Antwerpen

With 516.000 inhabitants, Antwerp is the biggest city of Flanders (Belgium). A confident metropolis on the River Scheldt, Antwerp is the economic engine of Flanders. The port of Antwerp is the third largest in Europe and home to a vast (petro)chemical industry. Antwerp is also the number one diamond trade city in the world.

The city is a fruitful environment for the creative economy. Ever since the famous ‘Antwerp six’ Antwerp is well-known for its fashion scene. On every street corner there are creative and innovative businesses. A young, expanding university and several polytecnic schools deliver fresh potential each year: young creatives who are offered many opportunities in Antwerp to progress throughout their careers.

Everyday cycling is quite common in Antwerp. This is greatly facilitated by the city: its 700 kilometers of cycle paths are used by 28,9% of the citizens for all purposes and destinations.

Since 2011 Antwerp has a bike sharing scheme: Velo. Velo is accessible 24/7 and offers 1.800 bicycles in 150 bike stations. Cyclists can easily ride from neighbourhood to neighbourhood along the Ring Road and over the River Scheldt to the Linkeroever city quarter on the left bank. At the moment 34.358 users have an annual subscription. Daily and weekly subscriptions are also available. In 2014 3.600.000 trips were made with Velo bikes.

Flanders is famous for its cycling races, such as the Tour of Flanders. In 2015 Antwerp in its turn will host the 3rd stage of the Tour de France.

Want to visit Antwerpen? Check this out! Visit Antwerpen for all visitors, This is Antwerp with tips from Antwerp locals for international travellers with a youthful spirit or view Antwerpen.