What to do in Antwerp

Advice on what to do in New York City, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Antwerp
A highlight of any trip to Antwerp will be the paintings of Peter Paul Rubens, who lived in Antwerp in the early 17th century. More than 20 of the artist's works are held at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, including his religious masterpieces, the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan, the Last Holy Communion of St Francis and The Holy Trinity.

Rubens fans can also visit Rubens House on Wapper, which he bought shortly after he married Isabella Brant. Visitors can look around the space where he used to live as well as paint, and tours include a look at some of his earlier works.

The Steen is a fascinating little castle based in the city centre, and is one of Antwerp's earliest buildings to have built with stone. The statue outside it is also worth a look, though it was renovated in the 17th century as it was considered to be too obscene.

Relaxation in Antwerp
For Belgium's oldest animal park, check out Antwerp Zoo, based in the centre of the city. Animals on show include elephants, crocodiles, dolphins, and a variety of penguins and monkeys.

Antwerp is famed for its diamond business, and the well-heeled or the aspiring can spend an afternoon wandering round its diamond district, where there are diamond museums and diamond shops.

Nightlife in Antwerp
For a traditional evening on the fine Belgian ale, head to the port for places like Café Beveren, which provides a humming yet cosy atmosphere.

For a trendier tipple, the bars to look out for are in the cultural centre around the Bourla Theatre, with venues such as Bar Tabac in the Zuid District, where you can party the night away to acid-jazz and trip hop with Antwerp's fashionistas.

Sport in Antwerp
A game of football can be caught with Royal Antwerp FC, who play at the Bosuilstadion.

Recommended restaurants in Antwerp
Great food that does not cost the earth can be found at De Kleine Zavel on Stoofstraat, which specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, including turbot and veal kidney.

Antwerp's best seafood is arguably found at Gin Fish on Haarstraat. This peculiarly charming little restaurant hidden down backstreets serves up some truly innovative fish dishes in an atmosphere that is so laid back there is not even a menu. The head chef decides on the menu depending on what is brought back from the fish market that morning – guaranteeing a fresh and tasty surprise whenever you go.