Eurostar's newest destination: Antwerp

There’s a new train in town. A direct Eurostar from London to Antwerp - and to one of the most beautiful stations.

Diamonds! Home of the Flemish Masters, the Antwerp Six, and other creative types. A city of contrasts where high art rubs shoulders with street art, where moules-frites taste just as good as swanky small plates. And, launching on December 14, just in time for a jaunt to the city’s top-rated Christmas markets.

So for the uninitiated, here's an introduction (or a love letter) to Eurostar's newest destination, and where to head next.

Daniels Joffe

Europe's most beautiful station

To feel the atmosphere of the Orient Express, simply step off at Antwerp Centraal, described as "Baroque-medieval eclecticism" by designer Louis Delacenserie. Marble floors, gold detailing, and the iconic station clock make Antwerp Centraal one of the most beautiful stations in Europe.

The world's diamond capital

If Antwerp's station wasn't dazzling enough, you'll exit the building straight into the city's diamond district. But unless you're in the market for some glitz yourself, the best place to learn about the city's diamond history is the DIVA Museum. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

"The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth, Saint John, and a Dove," Rubens

The Flemish Masters

Van Eyck and Rubens fill the galleries and churches across Antwerp. Head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) for the largest collection, Rubenshuis (the home of Rubens) or the Baroque Saint Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk) for free admission.

The world's largest coffee port

An average of 250,000 tons of coffee beans are stored in the port of Antwerp, making it the world's largest coffee port. But quantity doesn't mean any less quality: Caffenation is the brainchild of specialty connoisseur Rob Berghmans, and the place to sample Antwerp's third-wave scene.

Wyron A

Christmas markets

Lock in Antwerp for this year's Christmas markets. Plural! There's the cobblestone Grote Markt for classic waffles under the twinkling facades of the guildhouses, Steenplein for a magical riverside Ferris wheel, or Groenplaats for ice skating and fondue. 

Where to next?

Pair with Paris for the ultimate artsy long weekender, or hop on a direct connection to the Dutch town of Breda for an off-season jaunt through the Low Countries. 

Well played, Eurostar. And Antwerp: we'll see you soon. 

Proost!