Antwerp is a city that has magnificent sights to be viewed and appreciated by tourists. The city center of Antwerp commonly referred to as the Historisch Centrum revolves around the two squares of Groenplaats and Grote Market.  The Grote Market square has the landmark city hall which is from 1565 and a row of exquisitely restored seven storey 16th century guild houses – the tourist office is located in one of these guild houses.

On the other hand Groenplaats has a Hilton hotel, a statue by Reubens of raising the cross and decent from the cross which adorn its most domineering feature-the cathedral called Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal or the cathedral of our lady which has been referred to as lacework in stone and is an even more primed sight in the night. Reubens was an artist and his house and studio are featured as they contain Reubens works and those woks and items of other artists which he collected during the same period.

Art is everywhere in Antwerp hence the constant presence of artists and their aesthetic works. The house of the art benefactor is the most breathtaking sight in town. This house is now called the Plantin-Moretus Museum and clearly illustrates the 16th century golden age of Antwerp. It’s a patrician styled house, with an office and printing works all at once.

The Dianmant museum elaborates on the history of diamonds and romance and the reasons why Antwerp controls such a large share of the world’s diamond economy are explained here. There is a diamond cutter in the diamond museum who works indefatigably for five days a week.
West of Groenplaats is Meir which is a mix of 18th century buildings coupled with modern day poverty and a myriad of shops. This street is set in the conflict between the past and present ages and ultimately comes to an end at Centraal station.

To the west of Grote Market is a river that allows for relaxing boat rides for both tourists and local residents. There’s also the Ouder Koornmarkt that leads to the fabulous shopping streets of Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat which are full of fashion and flair. These are the ideal shopping streets. Along these streets is the fashion museum, the zuid quarter and the fine arts museum.

All these sights come together to make Antwerp an ideal destination for tourists who want to incorporate shopping and leisure in a one of a kind sightseeing experience.