DK Travel : Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent

The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.

For a list of the best art galleries and museums (see Art Galleries and Museums)

Grand Place, Brussels

For sheer architectural theatre, the historic centrepiece of Brussels is hard to beat – as it must have been three centuries ago (see The Grand Place, Brussels).
Graslei and Korenlei

The Graslei and Korenlei are departure points for canal trips. The two quays are lined with the step-gabled guildhouses of merchants and tradesmen that date back to the 12th century. Sint Michielsbrug, the bridge at the southern end, offers the best views of the city.
graven steen

castle of the counts in the center of Ghent a very impressive castle worth visiting
Gravensteen

Occupying a grand 19th-century mansion close to the centre, this is one of Ghent’s most refined and sophisticated hotels. The public rooms have been refurbished in glittering Second Empire style, while the rooms have a simple elegance.
Groeningemuseum

Not only is this one of the great north European collections, with star roles played by the late medieval masters of Flemish painting, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling; it is also refreshingly small (see Two Museums of Bruges).
Groeningemuseum and Memlingmuseum, Bruges

The great Flemish artists of the early 15th century, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, were among the first to perfect oil painting. These two unrivalled collections demonstrate conclusively their extraordinary skills, and show why they had such a profound influence on Italian art (see Two Museums of Bruges).
Groeningemuseum, Bruges

Bruges’ main gallery is celebrated above all for its superb collection of paintings by Flemish Masters of the late medieval “Golden Age”. A small, easily digestible museum (see Two Museums of Bruges).
Groot Vleeshuis

This centre for East Flemish food – part restaurant, part delicatessen – is sensationally located in a medieval butchers’ hall.
Grote Markt

The main square of Antwerp is one of the great gilded arenas of Belgium. The city authorities made a virtue of its unusual “dog-leg” shape and slope by commissioning sculptor Jef Lambeaux (1852–1908) to create an eye-catching fountain, placed off-centre, with its water spilling out directly onto the cobbles. It depicts Brabo, a legendary Roman soldier who freed the port of Antwerp by defeating the giant Antigoon and throwing his severed hand (hand-werpen ) into the river. The Italian-influenced Stadhuis (town hall) dominates the square. Built in the 1560s, its grand horizontals are offset by the upward curve of the roof-corners, like a smile.
Gruuthusemuseum

If it is hard to picture quite how life was led during Bruges’ past, this museum will do much to fill in the gaps. It presents a rich collection of everyday artifacts from the homes of the merchant classes, from kitchen-ware to musical instruments, furniture, textiles and weapons. The 15th-century building was once the palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse, who became wealthy through a tax on beer flavourings (gruut ); as a mark of their status, the house has a gallery overlooking the choir of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk next door. The house was restored in the 19th century to exhibit the pieces that founded this collection.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with with half a bottle of wine for (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- €50–€60
- over €60
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under €60
- €60–€100
- €100–€175
- €175–€250
- over €250