Antwerp, Belgium Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit

The Cathedral of Our Lady, Belgium's largest Gothic church, houses several major works by Rubens and anchors the historic Grote Markt square, lined with ornate guild houses. The Antwerp Diamond District, near the central train station, is worth a walk even for visitors not shopping, given its role in the global diamond trade. MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), a striking modern building on the waterfront, offers exhibits on the city's history alongside panoramic views from its rooftop.

Antwerp's fashion scene is worth exploring through its boutiques around the Nationalestraat and the ModeMuseum (MoMu), dedicated to Belgian fashion history. Central Station itself, often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, is worth a stop even if you're not catching a train there.

Antwerp is well connected by train, with frequent, short connections from Brussels (about 45 minutes) making it an easy add-on to a wider Belgium trip. Most international visitors fly into Brussels Airport and take the train onward. Within the city, the compact historic centre is highly walkable, and trams cover the rest of the city well.

Fashion enthusiasts will find Antwerp's boutiques and design museum genuinely rewarding. Architecture lovers should prioritise the Cathedral of Our Lady and Central Station. Budget-conscious travellers will find Antwerp generally cheaper than Brussels. Art lovers shouldn't miss the Rubens works inside the cathedral. Day-trippers from Brussels will find the short train connection makes Antwerp an easy addition to a Belgium itinerary.