Antwerp

1. Rubenshuis

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.

2. Cathedral of Our Lady

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.

3. Plantin-Moretus Museum

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.

4. Museum aan de Stroom

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.

5. Antwerp Zoo

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.

7. Museum of Fine Arts

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.

8. Béguinage

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.

9. Museum of Modern Art Antwerp

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.

10. Aguatopia

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.