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)

Maison d’Erasme

This charming red-brick house where Dutch humanist Erasmus stayed in 1521 is now a museum evoking his work.
Manneken-Pis

In Brussels you can’t avoid this cheeky little chap, famously pissing with carefree abandon just as little boys do. Among other things, he’s on postcards, T-shirts, key rings and corkscrews. So why not take a pilgrimage to see the real thing – a tiny bronze statue – and bask in the happy absurdity of it all? It must be worth a photograph (see Manneken-Pis).
Manneken-Pis Costume Collection, Brussels

You may be lucky to find the Mannekin-Pis (see Manneken-Pis) on one of his dressed-up days. In any case, it’s always fun to see his extraordinary wardrobe in the Maison du Roi (see Maison du Roi), where about 100 of his 650 outfits are on display.
Manos Premier

This spectacularly styled hotel feels like a large and elegant private home. Many of the rooms are characterful suites, some with private roof terraces. Located south of the city centre, outside the Pentagon.
Mappa Mundo

An atmospheric, cosmopolitan bar in the lively Saint-Géry area that keeps humming into the early hours.
Markets

General markets are in the Markt (Wednesday mornings) and on ’t Zand (Saturday mornings). There is also a small but magical Christmas market in the Markt. Flea markets are held weekend afternoons on Dijver and at the Vismarkt.
Markt

The central marketplace of Bruges still retains much of its original outline flanked by old step-gabled guildhouses, but the Provinciaal Hof, the provincial government building on the eastern side, is actually a late-19th-century creation. The Markt remains the focal point of Bruges, and is the site of a large market on Wednesday mornings, and a small Christmas market (with ice rink) in December.
Marriott

Impressive addition to the Marriott chain, located near the Bourse and the Grand Place, ideally located for business, shopping and leisure.
Mary

Chocolates of exquisite quality.
Maurice Maeterlinck

Nobel-Prize-winning Symbolist poet and dramatist (1862–1949).

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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