Making a tour of the countries of Benilyuks, it is almost impossible not to visit the second largest port city of the old woman in Europe - Antwerp. The city in which an amazing way is combined with old and modern architectural delights, the city is a recognized world center for processing and selling diamonds, and simply the city has a huge amount of advantages and inhabited by interesting people. However, as in any other city of the world, there are a number of its features and nuances in Antwerp, which is better to know in advance that it would not be asked.
- Upon arrival in the city, for better orientation in it, it makes sense to acquire a card by the guide, which in Antwerp can be obtained completely free of charge in any print kiosk Koi set in the area of the railway station or on Grownplatz Square (Green Square). By the way, the last favorite place for walks is not only among tourists, but also at the locals. It is surprisingly beautiful and cozy, as well as a large number of small cafes and bars, in which you can spend time.
- You can move around the city, both by bus and at the local tram, ground or underground. And despite the fact that the last townspeople named the subway, with the subway he has only one similarity - is underground. And otherwise, this is all the same familiar tram. There is another option with a taxi, but it is no cheap pleasure. The price of one-time ticket price is 1.2 euro when buying a local transport company in the kiosk, or 2 euros when buying from the driver. A ticket for a whole day will cost 5 euros (6 from the driver), and a ticket for 10 trips is 8 euros (10 from the driver). But the most optimal way of movement for tourists, is still a bike. The historical center is not so big, on a bicycle, one pleasure is moving along it. But on the outskirts of the city and industrial neighborhoods, it is better not to surprise at all. Even during the day. For the port status of the city makes itself felt and the robust tourists are not rare.
Bicycle rental will cost 4-10 euros, depending on what kind of bike you choose and how much time. It is worth considering that in the Belgian rules, unlike Dutch, it is possible to move on a bike only on cycles or sidewalks. Departure to the roadway is prohibited! In this regard, in Antwerp, you can see funny situations when there is a walkway for cyclists, and for the sidewalk, there is simply no place for the pedestrians straight on the lawns.
- In Antwerp, it is customary to give tips, however, in 99% of cases, they are included in the check with a separate line and the amount of tip is 10% of the amount of the account. At the same time, if you like the work of the bartender or the waiter, no one forbids you to give it tips in excess of those mentioned in the check. At the same time, being in a cafe or bar, do not think to ask as a ashtray. According to the legislation of Belgium, smoking in public places is categorically prohibited, including in catering establishments. So smokers will have to indulge their bad habit of searching for specially equipped places, which are a bit in the city. And if you went to a cafe or bar, be sure to try local beer, whose species numbered more than 200, while many specialists in this foam drink recognize that local beer is one of the best in the world in the world in its taste.
- Residents of the city speak three languages: Dutch, German and French. With that, the latter says most of the population. At the same time, in no case in communicating with citizens, do not compare them with the French. This will cause wild insult and misunderstanding. Hotel staff and most restaurants understand completely in English. So problems with communication, as a rule, does not occur.
- According to local law, all citizens of Antwerp are obliged to have a certifying personality document. This rule applies to tourists. When leaving the city is better to have a hotel card and passport with you. As a last resort, if you are afraid of losing it, you can take a photocopy with you. This will help avoid possible misunderstandings.
And otherwise, Antwerp is not much different from other cities in Western Europe. Have a nice rest!