Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

Belgium's second largest city has approximately a half-million inhabitants.

When dialing internationally, the country code for Belgium is 32; the city code for Antwerp is 3.

Antwerp is a northern city whose weather is strongly affected by a location near the sea. As a result, the temperature rarely dips below freezing, but rain gear is essential, especially during fall and winter months. Even during the balmiest summer days, temperatures rarely reach beyond the mid-70s F.

Holidays & Business Hours

Large shops and department stores are generally open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm or 7pm. They often stay open later on Friday nights. Banks are open weekdays from 9am until 4pm – expect them to close for an hour at lunch.

Coming & Going

Antwerp International Airport (323-285-6500, www.antwerpairport.be) has international flights to and from London's City Airport. Most visitors opt to fly into Brussels National Airport and take the train or the bus. Buses run by Ex-Sabena Expressbus depart hourly between 7am and 11pm; the trip takes 50 minutes.

The train journey between Antwerp and Brussels takes 35 minutes. Be sure to take the train designated “IC” – it's the inter-city train that doesn't have as many stops. (The “S” train will get you there, but it will take longer.) Call Antwerp Central Station (323-204-2040) for schedule information.

The Thalys train that connects Antwerp to Paris, Amsterdam and other European points departs and arrives at Berchem Station four miles south of Antwerp's city center.

Making Your Way

De Lijn (03-218-1406, www.delijn.be) operates Antwerp's metro, trams and buses. A single ride costs €1, and day passes and 10-ride tickets are available. The tram is the quickest way to get from Central Station to the Old City, although the metro will also take you. Exit at metro or tram stop Groenplaats. If the weather is fine, you might choose to walk from Central Station to the Old City. It's only a mile away, and the walk follows de Keyserlei, one of the city's most bustling shopping streets.

Driving in Antwerp can be tricky. Try parking in a garage and then walking, but be aware that most garages close at 10pm. On-street parking requires a ticket from a coin-operated meter.

News & Views

Antwerp has two locally published Dutch-language newspapers. Gazet van Antwerpen reports local and international news, and Financieel Economische Tijd focuses on business and financial news.

Quirks & Curiosities

Which is it – Antwerpen, Anvers or Antwerp? If you answered “all of the above,” then you are correct. Antwerp (the city's English name) is located in the northern, primarily Dutch-speaking section of Belgium. “Antwerpen” is the Dutch name for the city, but “Anvers,” the French name, commonly appears on signs in a secondary position.

Getting Your Bearings

The city tourist office is located at 15 Grote Markt (323-232-0103). Its hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5:45pm and Sunday from 9am to 4:45pm. Another branch is located outside Antwerp Central Station, next to the Antwerp Zoo's main entrance.

The tourist office for the province of Antwerp (Toeristische Federatie Provincie Antwerpen) helps with travel plans around the city and in the surrounding countryside. Visit them at Karel Oomsstraat 11 (323-216-2810).

Necessities - Post Offices

Airmail letters and postcards sent to the United States cost 84 cents for first-class and 57 cents for second-class. You must visit a post office for a blue A-PRIOR sticker to send first-class mail. The central post office on the Groenplaats is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Common Courtesies

Restaurant and hotel bills include a service charge in your final bill. Bellhops should be tipped €1.50 per bag. Railway porters get €0.75 per bag, slightly more during busy weekends. Be prepared, also, to present a mandatory “tip” to washroom attendants in train stations and at some restaurants. Leave €0.25 if no amount is suggested.

Need to Know – Safety

In case of an emergency, dial 101 for the police. Dial 100 for fire or medical emergencies. Always carry your passport with you, but leave a photocopied version in your hotel room in case you lose the original.