Things to see in Antwerp

Since it opened in 2011, the MAS has transformed this once neglected dockside into a thriving arts district. A feat of modern architecture in itself, Antwerp’s latest attraction is home to some of the city’s most extraordinary exhibitions and a Michelin-starred restaurant.  Constructed of red stone and curved glass, this gargantuan building dominates the dockside and takes visitors on an entertaining and interactive journey through Antwerp’s colourful history. Spread over 10 epic floors, the Museum Aan de Stroom (Museum on the River) also explores man’s relationship with power, religion and art. The exhibits are kooky, fun and unpredictable, while the rooftop panorama is not to be missed.

This fascinating 16th-century patrician house is home to the world’s first industrial printing works and is probably Antwerp's finest and most unexpected visitor attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this museum reaches far beyond the history of publishing to portray the birth of a whole new technology and the lifestyle of the city in its Golden Age. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the history of publishing, it’s hard not to be blown away by this building’s original interior with its tapestries and gilded leather walls. A must see.

Antwerp is a city at the cutting edge of fashion so it seems apt that it should have a museum dedicated to this international obsession. In addition to MoMu’s permanent collection of clothing, lace, embroidery, fabrics and artisans' tools, the museum hosts two themed exhibitions every year to reflect the current trends. Fortunately there are a number of bars nearby, where lads can drink beer while their girlfriends mosey around.

Don your wellies and your waterproofs because this museum takes you into the damp recesses of Antwerp’s underground canal system. Guides take visitors on tours around this eerie 1.6km (1 mile) network, educating them about the city’s heritage while providing an alternative vantage point from which to view Antwerp. But don’t think you can just pop in and tag along on the next tour – places must be booked three weeks in advance.

Housed in a huge classical building, Antwerp's Royal Museum of Fine Arts is home to a collection fit to grace any world capital, spanning 600 years from the 14th century to the present day; upstairs for Old Flemish and Dutch Masters, downstairs for modern art and temporary exhibitions. Unfortunately, the museum closed for an epic renovation in 2010 and won’t reopen until 2017. Until then some of the museum’s works are being temporarily displayed at the Cathedral of our Lady and the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS).