Antwerp is Belgium's second largest city, with a glittering historical centre, a modern business district and a busy port. Its cosmopolitan vibe includes contemporary galleries, fashion houses and the diamond trade.

The Grote Markt is the focus of the old town, ringed with grand 16th and 17th century guild houses. Nearby is the Baroque cathedral containing some of the most important paintings of Peter Paul Rubens. The pretty cobbled streets in this part of town feature fine shops, restaurants and bars.

Other highlights in Antwerp's architectural heritage include the monumental main train station, whose 19th century exterior conceals a radically remodelled interior. There is also the 16th century home of the Plantin-Moretus publishing business, the 19th century zoo and the stock exchange, and the early 20th century opera house. Throughout the city, museums make creative use of historic and post-industrial buildings.

In the Zuid neighbourhood there is a wealth of art nouveau buildings, while Zurenborg, in the suburb of Berchem, is an architectural curiosity made up of many diverse styles. The business district is rich in contemporary architecture.

Residential areas range from chic and suburban to working class estates, with a bohemian atmosphere to be found around the university. The city has plenty of green spaces too, with riverside walks towards the port. Here you can find quayside settings, varying in scale from huge cranes, containers and warehouses to smaller harbours and marinas.

The countryside surrounding Antwerp features forests and fields, with eye-catching landmarks such as windmills, abbeys and grand houses.

The Antwerp City Film Office also covers the following adjoining districts and neighbouring municipalities: Berchem, Berendrecht, Borgerhout, Deurne, Ekeren, Hoboken, Lillo, Merksem, Wilrijk and Zandvliet.