Antwerpen-Centraal (Antwerp Central Station), Antwerp (must see)

Antwerp Central Station stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Antwerp and one of the finest examples of railway architecture in Belgium. Constructed between 1895 and 1905, it replaced the earlier terminus of the Brussels–Mechelen–Antwerp railway as rail travel expanded across the country.
Designed by architect Louis Delacenserie, the original stone-clad structure with its steel platform covering reflects an eclectic mix of styles. As you enter the historic station building, you will find yourself in the monumental entrance hall. Look up to see the massive dome that rises 75 metres above the floor, constructed from over twenty different types of marble and stone. The hall's grand staircase was inspired by the Palais Garnier, with an intricate coat of arms and clock face integrated into the stone walls. This architectural ambition earned the station its nickname, the “railway cathedral,” and contributed to its ranking among the world’s most impressive railway stations.

Originally built as a terminus, the station eventually faced capacity limits. A major transformation between 1998 and 2007 reconfigured it into a through station, introducing a multi-level system with platforms arranged across several tiers. To see this modern engineering, stand near the center of the station and look down over the railings at the multi-level platform atrium. Here, the tracks are stacked on four distinct levels, allowing high-speed international services like the Thalys to pass through the city underground via massive concrete pillars and a network of escalators.

Inside, the main hall draws attention with its monumental staircase and central clock beneath the dome. Directly behind this stone hall is the Great Train Shed, designed by engineer Clément Van Bogaert. This iron and glass roof spans 185 metres in length and reaches a height of 44 metres, allowing natural light to flood the platforms.

Look for the delicate ironwork, along with subtle traces of history, such as the wave-like distortions in the roof caused by V-2 rocket damage during World War II. The layered structure allows visitors to observe both the historic upper levels and the modern infrastructure below.