Antwerp Weekend Getaway: A Vlogger's Guide to Belgium's Diamond City

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Arrival and Settling In: Antwerp's First Impressions

Arrival in Antwerp & Hotel First Impressions

Friday evening found us on the NS International train, a smooth journey from the Netherlands to Antwerp. Stepping off, we were instantly captivated by the magnificent Antwerp Central Station – truly one of the world's most beautiful. The grandeur of it all was breathtaking, a perfect start to our weekend.

After the station's stunning visual feast, we checked into our hotel. It was a modern place, conveniently located about ten minutes from the central station, heading towards the old town. A great location, that is. The room itself was simple but perfectly adequate. However, there was a slight twist; we ended up in a handicapped-accessible room. It was considerably larger than a standard room, a definite plus, but the bathroom, judging by photos of regular rooms, seemed a bit less fancy. Oh well, such are the quirks of travel.

This trip marked a premiere – my first time vlogging with my shiny new camera. It boasts a cool auto-tracking feature, freeing me from constantly readjusting the camera. I also got a new microphone, desperately needed for those noisy public spots, which I immediately tested. It's always a gamble with new tech, but so far, so good. For tonight, though, relaxation is the plan. We'd been working all week, and it was already quite late. The Antwerp adventure officially begins tomorrow!

Hotel Room and Backpack Review

Our hotel room was a pleasant surprise! While we unexpectedly ended up in a handicapped-accessible room, the extra space was a definite bonus. It felt spacious and airy, a welcome change after a long day of travel. The bed, though, was the real star—incredibly comfortable, making for a wonderfully restful night's sleep.

Speaking of restful, my new Gaston Luga backpack proved itself invaluable. This stylish 16L Latte-colored bag easily held both my work and personal laptops, plus all my weekend essentials. The multiple compartments kept everything organized, and the minimalist design was perfect for a city break. I can definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a functional yet fashionable travel companion. Gaston Luga’s commitment to sustainability is also a nice touch.

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Saturday Adventures: Exploring Antwerp's Hidden Gems

Breakfast and City Exploration

Our Antwerp adventure began with a hunt for the perfect breakfast spot. We aimed for a highly-rated place in the old town, picturing a bustling Sunday brunch scene. The reality, however, was quite different. We found ourselves the only customers in a stylish restaurant called 'Helsinki Pizza and Kebab' – a name as intriguing as its breakfast menu.

The unexpected quiet allowed us to fully appreciate the ambiance. The unusual name notwithstanding, the food was delightful. My French toast, a curious mix of sweet bread and savory toppings, was surprisingly delicious. Afterwards, we tested my new microphone in the surprisingly quiet establishment, capturing the crisp audio my new equipment promised.

Next, we discovered a hidden gem: a free botanical garden. It wasn't large, but its quirky collection of plants and trees offered a peaceful escape from the city buzz. A small historical plaque revealed its founding in 1825, originally serving as a scientific study center. Despite missing a visit to its greenhouses, a pleasant stroll provided a much-needed break.

Het Steen & City Views

Our afternoon took an unexpected turn with a visit to Het Steen, a medieval castle offering free entry. I'd envisioned a grand, sprawling fortress, but the interior was…smaller than anticipated. A few rooms, nothing extraordinary. However, the rooftop bar provided stunning panoramic views of the city, making the slightly underwhelming interior a minor detail.

The real highlight was the breathtaking vista from the castle's rooftop. The sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and the city spread out before us like a fascinating, three-dimensional map. It was the perfect spot to relax with a drink, soak in the atmosphere, and capture some incredible photos and video.

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Evening Relaxation and Dinner Preparations

Hotel Break & Dinner Preparations

After a whirlwind afternoon exploring Antwerp's hidden gems and stunning viewpoints, we retreated to our unexpectedly spacious hotel room. My boyfriend promptly crashed for a well-deserved nap, while I tackled the task of editing the day's footage. My new camera and microphone performed admirably, capturing crisp visuals and clear audio even in the bustling city. It felt good to have a quiet moment to catch up on the tech side of things.

With the editing complete, a sense of calm settled over us. The comfortable bed had worked its magic, and we were both feeling refreshed and ready for the evening. We spent some time planning the evening's activities: dinner at a pre-booked restaurant. I'd learned from past trips that securing a table for a Friday or Saturday evening in Antwerp required pre-planning, and I wasn't about to risk another fruitless search for a vacant table. The city was buzzing – a palpable excitement hummed in the air, and we were excited to be a part of it.

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Sunday Stroll: More Antwerp Exploration

Sunday Breakfast & Continued City Exploration

Our Sunday began with a quest for the perfect brunch spot. We'd targeted a highly-rated place in the old town, envisioning a bustling scene. Instead, we found ourselves the sole occupants of 'Helsinki Pizza and Kebab,' a restaurant with a name as intriguing as its breakfast menu. The unexpected quiet was, surprisingly, a blessing; it allowed us to fully appreciate the charming ambiance.

My French toast, a delightful fusion of sweet bread and savory toppings, was unexpectedly delicious. The unusual combination worked surprisingly well, a testament to the chef's creativity. Even better, the quiet atmosphere allowed for optimal audio recording – a successful test run for my new microphone.

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FAQ

What is the most striking feature of Antwerp Central Station?

The grandeur and beauty of Antwerp Central Station are breathtaking, making it one of the world's most beautiful train stations.

What was the unexpected bonus of the vlogger's hotel room?

The vlogger unexpectedly received a handicapped-accessible room, which was significantly larger than a standard room, offering extra space and comfort.

What unexpected breakfast spot did the vloggers discover, and what was notable about it?

They discovered 'Helsinki Pizza and Kebab,' a stylish restaurant with an intriguing name. Surprisingly, they were the only customers, allowing them to fully appreciate the ambiance and test the new microphone in a quiet setting.