About Antwerp |
More often than not, the capital cities in Europe reign supreme. Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Brussels, and the like are all some of the most important and popular places out there. But even within this sea of capital cities, one city managed to emerge and stand out against the crowd: Antwerp. Initially known for its diamond industry and trade, it's slowly becoming the foremost artistic and creative hub, not just of Belgium, but of the entire European continent! This alone makes it worthy of everyone's attention. So, what is it about Antwerp that makes it so special?
Despite how largely unknown it is outside of Belgium and Europe, Antwerp is actually a well-populated city. It has around 1,057,000 residents in its population, making it one of the most crowded metropolises in the country right after Brussels, the capital city. And since Antwerp is located in the Flemish region of Belgium the dominant language spoken here is Dutch. You might meet a few that speak French and German or even a little English. But for the most part, people speak Dutch here. You'd do well to learn the language before or when you get to Antwerp.
The best time to visit Antwerp is around late spring to summer. Specifically, from May to September. Late spring, which is commonly around May to June, offers pleasant weather that feels just right. It's a time for light layers and cool breezes, all while the sun is still shining brightly and providing that minimal warmth. Come summertime, however, the temperature can get as high as 22 °C (72 °F), especially in the city's hottest month, July. So why is summer still a great time to visit Antwerp? Because it's the least-crowded time in the city. Most locals are on vacation during this time of the year when.
As a city, Antwerp is actually pretty diverse. From Borgerhout, a bohemian district that’s known as one of the artistic hubs of the metropolis, to Chinatown, where its name practically speaks for itself, the many neighborhoods in Antwerp are pretty different. Of course, in terms of finding a place to stay, many of these areas mostly have enough luxury homes that you can call your own. So when you need a place to stay or even live, you won't have a problem finding one. It's just up to you to choose which neighborhood suits you best!
Speaking of Antwerp's diverse neighborhoods, the fact that many districts in the city are very different from each other means that they also offer many great things to do. Not the least of which are places that you simply have to visit, such as must-see museums, important landmarks, and more!
The Rubens House, for instance, was once the home of the legendary Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens. See his most amazing works and learn more about his artistic legacy as you go through this museum. Antwerp's Central Station is also a must-see, possibly the most stunning piece of architecture you'll find in the city. Not to mention pretty Instagram-worthy too!
Generally speaking, it's not that expensive to stay in Antwerp. It depends on where you spend your money, but when it comes to living costs here, they're not that high. Take renting a home, for instance. The common rental fees in Antwerp range from a minimum of €500.00 to a maximum of €1,500.00 per month. That doesn't sound too bad, right? In fact, the highest figure,€1,500.00, is already the cheapest rental fee you'll find in other European cities. As for your food costs, you can get by with a little less than €100.00. That will get you one to two weeks' worth of groceries already!
Don't mistake the open and tolerant city of Antwerp as a sign to act however you want here. Many locals living here would still prefer that you act according to their social customs. And it will really help you a lot if you know and follow them yourself!
For example, when you're speaking with a local, it will help to not be so blunt and straightforward with your opinions. You can always go about speaking your mind in a gentle way that won't be misconstrued as an insult. Additionally, you should always practice cleanliness wherever you go. Belgians hate littering!
Traveling throughout Antwerp will be a breeze! The city's public transport is pretty efficient, offering you a ton of ways to get around here. Just head on outside and you'll see that there are many trams that can take you to wherever you need to go. The same applies to Antwerp's buses too. With many lines on offer, it's borderline impossible not to find a bus that can take you to your destination within the city. And if all else fails, you can always make use of a transportation app to hail a ride for yourself.
Healthcare in Antwerp is pretty noteworthy. The city has its fair share of fine institutions that will take care of you. In fact, hospitals like the Antwerp University Hospital and ZNA St. Elisabeth are pretty world-renowned. ZNA St. Elisabeth, in particular, is the best hospital for small kids and senior citizens. But before you can go to any of these healthcare places you have to ensure that you're properly covered first! The Belgian healthcare system only allows legal residents to gain access to its services. If you're a tourist visiting Antwerp, you're better off getting private medical insurance instead.
For the most part, Antwerp's culinary scene is dominated by traditional and European cuisine. Many of the foodie hotspots here serve either authentic Belgian dishes or delectable menus that come from neighboring nations. They're far from what will constitute Antwerp as a 'food capital,' but they're delicious nonetheless.
Of course, when it comes to Antwerp's cuisine or any Belgian cuisine in general, sweets are always a stand-out! Think Belgian chocolate, Belgian waffles, traditional pastries, and more. You’ll enjoy them in the many charming cafes in Antwerp, paired with their equally delectable brews of coffee.
Whether you're simply visiting Antwerp or you're relocating here, you should know when the country's national holidays are. If you're the former, you ought to realize that a national holiday can affect your trip in more ways than one. On some occasions, particularly on religious holidays, some establishments may choose to close early or not even open at all on the day itself. This can also happen during Belgium's Bank Holiday (Every May) and Belgium's Independence Day (July 21), among many others. Meanwhile, on holidays like Armistice Day (November 11), you can respect a more jovial atmosphere in Antwerp. So much so that many hotspots would even offer promos and discounts in celebration!
No matter where you're coming from, relocating to Antwerp is no easy task. Though it's a great city to move into, there are a lot of things you have to settle first. From legal papers to choosing a home, relocation is never a walk in the park.
Nevertheless, Antwerp is the type of city to welcome people from all around the world. The city's international community continues to grow and it's all thanks to the fact that Antwerp has an open and liberated society. For your part, all you have to do is to exert the effort. Don't worry! This relocation guide can always help you along the way.
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