Antwerp is about more than just business. Evening and weekends should be enjoyed touring the city, most of which can be traversed on foot. The historical atmosphere and beauty of Antwerp has been retained over the centuries and today the quaint cobbled streets are lined with restaurants, chocolatiers, antique shops, art galleries and designer clothes complemented by jewellery stores.

A variety of architectural styles add to the city’s charm, ranging from a medieval fortress to Gothic and Flemish baroque architecture as well as contemporary riverside buildings. Its manageable size makes it ideal for leisurely strolling whilst exploring the cathedrals, museums and fashion houses. The following are considered to be just some of the city’s highlights:
 
Our Lady's Cathedral (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal) (1352-1530)
This cathedral is the largest gothic church in Belgium and has undergone extensive renovations to restore it to its original grandeur. The interior is filled with beautiful stained glass windows and an exceptional collection of sculptures and paintings. Famous throughout the world are two masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens namely the "The Elevation of the Cross" and "The Deposition.”
 
Antwerp International Port
The history of Antwerp is deeply interwoven with the River Scheldt and the vital trade role its port played in past centuries. Today it is the second largest port in Europe and offers visitors the chance to walk down the quays and admire the sunset colours over the vast harbour. Harbour tours by boat are also available.
 
Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten)
This extensive museum is housed in a large neoclassical building which was completed at the end of the 19th century. Paintings dating from the 14th century to present day are displayed in the stately rooms adding to the distinguished air of the building.) The upstairs section hosts Old Flemish and Dutch Masters including paintings by Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Antoon Van Dyck and the Flemish Primitives, Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. The lower floors of the museum are dedicated to lovers of modern art and temporary exhibitions.
 
Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
The famed artist, Pieter Paul Rubens, built his beautiful baroque mansion in 1611 and used it as both his home and studio until his death in 1640. Visitors can admire some of his paintings as well as the art gallery where he displayed sculptures and paintings by artists he admired.
 
Central Railway Station
Nicknamed the Railway Cathederal, this station, which is just metres away from the diamond district, is a superb feat of architecture with its magnificent dome. Built in 1905 in iron and glass, it boasts majestic stairs and extravagant gold decorations.
 
Antwerp Zoo
Built in 1843, this is one of Europe’s oldest zoos and is home to over 4,000 animals. Daily entrance as well as nocturnal and behind-the-scenes tours can be taken. In addition, the zoo is well known for its breeding programmes for threatened and near extinct animals.
 
Diamond Museum Province of Antwerp
Explore the fascinating world of diamonds through multimedia presentations, interactive exhibits, diamond displays and even diamond cutters at work. The museum covers all aspects of this precious stone from the extraction of rough diamonds to processing, grading and cutting. One of the highlights in the museum is the collection of modern and vintage jewellery featuring diamonds of all shapes and sizes.