Sinjoren, Gentlemen, call the people from Antwerp themselves full of pride, and their city (470 000 pop.) metropool. In the capital, Brussels, they are spending the money in Antwerp they make it. Antwerps port is now the second largest in Europe. On four special stock exchanges is about half of all diamonds in the world traded.

Centraal Station The central train station in the style of the Renaissance is a great monument of the industrial age. The marble hall and the impressive staircase are looking like a castle. Koningin Astridplein

Diamantwijk The area of the diamond trade constitutes an "S" from Rijpstraat, Hoveniersstraat and Schupstraat. Through the mini-Manhattan are rushing stressed dealers: Orthodox Jews, Indians, Lebanese, Russians. Huge number of cameras, bodyguards and policemen are looking to anyone suspicious. Finally, here are made annually about 30 billion Euro.

Grote Markt A wide triangle is the marketplace surrounded by the Antwerp city hall and restaurants.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal The exterior of the gothic cathedral of Our Lady with the unfinished tower looks dismembered. From the tower you have a wonderful view. Mon-Fri 10am to 5pm, Sa 10am-3pm, So 1pm-4pm, entrance 2 Euro. Handschoenmarkt

Sint-Annatunel From 1931-33 was the river Schelde crossed under from a tunel to connect the historic center with new residential neighborhoods on the left bank. Old-fashioned escalators and elevators in white tiled Art Deco bring down the pedestrian. From the left side you have a wonderful view of Old Antwerp. Sint-Jansvliet

Sint-Jacobskerk The massive gothic tower dominates the Old Town. April-Oct. daily 2pm-5pm, entrance 2 Euro. Lange Nieuwstraat 73-75

Sint-Pauluskerk Sint-Pauluskerk Outside elegantly in a late gothic style, the baroque interior is a real treasure. May-Sept. daily 2pm-5pm, entrance free Veemarkt 14

Steen The fort from the 13th Century is the last remnant of the first wall. Tue to Sun 10am-5pm, entrance 4 Euro. Steenplein 1

Zuid Built on the old port in the 1990s, it became the place to be. Old warehouses became modern museums and theaters, art galleries and design shops, cool bars and restaurants, chic offices and lofts. Vlaamse Kaai/Waalse Kaai

shopping Antwerp is a shopping paradise in a wide triangle between Central Station, Town Hall Square and Zuid quarter. Department stores and chain stores are located at the Meir. Del Rey First confectionary in the city. 85 chocolates types, including biscuits and cakes. Appelmansstraat 5. Kloosterstraat Long road with a wealth of antiques and junk shops. For urban streetwear, try Kammenstraat, St Antoniusstraat and Nationalstraat. Bird Market: songbirds, but also flowers, and junk food on Sunday morning attract many tourists. Oude Vaartplaats

food                                                                                                                                                              Brasserie National Stylish restaurant scene in the fashion museum, light belgian dishes. Sun evening closed. Nationalestraat 32 Dock's Cafe Sehr beliebte Brasserie, Spezialität sind Austern und Schalentiere. Sa-Mittag geschl., Jordaenskaai 7                       De Grote Witte Arend Atmospheric restaurant in an old palace, enchanting yard, classical music. Open until 2am. Tue closed. Reyndersstraat 18                                                                                                                                           Kommilfoo Cool design for classic belgian kitchen, many vegetarian dishes. Sun/Mon closed. Vlaamse Kaai 17                       Lamalo The best mezze (appetizers) from the Middle East, in house-baked breads. First address for vegetarians. Fri from 4pm and Sat closed. Appelmansstraat 21

where to stay                                                                                                                                                    Charles Rogier XI Cozy townhouse in the South District. Luxury Bed & Breakfast of a famous actor. 3 suites. Karel Rogierstraat 11 Internationaal Zeemanshuis In the house of seamen everyone can stay overnight, an original place. Modern rooms, cheap restaurant in the house. 114 rooms. Falconrui 21                                                                                                          Hotel Prinse Modern stylish, quiet home in a palace from the 16th century. Reduced weekend rates. 20 rooms. Keizerstraat 63     De Witte Lelie Elegant baroque palace in the historic center. Wonderful lounges around a patio, wonderful rooms, stylish service. 10 rooms. Keizerstraat 16-18

going out                                                                                                                                                                    Cafe d’Anvers is the most famous dance club (15 Verversui), with Red & Blue (11-13 Lange Schipperskapelstraat) it is the biggest gay dance club in Benelux.