Antwerp

This former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens was rescued and restored in 1937 and is now an attraction dedicated to the Flemish Baroque painter. Save time for the gardens.

Daily tours take place in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish from mid-July to August; the rest of the year, take your own stroll through the splendour of the Cathedral.

Design nerds will appreciate this UNESCO Word Heritage Site, honoring printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus. It's the place to be if you’re interested in classic typography.

One of the coolest buildings in Antwerp, it's also the city's biggest museum, so leave plenty of time to explore the collections, including maritime history and ethnography.

Right next to Antwerpen-Centrale station is this historic zoo, one of the oldest in the world. There’s enough to please both animal and architecture fans, so take your camera!

Fritz Mayer van den Bergh was the Charles Saatchi of his time, collecting more than 3,000 works of art, regularly curated here. Entrance is included with admission to Rubenshuis.

Closed for refurnishment until 2018, this historic museum will be buzzing when it reopens. Until then, see the website for touring collections at nearby locations.

It may be less famous than its Bruges or Ghent counterparts, but this understated site is like a secret garden in the heart of Antwerp. Ideal for a quiet hour between museums.

This cool space can be recognised instantly by the huge ‘HK’ painted on the corner. It boasts a permanent collection of contemporary pieces from Belgian and international artists.

This aquarium is a bit cheaper than the zoo and a great way to entertain kids, especially if you visit in colder months. Allow half a day to explore the themed rooms and play area.