Antwerp

The city of Antwerp in Belgium has a population of around 473, 000, around 1.2 million if the metropolitan area is included. Antwerp takes immense pride in its historic past, when it was home to famous artists such as Brueghel, Jordaens, Van Dyck and above all Rubens. Also known as Rubens’ City, this is where the great baroque master, born in 1577, lived and worked and his statue has pride of place in the Groenplaats Square. Antwerp has a wealth of museums, galleries, theatres and cinemas; streets lined with superb architecture, chic shops and an enviable nightlife. This is a bustling multicultural metropolis, the global diamond centre and a fabulous city for fashionistas. And all within easy reach by all means of transport, including water.
The port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe and one of the world’s ten largest and most productive ports. Its comprehensive network of waterways, roads and railways ensures speedy connection to all parts of Europe. The port lies to the north of the city and covers an area of approximately 13,500 hectares, laced with around 350 km of roads. The area can be explored by boat or car. Antwerp Tourism has created the 'Port Route' brochure, which takes you along a route of 40 or 65 km and illustrates the port’s 1000 year history. The route begins at the medieval Steen fortress and takes in the 19th century port as well as modern installations.