Antwerp
Belgium's stylish port city - a grand cathedral and Rubens paintings, a palatial railway station, the world's diamond trade and a bold fashion and design scene.
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Antwerp is Belgium's stylish second city, a great port on the Scheldt that was once among the richest in Europe and remains the centre of the world's diamond trade. Its Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady holds masterpieces by Rubens, who lived and worked here, its railway station is a cathedral-like palace of stone and glass, and a bold fashion and design scene gives it a creative, contemporary edge.
What you actually see
- The Cathedral of Our Lady - the Gothic cathedral with its Rubens masterpieces.
- The railway station - the palatial, cathedral-like Antwerpen-Centraal.
- The Rubens House - the home and studio of the great painter.
- The Grote Markt - the guild houses and town hall of the old centre.
When to go
Spring to autumn for the best weather; the city is lively year-round with its fashion, cafes and nightlife. It is an easy trip from Brussels and pairs well with a Flanders itinerary.
Honest expectations
It is more of a working, contemporary city than a preserved medieval showpiece, so its appeal is the mix of grand history, art, fashion and port energy rather than fairytale looks. The Rubens House can close for renovation, so check. It rewards those interested in art, design or diamonds.
Nearby
Ghent and Bruges are within reach; Brussels and the Dutch border are close.
What to pack for Antwerp
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
