After enjoying ourselves on the canals of Bruges, we decided not to rush back to the hotel, but to include a couple of hours of walking in Antwerp. This city has a completely different energy than Bruges: it is more modern, more bustling, but we also found real treasures within its historical walls. Our first trip took us to the famous diamond district next to the fantastically beautiful train station.
Antwerp has been the undisputed center of the world’s diamond trade since the 15th century. This is not just a good-sounding title. Approximately 80% of the world’s mined rough diamonds and half of the polished stones are traded here. Thousands of companies and professionals work in the few streets around the train station, and the stock exchange and closely guarded shops form a closed, mysterious community that has defined the global luxury market for centuries.
After the glittering shop windows, we took another long walk around the city center. We checked out the main square with its impressive town hall and winding streets, where we really felt the miles we had covered in Bruges. By the time we had seen all the important sights, we were just tired enough to catch the train to Brussels and finally return to our accommodation for a good rest.
