DID you know the world’s ‘diamond capital’ is just a train ride away from the UK?
The unlikely city of Antwerp is becoming the new capital of cool and not just because of its gemstone claim to fame.
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Antwerp is often overlooked as a city break destinationCredit: Alamy
Antwerp Central Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in the worldCredit: Alamy
Often overlooked by its Belgium counterparts of Brussels and Bruge, Antwerp has more than 500 years for diamond trading history.
Currently handling around 80 per cent of the world’s rough diamonds, the diamond district itself has become a popular tourist spot with cafes and bars.
Yet the city is fast becoming the hot new weekend break destination.
Last year, Time Out named the neighbourhood of Borgerhout the second the coolest in the world.
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For attractions, there is Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), with live DJs and cocktail bars in summer, or the MoMu Fashion Museum.
Want to catch a show? The Quartier Latin is nicknamed the Theatre neighbourhood due to the sheer number of theatres and opera houses there are.
Make sure to get some famous frites as well as the famous Bolleke beer.
Or, go a bit higher class to one of the 16 Michelin-starred restaurants scattered throughout the city.
In the summer, head to Sint-Anneke beach on the river.
For one of the most unique stays, there is the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, in a former monastery and the city’s first five tar hotel.
Or there is August, just as beautiful and built in a former convent.
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Antwerp – but instead can take the Eurostar via Brussels, taking just over three hours.
It’s worth the journey simply to go to Antwerp Centraal Station, which dates back to 1873.
The Sun’s Harry Corton recently visited the city.
Head to the river in the summer to cool downCredit: Alamy
He said: “Antwerp is a culture slap in the face with all the trappings of Amsterdam (yes, even a red light district!) but none of the tourist-trampled thoroughfares.
“A visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady, is essential. Take in the enormous marble turrets, ancient clock faces and magnificent stained-glass windows.
“Belgian beer culture is recognised by UNESCO as one of the great human wonders of the world and there are tons of places to sample the dizzying local delights.
“The best is Bier Central (De Keyserlei 25), where the 120-page ‘Beer Cyclodpedia’ offers over 100 different concoctions.”
Here are some of the cheapest places to fly to this year.
And here is how to spend the weekend in Europe’s cheapest city.
You can get to Antwerp via Brussels with EurostarCredit: Alamy
