Things to do in Antwerp
Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton by go-karting
Indoor Karting Antwerp’s tarmac track (tel: +32 3 541 4343; www.indoorkartingantwerpen.be) is one of the best in Belgium and a magnet for petrolheads and budding racers alike. This 710m-long (2,329ft) circuit features kerb stones, gravel traps and some nippy little go karts, which make for a true racing experience.
Cycle through Flanders’ fields
There aren’t many places better than Belgium to hop on your bike; the country is as flat as a pool table. A cycle around the city is scenic enough, but if you prefer natural beauty there are plenty of cycling trails in Flanders that take in the region’s waterways and villages. De Ligfiets (tel: +32 3 293 7456; www.en.ligfiets.net) can help with bikes and advice.
Hike to your heart’s delight
Visitors can cover plenty of ground just getting around Antwerp’s urban sights. However, for more serious walkers, there are plenty of great hiking trails in and around the Flanders region. The Antwerp tourist board (tel: +32 3 232 0103; www.visitantwerpen.be) will be able to point you in the right direction.
Show your Royal Antwerp colours
Founded in 1880, Royal Antwerp Football Club (tel: +32 47 265 2440; www.rafc.be) is the oldest team in the Belgium league. They play at the city’s historic Bosuilstadion and currently compete in the second division. After some crippling financial problems, the club is now alive, kicking and worth a watch.
Splash about in Lake Zilvermeer
If you need to blow the cobwebs away after too many De Koninck beers, head to Lake Zilvermeer (tel: +32 1482 9500; www.zilvermeer.be), located 50km (31 miles) east of Antwerp. This 25-hectare (61-acre) lake is used for a variety of watersports. Visitors can sail, kayak and even learn to dive.
