Antwerp, Belgium

One of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in Belgium, Antwerp (or Antwerpen) is a major center of tourism and business and one of the largest cities in the country. It is located in the northern part of Belgium and forms part of a large metropolitan area, offering numerous attractions such as the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Church of St. Paul, Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), and many others. The city covers an area of about 79 square miles, making it the second-largest city in Belgium after the capital, Brussels. Antwerp is the capital of Antwerp Province and is famous for its distinctive Flemish culture.

The city was built along the banks of the Scheldt River and is located 12 miles from the river’s wide delta. Antwerp lies about 25 miles north of Brussels, about 30 miles northeast of Ghent, around 40 miles east of the North Sea coast, and about 12 miles south of the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. The downtown area of Antwerp is situated on the eastern bank of the Scheldt, just south of the famous Port of Antwerp, one of the largest ports in Europe. Major districts of the city include Berchem, Merksem, Wilrijk, Deurne, and others.

Antwerp is an important center of commerce, logistics, and international trade in Belgium, with modern business districts and advanced infrastructure spread throughout the city. At the same time, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful historic cities in Western Europe, known for its architecture, art heritage, and vibrant urban life.