Travel guide: How Antwerp became Europe's capital of cool.

It’s hard being the second child and Antwerp should know. Belgium’s biggest port city often plays second fiddle to big brother Brussels, especially when the European Parliament is sitting. However over the past few years Antwerp has been slowly, but steadily, becoming the country’s capital of cool.

The creative scene Sure, as a historic European city, Antwerp has the obligatory town square with Instagram-perfect buildings, uneven cobblestones and lofty churches, but what sets it apart is the thriving creative scene emerging from the laneways, warehouses and industrial neighbourhoods. From the second-hand stores of Sint-Andries to the converted warehouses of Het Eilandje and openair market of Het Zuid, Antwerp is full of young artists, entrepreneurs, international students and creative types.

The architecture

From the stepped gables in the old town square to the Gothic spires of the Antwerp cathedral, the city is a showcase of historical styles. Central Station, built between 1895 and 1905, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful. The art deco Boerentoren was the first skyscraper in Europe. For a modern fix, try Zaha Hadid Architects’ Port House.

The fashion

Antwerp’s association with fashion really started in the 1980s with the Antwerp Six. Their avant garde designs and distinct point of view brought Antwerp into the spotlight. Since then the city’s streets have brimmed with new designers, fashion houses and some of Europe’s best vintage fashion shopping.

The museums

Antwerp’s diamond trade is still one of world’s largest and, to celebrate, the new diamond museum DIVA has just launched. Nearby Rubenshuis was the Baroque painter’s home in the 16th-century. The Museum aan de Stroom covers the city’s history.

The food

Yes, Belgium’s staples of mussels, waffles and chocolate are delicious, but Antwerp’s food scene offers much more. The city has 17 Michelin-starred restaurants, including two-star The Jane, set in an old church, and Graanmarkt 13, which has a slowfood restaurant by notable chef Seppe Nobels plus a concept store, accommodation and a “fast slow food” truck out the front on Saturdays.