Antwerp: a first-timer's guide to Belgium's style capital

Why go

In the sixteenth century Antwerp was one of the richest cities in the world, and its golden age left behind a cathedral, guild houses and the homes of great painters. Today it adds a creative edge: designers from the Antwerp Six put it on the fashion map, the port has turned old docks into museums and bars, and neighbourhoods like Zurenborg and Het Zuid are full of architecture and cafés.

Central Station and the diamond quarter

Arrive by train and you will step into **Antwerpen-Centraal**, a stone and iron cathedral of a station built at the start of the twentieth century. Around it lies the **diamond district**, where much of the world's rough diamonds are traded; it is a working area rather than a sight, so admire the shop windows but buy only from reputable dealers. Next to the station, **Antwerp Zoo** is one of the oldest in the world.

The old town and the cathedral

Walk down the **Meir**, the main shopping street, to the **Cathedral of Our Lady**, whose spire dominates the skyline. Inside hang four great Rubens paintings, including the Elevation of the Cross and the Descent from the Cross. Nearby, the **Grote Markt** has the Renaissance town hall and the Brabo fountain, which shows the legend of the city's name. The **Plantin-Moretus Museum**, a printing house and UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds the oldest printing presses in the world.

Rubens and the museums

The **Rubens House** was the painter's home and studio; a new visitor centre is being completed, so check what is open. The **Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA)** reopened in 2022 after a long renovation and is a highlight, with Flemish masters and the world's largest collection of James Ensor. The **MAS**, a red stone tower by the old docks, tells the story of the city and port and has a free rooftop with views. Fashion lovers should check what is on at **MoMu**, the fashion museum.

Neighbourhoods

**Het Eilandje**, around the MAS, is the old harbour district, now full of restaurants. **Het Zuid** has broad avenues, galleries and the KMSKA. **Zurenborg**, east of the station, has extraordinary streets of Art Nouveau and eclectic houses, especially Cogels-Osylei, and a relaxed square at Dageraadplaats. For a different view, walk through the **Sint-Annatunnel**, a 1930s pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt with wooden escalators, to the left bank beach.

Food, drink and shopping

Try a **bolleke** of De Koninck, the city's amber beer, served in its round glass, and an Antwerp hand biscuit, the **Antwerpse handjes**. Beer cafés such as **Kulminator** and **Oud Arsenaal** are loved by enthusiasts. Shopping is excellent: designer stores around the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat, vintage on the Kloosterstraat, and the big chains on the Meir.

Getting there and staying

Trains from Brussels take about forty five minutes, and there are direct trains from Brussels Airport. Trams and the premetro, run by De Lijn, cover the city; buy tickets in the app or with a contactless card where supported. Antwerp has a low emission zone, so check your vehicle before driving in. Stay in the old town or Het Zuid for a first visit. Antwerp is generally safe, but take normal care around Central Station and in the areas just north of it at night.