Antwerp: Antwerp is Belgium's second largest city, and is an unexpected surprise when visiting Belgium. The city has a culture and heritage unique to Belgium. Antwerp is located along the banks of the River Scheldt in close proximity to the Netherlands border and is just thirty miles from Brussels. Antwerp has one of the world's largest ports as it is connected to the North Sea by the Berendrechtsluis sea lock. This premier geographical location has made Antwerp a very wealthy and diverse city. The city's architecture is quite simply stunning. The city is very easy to navigate and its pedestrian only cobblestone thoroughfares make the city very easy to explore on foot. The Grote Markt is at the heart of the old city centre and is surrounded by very beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture. The Onze Lieve Vrouwkathedraal (The Cathedral of Our Lady) is quite literally unmissable, as this Gothic Church has a 123 metre spire and is one of Antwerp's most famous landmarks. Antwerp is as famous for its art as it is for its architecture and is the birthplace of the famed Belgian artist, Rubens. His former home, the Rubenshuis is open to visitors throughout the year to view the studio were he completed his famous artworks. Antwerp is also perfect shopping destination is it is renowned for its diamond quarter, and shoppers will also be delighted the city's designer boutiques.
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