Antwerp

A hub for the diamond trade, one of the world's largest ports and a treasure trove of history, Antwerp is all of this and more. From time immemorial, the city has always attracted the cream of the crop, its gravitational pull one that is hard to resist. Fueled by a lofty repute born of a remarkable past, Antwerp emerged from the ravages of WWII with fresh vigor and a drive to reestablish itself as one of Europe's most important cities, a goal that it has since had much success achieving. The Old Town's cobblestone streets are heartily littered with charming historic facades and awe-inspiring monuments, while its museums are rife with evidence of the city's dependable taste for the fine arts. An encounter with the masters at the Royal Museum is a must, as is a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady. More recently, the city has come to the forefront of fashion with a cultish following. At its helm is the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the alum of the Antwerp Six. The bustling Grote Markt and the work of Pieter Paul Rubens, alongside countless museums, monuments and theaters mark Antwerp as not only a city that stitches together its past and present, but also one with an entertainment offer to watch out for.