City info

Biofuels International will be held in Antwerp, Belgium on 16 - 17 November 2011.

Antwerp at a glance

Renowned as being the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium and the capital of its province, Flanders. With the second largest port in Europe and one of the ten largest ports in the world, Antwerp has excellent trade routes. Antwerp is located 29 miles from Brussels and only 80 minutes by train to Paris.

The city of Antwerp is characteristic of a historic European city with cobbled roads, fascinating architecture and a historical heritage; however Antwerp still has many modern attributes with excellent bars, restaurants, shops and diamonds!

Antwerp Fast Facts

1. Population

472,071 inhabitants

2. Currency

Name: Euro
Code: EUR
Symbol: €

For up to date currency conversion rates please go to http://www.xe.com/

3. Official language

Dutch, French, German

4. Electrical Plugs

Twin round pin electrical plugs with a permanent rounded pin in the socket A.C. 220 Volts – 50 cycles

5. Time Zones

UTC/GMT +1 hours

6. Visa Requirements

You will need a valid passport for entry in Belgium. You are not required to apply for a Visa unless you intend to stay for over 90 days.

7. Weather forecasts

For up-to-date weather forecasts for your trip to Antwerp please click here for forecasts in both °C and °F for your preference

8. Maps

To make Antwerp easier for you to navigate click here for a facility to print region maps & street maps

Getting Around

Public transport in Antwerp is a regular and efficient bus and tram service and open between 6.30am – 12 midnight. You can purchase a single ticket (tram and bus use for 1 hour), a 24 hour pass or a 3/5 day pass; all can be purchased from the driver.

Attractions

Antwerp has many attractions to offer its visitors

• Antwerp Port – Responsible for transforming Antwerp into a modern, cosmopolitan and flourishing city. 
• Antwerp Zoo – Established in 1843 Antwerp Zoo remains one of the world’s oldest and biggest zoos with nearly 6,000 animals.
• Cathedral of Our Lady – One of the first gothic masterpieces in Europe became a cathedral in 1559 and remains one of tallest building in Antwerp. 
• Diamond District – Antwerp is famous for its diamonds and trades over 80% of the world’s unpolished diamonds annually.  Don’t miss the Diamondland where you can watch polishers, cutters and goldsmiths at work – plus Diamondland is the largest diamond shop in Antwerp!
• KBC Tower – Now the second largest building in Antwerp, the KBC Tower was once the first skyscraper in Western Europe.
• Steen Castle – Built in the 11th century, Steen Castle has survived many attacks and still stands proudly in Antwerp.  Steen Castle was one of the first stone constructions in Belgium.  Once used as a prison it now houses the National Maritime Museum.

For more information on sites and attractions in Antwerp please click here for a full list

This information was sourced from the following websites:

http://www.antwerp.com/
http://www.visitbelgium.com/index.php
http://www.antwerp-tourist-guide.com/public-transportation.html

For event information please contact :

Rebecca Shears

Marketing & Events Manager
t:   +44 (0)20 8687 4138
e:   rebecca@horseshoemedia.com