City Guide: Antwerp

     Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world.

     The city earned this nickname for a formula of perfection that is based on the city's vivid spirit. Antwerp's lifestyle introduced it to the world as the city open to risk when it claimed to outstrip Paris in fashion.

     You should soak up Antwerp’s local life with Booked.net. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Antwerp to luxury one all listed at Booked.net. Check out maps, photos and secure forms on every hotel before you book your stay.

     Actually, Paris thrives on the fashion giants who were once brought up in Antwerp. The city is hometown to more designers than European couture houses have ever seen. Famous worldwide fashion luminaries like Dries Van Noten and Véronique Branquinho first introduced their experimental clothing in Antwerp and only afterwards presented it on the global fashion scene.

     Along with fashion achievements stands the art scene in Antwerp. Such artists as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens converted the city into the showpiece of artistic development. Antwerp has grown to prominence as one of Europe's leading art centers.

    Even though today Antwerp is entangled with being a harbor city only, it goes beyond this. The Europe's second-largest port in the area only adds to the hazardous mix of traditionalism and experimental styles in the city. The best reflection of this tension is architecture to explore in the city.

Attractions include;

 - Rubenshuis traces Rubens' life and artwork

- Antwerp Zoo, the oldest one in the world with more than 4000 animals and 19^th century architecture

 - Bourla theatre, a 19^th century neo-classicist building

- Carolus Borromeus Church, a Baroque church with beautiful decorations by Rubens' studio

- Middelheim Park, very compact, but beautiful green area to take it easy in the city

     From the early years sailors from across the world often docked ships at Antwerp's shores. As the major crossing on the Scheldt River, Antwerp grew to become one of Europe’s leading economic centers. By 1609 trade flourished with new industries and money was invested in the city's reputation of cultural hub. Its printing houses were famous throughout Europe and works by painter Ruben brought an international confidence.

     In the 19^th century came another wave of prosperity with the world’s largest port after London. In addition, the 1920 Olympic Games brought public interest and construction boom to the city. Consequently, Europe's first skyscraper Torengebouw dominated the city.

     Whatever you regard Antwerp, from architecture to fashion, the city is charming to visit and comfortable to stay with Booked.net.