Antwerp is Belgium's second largest city and the largest city in Flanders. Its character, its cosmopolitan feel and economic leadership make it a city that enjoys a reputation abroad to rival that of the capital.

With its refreshingly down-to-earth yet vivacious cosmopolitan habitat, Antwerp is blessed with magnificent architecture, fashionable shop fronts, beer-washed pubs, dazzling monuments, jazzed-up clubs, inspired artworks and restaurant tables piled with plates of superb Belgian and multicultural food.

A city of art and lifestyle

Antwerp, home of the Flemish Baroque master Rubens, not only has a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, but is also laced with refreshing greenery and urban haunts. Its culture, history, vibrant nightlife and world class shopping are within easy reach, thanks to excellent access by air, train, motorway and even water. Already the international capital of the diamond trade, Antwerp has gained a first class international reputation in the world of fashion and design.

Enjoy fine food

The people of Antwerp have always had a reputation for being gourmets. Because of its unique location, in the 16th century – the “Golden Age” – Antwerp was a port where all types of food, drinks, herbs and spices from distant lands arrived. Even today a wide range of exotic foods is still on sale in Antwerp. The majority of Antwerp restaurants tend to go in the direction of the French cuisine, with the addition of a few fine Belgian touches or the use of typical Belgian ingredients. However, in this cosmopolitan city you’ll find a whole range of European, ethnic and biological cuisine as well as restaurant experimenting with the latest food fads. The greatest concentration of places to eat is in the areas around the historic city centre, the central station and the South quarter of Antwerp.

Shopping in Antwerp

Shopping in Antwerp: it’s an experience in itself. Antwerp contains a rich and diverse range of stores. Better still, the shopping areas are located in the cultural and historic sections of Antwerp.

Shopping in Antwerp means strolling around in the many pedestrian streets, past historic houses and pleasant shopping centres. The shopping zones are concentrated and you will be sure to find what you are looking for. Well-known shopping zones include De Meir, De Leien, the Fashion District and The South district. There are also tourist markets in several of Antwerp's quarters that are definitely worth a visit such as the popular vogelenmarkt (Birds market), the Exotic market and antiques markets on Saturday and Sunday.

Sightseeing

One can sample the atmosphere of several squares and quarters in various ways: together with a guide or on your own.

Nothing more exciting than discovering a charming medieval town, consisting of remarkable buildings and narrow streets with interesting comments on historical facts and highlighted by picturesque anecdotes. Accompanied by experienced city guides you’ll walk to the unique Market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. You’ll be astonished when seeing the famous Cathedral of Our Lady, coronated with a unique Gothic steeple, the symbol of the City of Antwerp.

If you do not have a lot of time to discover the city, you can book a guided tour that will take you along the most important buildings in the city. A tour with horse and carriage, by bus, by tram, ... even by boat!


More information on Discover Antwerp:

Antwerp Tourism & Congress
Grote Markt 13
2000 Antwerp
Phone +32 (0)3 232 01 03
Fax +32 (0)3 231 19 37
toerisme@stad.antwerpen.be