Historical Antwerp, the paramount diamond deposit, guild and university city is one of the most attractive towns in Europe, let alone Belgium. As the former nexus of the international economy and foremost capital of the Age of Exploration, Antwerp is a paradise for tourism.

While the city may not be the hub of commerce and trade it was half a millennium ago, fabulous relics of Antwerp's exceptional “Golden Age” endure for modern explorers to enjoy. Despite the damage of fire and war over the years, the city is awash with key monuments and remains one of the most important seaports in the world.

Attractions

The Zuid is a cosmopolitan, commercial art gallery area of Antwerp, replete with cafés, restaurants, posh retail shops and museums. With superb Art Nouveau architecture, the Zuid also features the Museum of Modern Art and Fotomuseum.

The dramatic Royal Museum of Fine Arts may be the best attraction in the Zuid however. The Neoclassical museum has a Hall of Fame permanent collection, with works by van Eyck, Brueghel, Rubens and more.

A pioneer in research and conservation, Antwerp Zoo dates back to 1843 and is one of the best wildlife preserves in the world.

Construction on the incomplete Cathedral of Our Lady began in 1351. The World Heritage Gothic church is a vital landmark in Antwerp, with interior works by Rubens, Otto van Veen and Marten de Vos.

The old Antwerp stock exchange, or Bourse, was the first in the world. A tour of the historic mercantile facility is well worth it.

In a similar vein, a tour of the famous diamond district provides a special look into one of the main engines of the Antwerp economy.

With heavy participation in the diamond industry, the city's Hasidic community plays a vital role. Specific tours of Antwerp's Jewish quarter offer visitors a momentary peek into the insular community of 20,000 strong.

Events

Antwerp has always been a literary city and a hub for the dissemination of knowledge. That tradition endures every November with the Antwerp Book Fair.

The Grote Markt hosts the Rubens Market in August, the foremost city tribute to the illustrious painter.

Also held in August, Laus Polyphoniae is a celebration of baroque and polyphonic music. The festival takes place in various concert halls around Antwerp.

The International Antiques Fair in May features pre-eminent objets d'art from around the world and draws over 20,000 collectors and curious onlookers to the Bouwcentrum.

The outdoor Laundry Day music festival, held every September, draws DJs from around Belgium and Europe before capacity crowds that number up to 50,000 people.

The climate of Antwerp is moderate maritime, with four seasons. Rainfall remains steady at about 5 cm on average per month.

• Winter (November to February) 2-10°C

• Spring (March to May) 4-18°C

• Summer (June to August) 12-23°C

• Fall (September to October) 8-19°C