Discover the Most Magical Towns of Belgium
Belgium is a popular tourist destination: its rich history, culture, famous waffles, chocolate, and beers, as well as the amazing Medieval, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture – attract around 14,000,000 tourists to the Flanders region. This region is definitely worth visiting because of its specific place in European history, being a home to cities that were among the first to embrace new flows of the economy and become the urbanized areas of Europe. This is what spawned incredible art (especially Flemish paintings of the late Gothic period, Renaissance, and Baroque) and breathtaking architecture that stayed preserved through all the centuries. Here’s what you don’t want to miss.
Visit Ghent, Belgium’s hipster capital
Often referred to as the Belgium’s best kept secret, Ghent is a place where many subcultures clashed together and made it an artistic melting pot. Once it was medieval Europe’s second largest city, today it offers fantastic museums and galleries. Admissions are affordable: for example, a ticket for the Design museum which displays furnishing and applied art, making a historical overview from the Renaissance to the Art Deco, costs around €4. The best way to discover more about its history is to take a map with cultural landmarks and take a peek inside of the buildings, which is charged around €10. Another great way to learn more about the city is to take a boat ride (€7 for an hour ride) or take a free walking tour with a local guide. Enjoy many great cafes and restaurants along the canal, while soaking in the view. Don’t miss out on seeing the Graffiti Streets: it’s just a 10 min walk from the centre. The Cathedral of St. Bavo is a must see, with the famous Rubens’ painting inside. Discover the Gravensteen castle, which may be familiar to you from the movie “Emperor” with Adrien Brody.
Discover Bruges, Venice of the North
In the heart of Bruges (main square, Markt), lies the Halle with the belfry, the most famous landmark of this city. Climb the 366 steps to get to the top and enjoy the amazing view. While you’re strolling down the Markt, enter the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Entrance fee is just €2 and the interior is simply stunning. This church is famous for keeping a crystal that (allegedly) preserves a drop of Christ’s blood. There’s an annually held procession in May known as the Procession of the Holy Blood, where this relic is carried through the city’s streets. Cruise down the Dijver Canal and you’ll understand why it’s known as the Venice of the North. You can also consider connecting the historical dots and enjoying a barge travel adventure, visiting Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, and cruising through smaller cities in France, ending your trip in Paris. What better way of enjoying the scenery and taking a photo of the famous 15th century buildings that were once the Heren van Gruuthuse mansion? Afterward, you can visit its Gruuthusemuseum and head on to the Groeninge Museum to enjoy the famous works of Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch.
Enjoy Antwerp, the world’s capital of diamonds
Around 80%-90% of the world’s rough diamonds and 50% of the cut diamonds are annually traded in Antwerp, making his title as the world’s capital of diamonds well deserved. Learn more about stones being cut and made into shiny brilliants. If you’re not a lover of the bling-bling, have no fear: Antwerp is also home to amazing art and architecture, and some of the Belgium’s finest delicacies. There are many food stands at Theaterplein you’ll find hard to resist. Belgians claim that they invented the “French” fries, so you can find them on every step. From fruity stews, waffles, and sweets, to spicy food and fish – go for a walk on an empty stomach – you won’t regret it! While you’re in the city centre, visit the Antwerp’s zoo: it was founded in 1843 and houses more than 6000 animals! The Art Deco façade is simply breathtaking. Also, don’t miss out on visiting the Baroque St. James Church and the tomb of the famous painter Rubens, and also – visit his extraordinary house where he spent his last days. Cathedral of Our Lady is another sight worth seeing, and you can also visit the world’s first skyscraper nearby, built in 1934 in Art Deco style.
Step into the Renaissance in Veurne
Veurne is not the most popular tourist city, but it’s truly worth a visit. Walking down the Grote Markt, you can enjoy renaissance buildings rivaling the Italian ones. One of the most prominent Veurne’s landmarks is the St. Walburgakerk church, rich with legends and stories. It’s believed that a wooden piece of the Christ’s cross is kept here, although it’s not displayed. After the church, relax in the Walburga Park. Visit the Bakkerijmuseum and learn more about the process of baking. If you want to enjoy an unusual cup of tea, go to the 't Hof van de Hemel placed in the once narrowest alley in Veurne. Located between Bruges and Brussels, this city makes a lovely stop by.
Enjoy beautiful Belgium and make sure to explore its hidden gems filled with historical stories and legends that will make you feel as if you’ve gone through time.
Enjoy beautiful Belgium and make sure to explore its hidden gems filled with historical stories and legends that will make you feel as if you’ve gone through time.
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