My first visit to Antwerp was back in September 2017 with my friend Neil. Since then, I’ve returned to this captivating city several times, often while visiting friends who lived just across the border in the Netherlands. There’s something about Antwerp that keeps pulling me back, and it’s not hard to see why.

The town center is stunning, filled with beautiful old architecture that makes the city feel timeless. One of the highlights for me is the train station—often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Every time I arrive, I find myself admiring its grandeur all over again. Another fascinating spot is the St. Anna Tunnel, which runs under the river. It’s quite cool, especially the wooden escalators that take you down to the tunnel. Walking through it gives you a different perspective of the city.

On one visit, I also had the chance to explore the zoo, right in the center of Antwerp. It was during a special Chinese lanterns display, which was a unique and magical experience, adding a special touch to my trip.

Antwerp is conveniently located just about a 30-minute train ride from Brussels, making it an ideal stop when traveling through Belgium. While Brussels has its famous landmarks—like the Grand Place, with its ornate guildhalls—I’ve always been drawn more to the relaxed, charming vibe of Antwerp. Though Brussels might not be my favorite, its connectivity is undeniable. The Eurostar from London takes you right there, making it easy to combine a visit to Brussels with a trip to Antwerp.

For anyone traveling through Europe by train, I highly recommend Antwerp. Pairing it with visits to Brussels and Amsterdam makes for a fantastic trip, as all three cities are easily connected by rail. Whether you’re a fan of historic architecture, unique underground tunnels, or something different like the lantern displays at the zoo, Antwerp is definitely worth exploring.