Photo: Treehill, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Antwerp, Belgium

A diamond and fashion capital on the Scheldt, quieter and more design-forward than Brussels.

Main airport: Antwerp International Airport (Deurne) (ANR)

Local Time

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Current Weather

18°C

Clear sky 9 km/h

Coordinates

51.1122, 4.2737

32 m elevation

Nearby Airports

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Antwerp built its wealth on diamond trading and, more recently, on a fashion scene shaped by its influential design academy, all layered onto a historic port city on the Scheldt River. It's smaller and less touristed than Brussels, with a compact center that rewards a slower, browsing-focused visit.

Best time to visit

May–September brings the mildest weather for walking the riverside and historic center.

Top attractions

•Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady and its Rubens paintings
•The Grote Markt and the Renaissance guild houses around it
•The Diamond District, near the central train station
•The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) on the waterfront
•Antwerp Central Station, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world

Practical tips

•Antwerp Airport (ANR) is a small, regional airport connected to the city center by local bus — most international travelers actually arrive via Brussels Airport, about 45 minutes away by train.
•Belgium has three official languages; Antwerp itself is Dutch-speaking (Flemish), unlike French-speaking Brussels.
•Antwerp Central Station is worth a stop even if not catching a train — its layered, domed hall is a sight in itself.

Frequently asked questions

What airport serves Antwerp?

Antwerp's main airport is Antwerp International Airport (Deurne) (ANR).

When is the best time to visit Antwerp?

May–September brings the mildest weather for walking the riverside and historic center.

Is Antwerp a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?