Next to the zoo, in the middle of the city, lies the Central Station . Designed by architect Louis Delacenserie (1838-1909) and completed in 1905, the railway station's architecture features two monumental neo-baroque facades, topped by a large metal and glass dome (60m/197ft). The dome covers the train platforms which is typical of turn-of-the-century railway stations in Europe. Antwerp lies at the end of the extension of the oldest railway line in continental Europe (built in May 1835 between Brussels and the city of Mechelen, and extended to Antwerp in May 1836). With a design featuring a huge amount ofgilt and marble, the interior has been called a Renaissance painter's fantasy of what classical design should be. A few years ago, the Centraal Station was used in the British television series 'Hercule Poirot'. In the series, the famous 'Belgian' detective visited Brussels and many Belgians were surprised to see that, during the filming, Antwerp Station had changed its name to 'Gare de Bruxelles' (Brussels Station).

Modern Antwerp is a finely laid out city with a succession of broad avenues which mark the position of the original fortifications. There are long streets and terraces of fine houses which once belonged to merchants and manufacturers in the city and which amply testify to its prosperity. They recall that in the 16th century Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens ("Antwerpia nummis"). Despite the ravages of war and internal disturbances it still preserves some memories of its early grandeur, notably its fine Cathedral of Our Lady. This church was begun in the 14th century, but not finished till 1518. Its tower (over 400 feet in height) is conspicuous and can be seen from afar over the surrounding flat country. A second tower which formed part of the original plan was never erected.

Open air cafes in Grote Markt. The Stadhuis and guildhouses can be seen.The interior is of noble proportions, and in the church are hung three masterpieces by Rubens, viz. "The Descent from the Cross," "The Elevation of the Cross," and "The Assumption." Another fine church in Antwerp is that of St James, far more ornate than the cathedral, and containing the tomb of Rubens, who devoted himself to embellishing it. The exchange or Bourse, which claims to be the first institution in Europe with that title, is a fine new building finished in 1872, on the site of the old Bourse which was erected in 1531 and destroyed by fire in 1858. Fire has destroyed several other old buildings in the city, notably the house of the Hansa League on the northern quays in 1891. A curious museum is the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the house of the great printer Christoffel Plantijn and his successor Jan Moretus, which remains exactly as Moretus left it. The new picture gallery close to the southern quays is a fine building divided into ancient and modern sections. The collection of old masters is very fine, containing many splendid examples of the work of Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and the leading Dutch masters. Antwerp, famous in the middle ages and now for its commercial enterprise, enjoyed just as distinct and glorious an artistic reputation in the 17th century, based on its school of painting, which included Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, the two Teniers and many others. Antwerpenaren (people from Antwerp) tend to be very proud of their city. Their dialect is recognised by Dutch-speaking people because of its A-sound, which sounds more like the 'o' in bore. Because of this and their habit of being assertive, they have earned the reputation of having big mouths.