Antwerp Diamond District
On Gingerguide's self-guided Antwerp audio tour, Antwerp Diamond District is a stop worth about ~45 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Antwerp Antwerp guide
About Antwerp Diamond District
The world capital of rough diamonds, four square blocks around Central Station where 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds are traded.
Antwerp's Diamond District, the Diamantkwartier, is the world's most important centre for diamond trading and processing, with a history stretching back to the fifteenth century when Flemish craftsmen first developed the art of diamond cutting. Today, within four square blocks around Antwerp Central Station, over 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of all cut and polished diamonds are traded.
The district is largely controlled by the Orthodox Jewish community, whose presence in Antwerp's diamond trade dates back centuries. The streets around the Hoveniersstraat are lined with diamond dealers, cutters, polishers, and traders. Four diamond exchanges operate in the district, trading billions of euros worth of stones every year. Visitors can explore the district and visit the DIVA diamond museum nearby to understand the craft and history of this extraordinary trade. The connection between Antwerp and diamonds remains one of the most remarkable specialist commercial heritages anywhere in the world.
Did you know? 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of all cut diamonds are traded in just four square blocks around Antwerp Central Station, an extraordinary concentration of global trade.
How much time do you need at Antwerp Diamond District?
Around ~45 min works well for Antwerp Diamond District — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Antwerp Diamond District?
Yes — Antwerp Diamond District made the cut as one of 22 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Antwerp. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Antwerp
Hear the story of Antwerp Diamond District
Preview the Antwerp tour free in the Gingerguide app.