Belgium Again!
I think Belgium is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever laid my eyes on. From my very first visit ages ago, when I first started touring the Benelux countries, it left a big impression on me. It was the architecture, the huge, ornate, and elegant buildings that impressed me the most. Marc and I were in Belgium just two years ago visiting Brussels and Brugge. This time around, we visited Antwerp which was very close to the Netherlands.
We arrived in Antwerp mid afternoon from Rotterdam. We timed our arrival just right around check in time at our IBIS Hotel a hop and a skip from the city's retail streets. Right away, I was in awe of the majestic buildings. The Antwerp Train Station alone is a destination in itself. Our trip to Antwerp was our third. The last time we came here was last January 2019 when we took a day to visit from Amsterdam. We remember the bustling shopping street Meir as well as the majestic train station. We decided then that we would return when they days got longer and warmer. Thus, this summer 2024, we went.
The Antwerp Train Station. So grand!
Inside the Antwerp Train Station
Another scene inside the Antwerp Train Station
The beautiful Opera building right in the heart of the city
We stayed at this IBIS Hotel and we were very happy with it especially the price of the room. Our two night stay was the equivalent of one night in our IBIS Hotel room in Leiden. Really affordable!
What detail! This was what adorned one building. Truly jaw dropping!
We didn't realize there was an Inno Department Store in Antwerp. We ate in their restaurant in Brussels a few times two years ago. Luckily for us, the store had the same style restaurant where we got to our our favorite Belgian mussels. In fact, we were given two pots for the price of one on our first night in Antwerp. It was a steal, not to mention delicious!!!
The lobby of our IBIS Hotel in Antwerp. It was very close to the pedestrian shopping street in the heart of the city
Another lounge area inside the lobby of the IBIS Hotel. It was obvious that the hotel was busy with tourists. We saw lots when we left in the morning and in the evening too when we returned after a whole day of sightseeing.