Flanders Travelers Recommend

Start the day in the Belgian capital (and de facto capital of the European Union), Brussels, where you’ll have time to stroll the historic Grand Place overlooked by the imposing Gothic Town Hall and check off key sights like the Triumphal Arch, the Belgian Parliament and St Michael’s Cathedral. With just half a day, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the cosmopolitan capital before it’s on to fashion-forward Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city. The show-stopping towns of Ghent and Bruges showcase Belgium at its most undeniably picturesque and their flower-lined medieval squares and towering cathedrals could be lifted straight from a postcard. Check off highlights like the St Bavo Cathedral, St Nicolas Church and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders in Ghent, then journey to Bruges for a scenic boat cruise along the canal ways and a tour of the famous Beguinage.

Begin your trip by visiting Bruges’ two town squares: the Markt, which is overlooked by the medieval 270-foot belfry of Bruges, and the Burg, which is flanked by an impressive collection of architecture, including the Flamboyant Gothic Town Hall (Stadhuis). Finish off your first day in Bruges with a guided tour of De Halve Maan Brewery, the only still working brewery in Bruges’ city center. After learning about the history of the brewery and its brewing techniques, enjoy views across the city from the top of the building and relax with a cold glass of their Brugse Zot or Straffe Hendrick. De Halve Maan also has an on-site restaurant. Try to get an early start so that you can enjoy the Lake of Love (Minnewater) in its early morning light and at its most peaceful. The lake is a beautiful place to stroll around or to just relax in and enjoy the view. You can pick up supplies nearby and have a picnic on the grass.