Port of Antwerp

„The river Scheldt owes its existence to God and Antwerp owes its existence to the river“ has never rung more true than today. Thanks to this important waterway Antwerp is Europe’s second largest port and the world’s fourth largest. Recent investments in cruise infrastructure by the City of Antwerp and the Port Authorities, such as restructuring the quay; the purchase of a world-class automatic gangway and the construction of a cruise terminal and bus parking, have made the vision to create a harbor for tourism a reality. The cruise berth is located in the historic city centre.

Rubens

Rubens lived and worked most of his live in Antwerp so with more than 35 museums spread across the city centre Antwerp is the perfect destination for every kind of art lover. Exhibitions range from art and diamonds to contemporary photography and avant-garde fashion. The Rubens House; the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Plantin-Moretus Museum are definitely worth a visit. As well as museums Antwerp also boasts a huge array of art galleries for all disciplines. The heart of the city lies in the Grand Place, surrounded by decorative guild houses dating from the sixteenth century. This square is home to the majestic City Hall, a building combining gothic elements with renaissance design.

Diamond Centre

To the east of the historical heart of Antwerp, just a few steps away from Central Station, you‘ll find the Wall Street of diamonds. Being the World Diamond Centre, Antwerp trades up to 80% of the world‘s production, no wonder the quality is brilliant, prices dazzling and customer service stunning. Over 1,500 dealers will be happy to fulfil the wildest fantasies as this sparkling gem, lusted after by many, has been cut, polished and traded here since 1447. Antwerp’s exuberant abundance also covers architecture: fairytale historical buildings; cobbled streets and avant-garde architecture. Belgium is, furthermore, famous for quality products such as beer, lace and chocolate. It produces 172,000 tons of world-class chocolate yearly.

Destination Highlights

• Rubens
• Diamonds
• Chocolate
• Historical city centre nearby Brussels and Bruges