A pretty little city has been named the best place to visit in Europe this April. It boasts the perfect blend of stunning architecture, historic charm and a vibrant food scene.

Antwerp, in Belgium, has been named the best place to visit in April by Get Your Guide. Dubbed the “edgy fashion capital” of Belgium, the city is considered one of the most overlooked places for a holiday during the spring months. It benefits from being flat and walkable which means visitors don’t need to rely on public transport to get around.

Get Your Guide recommends a number of things to do in Antwerp, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, exploring the Diamond District and popping into Henry’s Bar for cocktails. Despite being the second largest city in Belgium, Antwerp has an authentic and less touristy atmosphere than other parts of the country.

It offers a more walkable experience compared to Brussels while still offering a host of attractions to toursts. The city has a mix of architecture, ranging from medieval and Renaissance to modern buildings.

There are a number of cosy cafes and vibrant pubs, which sell local beer, spread across the city. Chocolate Nation is also a world-renowned chocolate spot.

The Grote Markt, located in central Antwerp, is home to the City Hall which dates back to 1565. It’s a popular landmark and is on the UNESCO heritage list.

The Cathedral of Our Lade dominates the Antwerp skyline and is another of the city’s main landmarks. It was originally a church before being converted into a city cathedral.

Sitting before the cathedral is the small Handschoenmarkt square. The cobbled square is surrounded by beautiful narrow buildings, as well as places to eat and drink.

The oldest building in Antwerp is the medieval Het Steen fortress. The castle, which dates back to the early 13th centure, was used as a prison from 1549 to 1823.

There are a number of museums in the city, including the Rubenshuis Museum and the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The former is the home of famed artists Peter Paul Rubens while the latter is the only UNESCO world heritage listed museum.

The city is also home to a number of secret alleyways and passages. The hidden Vlaeykensgang alley is considered the most picturesque while the Felix Passage leads through renovated warehouses.

In April, Antwerp sees average high temperatures of around 13C. Meanwhile, the mercury drops as low as 5C on average during the spring.

Get Your Guide says: “Antwerp, Belgium’s edgy fashion capital, is one of the most vibrant yet overlooked spring vacation spots in Europe. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp showcases masterpieces from Flemish primitives to modernists in a stunning, recently renovated space.

“Wander through the diamond district, where a quarter of the world’s cut diamonds change hands, then explore the city’s commitment to sustainability at its carbon-neutral port. As twilight falls, dip into Henry’s Bar at the chic hotel Botanic Sanctuary for expertly made cocktails inside a former monastery.”