Antwerp: Top Things to Do in Belgium’s Cultural Capital

Tucked away in the northern region of Belgium, Antwerp (Dutch: Antwerpen, French: Anvers) is a city that blends old-world charm with cutting-edge creativity. Known for its diamond trade, fashion industry, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural life, Antwerp offers a unique experience that goes beyond the typical European tourist trail. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a fashionista, or a foodie, Antwerp promises to captivate your senses.

Antwerp

This blog post is your comprehensive guide to Antwerp, diving deep into its historical roots, cultural highlights, economic significance, and what makes it one of Europe's most fascinating yet underrated cities.

Table Of Contents

• Introduction to Antwerp
• A Brief History.
• The Port of Antwerp
• The Diamond District
• Fashion Capital of Belgium
• Architectural Highlights.
• Museums and Art Scene
• Culinary delights.
• Festivals & Events
• Antwerp for Shoppers.
• Sustainable Urban Development.
• Living in Antwerp.
• Travel Tips and Practical Information
• Final Thoughts

Introduction to Antwerp

Antwerp is the capital of the same-named province in Belgium's Flemish region. With a population of over 530,000 in the city and nearly 1 million in the metropolitan region, it is Flanders' largest city and Belgium's second-largest after Brussels. Despite its size, Antwerp preserves a walking charm, with every cobblestone street leading to a historical site, a nice café, or a fashionable boutique.

What distinguishes Antwerp is its adaptability. It's a global port city, an international fashion hotspot, a haven for art and history buffs, and a vibrant cultural melting pot. Its spirit is forward-thinking while remaining genuinely reverent of its heritage, a duality that distinguishes Antwerp.

Brief History

Antwerp's history extends back to Gallo-Roman antiquity, although it became well-known as a major commercial city during the Middle Ages. By the 16th century, it was one of Europe's most important commercial centres, rivalling Venice and Amsterdam.

During the "Golden Age of Antwerp" (c. 1500-1560), it was a thriving hub for bankers, merchants, and artists. Unfortunately, religious strife and the Spanish Fury of 1576, when mutinous troops devastated the city, caused economic downfall. Antwerp fell under Spanish rule and later served as a pawn in geopolitical power conflicts, most notably during the Eighty Years' War.

The nineteenth century saw a renaissance, particularly with the expansion of the port. Today, Antwerp reflects this complicated fabric of riches and struggle.

Port of Antwerp

One cannot discuss Antwerp without mentioning its port, which is one of the world's largest and the second largest in Europe after Rotterdam. The Port of Antwerp comprises 12,000 hectares and serves as a vital gateway for products entering and exiting Europe.

Antwerp's advantageous location on the River Scheldt enables seagoing vessels to travel 80 kilometers inland, providing it a competitive advantage. The port handles a wide range of products, including petrochemicals, food, and vehicles. It employs more than 140,000 people, either directly or indirectly.

Beyond its economic significance, the port has helped shape Antwerp's personality. The bustling maritime business provides a vibrant, international atmosphere and supports cultural diversity, enriching the city.

The Diamond District.

Antwerp is commonly referred to as the "diamond capital of the world," and with good cause. Approximately 84% of the world's raw diamonds pass through the city's diamond area, which is located just adjacent to the Central Station. The neighborhood is a tightly knit community with over 1,500 diamond companies, many of which are family-owned and have been in business for generations.

The city's diamond commerce is multi-ethnic, comprising Jewish, Indian, Armenian, and Lebanese communities. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is an important regulator and promoter of the diamond trade.

While the diamond business has encountered challenges in recent years, including growing competition from Dubai and ethical concerns over conflict diamonds, Antwerp remains a pioneer in setting worldwide diamond quality standards.

The Fashion Capital of Belgium

Antwerp's development as a fashion powerhouse began in the 1980s, with the formation of the "Antwerp Six," a group of avant-garde designers who attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Names like Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, and Walter Van Beirendonck put Antwerp on the global fashion map.

Today, the city continues to nurture talent through institutions like the MoMu (ModeMuseum) and the Academy’s fashion department, regarded as one of the world’s best. Antwerp’s fashion district around Nationalestraat is home to concept stores, high-end boutiques, and ateliers that cater to a style-savvy clientele.

For fashion lovers, Antwerp is a pilgrimage site — a place where innovation, craftsmanship, and minimalism intersect beautifully.

Architectural Highlights.

Antwerp's architecture is a visual feast combining Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and current styles. Here are several must-sees:

Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Kathedraal): This Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, took nearly two centuries to create and now includes masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens.

Antwerp Central Station is widely regarded as one of the world's most attractive train stations, with its eclectic architecture made of iron, glass, and stone.

MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): A striking, modern edifice with a red sandstone and glass facade that provides panoramic views of the city.

Zaha Hadid's Port House: An architectural marvel that mixes an antique fire station with a futuristic glass structure like a ship's bow.

7. Museums and Arts Scene
Art is profoundly ingrained in Antwerp's DNA, thanks in large part to native son Peter Paul Rubens, one of the most famous Baroque artists. The Rubenshuis, his former house and workshop, has been converted into a museum that showcases his art and lifestyle.

Other notable museums are:

The Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) was recently rebuilt and now houses treasures from the 14th to the twentieth centuries.

MoMu - Fashion Museum: Displays both historical clothes and avant-garde pieces from Antwerp's fashion trailblazers.

The Red Star Line Museum tells the history of European emigrants who left for America from Antwerp.

Museum Mayer van den Bergh houses an eclectic private collection, which includes works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Culinary delights. 

Belgian food is well-known for its indulgence, and Antwerp does not disappoint with its unique local taste. While frites, waffles, and moules-frites are popular, the city also has a diverse culinary scene.

Local favorites include Antwerpse Handjes, which are hand-shaped biscuits or chocolates inspired by the city's folklore of a giant's severed hand.

Bolleke: A locally brewed amber beer from De Koninck that is commonly served in a circular glass.

Stoofvlees: A rich beef stew made with beer and generally served with fries.

Food markets like De Markten and eateries like The Jane (located in a former church) exemplify the city's trend-conscious taste. Antwerp also provides well to vegetarians and vegans, with an increasing number of plant-based food options.

Festivals & Events

Antwerp's cultural calendar is jam-packed with festivals celebrating music, food, fashion, and literature. Notable events include:

Antwerp Fashion Week (March/September) is a must-see for style insiders.

Zomer van Antwerpen is a summer-long festival with pop-up movies, concerts, and theater.

Jazz Middelheim is one of Europe's oldest jazz festivals.

Winter in Antwerp includes Christmas markets, ice skating, and holiday lights.

The city celebrates all seasons with events that bring communities together in unique ways.

Antwerp for Shoppers

Antwerp is a shopper's paradise, serving to a diverse variety of tastes and budgets:

Meir: The city's principal shopping boulevard, including international brands.

Kloosterstraat is ideal for antique enthusiasts and vintage discoveries.

Nationalestraat and Lombardenvest are high-end fashion and designer boutiques.

Wild & The Moon, St. Vincents: A concept store that combines lifestyle, fashion, and food.

Antwerp delivers with flare, whether you're shopping for couture or unique keepsakes.

Sustainable Urban Development.

Antwerp is making major progress toward sustainability and green living. The city has increased its bike infrastructure, enhanced public transportation, and introduced programs such as Smart City Antwerp, which aims to digitise municipal management.

Neighbourhoods such as Nieuw Zuid are examples of environmentally responsible design, combining smart architecture with social housing. Rooftop gardens, solar panels, and waste-reduction projects are increasingly common throughout the city.

The efforts have not gone ignored, since Antwerp is ranked highly in European green city indices.

Living in Antwerp.

Living in Antwerp provides a great quality of life. The city is clean, safe, and well-connected. English is commonly spoken, particularly among younger citizens, and the city is renowned for its tolerance and variety.

It is also an educational hub, with the University of Antwerp and a number of international schools. The cost of living is reasonable when compared to cities such as Paris or Amsterdam, and public transportation is efficient.

Antwerp manages to feel both cosmopolitan and intimate — a rare balance that makes it attractive to expats and locals alike.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

Getting There: Antwerp is easily accessible via train from Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. Antwerp International Airport also serves many European destinations.

Getting Around: The city is bike-friendly and has a large tram and bus network. Walking is also an excellent method to explore.

Languages: The official language is Dutch, however English and French are commonly spoken.

Currency: Euro (€).

Best Seasons to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) provide milder weather and fewer crowds.

Where to Stay: Consider Het Zuid for art and food, the Historic Center for tourism, or Zurenborg for stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Final thoughts

Antwerp is a city of surprises. Often eclipsed by Brussels or Bruges, it provides a richer, more complex experience for those prepared to delve deeper. It's where centuries-old churches coexist with modern design studios, and a globally prominent fashion scene thrives just feet away from medieval cobblestone alleyways.

Whether you're drinking a Bolleke beside the Scheldt, admiring Rubens' brushstrokes, or looking for vintage treasures on Kloosterstraat, Antwerp has a way of staying with you — not in a loud, touristy way, but in a lasting, meaningful one.

If you're planning a European vacation or looking for the next cultural break, Antwerp should be your next stop. It could be the best European city you haven't heard enough about.