Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and one of its major ports, set in the Flemish region in the north of the country. For visitors, it offers a useful mix of working harbour life, a historic centre and a well-known trade in diamonds. You may also see the city named as Antwerpen in Dutch or Anvers in French.
What to see
The old town is the heart of a visit. Its medieval streets and squares have been well preserved, so wandering on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time here. The city's port is another defining feature, and it helps explain why Antwerp has long been a centre of commerce.
The diamond district is the city's most distinctive area. Here, the trade in gems has shaped the streets and the character of the neighbourhood, and it is a good place to see a side of Antwerp that few other European cities offer.
Planning your visit
- Walking the old town: the medieval core is compact and best explored slowly, on foot.
- The diamond district: an unusual area to explore, with its own character and trade.
- The port: a reminder of the city's maritime role and its importance to Belgium.
Antwerp suits visitors who enjoy historic streets combined with a city that still works as a commercial hub. Allow a day or more to take in its different areas at an unhurried pace.
