9 Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

If you arrive at Antwerp by train, you will be able to view this beautiful station commonly known as Antwerp Central. Operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium, the station won the European Union Prize for Culture Heritage in 2011! The station's town hall covers an area of 12,000 square meters with the roof made of steel.

Head straight to the 3 block diamond street which is full of traders, cutters and retailers, to buy some glittering diamonds! Visit the interactive Diamond Museum to understand the processing and history of the trade. Don't forget to take a tour of the Diamond Land which is the biggest diamond showroom in Antwerp (1000 square meters)!

Located on Meir, the famous shopping street of the city, the hall was transformed into a luxury shopping center (international and national retailers) and dining space in 2007! However, the antique nuances like the glass dome with gold leaf, the stairwell, sculptures, mosaics, wall reliefs, and oak parquet flooring have been retained.

The former home and workshop of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens is now a museum dedicated to the work of Rubens and his contemporaries. The Rubenianum located at the rear of the garden located in the house is dedicated to the study of Rubens.

Completed in 1521 about 170 years, the Cathedral of Our Lady is the largest church in the Low Countries. The famous masterpieces by Ruben in the cathedral, The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Resurrection of Christ and The Assumption of Mary are present in the Cathedral.

Located in the medieval heart of Antwerp, the classic Grote Markt features a voluptuous Brabo Fountain depicting Antwerp's giant-killing hero. Also, a Christmas market and ice rink are held at the Markt every winter!

The Museum Vleeshuis showcases the 600-year history of music and dance with an amazing collection of prints, instruments, models and texts that tell stories of opera singers, musicians, carillonneurs.

Located along the river Scheldt is the largest museum in Antwerp, the Museum Aan de Stroom, has a collection that ranges from maritime objects to global (Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Oceania) arts, culture, history!

The largest Belgian chocolate museum, the Chocolate Nation, is exclusively devoted to Belgian chocolate. The place is packed with tales, traditions and innovations of Belgian chocolate. You can also see chocolatiers at work during the museum's tour and also visit the bean-to-bar atelier.