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 group of baroque bars and antique buildings, Antwerp is also known as the diamond capital of the world. Almost every one of the diamonds imported from Africa are cut and prepared here. This extraordinary charm and modest lifestyle in Antwerp make it one of Belgium's larger underrated tourist destinations. Antwerp has the right merger of the old and the new, cradled in its metropolitan area thoroughfares and monuments. Here, you could spot Art Nouveau mansions, Renaissance villas, and medieval castles. These decisive constructions provide the backdrop for a romantic surrounding in this diamond country.

As with many other locales in historically rich Belgium, Antwerp has a magnificent olden days. The area is a paradise for those who love literature, art, or even architecture as seen in places like the Rubenshuis, the Plantin Moretus Museum, and the Cathedral of Our Lady, respectively. Since it is the diamond capital of the world, one might ask where one could buy some excellent diamonds. As mentioned earlier, 3/4ths of the world diamond trade happens in Antwerp, so the question is misleading, as one could buy diamonds just about anywhere in Antwerp. The splendid would never be in question either as the pride of the province exists in the diamonds one brings home.

Aside from the casual stroll and site-seeing, there are other pleasure and insightful activities that you could do in Antwerp. Leading tours in Antwerp include the Port Antwerp circuit. The port is the 2nd largest in Europe and the 5th largest in the world. This port was one of the instruments of free trade in Europe as it welcomed goods from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The Antwerp Ghostwalk is a urban place peregrination that explores the darker side of Antwerp. The peregrination tells the collapse of Antwerp due to a succession of wars ere it turned around and became labeled it is nowadays.

Antwerp has its own brand of pleasure found in the old town 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 fabricated for the French elite in the 1830's. Nowadays, 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 can sit down and take in the cosy feeling of the cinema house with your date.

Largest restaurant selections are posted in the old town centre. Berlin is one of the restaurants in the food strip. The brown and black decor reminds people of the industrial experiences midst the early 1900's. You will likely pinpoint a diverse genre of Antwerpen crowd, as well as lively students. For classic Belgian food, you can head to one of its local cafes like the Dansing Chocola. This dated fashioned cafe is manned with top-notch staff, and with talented violinists that will serenade guests midst dinners. Numerous international cuisine is also lined near the town's centre.

Antwerp has been under the radar for so long, so expect this place to emerge as a cream tourist mecca in the coming years. The better style to get around Antwerp is with bikes. Visit museums, royal houses, and the famed Cathedral of our Lady.