We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Vivian, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Vivian lives in Brazil, and submitted the following report about Antwerp. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Flemish, French, English
Grote Markt
Reasons to Visit Antwerp
Antwerp is fashionable and historical, at the same time. Getting there is very easy – I traveled there from Brussels by train in a short trip (around 40 minutes). From the Centraal Station (which is amazing!) to the Grote Markt, passing by Meir Street, it is possible to see the Belgian's way of life and share their culture and habits. There are a lot of interesting places to see, such as the Groten Market, The Steen (a replica of a fort, near the river), the Port (one of the biggest in the world), the churches (the Cathedral of Our Lady), the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, and the ModeMuseum (the museum of fashion). There are a lot of good bookstores, especially about design, fashion, and arts. There's also a big mall, with a lot of stores, including a good FNAC.
Walking through the old streets is a nice way to find interesting places, such as restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops. I had lunch in an amazing natural restaurant at Hoogstraat, that looked like a house with a big room and kitchen – that made me feel at home! So cool! And if you are in Antwerp, of course you must try the amazing waffles and the fries.
Central Station
Be sure to try the waffles!
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
