Belgium is known as a popular tourist hotspot for good reason and Antwerp, aside Brussels, is no doubt a booming city with an abundance of enjoyable activities, places to see and things to do. Antwerp mixes old and modern fluently and it is obvious in the variety of architecture and culture. The population of the city is 472,071 (2008) making it a smaller city with all of the big-city options. Here are a some things to do that should be at the top of your list:

5. City Hall - The City Hall building is a mixture of both Flemish and Italian architecture and was built from 1561 to 1565. The Green Gate in Gdansk was inspired by Antwerp's City Hall and their structures are very similar. The first floor has many small shops to browse. The building was renovated in the 1800s so much of the interior comes from that time period.

4. Het Steen - Translated as The Stone, Het Steen is a medieval castle, one of the only remaining of the time when Antwerp was a fortified city. It was built from 1220-1225 and is classified as Antwerp's oldest building. Cultural events and activities are held at Het Steen by theAntwerp Komitee Semini in Ere.

3. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal - This cathedral is easily noticeable as it juts high in the sky-line of Antwerp. It is a Gothic style cathedral and construction has actually never been finished on it, though the church began in 1352. The church tower stretches to 400 feet. The Cathedral of our Lady (translated) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Boerentoren - Antwerp is home to Europe's oldest skyscraper, the Boerentoren (Farmers' Tower). This 26-story building was built in 1932 and remained the tallest skyscraper in Europe until the 1950. Boerentoren is still the second tallest building in Antwerp, topped by the Cathedral of our Lady. The building is considered to be Art-Deco style much like the Empire State Building, though Boerentoren is still older.

1. Zomer van Antwerpen - This is the most popular summer festival in Antwerp. The festival actually lasts 2 months during summer and it is mostly free. The main meeting ground is the Summer Bar in the Woods but activities are throughout the town from circuses to concerts in the major squares. There are a large amount of neat things for children such as a large merry-go-round and rides. Zomer van Antwerpen goes from July 1st-August 30th.