Our city by the river wasn’t built overnight… And it has never been a sleepy place! Antwerp has been a leading world port, a trading metropolis, and an industrial hub for much, much longer than you might imagine. Over the centuries, our history of drive, entrepreneurship, and creativity has generated unimaginable prosperity, built upon an equally impressive level of dynamism. Whatever the political situation of the county, duchy, country, state, the Common Market, or whichever entity Antwerp has been part of, Antwerp has remained Antwerp. The world changed, but Antwerp persisted. 

For those who conquered it, the city has always been a rich prize – and a lucrative long-term conquest. Securing a foothold here is securing your own prosperity and success. That's exactly why Antwerp is a smart city, where all kinds of talent converge: creative talent with an eye for opportunities and a tireless drive to achieve goals; flexible, agile minds charting a unique course, whichever way the wind blows. 

Antwerpians don't retreat in the face of adversity. This city has weathered many storms. Those waves have shaped our character. We’re practical, down-to-earth, and tongue in cheek, but also extroverted and passionate. We’re flamboyant and cherish all things larger-than-life. We’re born to set the tone. 

We’re thrilled to give you a warm welcome and tell you the story of a city where people have found each other, have inspired one another and moved each other for centuries. Antwerp is a melting pot and a celebration, a metropolis brimming with colours and flavours. 

We invite you to get to know us better - much better.