This charming port city is truly a hidden gem in Europe.  When visiting Belgium, many people choose Bruges (a medieval tourist destination) or Brussels (the capital and headquarters of the European Union).  Off the beaten track is Antwerp; it possesses the perfect combination of fairy-tale beauty and gritty urban charm, and offers visitors a rare glimpse into the golden age of Belgium.  All this, plus the corner stores sell world-class beer at a fraction of the price you would pay in the states at a specialty shop.  Boon Oude Gueze Mariage Parfait for €2?  I’m sold!

The Grote Markt, or main square, is a beautiful example of the city’s rich cultual heritage.

^^^The Flemish baroque master painter Peter Paul Rubens called Antwerp home during the golden age in Belgium, and his influence is everywhere.

Now a museum, the Rubenshuis is the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens.

^^^It’s like a 16th century version of MTV Cribs!

^^^Little known fact: Antwerp is also home to the sassiest statue in Europe!

^^^A few geuzes that we bought from a small grocery store in our neighborhood… each of these bottles are rare if not impossible to find in the US, and we bought all five for less than €10.  Whoa, is that the Duchesse?  And Mariage Parfait?!

Thank you Antwerp!  I can’t wait to visit again… long live love!