Antwerp is both the second largest city of Belgium and the second largest harbor of Europe, after Rotterdam. It also is a beautiful city with numerous highlights, dating from its golden era. After the 16th century the power of Bruges declined and Antwerp became the most important trading port in Europe in its place and, just like in Bruges, opulent merchants living in ornate mansions along the water and in the city center. Here also lived Peter Paul Rubens in the early 17th century and his Flemish Renaissance house and atelier can be visited.

Antwerp is also the diamond center of the World, with the main diamond district located near the Railway Station, the Jewish part of the city where many 'Chassidic' Jewish people gives the city a flair not found in most other European cities. More than 70% of the world's diamonds are cut, polished and traded here and in the Diamond Museum one can view the entire process of diamond mining and processing.