Quick review of Antwerp

Just to report back on my trip at the weekend - I loved the city last time I went (about 5 or so years ago) and wasn%26#39;t disappointed on this trip either - and can%26#39;t wait to go back! Lots to see and do (if you%26#39;re into similar things as I am, of course) - I%26#39;d recommend it for anyone interested in beer culture, good Flemish/Belgian food, interesting buildings %26amp; grand architecture, museums, or just wandering around the city.

My top tip would be to buy a CAMRA Good Beer Guide to Belgium, to get the most out of the different beers on offer - though if you%26#39;re not that interested in beer, just pick whatever pubs and bars look interesting - there are plenty of old-style bars and modern cocktail bars too.

We got the early Eurostar and changed at Brussels Midi onto the next train to Antwerp - got an IC (Intercity) and were there within an hour. Followed signs for Metro (M) at Centrall Station %26amp; went to platform for trams 2 or 15, direction Linkerover. Ticket machine does have English versions, but a little confusing as to what ticket was best, so we bought 3-day passes (10 euro each) to make sure we were covered.

Staying at Le Patio (see separate review) in Pelgrimstraat, so got off at Groenplatz - very near. In the afternoon got no. 8 tram down to Zuid area, to visit the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts - beautiful building and lots to see, I thought it was well worth the 6 euro fee and we only managed to do the upstairs (grand masters) collection! Then we walked down one block ot Het Packhuis, a restaurant with a micro-brewery onsite, and some snacks - I recommend the White Beer Soup.

In the evening went to Het Stoempot - had been before, even better this time - small friendly place, informat, with hearty Flemish %26amp; Belgian cuisine such as witloof, stoemp and waterzooi (see separate review). Then down to Kulminator for some aged beers.

The next day we went to the Diamond Museum in the morning - 6 euro, again, I thought it was worth it; then De Konink brewery in the afternoon (7.5 euro with plenty of samples).

Evening meal was at Quinten Mastjis, a very old cafe - unpretentious, decent Belgian pub grub and a good beer list.

Sunday, we spent a couple of hours walking along the Schelde river, up to the start of the docks area which is being redeveloped, before going to %26#39;t Waagstuk for lunch - an old coaching in off a smart square.

Then it was back to pick up our rucksacks from Le Patio, and off to get a train to Brussels - leaving enough time for a wander down Rue Marche aux Herbes to visit Bier Tempel and the Caffe Tasse shops, before hopping back on the Eurostar home.

Every time I visit Belgium I come back wanting to book my next trip there - Antwerp has a certain cosmopolitain nature and charm to it, with lots to offer - but I%26#39;d also recommend Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges - and am planning trips to Mechelen, Liege and Oostende in the near future too!