where to stay? (geographically)

I apologize if my question can easily be answered elsewhere - I tried to do a search! Where would be an ideal location to stay to see the %26quot;touristy sites%26quot; of Antwerp? I%26#39;ve seen several references to %26quot;the diamond district%26quot; as well as the market square... If I come in by Eurostar, can someone suggest an ideal location or street? Hotel recs are welcome, though I can sort through hotels myself once I narrow down where they should be! Thanks very much.

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Hello,

I think you should prefer market square/old town area.

Eurostar does not go to Antwerp! It arrives at Brussels Midi/South. From there you have to take a train to Antwerp-Central station. There are plenty (platforms 20-21-22 normally in Brussels Midi).

Just an example of two hotels below, as regards the location. There are many other hotels/bed and breakfasts, depending on which price range you are looking for.

http://www.hotel-sandt.be/index.htm

http://www.hotel-julien.com/home.html

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Indeed you are not coming in (to Antwerp) by Eurostar, although you might possibly mean Thalys as this stops at Antwerp on the way to Amsterdam; however, if you are using the ABS option to cover travel to Antwerp on your Eurostar ticket, you will arrive by normal Belgian Railways Intercity (IC) train, at Antwerpen-Centraal. The diamond district is around the station, while the Market Square is at least 20 minutes walk away down the main shopping drag, Meir.

You could stay at either location, in fact if you are leaving by train also, you might find it convenient to stay near the station, e.g. Koningin Astridplein (Radisson Blu Astrid - formerly Astrid Park Plaza - Park Inn, Atlanta..). This would avoid either carting your luggage on trams to the Markt area or having to take a taxi to and from your hotel.

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But you will be much better in the old town for the evenings. I would prefer taking a taxi once and staying in %26quot;the%26quot; area. As you like....

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Sorry, I know that Eurostar does not go into Antwerp - I am planning to use my Eurostar ticket to go by the train to get into Antwerp.

Thanks very much for all of the recommendations!

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I agree with joop1. Do stay in or near the historical centre (old town). It%26#39;s only a short metro or taxi ride from central station. The diamond district is okay for travelers on business. The old town is much nicer, all the tourist attractions are there and you will find plenty of restaurants/cafés.

BTW, joop1%26#39;s suggestions of Hotel %26#39;t Sandt and Julien are excellent choices.

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Once you haev decided on your geographic location, there are some great deals on www.choosebelgium.com.

They are great to book with, they own the www.choosetotravel.com network - i always travel with them. No booking fees, low rate guarantee, excellent service.

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Thanks for the link, naki002. I compared a few hotels but unfortunately all three are more expensive on the Maltese site than on www.booking.com