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)

Het Andere Idee

A comfortable “pasta-bistro”, popular with locals and well-priced.
Het Brood-Huys

A welcoming café and tearoom, specializing in wholesome bread and pâtisserie. Open for breakfast, light lunches and tea.
Het Brugs Diamant-museum

The history of diamonds explained.
Het Dagelijks Brood

Or “Le Pain Quotidien” in French. Part of an esteemed chain providing wholesome sandwiches on crusty bread, plus pâtisserie and other snacks.
Het Elfde Gebod

The name means “The Eleventh Commandment”, and the bar’s walls are packed with gaudy religious icons. A stairway to heaven?
Het Gravensteen, Ghent

Heavily restored medieval castle, complete with dungeon.
Het Huis van Alijn

Just north of the centre of Ghent is a quaint and folksy quarter called the Patershol, a warren of little medieval streets and alleys. This is the backdrop for one of the best folk museums in Belgium (it was formerly called the Museum voor Volkskunde). A huge and fascinating collection of artifacts – toys, games, shoes and crockery, as well as complete shops and craftsmen’s workshops – are laid out within almshouses set around a grassy courtyard. These almshouses were founded in 1363 as a children’s hospital – not as an act of pure philanthropy but as penance for the murder of two members of the Alijn family.
Het Huis van Alijn, Ghent

Magical folk museum (see Het Huis van Alijn).
Het Huis van Alijn, Ghent

This evocative folk museum, set out in almshouses founded by the Alijn family in the 14th century, has become a major repository for a huge range of artifacts that were part and parcel of the lives of ordinary Flanders people in past centuries (see Het Huis van Alijn).
Het Modepaleis

This elegant belle époque “flat iron” building is the main outlet for one of Antwerp’s most fêted fashion designers, Dries van Noten.

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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