Antwerp

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, about 45 km north of Brussels, and is known for its diamond trade, fashion scene, port and baroque heritage. Direct trains from Brussels-Midi, Central or Nord run several times per hour to Antwerpen-Centraal, taking 35 to 50 minutes for about €10 one way. The station itself is a sight: its domed hall and tiered platforms, built in the early 20th century, are often listed among the finest railway stations in the world, so the day can begin with a short look around the main hall. From there, the Diamantwijk is directly next to the station, and the historic centre is a 20-minute walk along Meir, the main shopping street. The key sights are the Cathedral of Our Lady, whose spire dominates the skyline and which holds paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, the Grote Markt with its Renaissance town hall and guild houses, the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of the painter, and the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in the Eilandje district. The fashion district around Nationalestraat, the home of the Antwerp Six designers, offers boutiques and the ModeMuseum. A practical day starts with the station and the Cathedral in the morning, followed by the Grote Markt and the Rubenshuis before lunch. Lunch suits a brasserie near the Grote Markt or the food spots around the Vlaeykensgang alley. The afternoon can go to the fashion district or the MAS, whose rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city and port. Dinner in the Zuid or Eilandje areas, followed by a train back in the evening, completes the day. The city is enjoyable year-round, though spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant walking weather, while winter suits museums and cafés. Expect €60 to €100 for transport, lunch and a couple of entries. Antwerp is also known for chocolate, beer and frites, all easy to sample on foot.