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Mechelen (French: Malines) was a proud trading city in the Burgundian era, and centre of power under Margaret of Austria (1507–30). Dominating the city is the vast bell-tower of the fine Gothic Sint-Romboutskathedraal – originally intended to be twice as high.

The main shopping street is a broad pedestrianized avenue, fronted largely by high-street chain stores.

This self-styled “small grand hotel” is just off Avenue Louise, near the Place Louise shopping area. Comfortable and stylish, it is part of the Spanish Melía group.

Hans Memling (1435–94) was one of the leading artists of Burgundian Flanders, and the St John’s Hospital ranked among his most important patrons. Now superbly renovated, with an excellent audioguide available with the entry ticket, the old medieval hospital wards display a fascinating miscellany of treasures, paintings and historic medical equipment; there is also a 15th-century pharmacy. The exhibition culminates in the chapel, which contains the hospital’s priceless collection of Memling paintings (see Two Museums of Bruges).

A superb collection of paintings by Hans Memling was originally commissioned for the chapel of the medieval hospital, the Sint-Janshospitaal, to bring solace to the sick. Now the conjoining wards and chapel have been restored, giving these works a fascinating context (see Two Museums of Bruges).

Brussels’ best-known hotel is a glittering belle époque building updated to top modern standards. Centrally located, not far from the Grand Place.

Belgium’s most celebrated 20th-century playwright (1898–1962), and one of the most original writers in the French language.

Music in the headphones changes as you go around – a winning formula (see Musée des Instruments de Musique).

Romantic, tree-lined lake formed by a sluice gate on the River Reie – a hectic port in medieval times.

A new museum of haute couture .