Antwerp Facts

The citizens of Antwerp call it the Metropolis, and for good reason. The "City on the River Scheldt" is the second largest in Belgium, with a population of nearly 500,000. It is made up of so many different features that those looking to know it well must really take their time. There are a variety of unique, bustling neighborhoods to explore, each with their own personality.

The Old City

Many of the splendid architectural highlights can be found in the Old City, which was established in the 16th century. It encompasses the area around the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Grote Markt. The Vlaeykensgang is an example of the picturesque medieval streets. The golden age of Antwerp can also be found...

...(Antwerpen) is one of western Europe's most hidden gems. Most people think of it only as a port and center of the diamond trade. Yet, it is also easygoing, stylish, and filled with the monuments of a wealthy medieval and Renaissance period. Given that the city boasts a magnificent cathedral, a fine-arts museum full of Flemish masterpieces, a maze of medieval streets in the town center, and a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, it's amazing that Antwerp has been relatively neglected by tourists. Suffice it to say that Amsterdammers head for Antwerp when they want to have a good time in a Low Countries' golden-age city.

As home to the world's fifth-largest port, Antwerp, 48km (30 miles) north...