It’s the diamond capital of the world and has the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world. Make your acquaintance with Antwerp, Belgium’s underrated city.
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then Antwerp is a passport’s closest pal.
The Diamond Capital of the World is sitting right there for you to check out—but it’s not locked behind a glass case.
Go gawk at this riverside city and try it on for a few days to see how it fits your wanderlust. We’re sure that Antwerp’s mix of architecture styles and modern vibes will be the perfect accessory to whatever your Belgium fit is.
Image Credit: Getty Images, only_fabrizio. Image Location: Antwerpen-Centraal train station, Antwerp, Belgium
From carats to craft beer: What you need to know about Antwerp
Where is Antwerp?
Antwerp is located in northern Belgium on the Scheldt River. It’s just north of the capital, Brussels, and just south of the North Sea. Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent form a triangle, not unlike North Carolina’s Research Triangle, only this Belgian trigon’s better suited for beer than barbecue.
How to travel to Antwerp from Brussels?
By train, of course. Train travel from Brussels-Midi to Antwerpen-Centraal can take as little as 35 minutes and cost as little as $11.78. Let’s say you take the “slow” train: add 22 minutes to your journey and get the cheapest ticket possible.
What to do in Antwerp for one day?
Start in the historic center and do the usual slack-jawed gazing at the must-sees: Grote Markt, Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, and The Rubens House. Find a bite to eat along the Scheldt River and enjoy the view or grab Belgian chocolate to go and munch as you meander the riverside. Families should check out the Antwerp Zoo (conveniently located beside the train station) while the DIVA Museum for Diamonds is an appropriate choice for discerning museum goers.
What is Antwerp Belgium known for?
Diamonds. The city does identify with the typical Belgian tropes like beer, waffles, fries, and chocolate, but its reputation for diamond sales has earned it the title of Diamond Capital of the World.
Why is Antwerp the Diamond Capital of the World?
It’s not just a clever tag from the tourism board: Antwerp’s jewelers have upheld its international reputation since the 16th century. Word on the street is that the first diamond ever cut was in Antwerp. The city was one of the world’s first major seaports and the industry continued to grow as globetrotting gem hunters dropped anchor in Antwerp.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Vladislav Zolotov. Location: Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium.
Exploring Antwerp: The 4 C’s of the Diamond Capital of the World
You can’t just propose a trip to Antwerp with any old itinerary that looks pretty behind the screen. From finding the perfect setting to making sure the schedule shines, frame your visit to the diamond capital of the world around these four ‘c’s.
Culture
Diamonds give Antwerp a ritzy feel, but the vibe is still chill. Wander around and you’ll find statues depicting ages-old Flemish legends, remnants from the Middle Ages, and a solid offering of museums. But if all you want to do is hang out at a coffee shop or schedule retail therapy at fashion shops that rival Milan’s, you’ll do so with loads of locals beside you.
Community
Despite hoisting its history on their shoulders, Antwerp’s community also has a habit of elevating the latest trends. Fashion, art, cinema, dance; you name it, Antwerp’s got the flavor of the week on its menu. Visit between June and September for endless festivities: Antwerp Queer Arts Festival, Tomorrowland, Classical on the Scheldt, Vaag Outdoor, and plenty more.
Image Credit: Getty Images, TPopova
Cuisine
Antwerp is home to Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, but let’s not spoil our dinners too fast. Reel in your appetite for seafood with shrimp croquettes at Fish a’gogo. Belgian fries are served with Belgian stew at Frituur n°1. Craving Vietnamese street food, sushi, and vegan grub? Antwerp has everything from Middle Eastern delights to Michelin-starred dishes to pair with your Belgian beer and chocolate.
Cool Sites
You’ve got the internet in your pocket so we trust you’ll find cool things to do in Antwerp. Some of our favs? The subterranean canals are literal hidden gems (they do stink in the real sense but not in the fun factor). We’re always keen for a statue selfie hunt: Brabo Fountain and the Semini Sculpture are two of many within the city. We might even leave you a note to find at The Whisperer.
Find those hidden gems
Give your phone a travel trinket that sparkles under any light: download the Trainline app and let Europe’s rails take you to the heart of Antwerp’s Diamond District. And don't miss our guide to other great city breaks close to Brussels.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Vladislav Zolotov. Image Location: Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium