The atmospheric Historisch Centrum (historic centre) of Antwerp clusters around the two squares of Grote Markt and Groenplaats. The former features the landmark City Hall from 1565, the statue of Brabo (the giant-slayer, an icon of the town) and a row of beautifully restored 16th-century guild houses which tower up to seven storeys - one of which is home to the tourist office.

Groenplaats, a few yards away, is dominated by the cathedral, the Hilton hotel and a statue of Rubens. The artist is ubiquitous in Antwerp yet it is the house of his benefactor, now the Plantin-Moretus Museum, which is the most compelling sight in town and which best sums up the Golden Age of Antwerp in the 16th century.

Immediately west of Grote Market is the river and the embarkation point for boat trips, while Ouder Koornmarkt leads south to the fashionable shopping streets of Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat, the Fashion Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the trendy Zuid quarter.

Running west from Groenplaats, Meir is a mix of regal 18th- and 19th-century buildings interspersed with 20th-century mediocrity and dozens of shops, terminating at Centraal station.

Toerisme Antwerpen
Grote Markt 13
Tel: (03) 232 0103.
Website: www.antwerpen.be
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1745, Sun and holidays 0900-1645.

There is also an information desk at Koningin Astridplein 26, outside Centraal station (same opening hours and contact details).