With roughly half a million inhabitants, Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city. It is also the largest town in Flanders, the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium. Looking out on the River Scheldt, linked to the North Sea, the port of Antwerp is one of the biggest in the world, next to Rotterdam. Antwerp Harbor is the artery of the Belgian economy and a top tourist attraction. The Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) is a symbol of Antwerp’s connection with the rest of the world. Visitors to the Red Star Line Museum are able to experience how emigrants embarked on a long journey to America between 1873 and 1934.

In the 16th century, Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens (“Antwerpia nummis”); the houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city.

The cathedral is without a doubt the city’s majestic landmark. In the “City of Rubens” one obviously can’t but take a few moments to admire the artistic world of THE master himself in the Rubens House.

The Diamond Pavilion of the MAS illustrates why Antwerp is called THE world centre for diamonds. “Antwerp Cut” and “Antwerp Quality” are international trade terms that are synonymous with perfect diamond processing and a quality product.

Antwerp is also home to a dynamic fashion community. The Fashion Museum (MOMU) manages to surprise visitors time and again with its creative use of space and mind blowing techniques for designing exhibitions.