Antwerp might not be much of a political power compared to its neighbour Brussels, but it is one of the true gems of Flanders. With a store of baroque bars and antique erections, Antwerp is also named the diamond capital of the world. Almost all the diamonds imported from Africa are cut and prepared here. This notable charm and modest lifestyle in Antwerp make it one of Belgium's greater underrated tourist destinations. Antwerp has the right mixture of the bygone and the new, cradled in its center roads and markers. Here, you could spot Art Nouveau mansions, Renaissance villas, and gothic castles. These leading edifices provide the backdrop for a romantic set in this diamond country.



You may inaugurate your "Antwerpen itineration" by seeing the Antwerp Zoo. This zoo is one of the earliest zoos in the world. Since it was founded in 1843, it continued to collect exotic animal species from Belgium's African colonies. You could still see the lion panels from the 1800's. The Grote Market in the dated city centre is an icon of dark ages lifestyle in Flanders. The triangular area that covers the market is lined with guild halls straight from the Renaissance, and you could also spot the Brabo fountain in the middle of the market.

Take a journey of one of the ancient zoos in the entire world; the Antwerp Zoo contains sea lions, adorable King Penguins, crocodiles, dolphins, monkeys, a vast medley of reptiles, and fish. Plus, the Zoo is perfect for and children alike! If the zoo doesn't appeal to you, perhaps the Royal Museum of Fine Arts will hold leisure for you. Erstwhile ruined by a devastating fire, the museum has a rich history, having been assembled around 1884. Within the museum's walls you could delight in the extraordinary work of artists like Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, and Floris Claesz van Deck.

Antwerp has its own brand of distraction found in the old city centre. The Cafe Beveren is a quaint shop frequented by university students, singles, and sailors. There is also an antique organ and jukebox that is played by local talents. The Bourlaschouwburg is a round theatre that was once completed for the French elite in the 1830's. Today, you may watch the Het Toneelhuis theatre company display their talent in this theatre. Cartoons is a cinema house for foreign films and independently produced features. You may sit down and take in the cosy tone of the cinema house with your date.

Antwerp stands out from the rest of Belgium when it comes to food. While Brussels is leadng for its chocolate, Antwerp has a delicacy named "smos" which is made out of bread. It is difficult to say where the most "smos" is, as every human in Antwerp has a variant opinion about it, but one well known store is Jean-Pierre. The friendly populace of Antwerp will gladly direct the globetrotters to a spot near the university where the favorite "smos" is served. The better restaurants in Antwerp do not offer Belgian food, unfortunately. The common food offered is just like the other spots with regard to ethnic food.

The economic dominance of Antwerp didn't start with diamonds. The sheer economic success of the province dates back to the 16th century, and quite obviously, the success has carried over to neoteric times. Nowadays, the diamond trade is a sparkling feature that gives the municipality its deserved lustre, yet it still gives us umpteen enlightening value that populace will appreciate.