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Days Three and Four - Antwerp

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An approximately 1.5 hour train ride brings you from Brussels into Antwerp, where you will visit the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. Over 4,000 animals live here and since the zoo is so large, we expect you'll want to spend most of your day here. The zoo boasts a lush, green, landscaped setting, as opposed to the concrete zoos found in the United States. You can enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes within the zoo. The Antwerp Zoo also has a dolphinarium, a planetarium, and a museum of natural history.

When you're ready, make your way to Neuze Neuze for dinner. Located near the zoo in the center of Antwerp, this is a reasonably priced restaurant that offers good traditional French-Belgian food. The most popular are the fish dishes. Neuze Neuze is decorated on the exterior in Flemish style, but the interior is decidedly Mediterranean. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner, and it boasts many different menus and features accompanying wines from a variety of countries.

After dinner you can choose to attend one of the many jazz festivals or rock concerts that are continually happening in Antwerp. Or you can test out some local beers at a pub, or dance the night away at a nightclub. You can even try your luck at a casino! With Antwerp's vibrant night life, the possibilities are endless.

If you're not too exhausted from partying all night, on your fourth day in Belgium you can explore some of the other famous sites of Antwerp. Make sure to visit Rubneshuis, the house of painter Peter Paul Rubens, and check out some of his most famous works. Steen Castle is another amazing sight; the castle is not the National Maritime Museum and you can learn much about Belgian history and culture here. If you're into fashion, check out the MoMu (Mode Museum) and see the history of clothing, fabrics, and textiles in Belgium. There is even a collection here that dates back to the 16th century!

Next Page: Days Five and Six - Bruges

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