GaryCA

I'm trying to decide which of these two cities to include in a trip that's otherwise pretty decided. I'm interested in general sightseeing, including a couple of museums, architecture and a little nightlife. Any opinions?

francophile03

Strasbourg is a very nice, quaint French/German influenced city. The restaurants are great-quite a few Alsatian ones-and there are sights such as Petit France, the cathedral, and, the canals for example. I have not been to Antwerp but from what I gather it's got alot more nightlife and is a bit more of a modern type of city than Strasbourg.

GaryCA

Thanks. Except for Paris, all my other destinations are quaint small French towns, so maybe I'm really looking for a big city to give some balance.

Grasshopper

Then Antwerp is probably more up your alley. I'm looking forward to a longer visit (than my previous one night stay) in December.

PalQ

though antwerp is nice and has several museums and churches full of Flemish art, Strasbourg to me is a much more attractive city and it has one of Europe's finest cathedrals. laced by canals, the old town is neat. And it has a range of architecture, from the old town to the futuristic edifices of the European Union on the edge of town. Strasbourg to me is one of Europe's loveliest cities! Both Antwerp and Strasbourg are large cities.

m_kingdom2

My dear, Antwerp not only has the attractions of Diamond museum, and various houses of historical significance, it has the finest shopping in Europe, in my opinion it's superior even to that of London, or certainly on a par.

jay

Although Strasbourg is a big city it has a small town feel. You can also use it as a jumping off point for trips along the Route de Vin etc.

Curt

At Strasbourg you are also just across the Rhine from Germany and the Black Forest for additional options. It is a wonerful city, great dining, and the old part of town is excellent. If you are into castles just south of town in the mountains is Haut Koeingberg, well worth a visit. And as mentioned earlier the wine route is good as well.

When in Strasbourg be sure to try Tarte Flambe...ah so good! And the local beers are excellent. Just overall a good place to visit.

I suggest for hotel, if it is in your price range, the Regent Contades, so nice. Here is link
http://www.regent-hotels.com/contades/

GaryCA

Great suggestions, thanks. You're making me lean toward Strasbourg. Food and drink are always a big draw for me.

MyriamC

Gary,
If food and drink are a big draw Antwerp is the place to be!
Also in terms of museums (art, fashion, diamonds, ...), churches (Our Lady's Cathedral is one of the most beautiful examples of gothic churches in Europe), architecture in general Antwerp has so much to offer.
The city offers a wide choice of restaurants to everyone's taste and budget, cafés (Belgian beer is famous all over the world), bars, clubs ... you name it. Nightlife is really exuberant in our small yet vibrant city.

m_kingdom2

Myriam, I couldn't agree more, Antwerp is a fabulous city. It's got more charm than London, yet all the fashion, and more! I loved it there, and am planning on buying my spring 05 wardrobe there.

MyriamC

Some good info on Antwerp can be found at http://en.antwerpen.be/MIDA/

Peteralan

Hi Gary...I haven't been to Antwerp so can't compare but I am definitely recommending Strasbourg. Its a lovely city especially the Petite France area. We also did some trips down the Wine Road from there. Enjoy !

GaryCA

Looks like I'll have to try and include both cities!