Phonehouse'), and shops similar to a typical UK high street you might be right.

The streets off it though, or one in particular (Shuttershofstraat) are probably more what your Mrs had in mind. Better than places like Ave' Louise I think.

"The Zurenborg district is well worth a visit to see how the best architects of the time allowed their talents to run wild."

Ok for a wander around, but after that a couple of streets in either direction you'll find things (like many places in Belgium) drop off very quickly. Apart from a few streets with Art Deco buildings it is a long way short of 'het Zuid'.

In any case I'd suggest Antwerp over Brussels, for a tourist at least (leaving Flemish Nationalism aside) and suggest a wander from the central station down aforementioned street to the Grote Markt and then to 't Zuid via the Pelgrimstraat (and de Pelgrim - or the Jenever Cafe next door) and the Kloosterstraat.

Probably no more than a half hour, hours walk. But along the way the shops, architecture, cafes and restaurants could keep you busy for days...

Thanks

[milanbenes]

Joe,

granted you gave more detail, you must however admit it is surprising the level of shops which Antwerp (a small town) supports, and all are reachable from the Meir. There are not many small towns in the UK which have all of the big designer shops - luis vitton etc.

Just shows how rich Antwerp and the surrounding area is.

Anyone here driven through the schilde area of Antwerp ? It is like Beverly hills, every house is a like a castle in a at least an acre of grounds.

Milan.

[Joe Black]

Morning Milan,

No offence intended. Just trying to ensure, if Spacecadet goes there, him and wife sees the best bits as I think most people generally end up being directed or heading down the Meir (which to me is like a typical high street), while all the better bits are generally just off to one side. Head towards the Lange Nieuwstraat instead of the Schuttershof' and you're more likely to find boarded up shops and such like.

Would agree that there seems a lot of money floating around, certainly in some areas like those mentioned. On the south ('t Zuid) I've seen more the a few Astons, Ferraris and such like on various occasions. And in the suburbs in various parts you'll find the sort of big detached houses with huge gardens you mention. It is very localised though. A short walk or drive and things can change quite dramatically.

In any case a better place for a visit than Brussels, which comes into it's own more for the mix of nationalities than anything else.