European capital of love

Feb 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

Sarah Judd visits an alternative destination for couples on Valentine’s Day

THINKING of destinations for a romantic city break, Belgium’s second city, Antwerp, didn’t automatically spring to mind.

But this beautiful, enchanting place is a worthy rival to Rome and Paris as the city of love, if my whistlestop tour is anything to go by.

With exclusive hotels, cosy restaurants and stunning art galleries and museums, this city has everything you could hope for if you want a relaxing and cultural weekend break.

But it’s a girl’s best friend that makes this city a must for loved-up couples – especially those with something extra special to celebrate.

Antwerp is well known as the world diamond centre, trading 85% of the world’s production in rough diamonds and 55% of the polished variety globally.

This makes it cheaper, yet more magical, to buy the jewel here than anywhere else, and it’s no surprise Diamond Land, the largest showroom in Antwerp, is a major attraction for soon-to-be engaged couples hoping to come home with an extra-special souvenir of their trip.

The city’s Diamond Museum also provides a unique insight into years of glittering tradition in Antwerp, the home of about 1,500 diamond companies.

Its current exhibition, Bling Bling, takes a look at the influence of diamonds on hip-hop culture. Put together by local youths, it features wonderful pieces like a diamond encrusted microphone – much coveted by your average image-conscious rapper, I’m sure.

The museum also showcases a fabulous collection of vintage and contemporary jewellery, including a replica of the Crown Jewels featuring the Koh-I-Noor and Cullinan I diamonds – two of the biggest in the world.

The hotel I stayed in was also a real gem. The plush four-star Hotel Plaza, surrounded by gardens, is located on a charming street called Charlottalei, and faces onto a lush green city park minutes away from the city centre.

Such a rich and luxurious setting makes it easy to see why couples would enjoy the beauty and magic of this unlikely city of romance.

The hustle and bustle of animated Antwerp’s nightlife, including a plethora of restaurants and busy bars, is only a short taxi ride or romantic stroll away from Hotel Plaza.

You cannot leave without trying the delicacy of mussels steamed in their shells with chips and mayonnaise.

As with all the other seafood I sampled in Belgium, like tuna in a sweet lemon sauce, this was absolutely delightful.

Antwerp’s most popular draught beer, De Koninck, is also not to be missed. Light and refreshing and served in a goblet-like glass the natives refer to as “Een Bolleke”, this sets the standard by which other Belgian ales are judged, inspiring you to try the country’s famous golden ales, wheat beers and red beers.

There seems to be a buzz about every bar and restaurant you visit, and the lively and cheerful atmosphere which sets hearts fluttering is catching wherever you go.

As well as a city of love, Antwerp is also one of high culture and it’s impossible not to visit at least one art gallery.

As someone who knew nothing of 14th to 16th-century Flemish art before my short trip to Belgium, the galleries I visited had me captivated, and I would recommend Rubens’s House, or Rubenshuis.

The fact that it is located two minutes’ walk from the famous Godiva chocolatier is just an added bonus, but I couldn’t resist popping in for a few treats to take home.

Rubenshuis, on a street known as Wapper, is also located close to one of the city’s famous poultry markets which, as well as live turkeys, ducks and any other bird you could think of eating, also sells everything from sweets, to silk scarves and pets, providing a fascinating look at the daily lives of the local traders. The neo-classical art temple which is Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts is also a must, combining classic work from the 14th century with modern art forms.

Even non-art lovers are drawn into the intriguing works of fine art, depicting everything from religious imagery, some of which has an unusual and modern twist, to traditional family life.

Although Antwerp is most famous for diamonds, beer and chocolate, it has also become a key destination on the European fashion circuit and a visit to the MoMu Fashion Museum, on Nationalestraat, in the heart of the old city – as well as Antwerp’s fashion scene – is essential.

The Belgian city is the perfect choice for a romantic Valentine’s trip. If you’re not in love when you get there, you will be when you leave.

SARAH JUDD was a guest of Tourism Flanders & Brussels. Belgium Tourism brochures can be ordered from tel: 0800 9545 245. Belgium Tourism, tel: 020 7307 7738 or e-mail: info@visitflanders.co.uk.

Trips are available to Antwerp on P&O ferries, www.poferries.com or tel: 08716 645 645.