Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium, and is one of my favorites! There is so much to do, enjoy, and experience! 

A highlight of the city is their train station – Antwerp Central Train Station/Antwerpen-Centraal. It is an architectural marvel and is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world! It’s definitely worth a visit!

From the train station, take the street Meir all the way down to the main square and the old town. Meir is the main shopping street in Antwerp, so enjoy the shops and eateries on your way! 

Take in the Grote Markt  – Antwerp’s beautiful old market square! This breathtaking square is perfect for a wander, a cup of hot Belgian Chocolate, or dinner at one of its delicious restaurants. The 16th century baroque architecture and the horse drawn carriages waiting for you to take a ride, definitely take you back in time.

Visit the Diamond District! Antwerp has long been known as the Diamond Capital of the World. The diamond trade in the port started over 500 years ago, in 1447,  when the first rough stones were brought over from India. Gradually, local diamond traders rose to prominence when the royalty of Europe started ordering their diamonds from the master cutters in Antwerp rather than places such as Paris. The world’s first stock exchange was also developed in Antwerp and traded valuable materials such as diamonds, gold, silver, and copper.

Take a walk along the river and visit Het Steen. This medieval castle fortress is Antwerp’s oldest building and, in my opinion, the most beautiful! There isn’t much to do there, but you can take a quick walk inside as it is now the Antwerp visitor center. 

There is a Ferris Wheel right next door to Het Steen, on the riverfront, and you can enjoy a ride as well as get some great views of the city.

Further down the river is the Red Star Line Museum. It is an exhibition based on the 3 million who emigrated to America using this historic shipping line. Buy tickets and get more information here.

Visit the Chocolate Nation! Chocolate Nation is an interactive experience where you can immerse yourself in the world of Belgian Chocolate. For more information and tickets, visit their website here.

Check out the Museum Plantin-Moretus! It displays some of the oldest printing presses in a beautiful old mansion. Walk inside the printing office and house of the Plantin-Moretus family as if you were a friend of theirs visiting 400 years ago. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Want to visit another town nearby? Take a day trip to Bruges, Brussels, or Ghent!