Antwerp: The Gem of Belgium

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [ahl-stuu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dahnk oo]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt oo engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-khreyp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik zow khrahkh deh meh-noo-kahrt zeen, ahl-stuu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zow khrahkh vil-luhn buh-tah-luhn, ahl-stuu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga wegh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zyeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag kopen...
  [ik zow khrahkh koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk a-leyn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veyl kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vuh-rah-khun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teen]
• MorningOchtend
  [ohk-tuhnt]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [nah-mi-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvay]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-vuhn]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...?
  [vahr is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u me dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo muh daht toh-nuhn (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ehr is duh vohl-huhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kahrt-yuh (nahr)]

Antwerp's origins can be traced back to the 2nd century AD when it was a small Gallo-Roman settlement. As the Roman Empire expanded, Antwerp grew in significance due to its strategic position along the River Scheldt, serving as a crucial trading post.

During the Middle Ages, Antwerp flourished as a major commercial hub in Europe. By the 12th century, it became an important center for the cloth trade. The construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady, which began in 1352, symbolized the city's growing wealth and importance.

The 16th century marked Antwerp's Golden Age during the Renaissance. It became the leading economic and cultural center of Europe, attracting artists, merchants, and scholars. The Antwerp Stock Exchange, established in 1460, was the world's first purpose-built commodity exchange.

Antwerp's prosperity came to a halt in 1576 during the Spanish Fury, when Spanish troops sacked the city, leading to significant loss of life and economic decline. The Treaty of Antwerp in 1609, part of the Twelve Years' Truce, temporarily halted hostilities, but the city's influence waned.

After a period of decline, Antwerp experienced a revival in the 19th century. The construction of new docks and the expansion of the port facilitated the growth of industry and trade. The city also saw cultural developments, with the establishment of institutions like the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

Antwerp played a crucial role during World War II, particularly during the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944. After the war, the city underwent extensive reconstruction. The port was modernized, and Antwerp emerged as a key player in global trade once again.

Today, Antwerp is known for its vibrant culture, thriving arts scene, and significant economic contributions. It remains one of the largest ports in the world and is renowned for its diamond trade. The city's rich history is celebrated through its museums, architecture, and festivals.

Antwerp is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 45 kilometers away. From there, you can take a direct train to Antwerp Central Station, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, Antwerp International Airport (ANR) is located just 5 kilometers from the city center and serves a limited number of destinations. By train, Antwerp is accessible from major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London via high-speed trains. If you're driving, the city is easily reachable via the E19, E17, and E313 motorways.

Antwerp offers a variety of transportation options. The city has an extensive tram and bus network operated by De Lijn, which covers most attractions and neighborhoods. Single tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes can be purchased at vending machines, kiosks, or via the De Lijn app. Biking is also popular, and the city offers a bike-sharing program called Velo. Taxis are available but can be expensive; ridesharing services like Uber are also operational in Antwerp. For a scenic experience, consider taking a ferry across the River Scheldt.

Belgium uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in less touristy areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Contactless payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also commonly accepted.

Antwerp is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to take standard precautions. The area around the central station can be a bit sketchy at night, so be cautious. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like tourist attractions and public transport. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings. Always use reputable taxi services or ridesharing apps.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Antwerp has several hospitals with emergency services, including ZNA Stuivenberg and UZA (University Hospital Antwerp). Pharmacies are readily available, many of which have extended hours. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual; Antwerp is known for its fashion scene, so stylish attire is appreciated. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and maintaining a quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses. Don't eat or drink while on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A kiss on the cheek is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'moules-frites' and Belgian waffles. Don't forget to tip in restaurants, usually around 10%. Avoid talking loudly in public places.

To experience Antwerp like a local, visit the 'Meir' shopping street for a mix of international brands and local boutiques. Explore the 'Zuid' district for its trendy bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Don't miss the local markets like 'Vogelenmarkt' held every Sunday. For a unique experience, visit the 'MAS' museum and take in the panoramic views from its rooftop. Engage with locals in cafes and try to learn a few phrases in Dutch; it’s highly appreciated.