Day Two - Antwerp

An approximately 1.5 hour train ride brings you into Antwerp, where you will visit the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. Over 4,000 animals live here and since the zoo is so large, we expect you'll want to spend most of your day here. The zoo boasts a lush, green, landscaped setting, as opposed to the concrete zoos found in the United States. You can enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes within the zoo. The Antwerp Zoo also has a dolphinarium, a planetarium, and a museum of natural history.

 

After your long day at the zoo, you'll want to check into your hotel and clean up a bit before heading out for the evening. The Golden Tulip is where you'll be staying.  It's located in the center of the city, near the zoo. However, this hotel is in a quiet part of town and overlooks Central Park. The Golden Tulip is famous for its friendly staff and overall relaxed feeling. There are both a bar and a restaurant located inside the hotel, as well as a gift shop. Each room has a kitchenette and a mini-bar. You'll definitely feel at home in this hotel!

 

When you're ready, make your way to Neuze Neuze for dinner. Close to your hotel in the center of Antwerp, this is a reasonably priced restaurant that offers good traditional French-Belgian food. The most popular are the fish dishes. Neuze Neuze is decorated on the exterior in Flemish style, but the interior is decidedly Mediterranean. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner, and it boasts many different menus and features accompanying wines from a variety of countries.

 

After dinner you can choose to attend one of the many jazz festivals or rock concerts that are continually happening in Antwerp. Or you can test out some local beers at a pub, or dance the night away at a nightclub. You can even try your luck at a casino! With Antwerp's vibrant night life, the possibilities are endless.

 

In the morning, enjoy a piping hot Belgian waffle for breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, then board a train at Antwerp Central Station for Bruges, the Venice of the North! A 1 hour and 20 minute train ride will get you there.