Antwerp

City of Rubens, fashion mecca, great maritime metropolis, world diamond centre - Antwerp, the largest yet perhaps least well-known of the Flemish cities, has nevertheless become one of Europe's most popular short break destinations. The Manhattan of its day in the 16^th century Flemish Golden Age, long since re-established as one of the world's great ports, and today, thanks to a regeneration inspired by local architects, designers and fashion designers, reborn as one of the continent's most exciting places to live in and visit.

Musts include the historic centre, the steeply gabled guild houses of the Grote Markt dominated by the Gothic cathedral; the city's museums and their Flemish masters, notably Rubens, and his house/workshop; the Esplanade, with its National Maritime Museum, for views across the mighty Scheldt; shopping on the Meir, with its many designer labels, and a visit to MoMu and its world-famous fashion museum. Perhaps though the true pleasure lies in just wandering its colourful neighbourhoods, then sampling the excellent local beers and gastronomy in the myriad friendly bars, cafes and restaurants.

Antwerp is a city on a human scale, a fascinating mix of lively popular districts and tourist zones, large but pedestrian-friendly, allowing the visitor to see and experience much in a short space of time - in other words, the ideal short-break destination. And now even more accessible thanks to Eurostar and a quick local connection to its magnificent Gothic rail station