Antwerp
 

I will have just 2 days to spend in Antwerp and I'm trying to decide between the Plaza Hotel or Radisson SAS. Which one is more centrally located?

Check with Miriam; she is our resident expert on all things to do with Antwerp.

I am afraid nither of them is centrally located. With only two days,it would be much more enjoyeable to stay in old town-trully vibrant,day and night.

Within the same price range,Hilton probably will be a better choice, right next to the Cathedral.

I fully agree with JudyC. When staying at the Radisson or Plaza, you won't have the feel of being in a historical city.
Hilton (Groenplaats), Rubens (Grote Markt), BW Villa Mozart (Handschoenmarkt) are all in the historical centre. The lovely De Witte Lelie (Keizerstraat) is just a 5 min. walk.

Agree with Myriam. The Hilton is in a great location. Friends stayed there last week for a rate of 145 Euros.
If you can afford it, go De Witte Lelie; very beautiful small hotel.

Thanks, just booked 1 night at the Witte Lelie.

Inkspot, I'm jealous. De Witte Lelie is a great choice. It's one of the most charming hotels I've ever stayed in, without being in the least bit "cute". The design is a striking mix of contemporary and antique, the rooms are extremely comfortable, the breakfast is great, and the owner is a very interesting and helpful woman.

A few doors down the street is the small Rockoxhuis museum, which should not be missed. Nicholas Rockox was a wealthy merchant and a patron of Rubens, and the house gives a real feeling of the time.

A fabulous splurge dinner would be Sir Anthony Van Dyck, which offers great food in a beautiful venue.

And ask Monica Bock, the owner, for restaurant recommendations, although you can't go wrong with Sir Anthony van Dyck; probably my favorite restaurant in Antwerp. For a more casual meal, try the Dock's Café.

We are traveling to Dublin and Belgium in June. I am need of some places to buy very unusual signed vintage and costume jewelry and clothing.

I don't have any specific addresses here, but in Antwerp your best bet is probably to look in the Nationale Straat and the streets near there (Kammenstraat, Lombardenvest). There is also a shop in the Schuttershofstraat called 'jewel in a box' which works as an auction house; people who wish to sell jewellery, hire a box in the window and try to sell their old jewellery. You might find something there.
By the way; don't miss the Goddess exhibition at the Antwerp fashion museum in the Nationale Straat.

Tulips, we're going to the exhibition on Saturday. I'll think of you ...

Cheryl, some other streets selling antiques (not necessarily jewels or clothing but you never know) are Kloosterstraat and Oever. Good luck!

The only vintage shop I know (designer clothes) is 'Patricia vintage', Henegouwenstraat 75 in Ghent.

Where to spend the new year's eve in Netherland? Any celebration activities in Amsterdam?
Appreciate help in advance