Antwerp

Flanders

The northern part of Belgium is known as Flanders. All Flemish towns are brimming with quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums, trendy fashion and designer boutiques, and friendly outdoor cafés perfect for sipping on one of the many hundreds of different local beers. And – not to forget – the best chocolate in the world...Travelling to Flanders is an unforgettable experience!

This is the Flemish city with the most outspoken character. It's trendy, hip, and hot!

Local designers do not compete against international designer brands Ã¢ on the contrary, they play in a different league: they are the ones who put "personality" into fashion!

Antwerp is home to Rubens, so a visit to the House of Rubens Ã¢ his home and studio Ã¢ should not be missed, and a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady is a must to admire some of Rubens' most impressive works...

And Antwerp's sparkle is for eternity: this is the city of diamonds. No less than 80% of the world's diamonds pass via Antwerp, and skilled hands continue age-old traditions of diamond-cutting. Our suggestion: go for the 'Antwerp Cut', known around the world as a brilliant cut of the highest quality.

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Not to Miss

Town hall

If walls could talk, this impressive Renaissance-style building would teach history. It symbolizes Antwerp's Golden Age as the leading European trading capital in the 16th century.

Cathedral of Our Lady

It took 169 years (1352-1521) of labour to raise the 123m heavenward-reaching steeple of the Cathedral, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. The Cathedral is an iconic treasury, with an impressive collection of major art works, including a series of paintings by Rubens.

House of Rubens

Rubens and his family lived in this palatial setting for well over 25 years and it is here that the artist created the lion's share of his work. Rubens’ beautiful house on the Wapper, the charming garden, the creator's workshop and the fabulous collection all testify of Rubens' relevance as an Antwerp icon.

Antwerp Fashion

The Modenatie – on the corner of Nationale and Drukkerijstraat – is the epicentre of the fashion district. Of course, there is the fashion museum MoMu, but for Antwerp fashion at its most rocking, the area around Kammenstraat and Lombardenvest beckons. World fashion ramp names are familiar here – Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela – with new graduates appearing all the time.

Central Station

The renovated ‘railway cathedral’ – the Central Station – magically whisks you back to the romantic era of steam trains. As stations go – this one is iconic, so sit and take it in with a newspaper and coffee. The world will pass you by!

Diamond Quarter

Antwerp diamond is an established value with an unbeatable reputation. The diamond district around the Central Station offers no less than 1800 diamond shops – so shop around. For a look behind the scenes, you may need local advice. Or head down to the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) where the Diamond Pavilion illustrates why Antwerp is called the world centre for diamonds.

Het Eilandje

This old harbour is now hip and trendy! The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) gives an impressive picture of Antwerp and its relation to the water. Housed in a renovated warehouse, the Red Star Line Museum tells the story of millions of migrants who left via Antwerp to New York to start a new life. And gastronomical delights are prepared in many of the restaurants that now line the docks.