It might lose out to its vainer big brother Brussels or its headily romantic little brother Bruges, but I don’t quite understand why. The so-called “City of Diamonds”, Antwerp is so crowded with tourist gems that it’s a wonder Belgium’s second city isn’t as visited as it should be.
Take its train station, for example – an architectural lesson in how to weave the old with the new on a mammoth scale, serving at the same time as an elegant handshake to its rail-riding commuters and visitors alike. From there, follow Meir, the city’s main shopping street, into Antwerp’s heart, stopping by The Chocolate Line to sample some of the city’s most unusual – and innovative – chocolate pairings: Waitrose fans will surely leap straight onto the chocolate with bacon and quinoa, I’m sure. This is Belgium, after all, the Flemish-speaking part, too; and so no trip would be complete with guzzling Belgium’s other renowned export: beer. There are countless places to try all kinds of lagers and ales, many of which cluster around the impressive Grote Markt, bordered with traditional Flemish-style facades and dominated by its elaborate fountain and Stadhuis, adorned cheerfully with European flags.
Nothing in Antwerp, however, can top the towering Gothic cathedral (in terms of presence, at least), which looms over the city for miles like a giant ornate wedding cake. If you aren’t up for the 500-step climb to the top of the cathedral, then don’t worry – the city at its feet is just as enjoyable. Its historic centre retains much of its tangled, forgotten charm, buzzing with Belgian café culture and hiding away secluded churches and squares for only those who have the patience and curiosity to find them by foot. The banks of the River Scheldt are an echo of the city’s historic role as one of Europe’s major ports – a role it still has today – but a good chunk of the docklands area has been renovated and is home to a host of go-to bars and restaurants. It’s hard to leave Antwerp without having gained at least triple your daily calorie intake, although put your worries aside: a waffle drowned in Belgian chocolate is just too good to ignore.
